Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor of the Kidney in Childhood

BackgroundDesmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignant tumor that generally manifests as abdominal paraserosal masses and affects mainly male adolescents and young adults. When presenting within visceral organs, the diagnosis of DSRCT poses significant difficulties. MethodologyFour primary renal DSRCT in children diagnosed during a 3-year period are the basis of this report. The medical records and pathologic material were reviewed, including immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and cytogenetic/molecular studies. ResultsThe age at presentation was 6 to 8 years, and all children presented with a left renal mass. The tumors measured 3.7 to 13.4 cm and consisted of nests, cords, or sheets of small undifferentiated cells with foci of necrosis and calcification. Desmoplasia was not seen. Tumor cells were immunopositive for vimentin, WT-1 (monoclonal and polyclonal), desmin, cytokeratin, and epithelial membrane antigen. A distinct paranuclear dotlike pattern was observed with vimentin and desmin. Tumor cells possessed rare or focal immunoreactivity for platelet derived growth factor-A and transforming growth factor-β3, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of desmoplasia in DSRCT. The EWS-WT1 t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation was demonstrated in all 4 tumors by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. ConclusionsDSRCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal tumors composed of small round cells. Undifferentiated morphology and lack of desmoplasia contribute to the difficulty in its recognition. Ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry may suggest the diagnosis, but cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies are required for confirmation.
Characteristics of the CD8+ lymphocytosis during primary simian immunodeficiency virus infections

Objective: To investigate the source of the expanded blood CD8+ subsets during an acute primary simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of macaques and the potential role of these cells in disease progression. Design and methods: The primary CD8+ lymphocytosis, which occurs at 1‐2 weeks following infection with SIVsmm/PBj‐14, was examined in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. Extensive subset analysis of the expanded blood CD8+ cell pool in a rhesus macaque was compared phenotypically with those in thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, ileum and lung washouts obtained at necropsy during blood lymphocytosis. The influence of the primary CD8+ cell expansion on disease progression was assessed at days 175‐679 post‐infection in long‐term PBj‐14 survivors staged according to immunological, virological and histopathological changes in their lymphoid organs. Result: The very rapid and transient blood lymphocytosis following infection consisted of two distinct CD45RAlow, CD8+ and CD28‐, lymphocyte function‐associated antigen (LFA)‐1high, CD45RAhigh, CD8+ populations. These populations were present in low levels in thymus, lymph and spleen but were highly represented in mucosal tissues, such as lung washout, in which CD28‐ LFA‐1high CD45RAhigh CD8+ cells comprised 86% of CD8+ cells, and gut, which was predominantly CD45RAlow CD28‐ CD8+ cells. A comparison of progressor and non‐progressor PBj‐14‐infected rhesus and cynomolgus macaques also indicated that the existence or magnitude of a blood CD8+ lymphocytosis during the acute phase of infection did not by itself appear to influence or be predictive of disease progression. Conclusion: The marked blood CD8+ lymphocytosis observed during acute SIV infection did not result from expansion of virus‐specific precursors in peripheral lymph node and did not appear to influence the rate of disease progression. The findings provide a novel explanation for the primary CD8+ cell lymphocytosis and invoke a mechanism whereby virus‐induced cytokine/chemokine production in mucosal sites initiate the transient migration of a pre‐existing CD8+ population into the blood from compartments such as lung and gut. Such results suggest that the magnitude of lymphocytosis may depend on the level of viral replication in mucosal tissues and the presence of other infections, for example, cytomegalovirus.
Voice-band data communication modems - A historical review: 1919-1988

The history of voice-band data modems is divided into four periods, and the activities in each of these eras is discussed. Before the early 1950s, work was done on quantitatively measuring phase distortion and equalizing lines with such distortion. The advent of the digital computer in the early 1950s and the resulting military and commercial interest in large-scale data processing systems led to interest in using telephone lines for transmitting digital information. The research efforts during this period and the resulting commercial products are described. The third era, during the 1970s was characterized by extensive research and technology advances. The discussion focuses on advances in timing recovery, adaptive filtering, semiconductor technology and modem design, and pulse-shaping filters. The late 1970s and early 1980s have seen the development of ultrahigh-speed modems. Coding for performance improvement and the development of 19.2 kb/s modems in this period are discussed. <<ETX>>
Exploration of real-time satellite measurements to advance hurricane intensity prediction in the northern Gulf of Mexico

The accurate prediction of hurricane track and intensity is an important endeavor for improvement of public safety during hurricane season. Our overall goal in this research is to assess the potential role that different sources of real-time satellite data can provide to improve hurricane intensity forecasts. We focus on investigating the role that ocean features played in the intensity changes that transpired during the passages of five major hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) between 2004 and 2008 (Ivan, Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike). Research has shown that intensity is partially controlled by the underlying ocean temperature and mixed layer ocean heat content (OHC). In the Gulf, regions of high OHC (the Loop Current and warm-core eddies) have the potential of increasing hurricane intensity, whereas regions of low OHC (cold-core eddies) have the potential of decreasing hurricane intensity. An essential ingredient of air-sea interactions is the hurricane's production of a "cool wake", a region near its path that has the potential of providing negative feedback to intensity. We investigate the development and characteristics of the five cool wakes in detail. In this endeavor, we used several sources of satellite measurements available in near-real-time: infrared measurements and night-time composites of sea surface temperature (SST) from GOES-12, gridded sea surface height (SSH) maps derived from multiple-satellite altimetry, and microwave SST measurements from TMI and AMSR-E. Atmospheric data included the National Hurricane Center storm track and maximum sustained wind speeds; scatterometer wind measurements; and GOES-12 satellite-tracked winds. Our analysis demonstrated that three of the five hurricanes intensified over the Loop Current and WCEs while three of the hurricanes weakened in close proximity to the cool wakes that they generated. We found that each cool wake was unique. In all cases, areas of maximum cooling were co-located with regions of cyclonic circulation close to the hurricane's track. Cool wake generation was clearly dependant upon the path of the hurricane in relationship to the position and strength of ocean cyclones. We observed no correlation between hurricane intensity and either the magnitude of temperature change, minimum temperature generated, or size of the cool wake. Based on our results, we conclude that the surveillance of ocean features in the GoM is essential for the advancement of hurricane intensity modeling and prediction. Further study of cool wakes and intensity changes is recommended. Advancement of hurricane intensity prediction would benefit from improved ocean mesoscale sampling afforded by more operational satellite altimeters on orbit.
A Short-Channel-Effect-Degraded Noise Margin Model for Junctionless Double-Gate MOSFET Working on Subthreshold CMOS Logic Gates

Based on the device and equivalent transistor model, we present a short-channel-effect (SCE)-degraded noise margin (NM) model for junctionless double-gate MOSFET working on subthreshold CMOS logic gate. The device parameters such as the thick silicon thickness, thick gate oxide thickness, high doping density, and short channel length can severely degrade the NM due to serious SCE. By contrast, both the small subthreshold slope η and the balanced transistor strength S can suppress the NM degradation more efficiently. The required minimum supply voltage Vdd,min for the subthreshold CMOS logic gate is derived by the criterion of the NM larger than thermal noise to ensure the correct logic gate operation. Being similar to drain-induced barrier lowering, allowable NM corresponding to the minimum channel length can also be uniquely controlled and determined by the scaling factor according to the scaling theory.
A study of occupational stress of aviation ground crews

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between various sources of occupational stress and work performance in aviation ground crews. It was also to explore the connection among occupational stress, coping strategies and work performance by using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The result of analysis exhibited that occupational stress had a negative impact on work performance and the coping strategies were the mediator survives between occupational stress and work performance.
An improved rotor position estimator for the control of DFIG based on stator EMF phasor

A new rotor position estimation method based on stator electromotive force (EMF) vector has been presented in this paper. The accurate rotor position is crucial information in the context of decoupled power control of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) during its standalone as well as grid integrated mode of operation. The proposed rotor position estimation method uses the measured stator and rotor currents and stator voltage to calculate the rotor position based on model reference adaptive system. In this scheme, flux estimation is not required and it is also free from practical integrator prone error during estimation process. The suggested technique is totally insensitive to rotor side parameters, magnetizing inductance variation and corresponding magnetic saturation effect on it. The proposed scheme works well near synchronous speed operation of DFIG and can be started on fly without any a priori knowledge about the initial rotor position. The rotor speed is also estimated without any differentiator and hence the speed computation is robust against signal noises. The proposed method is simple, reasonably accurate and can be easily applied for real time implementation. Proper simulation and experiment on a 3.2kW slip ring induction machine validates the proposed concept.
Diffusion of Personalised Services among Dutch Municipalities: Evolving Channels of Persuasion

Abstract In many European countries, municipalities are becoming increasingly important as providers of electronic public services to their citizens. One of the horizons for further expansion is the delivery of personalised electronic services. In this article we describe the diffusion of personalised services in the Netherlands over the period 2006–2009 and investigate how and why various municipalities adopted personalised electronic services. In achieving this, we analyse data that were gathered during interviews with key stakeholders in 10 selected Dutch municipalities. We synthesise the findings in an explanatory model of personalised electronic service delivery diffusion. The model emphasises persuasive pressures that are channelled to potential adopters of personalised services. Furthermore, the model shows how persuasive pressure (as perceived by adopters) is followed-up by organisational search activities, and how, in various circumstances, the idea of personalised services is ‘framed’ by innovation champions, knowledge brokers and new members of staff as to appeal to specific organisational priorities and ambitions. In doing so, this article contributes to an institutional view on adoption and diffusion of innovations, in which (1) horizontal and vertical channels of persuasion and (2) human agency, rather than technological opportunity and rational cost-benefit considerations, account for actual diffusion of innovations.
Four-week pegylated interferon alpha-2a monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C with genotype 2 and low viral load: a pilot, randomized study.

AIM To assess the efficacy and advantages of 4-wk pegylated interferon alpha-2a (peg-IFN-alpha 2a) monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C patients with strong predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR). METHODS Patients (n = 33) with genotype 2 and low viral load (< 100 KIU/mL), who became HCV RNA negative after 1 wk of IFN treatment, were randomly allocated to receive a 4- or 12-wk treatment course at a ratio of 2:1, respectively, with a subsequent 24-wk follow-up period. Peg-IFN-alpha 2a was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 180 microg or 90 microg once weekly. SVR was defined as absence of serum HCV RNA at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS All patients completed the treatment schedule, and more than half were symptom-free during the treatment. In the 4-wk treatment group, 20 of 22 (91%) patients achieved SVR. Two patients relapsed, but achieved SVR following re-treatment with peg-IFN-alpha 2a alone. In the 12-wk treatment group, 11 of 11 (100%) patients attained SVR. CONCLUSION Our results show that a 4-wk course of peg-IFN-alpha 2a monotherapy can achieve a high SVR rate in "IFN-sensitive" patients, without negatively affecting outcome.
HIFE-haptic interface for finger exercise

A haptic device with two active degrees of freedom and a tendon-driven transmission system was designed, built, and tested. It was constructed as a mechanism with a small workspace that envelops a finger workspace and can generate forces up to 10 N, suitable for finger exercise. Kinematic and dynamic model equations of the haptic device are presented in the paper. The control strategies, the implementation of the application on a PC, the real-time millisecond-class control environment, running under the MS Widows operating system, and safety mechanisms are described. Also, the duration test for the maximum sustained output force, and validations of accuracy of the output force and the consistency of the followed path, were performed. The performance, accuracy, and safety of the device were found to be very good, which makes the device suitable for rehabilitation purposes.
Stability of HAMLET—A kinetically trapped α‐lactalbumin oleic acid complex

The stability toward thermal and urea denaturation was measured for HAMLET (human α‐lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) and α‐lactalbumin, using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as differential scanning calorimetry. Under all conditions examined, HAMLET appears to have the same or lower stability than α‐lactalbumin. The largest difference is seen for thermal denaturation of the calcium free (apo) forms, where the temperature at the transition midpoint is 15°C lower for apo HAMLET than for apo α‐lactalbumin. The difference becomes progressively smaller as the calcium concentration increases. Denaturation of HAMLET was found to be irreversible. Samples of HAMLET that have been renatured after denaturation have lost the specific biological activity toward tumor cells. Three lines of evidence indicate that HAMLET is a kinetic trap: (1) It has lower stability than α‐lactalbumin, although it is a complex of α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid; (2) its denaturation is irreversible and HAMLET is lost after denaturation; (3) formation of HAMLET requires a specific conversion protocol.
BSAP Can Repress Enhancer Activity by Targeting PU.1 Function

ABSTRACT PU.1 and BSAP are transcription factors crucial for proper B-cell development. Absence of PU.1 results in loss of B, T, and myeloid cells, while absence of BSAP results in an early block in B-cell differentiation. Both of these proteins bind to the immunoglobulin κ chain 3′ enhancer, which is developmentally regulated during B-cell differentiation. We find here that BSAP can repress 3′ enhancer activity. This repression can occur in plasmacytoma lines or in a non-B-cell line in which the enhancer is activated by addition of the appropriate enhancer binding transcription factors. We show that the transcription factor PU.1 is a target of the BSAP-mediated repression. Although PU.1 and BSAP can physically interact through their respective DNA binding domains, this interaction does not affect DNA binding. When PU.1 function is assayed in isolation on a multimerized PU.1 binding site, BSAP targets a portion of the PU.1 transactivation domain (residues 7 to 30) for repression. The BSAP inhibitory domain (residues 358 to 385) is needed for this repression. Interestingly, the coactivator protein p300 can eliminate this BSAP-mediated repression. We also show that PU.1 can inhibit BSAP transactivation and that this repression requires PU.1 amino acids 7 to 30. Transfection of p300 resulted in only a partial reversal of PU.1-mediated repression of BSAP. When PU.1 function is assayed in the context of the immunoglobulin κ chain 3′ enhancer and associated binding proteins, BSAP represses PU.1 function by a distinct mechanism. This repression does not require the PU.1 transactivation or PEST domains and cannot be reversed by p300 expression. The possible roles of BSAP and PU.1 antagonistic activities in hematopoietic development are discussed.
Study of Facial Features Combination Using a Novel Adaptive Fuzzy Integral Fusion Model

A new adaptive model based on fuzzy integrals has been presented and used for combining three well-known methods, Eigenface, Fisherface and SOMface, for face classification. After training the competence estimation functions, the adaptive mechanism enables our system the filtering of unsure judgments of classifiers for a specific input. Comparison with classical and non-adaptive approaches proves the superiority of this model. Also we examined how these features contribute to the combined result and whether they can together establish a more robust feature.
Comparative evaluation of surface properties of enamel and different esthetic restorative materials under erosive and abrasive challenges: An in vitro study

Introduction: Noncarious tooth surface loss is a normal physiological process occurring throughout the life, but it can often become a problem affecting function, esthetics or cause pain. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of erosive and abrasive challenges on the surface microhardness and surface wear of enamel and three different restorative materials, that is, nanofilled composite, microfilled composite and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) by using Vickers microhardness tester and profilometer respectively. Subjects and Methods: Nanofilled composite (Filtek ™ Z350 × T), microfilled composite (Heliomolar ® ) and RMGIC (Fuji II LC) were used in the study. Results: Nanofilled composite resin has the best resistance to erosion and/or abrasion among all the materials tested, followed by microfilled composite and RMGIC respectively. Conclusion: Toothbrush abrasion has a synergistic effect with erosion on substance loss of human enamel, composites, and RMGIC. The susceptibility to acid and/or toothbrush abrasion of human enamel was higher compared to restorative materials.
Controller synthesis for cascade systems using bond graphs

In this paper, the physical characteristics of the bond-graph representation are exploited for the purpose of controller synthesis. When the system under control possesses a specific cascade structure, the theoretical results developed allow one to visualize the closed-loop system from the open-loop bond-graph model. With this visualization, it is possible to employ physical intuition to determine the desired closed-loop behaviour that meets the performance requirement. Then the associated control law can be derived using a recursive backstepping procedure in a straightforward manner. This is different from the conventional controller synthesis procedures in which systems are usually dealt with in the mathematical domain; this proposed approach follows closely the physical aspects of system properties and control performance. The usefulness of this method is demonstrated by some examples including a magnetic bearing system.
Distinct effects of pollinator dependence and self-incompatibility on pollen limitation in South African biodiversity hotspots

Global synthesis indicates that limitation of plant fecundity by pollen receipt (pollen limitation) is positively related to regional plant diversity and is higher for self-incompatible than self-compatible species. While self-incompatible species are always dependent on pollinating agents, self-compatible species may be pollinator-dependent or autofertile. This should cause variation in pollen limitation among self-compatible species, with lower pollen limitation in autofertile species because they do not depend on pollinators. We hypothesized that the intensity of pollen limitation in self-incompatible compared with pollinator-dependent self-compatible species should depend on whether pollen limitation is determined more by quantity than quality of pollen received. We compared pollen limitation between these three groups using a dataset of 70 biotically pollinated species from biodiverse regions of South Africa. Comparison with a global dataset indicated that pollen limitation in the South African biodiversity hotspots was generally comparable to other regions, despite expectations of higher pollen limitation based on the global plant diversity–pollen limitation relationship. Pollen limitation was lowest for autofertile species, as expected. It was also higher for pollinator-dependent self-compatible species than self-incompatible species, consistent with increased pollen-quality limitation in the former group due to negative consequences of pollinator-mediated self-pollination. However, there was a higher frequency of plants with zygomorphic flowers, which were also more pollen-limited, among pollinator-dependent self-compatible species. Thus, we could not attribute this difference in pollen limitation exclusively to a difference in pollen quality. Nevertheless, our results indicate that comparative studies should control for both pollinator dependence and self-incompatiblity when evaluating effects of other factors on pollen limitation.
ASVspoof: The Automatic Speaker Verification Spoofing and Countermeasures Challenge

Concerns regarding the vulnerability of automatic speaker verification (ASV) technology against spoofing can undermine confidence in its reliability and form a barrier to exploitation. The absence of competitive evaluations and the lack of common datasets has hampered progress in developing effective spoofing countermeasures. This paper describes the ASV Spoofing and Countermeasures (ASVspoof) initiative, which aims to fill this void. Through the provision of a common dataset, protocols, and metrics, ASVspoof promotes a sound research methodology and fosters technological progress. This paper also describes the ASVspoof 2015 dataset, evaluation, and results with detailed analyses. A review of postevaluation studies conducted using the same dataset illustrates the rapid progress stemming from ASVspoof and outlines the need for further investigation. Priority future research directions are presented in the scope of the next ASVspoof evaluation planned for 2017.