Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design approach to CMOS based Class-E and Class-F power amplifiers

This paper presents the design flow for an integrated power amplifier. The flow is presented as a software routine. For a given set of amplifier specifications and CMOS process parameters, the routine computes the passive component values for a Class-E or Class-F based power amplifier. The routine includes the matching network for standard impedance loads. The routine also provides its user with a spiral inductor search algorithm, which can be used to generate layouts of inductors with Q-factors optimised at a desired frequency. For a typical power amplifier design case where several amplifiers are designed for application over different channels, the routine presented in this paper contributes by streamlining the design flow. The operation of the software routine was demonstrated by simulations in Austriamicrosystems 0.35 μm single-supply process for a 14 dBm, 2.4 GHz power amplifier design.
Intensity isotherms and distributions on oligonucleotide microarrays

We describe a physico-chemical model relating measured fluorescence intensities on oligonucleotide microarrays to the underlying specific target concentration in the hybridised solution via a hyperbolic isotherm response function. The model includes various chemical reactions occurring at the microarray surface and in bulk solution during hybridisation, including specific and non-specific hybridisation, and also the effects of probe-target dissociation during the post hybridisation washing phase. We analyse the distribution of fluorescence intensities for a complete microarray in the light of this physico-chemical model. Our results indicate that the majority of signals in a typical microarray experiment, though not those of the highly expressed genes, belong to the low concentration, linear part of the isotherm. Nevertheless, recognising the existence of the asymptotic saturation part of the isotherm is important for interpreting this distribution over the entire intensity range.
Dimethylthiourea, an oxygen radical scavenger, protects isolated cardiac myocytes from hypoxic injury by inhibition of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange and not by its antioxidant effects.

Myocardial reoxygenation injury may be attenuated by oxygen free radical scavengers, arguing for a role of oxygen radicals in this process. To determine whether free radical scavengers affect reoxygenation injury in isolated cardiac myocytes, resting rat ventricular myocytes were exposed to hypoxic (PO2 less than 0.02 mm Hg) glucose-free buffer alone (n = 50) or with the addition of the oxygen radical scavengers 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU, 25 mM, n = 46), human recombinant superoxide dismutase (SOD, 1,000 units/ml, n = 40), or the combination of these agents (n = 41). All cells responded by undergoing contracture to a rigor form. Hypoxia was then continued for a second period (T2), the duration of which correlates inversely with survival. After reoxygenation, cells either retained their rectangular shape (survival) or hypercontracted to a rounded form (death). For the group of cells with a T2 period greater than 30 minutes, no cell exposed to buffer alone (n = 20) or to SOD (n = 16) survived, in contrast to 15 of 24 (63%) cells exposed to DMTU. The addition of SOD to DMTU offered no advantage to DMTU alone. The protective effect of DMTU was not observed when it was added at reoxygenation, suggesting that this agent has an important effect during the hypoxic period when intracellular Ca2+ is known to rise, most likely because of the reversal of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange. Therefore, the effects of DMTU on Ca2+ regulation (indexed by indo-1 fluorescence) during hypoxia were studied. DMTU significantly blunted the [Ca2+] rise during the hypoxic period. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Creating a sense of place with a deliberately constrained virtual environment

This study explores the premise that a high degree of realism is not a necessary condition for a 'sense of place' in mediated experiences. We report on the usefulness of an intentionally low fidelity virtual environment which relies on the metaphor of the 'tourist gaze' and the power of imagination to create a sense of place. This application was a non-immersive representation of Edinburgh. In evaluation, participants reported experiencing a sense of place rather than a mere collection of images. We discuss the results in the light of weak and strong cognitive representation and indicate potential applications.
The Fabric's the Thing: Literal and Figurative References to Textiles in Selected Plays of William Shakespeare

Shakespeare revealed his notion of the nature of his times and culture in his plays. In this study the authors concentrate on terms and references identified with textiles used in dress in the plays of William Shakespeare. They categorize those terms which are literal and those which are figurative. The analysis demonstrates that Shakespeare, a product of and interactive with his times, ultimately stated important generalizations regarding social, economic, and political conditions in Elizabethan society by means of those terms and references. Class consciousness, for example, permeated every aspect of Elizabethan society, and this comes through clearly in the distinctions made between three-ply velvet and hempen homespun, between silk and Welsh, flannel. By understanding the historical and social contexts of the terms used in the plays, the reader has a clearer understanding of the meaning of the plays as well as a deeper appreciation of the importance of textiles as used in dress throughout history. In addition, the analysis has validity for our own age as we use material in apparel to state aspects of, conditions of, issues in, or beliefs about our culture. The study, moreover, results in an applied, interpretive strategy for symbolically analyzing language phenomena in a literary creation.
Medical Image Segmentation Based on Topology Correlation of Regions

Medical image segmentation plays a very key role in medical image processing.A segmentation algorithm that based on the topology correlation of regions which mainly depend on the adjacent regions and their degrees of discrimination's presented in the paper.The algorithm is designed by three parts:image iso-level regions marking,degrees of topology correlation discriminations calculation on these regions,marking homogeneous regions according with the degrees.Also,comparison with other region-based segmentation, numerical experiments are implemented and the results are proved the algorithm is better than others at visible perception.
Equivalence of Self- and Staff-Collected Nasal Swabs for the Detection of Viral Respiratory Pathogens

Background The need for the timely collection of diagnostic biosamples during symptomatic episodes represents a major obstacle to large-scale studies on acute respiratory infection (ARI) epidemiology. This may be circumvented by having the participants collect their own nasal swabs. We compared self- and staff-collected swabs in terms of swabbing quality and detection of viral respiratory pathogens. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted a prospective study among employees of our institution during the ARI season 2010/2011 (December-March). Weekly emails were sent to the participants (n = 84), reminding them to come to the study center in case of new symptoms. The participants self-collected an anterior nasal swab from one nostril, and trained study personnel collected one from the other nostril. The participants self-collected another two swabs (one from each nostril) on a subsequent day. Human β-actin DNA concentration was determined in the swabs as a quality control. Viral respiratory pathogens were detected by multiplex RT-PCR (Seeplex RV15 kit, Seegene, Eschborn, Germany). Of 84 participants, 56 (67%) reported at least one ARI episode, 18 participants two, and one participant three. Self-swabbing was highly accepted by the participants. The amount of β-actin DNA per swab was higher in the self- than in the staff-collected swabs (p = 0.008). β-actin concentration was lower in the self-swabs collected on day 1 than in those collected on a subsequent day (p<0.0001). A respiratory viral pathogen was detected in 31% (23/75) of staff- and in 35% (26/75) of self-collected swabs (p = 0.36). With both approaches, the most frequently identified pathogens were human rhinoviruses A/B/C (12/75 swabs, 16%) and human coronavirus OC43 (4/75 swabs, 5%). There was almost perfect agreement between self- and staff-collected swabs in terms of pathogen detection (agreement = 93%, kappa = 0.85, p<0.0001). Conclusions/Significance Nasal self-swabbing for identification of viral ARI pathogens proved to be equivalent to staff-swabbing in this population in terms of acceptance and pathogen detection.
The impact of a natural disaster: under- and postgraduate nursing education following the Canterbury, New Zealand, earthquake experiences

While natural disasters have been reported internationally in relation to the injury burden, role of rescuers and responders, there is little known about the impact on education in adult professional populations. A 7.1 magnitude earthquake affected the Canterbury region of New Zealand on 4 September 2010 followed by more than 13,000 aftershocks in the three years to September 2013. As part of a larger study, a mixed method survey was used to explore factors impacting nurses engaged in education through polytechnic and university courses. This paper presents factors that were self-identified by students as supporting their ability to continue with education. Participants were recruited from three nursing settings: undergraduate nursing students, Registered Nurses (RNs) engaged in post-registration education and RNs engaged in postgraduate courses. A total of 290 participants took part in the study. A number of factors identified by participants could be addressed in pre-disaster course planning and curriculum design; through education and support of both students and staff; and the active promotion of personal, professional and institutional resilience.
Influence of Enteric Infections on Response to Oral Poliovirus Vaccine: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background. The impaired immunogenicity of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) in low-income countries has been apparent since the early field trials of this vaccine. Infection with enteropathogens at the time of vaccination may contribute to this phenomenon. However, the relative influence of these infections on OPV performance remains uncertain. Methods. We conducted a systematic review to examine the impact of concurrent enteric infections on OPV response. Using random-effects models, we assessed the effects of nonpolio enteroviruses (NPEVs) and diarrhea on the odds of seroconversion and/or vaccine virus shedding. Results. We identified 25 trials in which OPV outcomes were compared according to the presence or absence of enteric infections, the majority of which (n = 17) reported only on NPEVs. Concurrent NPEVs significantly reduced the odds of per-dose seroconversion for type 1 poliovirus (odds ratio [OR] 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.23−0.84), but not type 2 (OR 0.53 [0.19−1.46]) or type 3 (OR 0.56 [0.27−1.12]). A similar reduction, significant for type 1 poliovirus (OR 0.50 [0.28−0.89]), was observed in the odds of vaccine virus shedding among NPEV-infected individuals. Concurrent diarrhea significantly inhibited per-dose seroconversion overall (OR 0.61 [0.38−0.87]). Conclusions. Our findings are consistent with an inhibitory effect of concurrent enteric infections on OPV response.
Exogamous weddings and fashion in a rising consumer culture: Kabyle minority dynamics of structure and agency

This study critically explores the intersection of fashion consumption, gender, and wedding ceremonies in contemporary Algeria. The specific research location offers the opportunity to investigate a Western minority, the Kabyle people, living in an Arabo–Islamic country, which provides a broader spectrum of analysis and enriches understanding of the role of fashion in consumers’ identity project construction. An interpretive analysis of consumer fashion discourses and practices during wedding ceremonies suggests that rising material aspirations play a significant role and reflect marked transformations among the elite. Furthermore, the adoption of previously stigmatized outfits appears to intensify power issues in terms of gender, class, and ethnicity. Unlike in previous research that stresses a will for differentiation and the role of fashion in constructing individual identities, in this study the respondents’ choices are driven mainly by collective narratives.
Advertising's Immediate and Delayed Influence on Brand Attitudes: Considerations across Message-Involvement Levels

Abstract The effects of brand beliefs and attitude-toward-the-ad (Aad) on immediate and delayed measures of attitude-toward-the-brand (Ab)were investigated for individuals who were more- and less-involved with the message of a print advertisement. Results suggest Aad's and brand beliefs' influence on immediate and delayed measures of Ab depend on individuals' involvement with the message. As expected, for individuals who are more-involved with an advertising message, both beliefs and Aad influenced Ab. This relationship held even after a one-week delay. For those less-involved with the advertising message, however, beliefs had no significant influence on brand attitudes, measured immediately following advertising exposure or after a one-week delay. Aad was shown to have a significant influence on brand attitudes in both time conditions. Implications for theory and practice, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.
Prior pallidotomy reduces and modifies neuronal activity in the subthalamic nucleus of Parkinson's disease patients

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with prior radio‐frequency lesions in the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi, pallidotomy), whose symptoms have deteriorated, may be candidates for further invasive treatment such as subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS). Six patients with prior pallidotomy (five unilaterally; one bilaterally) underwent bilateral STN DBS. The microelectrode recordings (MERs, used intraoperatively for STN verification), ipsilateral and contralateral to pallidotomy, and MERs from 11 matched PD patients who underwent bilateral STN DBS without prior pallidotomy were compared. For each trajectory, average, variance and mean successive difference (MSD, a measure of irregularity) of the root mean square (RMS) of the STN MER were calculated. The RMS in trajectories ipsilateral to pallidotomy showed significant reduction of the mean average and MSD of STN activity when compared with trajectories from patients without prior pallidotomy. The RMS parameters contralateral to pallidotomy tend to lie between those ipsilateral to pallidotomy and those without prior pallidotomy. The average STN power spectral density of oscillatory activity was notably lower ipsilateral to pallidotomy than contralateral, or without prior pallidotomy. The finding that pallidotomy reduces STN activity and changes firing characteristics, in conjunction with the effectiveness of STN DBS despite prior pallidotomy, calls for reappraisal and modification of the current model of the basal ganglia (BG) cortical network. It highlights the critical role of direct projections from the BG to brain‐stem structures and suggests a possible GPi–STN reciprocal positive‐feedback mechanism.
Motivations for participating in ‘viral politics’

This study explores the rationales by which citizens both embrace and resist the notion of using peer-to-peer digital platforms to circulate persuasive political messages. Drawing upon 25 in-depth interviews with US adults who used Twitter to link to the popular YouTube video Will the Real Mitt Romney Please Stand Up? I discuss the extent to which they imagine their online activities to be potentially influencing others in certain desired ways and thus constituting an instrumental form of political participation. The resulting analysis focuses on the complex and uneasy relationship between this media-spreading activity and a marketing-like model that positions social media users as microlevel participants in aggregate campaigns to shape public opinion. While some who engage in this activity enthusiastically embrace goals of persuasion, others opt for alternative conceptual frameworks, such as fostering citizenship by informing others and sparking deliberative dialogue, that seemingly avoid the manipulative connotations of political marketing.
J. Svartvik and R. Quirk, A corpus of English Conversation . Lund: Gleerup, 1980. Pp. 893.

This substantial volume makes publicly available transcriptions of spoken English conversation from the London-Lund corpus (The Survey of Spoken English, or SSE). This corpus is part of the collection held by the Survey of English Usage (SEU) at University College London; the purpose of the Lund part of the project, initiated in 1975, was to transfer the material to machine-readable form. The contents of this book are thus also available on computer tape and can be obtained from the International Computer Archive of Modern English. This review is based solely on the conventionally printed material. I shall discuss the details of data selection and transcription more fully below, but the principles can be summarized as follows: the corpus consists of transcripts of conversations with two or more participants, all the speakers (with one exception) being British and educated to university level. Not all the extracts are complete conversations; many begin and end in medias res. Normal orthography is used with occasional support from phonetic symbols (for example, in the representation of incomplete words); intonation is shown, as are pauses, and overlap between speakers. The editors, in a brief introduction, outline the origins of the corpus and the rationale behind it. Of the SEU, set up in 1959, they write:
M2 muscarinic receptor activation regulates schwann cell differentiation and myelin organization

Glial cells express acetylcholine receptors. In particular, rat Schwann cells express different muscarinic receptor subtypes, the most abundant of which is the M2 subtype. M2 receptor activation causes a reversible arrest of the cell cycle. This negative effect on Schwann cell proliferation suggests that these cells may possibly progress into a differentiating program. In this study we analyzed the in vitro modulation, by the M2 agonist arecaidine, of transcription factors and specific signaling pathways involved in Schwann cell differentiation. The arecaidine‐induced M2 receptor activation significantly upregulates transcription factors involved in the promyelinating phase (e.g., Sox10 and Krox20) and downregulates proteins involved in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state (e.g., c‐jun, Notch‐1, and Jagged‐1). Furthermore, arecaidine stimulation significantly increases the expression of myelin proteins, which is accompanied by evident changes in cell morphology, as indicated by electron microscopy analysis, and by substantial cellular re‐distribution of actin and cell adhesion molecules. Moreover, ultrastructural and morphometric analyses on sciatic nerves of M2/M4 knockout mice show numerous degenerating axons and clear alterations in myelin organization compared with wild‐type mice. Therefore, our data demonstrate that acetylcholine mediates axon‐glia cross talk, favoring Schwann cell progression into a differentiated myelinating phenotype and contributing to compact myelin organization. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 676–691, 2014
Visual Analytics for Electronic Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities

In this paper, we present the field of Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and the issues that it raises for visual analytics. ELINT aggregates many of the actual issues that visual analytics face such as huge amounts of data, complex data, complex tasks, missing data and unreliable data. This aggregation of specificities makes ELINT a domain raising many visualization issues. This paper identifies the challenges of ELINT by describing its specificities and identifies the opportunities that ELINT raises for the visualization domain.
Implicit Learning Theories as Determinants of the Effect of Management Development Programmes

In this paper we are concerned with the question: what is it about management development programmes that determines what effect they have, in terms of the learning that people take away from them? This question, and our attempt to contribute to an answer to it, will be of interest to all those who are directly or indirectly concerned with designing such programmes (we use the term ‘management development programmes’ to denote any form of event intended to influence management performance through a learning process).
Server-Based Service Aggregation Schemes for Interactive Video-on-Demand 1

The support of independent VCR-like interactions in true video-ondemand systems is resource intensive and in the worst case requires a separate channel for each user. A variety of techniques have been proposed to reduce resource requirements by aggregating users into groups. Recent research efforts have focused on client based aggregation owing to the massive reduction in prices of memory and storage. However, with the evolution of new computing paradigms such as pervasive computing, in which streaming media are anticipated and portable clients do not have enough buffering capacity or good network connectivity, we believe that the importance of server-based aggregation schemes will increase. Since such schemes do not assume any end-client capacity requirements, they are the logical candidates for enabling efficient VoD service in heterogeneous pervasive computing environments. Clustering of users by bridging the temporal skews between them is one such server based service aggregation technique. In this chapter we present a survey of recurrent problems in stream clustering and discuss optimal solutions with a goal of minimizing average bandwidth. We show that for dynamic interactive scenarios in In Handbook of Video Databases: Design and Applications, Borko Furht and Oge Marques, Eds, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2004, pp. 927-960. This work is supported by the NSF under grant No. NCR-9523958 . Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. which streams can break away from clusters, given perfect prediction, the problem is isomorphic to the Rectilinear Steiner Minimal Arborescence (RSMA) problem which has been recently proved to be NP-hard. Since the RSMA model relies on some unrealistic assumptions, we also review heuristic techniques, which are essentially periodic invocations of the statically optimal algorithm, and show results of their performance evaluation. We demonstrate that the heuristic algorithms perform reasonably well in dynamic situations. These algorithms are general across a large class of implementation architectures and aggregation techniques. We also describe a modeling of an interactive VoD system using stochastic dynamic programming with an average cost formulation. However, the size of the state space makes the optimization problem impractical, and we resort to other variants of RSMA such as predictive RSMA, and periodic RSMA with the same frequency as that of the mean of aggregate event process. We show that the former does not improve performance by much, and the latter performs better than other variants of the algorithm.