Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wi-fi fingerprint database construction using Chebyshev wavelet functions

In this research we propose a new approach of constructing Wi-Fi fingerprints database using Chebyshev wavelet functions. Proposed algorithm combines the reference data collection procedure with path-loss prediction. Our algorithm requires only a few samples to be collected in a given region, and thus significantly reduces the calibration time. Next, the collected reference samples are used to construct area specific path-loss prediction function using Chebyshev wavelets. Once we have the path-loss function, we can predict the signal strength values at any point of the target area. One of the advantages of proposed algorithm is that it does not require any detailed information about target area, i.e. location of wireless access points, number of walls (floors, obstructions) between the transmitter and reference points and etc.
The left ventricular stress-velocity relation in transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative CREB transgene in the heart.

OBJECTIVE CREB(A133) transgenic mice that express a dominant negative CREB transcription factor in cardiomyocytes develop a dilated cardiomyopathy that is anatomically, physiologically, and clinically similar to human idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The goals of this study were to quantitate left ventricular (LV) contractility and measure cardiac reserve in CREB(A133) mice by using the relation of end-systolic wall stress to the velocity of fiber shortening. METHODS A total of 37 adult CD-1 mice (including both nontransgenic and CREB(A133) transgenic mice) were studied with simultaneously acquired high-fidelity instantaneous aortic pressures and 2-dimensionally targeted M-mode echocardiograms. RESULTS CREB(A133) mice displayed significantly lower values of LV fiber shortening velocities over a wide range of afterloads, and they displayed smaller dobutamine-induced shifts from baseline contractility relations. Counterbalancing effects of differences in LV geometry and aortic pressures resulted in comparable levels of LV wall stress during ejection in both groups. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate directly that CREB(A133) mice display reduced LV contractility at baseline and decreased cardiac reserve.
Frequency synchronization and channel estimation for OFDM/OQAM signals transmitted through Rayleigh fading channels

This work addresses the problems of frequency synchronization and channel estimation for OFDM/OQAM systems in Rayleigh fading channel. A two-step preamble based approach using a new frame structure is proposed. The first step is coarse carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation and the second step is joint fine CFO (FCFO) and channel estimation. We also propose a FCFO estimator under the assumption that the channel frequency response (CFR) is known at the receiver. When CFR is not available at the receiver, then the interference approximation method (IAM) estimator is used to jointly estimate the CFR and FCFO. Moreover, it is shown that, due to the proposed frame structure, the problems of the FCFO and channel estimation in the second step can be seen as a modified channel estimation problem. We derive the Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLB) for the FCFO estimator and compare its performance with CRLB.
Dynamic response of isolated Aharonov-Bohm rings coupled to an electromagnetic resonator.

We have measured the flux dependence of both the real and the imaginary conductance of $\mathrm{GaAs}/\mathrm{GaAlAs}$ isolated mesoscopic rings at 310 MHz. The rings are coupled to a highly sensitive electromagnetic superconducting microresonator and lead to a perturbation of the resonance frequency and quality factor. This experiment provides a new tool for the investigation of the conductance of mesoscopic systems without the need for invasive probes. The results obtained can be compared with recent theoretical predictions emphasizing the differences between isolated and connected geometries and the relation between ac conductance and persistent currents.
Passive and Active Reduction Techniques for On-Chip High-Frequency Digital Power Supply Noise

Signal integrity has become a major problem in digital IC design. One cause is device scaling that results in a sharp reduction of supply voltage, creating stringent noise margin requirements to ensure functionality. This paper introduces both a novel on-chip decoupling capacitance methodology and active noise cancellation (ANC) structure. The decoupling methodology focuses on quantification and location. The ANC structure, with an area of 50 ¿m × 55 ¿m, uses decoupling capacitance to sense noise and inject a proportional current into VSS as a method of reduction. A chip has been designed and fabricated using TSMC's 90-nm technology. Measurements show that the decoupling methodology improved the average voltage headroom loss by 17% while the ANC structure improved the average voltage headroom loss by 18%.
Pancreatic beta-cell-type-specific transcription of the insulin gene is mediated by basic helix-loop-helix DNA-binding proteins

The pancreatic beta-cell-specific expression of the insulin gene is mediated, at least in part, by the interaction of unique trans-acting beta-cell factors with a cis-acting DNA element found within the insulin enhancer (5'-GC CATCTG-3'; referred to as the insulin control element [ICE]) present in the rat insulin II gene between positions -100 and -91. This sequence element contains the consensus binding site for a group of DNA-binding transcription factors called basic helix-loop-helix proteins (B-HLH). As a consequence of the similarity of the ICE with the DNA sequence motif associated with the cis-acting elements of the B-HLH class of binding proteins (CANNTG), the ability of this class of proteins to regulate cell-type-specific expression of the insulin gene was addressed. Cotransfection experiments indicated that overexpression of Id, a negative regulator of B-HLH protein function, inhibits ICE-mediated activity. Antibody to the E12/E47 B-HLH proteins attenuated the formation, in vitro, of a previously described (J. Whelan, S. R. Cordle, E. Henderson, P. A. Weil, and R. Stein, Mol. Cell. Biol. 10:1564-1572, 1990) beta-cell-specific activator factor(s)-ICE DNA complex. Both of these B-HLH proteins (E12 and E47) bound efficiently and specifically to the ICE sequences. The role of B-HLH proteins in mediating pancreatic beta-cell-specific transcription of the insulin gene is discussed.
Methylation status of breast cancer resistance protein detected by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis is correlated inversely with its expression in drug‐resistant lung cancer cells

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) functions as a drug efflux transporter that mediates drug resistance. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, including 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38), are substrates effluxed by BCRP. However, it remains unclear whether the overexpression of BCRP induces drug resistance during chemotherapy. The objectives of the current study were to examine a correlation of altered promoter methylation of BCRP with BCRP expression and to investigate the correlation between methylation status according to methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) analysis and BCRP expression levels in several small cell and nonsmall cell lung cancer cells.
Postoperative ventilatory and circulatory effects of heating after aortocoronary bypass surgery

The effects of postoperative external heat supply on shivering, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, ventilatory requirements and haemodynamic variables were studied postoperatively after aortocoronary bypass surgery in 24 men with stable angina pectoris. After hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at 25°C, the patients were rewarmed to a nasopharyngeal temperature of at least 38°C, resulting in a rectal temperature of about 34°C before termination of CPB. Twelve patients, forming the control group, were given no other external heat supply. In another group (n = 12), the “radiant heat supply group”, additional external heat was provided postoperatively, the main source of which was a thermal ceiling supplemented with heated, humidified respiratory gases. In this latter group the postoperative rewarming was accomplished earlier and was converted into a mainly passive process. Shivering, oxygen uptake, CO2 production and ventilation volumes were significantly reduced compared with the control group. Cardiac index and stroke index were higher and systemic oxygen extraction was lower in the radiant heat supply group. Postoperative hypertension and vasoconstriction were greatly decreased, suggesting that residual hypothermia is an important cause of the postoperative vasoconstriction.
Cholesterol Depletion of Caveolae Causes Hyperactivation of Extracellular Signal-related Kinase (ERK)*

Previously we showed that activation of Erk in quiescent cells occurs in the caveolae fraction isolated from fibroblasts. Since the structure and function of caveolae is sensitive to the amount of cholesterol in the membrane, it might be that a direct link exists between the concentration of membrane cholesterol and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation. We acutely lowered the cholesterol level of the caveolae fraction by incubating Rat-1 cells in the presence of either cyclodextrin or progesterone. Cholesterol-depleted caveolae had a reduced amount of several key protein components of the MAP kinase complex, including Ras, Grb2, Erk2, and Src. Incubation of these cells in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) caused a rapid loss of EGF receptor from the caveolae fraction, but the usual recruitment of c-Raf was markedly inhibited. Despite the reduced amount of c-Raf and Erk2 in the cholesterol-depleted caveolae fraction, EGF caused a hyperactivation of the remaining caveolae Erk isoenzymes. This was followed by an increase in the amount of active Erk in the cytoplasm. The increased amount of activated Erk produced under these conditions was linked to a 2-fold higher level of EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis. Even cholesterol depletion by itself stimulated Erk activation and DNA synthesis. These results suggest that the MAP kinase pathway can connect the cholesterol level of caveolae membrane to the control of cell division.
A Case Study of Improved Athletic Performance following Use of Relaxation Procedures

In addition to its usefulness in areas of abnormal psychology, progressive relaxation is suggested to be of use to persons undergoing the temporary stress of athletic competition. A case study of improved performance in shot-putting is reported, and it is suggested that tension adjustment techniques may become a useful part of preparation for various athletic endeavors.
The Social Order of the Underworld

When most people think of prison gangs, they think of chaotic bands of violent, racist thugs. Few people think of gangs as sophisticated organizations (often with elaborate written constitutions) that regulate the prison black market, adjudicate conflicts, and strategically balance the competing demands of inmates, gang members, and correctional officers. Gangs form to create order among outlaws, producing alternative governance institutions to facilitate illegal activity. The ramifications of these findings extend beyond the seemingly irrational and often tragic society of captives. They also illuminate how social and political order can emerge in conditions where the traditional institutions of governance do not exist.
Stripping Voltammetry as a Possible Primary Method for Amount of Substance

Stripping voltammetry analysis using a hemispheroidal mercury microelectrode is assessed as a possible candidate "primary method" for amount of substance measurement. It has been shown that this measurement methodology can be described completely by a set of measurement equations. Novel proposals are made to improve the accuracy and traceability of the quantification process by measuring the limiting deposition current over an optimum time instead of employing an analyte stripping step. The range of application and the limitations of the technique are discussed, and the requirement for underpinning traceability from electrical standards is shown. It is concluded that the lack of amount-independent diffusion coefficient data limits the status of the technique to a high-accuracy "definitive method" at present
Characterization of a Honeycomb-Like Scaffold With Dielectrophoresis-Based Patterning for Tissue Engineering

Objective: Seeding and patterning of cells with an engineered scaffold is a critical process in artificial tissue construction and regeneration. To date, many engineered scaffolds exhibit simple intrinsic designs, which fail to mimic the geometrical complexity of native tissues. In this study, a novel scaffold that can automatically seed cells into multilayer honeycomb patterns for bone tissue engineering application was designed and examined. Methods: The scaffold incorporated dielectrophoresis for noncontact manipulation of cells and intrinsic honeycomb architectures were integrated in each scaffold layer. When a voltage was supplied to the stacked scaffold layers, three-dimensional electric fields were generated, thereby manipulating cells to form into honeycomb-like cellular patterns for subsequent culture. Results: The biocompatibility of the scaffold material was confirmed through the cell viability test. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the cell viability during DEP patterning at different voltage amplitudes, frequencies, and manipulating time. Three different mammalian cells were examined and the effects of the cell size and the cell concentration on the resultant cellular patterns were evaluated. Conclusion: Results showed that the proposed scaffold structure was able to construct multilayer honeycomb cellular patterns in a manner similar to the natural tissue. Significance: This honeycomb-like scaffold and the dielectrophoresis-based patterning technique examined in this study could provide the field with a promising tool to enhance seeding and patterning of a wide range of cells for the development of high-quality artificial tissues.
Foot problems in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES To assess the nature of the foot problems experienced in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and patient awareness of such problems. METHODS Fifty unselected patients (42 females, eight males) with SSc were assessed by means of examination by a senior podiatrist, completion of a questionnaire detailing past and present foot problems, determination of random plasma glucose, plain X-rays of the feet, and measurement of the ankle/brachial index and of digital pulses by Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS Eighty-six per cent of patients reported colour changes in their feet in response to temperature changes, 82% reported pain usually related to cold, 26% had suffered foot ulceration and 8% had a history of foot surgery. Podiatry assessment confirmed the presence of significant abnormalities, including ulcerations in 10%, pre-ulcerative lesions in 34%, toenail changes in 62%, callus formation in 80% and calcinosis in 18%. Forty per cent of the patients had problems with the fitting of shoes, and 19% had been provided with footwear from the hospital. Plain films of the feet demonstrated the presence of erosions in 6%, soft-tissue calcification in 17%, osteopenia in 26% and degenerative changes in 60% of cases. Ten per cent of the patients had an abnormal ankle brachial index (less than 1.0). Only 21% of the 47 patients in whom digital pulses were examined had normal pulses in all toes, and in 26% all toe pulses were absent. CONCLUSION Although problems with the hands are well recognized in SSc, foot problems also occur in the majority of patients, and can be a cause of major disability. Care of the feet is therefore an important part of the management of SSC.
Advantages of calcium green-1 over other fluorescent dyes in measuring cytosolic calcium in platelets.

Fluorescent indicators are widely used in the measurements of cytosolic calcium in many cell types for many purposes because they are relatively easy to use. Notwithstanding, they have some defects to prevent accurate measurements under certain conditions, such as significant dye leakage and UV-quenching effect. Menadione, a representative quinone derivative with antiaggregating effect, is also UV-absorbent. To investigate whether menadione can affect the change of cytosolic calcium in platelets by agonist, we measured the change of cytosolic calcium level using calcium green-1. Since this dye has not been used previously in platelets, we determined that the optimal loading of calcium green-1 to platelets was achieved using 3 microM dye incubated for 60 min at 37 degrees C. Our study compared the use of calcium green-1 with fura-2 and fluo-3 (two widely used dyes) in measurements of cytosolic calcium. Fura-2 is UV-excited, so when menadione was treated in fura-2-loaded cells, it had a quenching effect. Fluo-3, the other visible fluorescent indicator, leaked from platelets very rapidly and required the use of anion channel blockers which are known to affect physiological response of platelets. Our study demonstrated that changes in cytosolic calcium levels can be accurately measured without these problems by using calcium green-1. We therefore were able to demonstrate that menadione inhibited calcium increase by thrombin in a dose-dependent manner similar to menadione's antiaggregating effect in platelets.
Proliferative Mucinous Lesions of the Endometrium: Analysis of Existing Criteria for Diagnosing Carcinoma in Biopsies and Curettings

It is often difficult to make a diagnosis of carcinoma in endometrial biopsies and curettings that show proliferative mucinous lesions because of the deceptively bland appearance of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma at this site. Only limited information is available regarding criteria for distinguishing mucinous carcinoma from atypical mucinous proliferations and mucinous metaplasia of the endometrium. The threshold for diagnosing mucinous carcinoma in endometrial biopsies/ curettings may possibly be lower than that for endometrioid carcinoma. We evaluated different sets of existing criteria in order to determine which best facilitate a diagnosis of carcinoma in endometrial biopsies/curettings containing mucinous lesions. The biopsy/ curetting samples with the corresponding uterus (hysterectomy performed within 6.5 months) from each of 31 patients were studied. The biopsies/curettings were assessed with previously published criteria that more typically are used for endometrioid proliferations, as well as recently proposed criteria for mucinous lesions (Mod Pathol 12:1137-1142, 1999; Nucci et al. criteria [Type A, B, or C]). The presence of myoinvasion in the uterus was used as the gold standard for testing the biopsies/ curettings. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing carcinoma with use of endometrioid criteria were 20.0% and 71.4%, respectively, while the corresponding figures for diagnosing carcinoma with use of the criteria of Nucci et al. were 0% and 81.0% (Type A), 70.0% and 52.4% (Type B), and 30.0% and 66.7% (Type C), respectively. Combining the Types B and C criteria of Nucci et al. into a single category (Combined Type B or C) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 19.0%, respectively, for diagnosing carcinoma. With use of a diagnosis of carcinoma by endometrioid criteria and application of the criteria of Nucci et al. for mucinous lesions, myoinvasive carcinoma was present in the uterus in 25.0% (endometrioid criteria) and 0%, 41.2%, 30.0%, and 37.0% (Types A, B, C, and Combined Tlype B or C, respectively) of cases, respectively. Because of the high sensitivity/low specificity of the criteria of Nucci et al. and low sensitivity/high specificity of endometrioid criteria in this small study, neither of the sets tested is perfect for handling mucinous proliferations. However, the criteria of Nucci et al. do have utility. Application of the criteria available for endometrioid proliferations in biopsies/curettings that show mucinous lesions may be misleading.
The Role of Caregivers' Depressive Symptoms and Asthma Beliefs on Asthma Outcomes Among Low-income Puerto Rican Children

Objective. To examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and asthma beliefs (self-efficacy and empowerment), child asthma outcomes, and caregiver's quality of life among Puerto Rican caregivers of children with asthma. Methods. The caregivers of 221 children with persistent bronchial asthma were stratified into those with no/low or high levels of depressive symptoms. Differences between the groups in caregiver self-efficacy, family empowerment, child asthma outcomes, and quality of life were examined. Results. Caregivers with more depressive symptoms reported lower self-efficacy, less empowerment, less symptom-free days and nights for their children, and a lower quality of life compared to caregivers with no or fewer depressive symptoms. Conclusions. Depressive symptoms among Puerto Rican caregivers were associated with asthma beliefs, children's asthma symptoms, and caregiver quality of life. Our findings reinforce the importance of physician screening skills in recognizing caregiver depression in parents of asthma patients.
Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions-A Study of Clinical Patterns, Causality, Severity & Preventability

Aim- to study CADRs for clinical patterns, risk factors, causality, severity &preventability. Material &methods- A prospective study was undertaken in a 750 bedded tertiary care teaching hospital of central India. Patients with CADRs presenting primarily or referred from other departments were enrolled after being diagnosed by consultant dermatologist. Causality, preventability and severity were analyzed &Other parameters like male to female ratio, most common class of drug ,individual drug causing CADR, common types of CADRs, were studied. Results-34 cases were enrolled for the study in the duration of march2014 to june2014.Female predominance (55.88%) with 35.2% patients falling in 21-30years age group. Most frequently occurring CADR was maculopapular rash (29.4%) followed by fixed drug eruption (23.5%), photosensitivity (20.5%), SJS (17.6%) & 8.8% acneiform eruptions, erythema multiforme(2.9%) & toxic epidermal necrolysis or TEN(2.9%). Antimicrobial drugs (56%) followed by analgesic/anti- inflammatory/antipyretic (17.6%) and then antiepileptic drugs about (15%) were the drug classes involved. Other drugs like tryptomer& isotretinoin accounted for about 11.7% of CADRs. Fluoroquinolones accounted for highest percentage (20.5%) of CADRs. Conclusions - Female predominance was seen. Flouroquinolones being the most common offending drug & diclofenac & aceclofenac among the anti-inflammatory, analgesics class. Causality assessment also resulted in high score of definite category. These variations may be explained by the differences in drug usage patterns and short duration of the study.
A low-noise interface circuit for MEMS cochlea-mimicking acoustic sensors

This paper proposes a low-noise MEMS interface circuit which has very small parasitic capacitance at the input node. The circuit presented is suitable for the MEMS cochlea-mimicking acoustic sensors which are highly parasitic-sensitive due to their low intrinsic sensing capacitance. In order to reduce the electronic noise of the interface circuit, chopper stabilization technique is implemented, and an effective method to optimize the critical transistor size for best noise performance is derived. Simulation results show that, for a MEMS sensing structure with 200 fF static capacitance, the interface circuit achieves a 0.72 aF equivalent capacitance noise floor over 100 Hz to 20 kHz audio bandwidth.