Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blind I/Q imbalance compensation in OFDM receivers based on adaptive I/Q signal decorrelation

Due to its simple structure and relaxed requirements for radio frequency (RF) filtering, the so called direct-conversion or zero-IF architecture is gaining more and more interest in radio receiver design. One practical problem in the analog I/Q processing section is the amplitude and phase matching of the I and Q signal branches. With reasonable design and implementation costs, amplitude and phase mismatches in the order of 1-5% and 1-5/spl deg/ are feasible. The performance degradation due to these levels of I/Q mismatches is, however, considerable, especially in case of OFDM signals, where the mismatches cause certain type of intercarrier interference (ICI). In this paper, a novel structure for I/Q mismatch compensation is proposed for OFDM systems. The proposed compensator operates in the time domain and is based on adaptive I/Q decorrelation. It has low computational complexity and is basically independent of other receiver and system related nonidealities, especially frequency offsets and multipath propagation. Furthermore, the compensator is blind in the sense that no known training signals are needed. The effectiveness of the proposed structure is illustrated using computer simulations, showing impressive performance in practical signaling environments.
Randomized controlled trials in mild cognitive impairment

Objective: To examine the variability in performance among placebo groups in randomized controlled trials for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Placebo group data were obtained from 2 National Institute on Aging (NIA) MCI randomized controlled trials, the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) MCI trial and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), which is a simulated clinical trial, in addition to industry-sponsored clinical trials involving rivastigmine, galantamine, rofecoxib, and donepezil. The data were collated for common measurement instruments. The performance of the placebo participants from these studies was tracked on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Clinical Dementia Rating–sum of boxes, and for progression on these measures to prespecified clinical study endpoints. APOE status, where available, was also analyzed for its effects. Results: The progression to clinical endpoints varied a great deal among the trials. The expected performances were seen for the participants in the 2 NIA trials, ADCS and ADNI, with generally worsening of performance over time; however, the industry-sponsored trials largely showed stable or improved performance in their placebo participants. APOE4 carrier status influenced results in an expected fashion on the study outcomes, including rates of progression and cognitive subscales. Conclusions: In spite of apparently similar criteria for MCI being adopted by the 7 studies, the implementation of the criteria varied a great deal. Several explanations including instruments used to characterize participants and variability among study populations contributed to the findings.
Detection of respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal secretions by DNA-RNA hybridization

We have developed an RNA-cDNA hybridization assay for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RNA in nasopharyngeal samples. We chose to use as probe a cDNA complementary to the nucleocapsid protein gene of RSV, integrated into the plasmid vector pBR322. The lower limit of sensitivity of the assay is 8.2 X 10(2) PFU of the Long strain of RSV. In throat washes with added cell-free virus, the assay can detect 3.3 X 10(3) PFU of RSV. Respiratory secretions were collected from a group of 104 infants in New Orleans, and 73 of the samples were tested for RSV by immunofluorescence (IF). All were then frozen at -70 degrees C for later testing by hybridization, and 67 were tested for RSV antigens by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A second set of respiratory secretions from 48 infants in Denver were cultured for virus, assayed for RSV antigen by EIA, and then frozen for later testing by hybridization. For those samples on which IF was performed, hybridization, compared with IF, had a sensitivity of 49% and a specificity of 66%. For samples tested by EIA, hybridization had a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 81% compared with EIA. Compared with virus isolation, hybridization assay had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 92%. With clinical samples, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were improved with the addition of a control blot, which was hybridized to the plasmid vector (pBR322). The performance of the hybridization assay can be expected to improve when the assay is used with fresh clinical material rather than frozen samples.
Site-specific recombination for the modification of transgenic strains of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata

Insect transgenesis is mainly based on the random genomic integration of DNA fragments embedded into non-autonomous transposable elements. Once a random insertion into a specific location of the genome has been identified as particularly useful with respect to transgene expression, the ability to make the insertion homozygous, and lack of fitness costs, it may be advantageous to use that location for further modification. Here we describe an efficient method for the modification of previously inserted transgenes by the use of the site-specific integration system from phage phiC31 in a tephritid pest species, the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. First, suitable transgenic strains with randomly integrated attP landing sites within transposon-based vectors were identified by molecular and functional characterization. Second, donor plasmids containing an attB site, with additional markers, and transposon ends were integrated into attP sites by phiC31 integrase-mediated recombination. Third, transposase-encoding ‘jumpstarter’ strains were created and mated to transgenic strains resulting in the postintegrational excision of transposon ends, which left stably integrated transgene insertions that could not be remobilized. This three-step integration and stabilization system will allow the combination of several transgene-encoded advantageous traits at evaluated genomic positions to generate optimized strains for pest control that minimize environmental concerns.
Singularity-induced bifurcations in lumped circuits

A systematic analysis of singular bifurcations in semistate or differential-algebraic models of electrical circuits is presented in this paper. The singularity-induced bifurcation (SIB) theorem describes the divergence of one eigenvalue through infinity when an operating point or equilibrium locus of a parameterized differential-algebraic model crosses a singular manifold. The present paper extends this result to cover situations in which several eigenvalues diverge; we prove a multiple SIB theorem which states that a minimal rank (resp. index) change makes it possible to compute the number of diverging eigenvalues in terms of an index (resp. rank) change in the matrix pencil characterizing the linearized problem. The scope of the work comprises quasi-linear ordinary differential equations, semiexplicit index-1 differential-algebraic equation (DAEs), and Hessenberg index-2 DAEs, describing different electrical configurations. The electrical features from which singularities and, specifically, singular bifurcations stem are extensively discussed. Examples displaying simple, double, and triple SIB points illustrate different ways in which the spectrum may diverge.
Analysis and evaluation of one-dimensional sea surface features based on FSV

This paper presents a method of extracting and evaluating one-dimensional dynamic sea surface features based on the feature selective validation (FSV). The Monte Carlo method is used to model the one-dimensional dynamic sea surface. The influence of different wind speeds on sea surface height fluctuation is simulated and analyzed. At the same time, the distribution of gravity spectrum and tensor spectrum of one-dimensional rough sea surface under different wind speeds are analyzed based on FSV. The results show that this method can effectively extract the undulation feature of one-dimensional rough sea surface, and realize the quantitative and intuitionistic analysis and evaluation of data features.
Critical assessment of the value of sputum neutrophils

Abstract Neutrophils are central to the pathogenesis of COPD, releasing a range of pro-inflammatory and tissue destructive mediators. Sputum neutrophil numbers are elevated in COPD patients compared to healthy controls. We critically appraise the potential of sputum neutrophils as a biomarker in COPD. We show that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of this biomarker to define a phenotype of patients with more severe disease characteristics or a different prognosis. However, sputum neutrophil measurements can be used to measure the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of COPD.
G-CSF Primed Autologous Marrow Harvest and Transplantation in Cytapheresis “Mobilization Failure” Patients: A Descriptive Analysis

Fifteen cancer patients, deemed blood HSC “mobilization failures” due to CD34+cell yields of < 0.5×106/kg from two consecutive daily cytaphereses, underwent G-CSF primed autologous bone marrow harvest in an attempt to obtain adequate hematopoietic support for subsequent autotransplantation. CD34 + cell yields from the primed marrow harvest were variable; however, some patients had > 5-fold increases in CD34 + cell yields in the marrow compared to cytapheresis, and 4 patients had CD34 + cell yields of > 1.0 (i.e., 1.2, 1.44, 1.61 and 2.45)×106/kg from the primed marrow harvest. None of the five patients previously exposed to stem cell toxins or fludarabine achieved > 0.85×106/kg CD34 +cells with the primed marrow harvest. A significant difference was noted between G-CSF primed blood and marrow for CD34 + cells but not for GM-CFU (p = 0.011 and p = 0.135, respectively, paired t-test). All evaluable patients engrafted; a median ANC > 0.5×109/L recovery was achieved on D + 12 (range+9 to+17) in 12 of 13 evaluable patients—one died on D + 9 without recovery. The last day of platelet transfusion occurred at a median D + 13 (range + 8 to > + 66); only one patient remained platelet transfusion-dependent beyond D + 34. As anticipated, patients with higher numbers of CD34 + cells transplanted had somewhat more rapid recoveries. Although stem cell damage is obviously a key factor in mobilization failure patients, these findings raise the possibility that poor mobilization, at least in some patients, results from a mechanism other than, or in addition to, simple stem cell damage. Moreover, they raise the issue of the minimum number of marrow CD34 +—or more arguably other—cells needed for adequate short- and long-term reconstitution. The role of G-CSF in this situation, especially regarding dose and/or schedule, is intriguing but remains to be clarified. G-CSF primed marrow harvest is a potential option in certain poor mobilizers but, as fully expected, is frequently inadequate. Whether such is preferable to “steady-state” marrow harvest, continued or repeated G-CSF primed cytapheresis (with or without chemotherapy), or primed marrow with G-CSF in other schedules—or with other cytokines—is unclear and will be the subject of further study.
Transmission line differential protection with fuzzy signal processing support

This paper presents a new differential protection scheme for transmission lines with application of fuzzy signal processing. Traditional differential relays may have problems with proper classification of external faults with CT saturation. Better protection stabilization for such cases is obtained with support of fuzzy signal processing. In proposed solution the input signals as well as the standard percentage characteristic are fuzzified. The performance of presented fuzzy protection scheme has been tested with the signals generated with use of EMTP-ATP program and compared to the traditional solution.
NMR investigation of the equilibrium partitioning of a water‐soluble bile salt protein carrier to phospholipid vesicles

Membrane binding by cytosolic fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) appears to constitute a key step of intracellular lipid trafficking. We applied NMR spectroscopy to study the partitioning of a water‐soluble bile acid binding protein (BABP), belonging to the FABP family, between its free and lipid‐vesicle‐bound states. As the lipid‐bound protein was NMR‐invisible, the signals of the free biomolecule were analyzed to obtain quantitative information on binding affinity and steady‐state kinetics. The data indicated a reversible interaction of BABP with anionic vesicles occurring in a very slow exchange regime on the NMR time scale. The approximate binding epitope was demonstrated from results on BABP samples in which different positively charged lysine residues were mutated to neutral alanines. H/D exchange measurements indicated a higher exposure to solvent for the core amino acid residues in the liposome‐bound state. Finally, the BABP‐liposome interaction was also investigated for the first time through an MRI‐chemical exchange saturation transfer experiment that has potential applications not only in the field of biology, but also in biomedicine, bioanalytical chemistry, and nanotechnology. Proteins 2013; 81:1776–1791. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping of within‐species segregation distortion in Drosophila persimilis and hybrid sterility between D. persimilis and D. pseudoobscura

In contrast to the prevailing dogma in the 1990s, recent studies have suggested that an evolutionary history of segregation distortion within species may contribute to sterility in species hybrids. However, this recent work identified segregation distortion exclusively in species hybrids that may never have had an evolutionary history of segregation distortion in either parent species. We expand on previous work using a strain of Drosophila persimilis exhibiting segregation distortion within species to generate QTL maps for segregation distortion and hybrid sterility in crosses between D. persimilis and D. pseudoobscura. The maps localize regions along the XR contributing to both phenotypes, and they indicate one region of overlap between the two maps. This overlap could provide preliminary evidence for an association between segregation distortion within species and hybrid sterility, but the localizations are currently too broad to have confidence in this conclusion. This work is a first step towards possibly supporting a genetic conflict model of speciation in this system.
Antimicrobial efficacy of different root canal sealers by using real-time polymerase chain reaction: An ex vivo study

Background: Root canal sealers help to minimize leakage, provides antimicrobial activity to reduce the possibility of residual bacteria, and to resolve periapical lesion. Aim: To compare five different root canal sealers against Enterococcus faecalis in an infected root canal model by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Settings and Design: Sixty human mandibular premolars were sectioned to standardize a uniform length of 14 mm. Fifty microliters of the inoculum containing E. faecalis were transferred into each microcentrifuge tube (n = 60). The samples were divided into six groups Tubli-Seal, Apexit Plus, Fillapex, AH Plus, RoekoSeal, and Positive control, respectively. Materials and Methods: Five groups after the incubation with the microorganism E. faecalis were coated with different root canal sealers and obturated using F3 ProTaper Gutta-percha point. The dentinal shavings were collected and analyzed for RT-PCR. Statistical Analysis: The mean difference between six groups was calculated using analysis of variance and post-hoc test. Results: The highest antibacterial activity was achieved with Tubli-Seal (1938.13 DNA in pictogram [pg]) and least by RoekoSeal (3034.54 DNA in pg). Conclusion: The maximum antimicrobial activity was achieved AH Plus and Tubli-Seal. RT-PCR can be used as a valuable and accurate tool for testing antimicrobial activity.
Breathlessness or Health Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Impact of Different Definitions

Abstract Objective: The GOLD 2011 report recommends the use of symptoms, exacerbation history, and FEV1% predicted to categorise patients into groups A–D. We investigated the choice of mMRC or CAT on category assignment and characterization of the categories. Methods: Patients were prospectively recruited from tertiary hospitals in China, as part of the INTACT study, with a prior diagnosis of COPD. The GOLD categories were defined using mMRC and CAT, along with exacerbations in the previous year, and FEV1% predicted. Results: 1,465 patients were included. The most prevalent group was group D. However, proportions of patients categorised into groups A to D differed depending on symptom instruments. The use of CAT resulted in more patients being placed into groups B and D. Cardiac co-morbid conditions, particularly ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia were highly prevalent in groups B and D. Group B appeared to have a similar burden of cardiac co-morbidities to group D, in spite of a higher FEV1 level. Although mMRC assigned a smaller proportion of patients to groups B and D, the patients it did assign had a higher burden of cardiac co-morbidities than patients assigned by CAT. When patients were assessed according to LLN, 14.2% had normal airflow according to ECSC 1993 equations, with 12.6% having normal airflow according to GLI 2012 formulae. Conclusions: The choice of symptom assessment is one potential confounder impacting the patient assignment. Breathlessness may be an important marker of overall disease severity, indicating the presence of cardiac co-morbidities in the GOLD categories.
Identification of Individual Walking Patterns Using Gait Acceleration

This paper presents an improved approach on identifying users based on three-dimensional gait acceleration signal characteristics produced by walking. When the user carries the wearable gait acceleration acquiring system, acceleration signals are registered by the accelerometer. Through dividing the signals into gait cycles, gait feature code which represents the walking pattern of the user can be extracted. Recognition is based on the general idea of template matching. We use dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm for matching so that non-linear time normalization could be used to dispose the problems resulted from naturally occurring changes in walking speed. Experiments were performed on 35 healthy subjects walking on their normal speed; Equal Error Rate of 6.7% was achieved. Our preliminary experiments confirm the possibility of recognizing users based on their gait acceleration.
Solving permutation problem with a cascade combination of phase difference entropy and power spectral correlation

In this paper, we propose a novel method to solve the permutation problem for multi-channel frequency-domain blind source separation problems. For low spectral correlation problem between lower frequencies and higher frequencies, the proposed method utilizes phase difference information between microphones so as to avoid incorrect permutation alignment problems in addition to power spectral information. However, reliability of phase difference information of each frequency is not so high. At first, the proposed method performs a clustering based approach by using power-spectral correlation. The first stage is corresponding with clustering of neighborhood frequencies based on an assumption that power spectral correlation is high between neighborhood frequencies. Next, the proposed method refines permutation alignment problem so as to minimize entropy of phase differences in each cluster. The second stage is based on an assumption that time-difference information which consists of several frequencies is reliable. Experimental results with the 3rd CHiME dataset show that the proposed method is effective.
Characterization of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Pseudotypes Bearing Essential Entry Glycoproteins gB, gD, gH, and gL of Herpes Simplex Virus 1

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are unusual in that unlike most enveloped viruses, they require at least four entry glycoproteins, gB, gD, gH, and gL, for entry into target cells in addition to a cellular receptor for gD. The dissection of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) entry mechanism is complicated by the presence of more than a dozen proteins on the viral envelope. To investigate HSV-1 entry requirements in a simplified system, we generated vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) virions pseudotyped with HSV-1 essential entry glycoproteins gB, gD, gH, and gL but lacking the native VSV fusogen G. These virions, referred to here as VSVΔG-BHLD virions, infected a cell line expressing a gD receptor, demonstrating for the first time that the four essential entry glycoproteins of HSV-1 are not only required but also sufficient for cell entry. To our knowledge, this is the first time the VSV pseudotyping system has been successfully extended beyond two proteins. Entry of pseudotyped virions required a gD receptor and was inhibited by HSV-1 specific anti-gB or anti-gH/gL neutralizing antibodies, which suggests that membrane fusion during the entry of the pseudotyped virions shares common requirements with the membrane fusion involved in HSV-1 entry and HSV-1-mediated syncytium formation. The HSV pseudotyping system established in this study presents a novel tool for systematic exploration of the HSV entry and membrane fusion mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are human pathogens that can cause cold sores, genital herpes, and blindness. No vaccines or preventatives are available. HSV entry into cells—a prerequisite for a successful infection—is a complex process that involves multiple viral and host proteins and occurs by different routes. Detailed mechanistic knowledge of the HSV entry is important for understanding its pathogenesis and would benefit antiviral and vaccine development, yet the presence of more than a dozen proteins on the viral envelope complicates the dissection of the HSV entry mechanisms. In this study, we generated heterologous virions displaying the four essential entry proteins of HSV-1 and showed that they are capable of cell entry and, like HSV-1, require all four entry glycoproteins along with a gD receptor. This HSV pseudotyping system pioneered in this work opens doors for future systematic exploration of the herpesvirus entry mechanisms.
Image contrast using the secondary and tertiary eigenvectors in diffusion tensor imaging

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a new imaging modality that can provide unique information on brain white matter anatomy. Measurements of water diffusion constant along multiple axes are fitted to a tensor model, from which the diffusion anisotropy and dominant fiber orientation can be estimated. Even though the tensor model is an oversimplification of the underlying neuroanatomy, information within the tensor has not been fully utilized in routine research and clinical studies. In this study we proposed and examined the properties and anatomical contents of several DTI‐derived image contrasts that utilize all three eigenvectors. The new contrasts are studied and validated using known anatomical structures in ex vivo mouse brain and embryonic mouse cortex. Application to human white matter is illustrated. Our results suggest that when these contrasts are combined with a priori anatomical knowledge, they reveal neuroanatomical information that is useful for tissue segmentation and diagnosis of white matter lesions. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.