Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of aldehyde fixation on the morphology of endosomes and lysosomes: quantitative analysis and electron tomography

Cryoimmobilization is regarded as the most reliable method to preserve cellular ultrastructure for electron microscopic analysis, because it is both fast (milliseconds) and avoids the use of harmful chemicals on living cells. For immunolabelling studies samples have to be dehydrated by freeze‐substitution and embedded in a resin. Strangely, although most of the lipids are maintained, intracellular membranes such as endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and mitochondrial membranes are often poorly contrasted and hardly visible. By contrast, Tokuyasu cryosectioning, based on chemical fixation with aldehydes is the best established and generally most efficient method for localization of proteins by immunogold labelling. Despite the invasive character of the aldehyde fixation, the Tokuyasu method yields a reasonably good ultrastructural preservation in combination with excellent membrane contrast. In some cases, however, dramatic differences in cellular ultrastructure, especially of membranous structures, could be revealed by comparison of the chemical with the cryofixation method. To make use of the advantages of the two different approaches a more general and quantitative knowledge of the influence of aldehyde fixation on ultrastructure is needed. Therefore, we have measured the size and shape of endosomes and lysosomes in high‐pressure frozen and aldehyde‐fixed cells and found that aldehyde fixation causes a significant deformation and reduction of endosomal volume without affecting the membrane length. There was no considerable influence on the lysosomes. Ultrastructural changes caused by aldehyde fixation are most dramatic for endosomes with tubular extensions, as could be visualized with electron tomography. The implications for the interpretation of immunogold localization studies on chemically fixed cells are discussed.
Evaluating Multiexposure Fusion Using Image Information

Multiexposure fusion (MEF) refers to image fusion methods that capture high dynamic range natural scenes from a set of low dynamic range camera images. In this letter, we study the problem of designing quality assessment (QA) algorithms to estimate the perceptual quality of images generated by different MEF algorithms. We develop our quality index by evaluating individual quality maps between a given fused test image and individual over-/underexposed images at multiple scales and orientations and then combining these maps across the over-/underexposed images. Our approach works on the premise that the true undistorted reference is contained across the over-/underexposed source images. We identify this true reference based on the notion of perceived image information using natural scene statistical models. It is shown that our approach outperforms the state of the art QA algorithms in terms of correlation with human perception of quality on a publicly available MEF database.
Surface layer analysis of Si spheres both in vacuum and in air by an improved ellipsometer

For the new definition of the kilogram, surface analysis of Si spheres is essential to determine the Avogadro constant by using the x-ray crystal density method. In this work, to investigate surface characteristics of Si spheres both in vacuum and in air, a new ellipsometer having a vacuum chamber was developed. This ellipsometer enables accurate determination of the density of 28Si-enriched spheres.
A new low-cost RF built-in self-test measurement for system-on-chip transceivers

This paper presents a new RF built-in self-test (BIST) measurement and a new automatic-performance-compensation network for a system-on-chip (SoC) transceiver. We built a 5-GHz low noise amplifier (LNA) with an on-chip BIST circuit using 0.18-/spl mu/m SiGe technology. The BIST-measurement circuit contains a test amplifier and RF peak detectors. The complete measurement setup contains an LNA with a BIST circuit, an external RF source, RF relays, 50-/spl Omega/ load impedance, and a dc voltmeter. The proposed BIST circuit measures input impedance, gain, noise figure, input return loss, and output signal-to-noise ratio of the LNA. The test technique utilizes the output dc-voltage measurements, and these measured values are translated to the LNA specifications such as the gain through the developed equations. The performance of the LNA was improved by using the new automatic compensation network (ACN) that adjusts the performance of the LNA with the processor in the SoC transceiver.
Usefulness of Cytokeratin-18M65 in Diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Japanese Population

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cytokeratin-18M65 (CK-18M65) for distinguishing between simple steatosis (SS) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) against healthy individuals (HIs) in Japanese population. Methods: The serum from 24 HIs, 21 patients with SS and 20 patients with NASH were examined. Serum CK-18M65 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Aspartate aminotransferase was significantly different between NASH patients and HIs with p < 0.0001 (SS patients and HIs: p < 0.0001), as was alanine aminotransferase between NASH patients and HIs with p < 0.0001 (SS patients and HIs: p < 0.0001). Serum CK-18M65 increased in a stepwise fashion in HIs and also in SS and NASH patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NASH could be diagnosed with the use of CK-18M65 alone (p = 0.0285, OR 1.0038, 95% CI 1.0004-1.0073). At the optimal cut-off level of 548 U/l, CK-18M65 had an AUC value of 0.7369, 60.00% sensitivity and 85.70% specificity. In patients with NASH, no significant difference was observed between low fibrosis (Stage 0-1, 794.30 ± 454.41, n = 10) and high fibrosis (Stage 2-3, 809.70 ± 641.43, n = 10; p = 0.5967) and between slight steatosis (<33%, 512.89 ± 229.65, n = 9) and moderate steatosis (≥33%, 655.13 ± 480.78, n = 32) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; p = 0.7647) with the use of CK-18M65. Conclusion: Serum CK-18M65 distinguished NASH from SS, but could not assess the severity of steatosis in NAFLD patients or the grade of fibrosis in NASH patients in Japanese population.
Multiple path RPL for low power lossy networks

Routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks (RPL) is the standard IPv6 based routing protocol for low power, lossy Networks (LLNs) proposed by IETF. It is proposed for networks with characteristics like small packet size, lossy links, low bandwidth, low data rate and low power resources. RPL is a single path routing protocol and the existing objective functions do not support creation of multiple routing paths between source and destination. Multipath routing can be used to achieve multifold objectives, including higher reliability, increased throughput, fault tolerance, congestion mitigation and hole avoidance. In this paper, M-RPL a multi-path extension of RPL is proposed that aims to provide temporary multipath routing during congestion over a path. Congestion is primarily detected by a forwarding node by monitoring packet delivery ratio and is mitigated by providing partially disjoint multipath routing. Detailed simulation analysis of M-RPL against RPL shows that using multi-path RPL reduces congestion and increases the overall throughput. Hence M-RPL is suitable for supporting high data rates as compared to single path RPL.
A comparison of trends in problematic drug misuse from two reporting systems.

BACKGROUND Regional Drug Misuse Databases (RDMDs) are considered the main source of intelligence on problem drug takers in England. Originally intended to provide trend data on visible drug use, a recent strategic review concluded that their purpose should be to monitor treatment targets for the Government's latest 10 year strategy to tackle drug misuse. The aim of this analysis was to explore whether the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) could supplement RDMDs. METHODS A retrospective analysis was carried out using the GPRD and the RDMD in the West Midlands from 1993 to 1997. RESULTS Extrapolation of GPRD data indicates 6,574 drug misusing or dependent diagnosed patients in primary care in 1997 compared with 3,643 clients reported by all agencies including general practitioners (GPs) to the RDMD. From 1993 to 1997, the RDMD notification rate fluctuated whereas the GPRD rate has increased steadily since 1995. Half of all drug misusing or dependent patients recorded on the GPRD had psychiatric co-morbidity and 10 per cent had been referred to hospital for a drug overdose. CONCLUSIONS As the GPRD has been unaffected by the demise of statutory notification of drug dependence in 1997, interpretation of trends may be more reliable than on the RDMD. There is also considerable potential for analysis of prescribing patterns, co-morbidity and drug-related hospitalization. As the Department of Health's Strategic Review of RDMDs recommends GPs as 'core reporters' for providing data to the national system, there is a need for a strategy to ensure valid and comprehensive reporting from GPs.
Bacterial plasmid pBR322 sequences serve as upstream activating sequences in Saccahromyces cerevisiae

The expression of acid phosphatase (Apase) from PHO5 and MFα‐PHO5 hybrid genes is regulated by inorganic phosphate and mating type locus respectively, as well as the PHO4 and MATα1 gene products respectively. When PHO5 and MFα‐PHO5 hybrid genes were cloned in the BamHI site of the pBR322 sequence of the yeast shuttle vectors (YRp7 or YEp9T), in one orientation they were regulated normally but in the other orientation their expression was not regulated but expressed constitutively. The pBR322 sequences present upstream of the inserted genes are responsible for the constitutive expression. By replacing the PHO5 upstream activating sequences (UAS) element with pBR322 fragments, we have identified three pBR322 sequences, rom nucleotides 376 to 650, 2068 to 2116 and 2136 to 2247, which were able to promote expression of APase. A comparison of these three pBR322 fragments revealed 5′ ATCGCGCGAG 3′ and 5′ CGGTGATGNCGG 3′ to be the common sequences likely to act as USAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By using synthetic oligonucleotides, it was found that both sequences are required for maximum expression of APase activity.
Modified twofish algorithm for increasing security and efficiency in the encryption of video signals

A new encryption system is presented for compressed video signals. It employs the twofish algorithm, recently proposed for standardization purposes, as the core cipher but, through simple modifications, it permits to achieve the very high security levels promised by the standard with reduced overhead and processing time. So the new method is particularly adapted for bandwidth limited applications operating in real time. For the sake of clarity, the proposal is tested on H.263+ coded signals, but it can be easily adapted to other formats, of MPEG-x or H.26x type. Performance evaluation is done off-line, by using a simulator, but also implemented on-line in a practical environment. A comparison is made with the previous systems.
A toxic RNA catalyzes the in cellulo synthesis of its own inhibitor.

Potent modulators of RNA function can be assembled in cellulo by using the cell as a reaction vessel and a disease-causing RNA as a catalyst. When designing small molecule effectors of function, a balance between permeability and potency must be struck. Low molecular weight compounds are more permeable whereas higher molecular weight compounds are more potent. The advantages of both types of compounds could be synergized if low molecular weight molecules could be transformed into potent, multivalent ligands by a reaction that is catalyzed by binding to a target in cells expressing a genetic defect. It was shown that this approach is indeed viable in cellulo. Small molecule modules with precisely positioned alkyne and azide moieties bind adjacent internal loops in r(CCUG)(exp), the causative agent of myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), and are transformed into oligomeric, potent inhibitors of DM2 RNA dysfunction by a Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, a variant of click chemistry.
Spironolactone Metabolism: Steady‐State Serum Levels of the Sulfur‐Containing Metabolites

Metabolism of spironolactone in man is extensive and complex. For many years the dethioacetylated metabolite, canrenone, was assumed to be the major metabolite. However, recent studies using specific high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have demonstrated the presence of spironolactone and the sulfur‐containing metabolites 7α‐thiomethylspirolactone (IV) and 6β‐hydroxy‐7α‐thiomethylspirolactone (V), in addition to canrenone, in the serum after a single oral dose of spironolactone. The importance of spironolactone and metabolites IV and V relative to canrenone at steady state remains unknown and was the subject of the present investigation. Twelve healthy males received 100 mg spironolactone, once daily, for 15 days. Repeated blood samples were taken on days 1, 8 and 15 for estimation of spironolactone and its metabolites. Peak serum levels [mean (SD)] of spironolactone, canrenone, and sulfur‐containing metabolites IV and V were 72 (45), 155 (43), 359 (106) and 101 (26) ng/ml, respectively on day 1 and 80 (20), 181 (39), 391 (118) and 125 (24) ng/ml, respectively on day 15. The AUC (0–24) values of these compounds on day 15 were 231 (50), 2173 (312), 2804 (777) and 1727 (367) ng·hr/ml, respectively and the post‐steady state elimination half‐life (t1/2) values were 1.4 (0.5), 16.5 (6.3), 13.8 (6.4), and 15.0 (4.0) hours, respectively. It was concluded that unmetabolized spironolactone is present in the serum and that the sulfur‐containing metabolite IV rather than canrenone is the major metabolite in serum following single or repeated doses of spironolactone.
Multi-spectral visual odometry for unmanned air vehicles

With the recent increase of interest concerning multi-spectral systems, limitations of classic stereo setups have been overcome to tackle complex navigation problems such as night-time navigation or collision avoidance. However, multi-spectral stereo matching still remains a challenging issue as similarity between stereo pairs is reduced. In this work, we address the problem of visual navigation for multi-modal stereo setups. More precisely, we focus on finding correspondences between visible and long-wave infrared (thermal) images for pose estimation purposes. We present a new visual odometry method for air vehicles using mutual information and phase congruency. Mutual information performs an efficient cross-modality statistical analysis and phase congruency provides a robust spatial information. Hence, both of them are used as criteria for multi-spectral stereo matching. Temporal matching is then performed using feature tracking in each modality separately. This way, cross-modality processing is kept to a minimum, which reduces inaccuracy. This method provides an important number of quad-matches (stereo and temporal), which helps to select the best keypoints for computing a precise motion estimation. In our case, the selection process is performed using a RANSAC scheme. Extensive experimental results show the attractiveness of the proposed technique as a navigation solution. Moreover, results show that tracking features in both modalities makes the technique robust to abrupt navigation changes.
Accelerated dynamic learning for test pattern generation in combinational circuits

An efficient technique for dynamic learning called oriented dynamic learning is proposed. Instead of learning being performed for almost all signals in the circuit, it is shown that it is possible to determine a subset of these signals to which all learning operations can be restricted. It is further shown that learning for this set of signals provides the same knowledge about the nonsolution areas in the decision trees as the dynamic learning of SOCRATES. High efficiency is achieved by limiting learning to certain learning lines that lie within a certain area of the circuit, called the active area. Experimental results are presented to show that oriented dynamic learning is far more efficient than dynamic learning in SOCRATES. >
Acid-base changes in arterial blood and cerebrospinal fluid during craniotomy and hyperventilation.

SUMMARY Several studies in healthy man and animals have shown biochemical evidence of a change in cerebral glucose utilization to anaerobic metabolism during hyperventilation and hypocarbia. The increase in lactate in the cerebrospinal fluid was moderate at a Paco2 of 20 mm Hg but became more marked at lower values of Paco2. In this investigation patients were studied, during craniotomy, both at normal body temperature and under hypothermia. Arterial blood was sampled at hourly intervals and one sample of ventricular c.s. f. was obtained during the period of hyperventilation. With the exception of one patient in the hypothermia group no evidence of an excessive increase in c.s. f. lactate (indicative of deficient cerebral oxygenation) was seen at Paco2 values of approximately 20 mm Hg.
Nonphosphate‐Binding Effects of Sevelamer—Are They of Clinical Relevance?

Sevelamer is an ion‐exchanging resin that binds phosphate in the gut. Because it does so without increasing the calcium load, treatment with sevelamer may lead to less vascular calcification and better survival in chronic kidney disease patients. However, the results of available clinical studies have not been consistent; recent observations challenge the hypothesis that the extra calcium load inherent in calcium‐based phosphate binder therapy increases cardiovascular mortality by accelerating vascular calcification. This reemphasizes the fact that we still lack detailed understanding on the complex relationships between vascular calcification, bone metabolism, vascular disease and outcome in the context of uremia. Thus, the role of phosphate binders may be more complex than initially anticipated and not limited to the extra calcium load. Even if detailed mechanisms of action for sevelamer are not yet clearly established (except for its lipid‐lowering action), sevelamer may have a number of additional nonphosphate‐lowering actions (including lipid lowering as well as improvement in endothelial function, modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress and binding of uremic toxin absorption). Whether these potentially very interesting pleiotropic effects of sevelamer may be translated into significant clinical benefits remains to be established.
MacMath 9.2 - a dynamical systems software package for the Macintosh

An updated collection of twelve interactive graphics programs for the Macintosh computer, addressing differential equations and iteration. These programs aim to enhance the understanding of the mathematics in these topics. Qualitative analysis of the pictures leads to quantitative results and even to new mathematics. The MacMath programs encourage experimentation and increase the number of examples to which a student may be quickly exposed. These are also ideal for exploring applications of differential equations and iteration, which roughly speaking form the interface between mathematics and the realworld. This is how mathematics models a changing situation, whether it be physical forces or predator prey populations. MacMath permits investigation of various models, particularly in showing the effects of a change in parameters on ultimate behaviour of the system.
e-government In Execution : Building Organizational Infrastructure

This paper presents a sub-framework detailing critical aspects of organizational infrastructure for egovernment. According to an Accenture study performed in early 2001, Canada ranked first as a worldwide leader in e-government practices. However, the results of a survey of municipal e-government web sites in Canada illustrate how the absence of organizational infrastructure for egovernment has resulted in very little diffusion across the country. We speculate that excellence in e-government can only become widespread if formal organizational infrastructure with its accompanying diffusion networks and mechanisms are put in place.
Les facteurs de localisation des centres de R&D à l'étranger : le cas de l'Europe

Depuis les annees 1990, les entreprises ont accelere l'internationalisation de leurs activites d'innovation et implantent des centres de R&D dans un nombre croissant de pays, y compris emergents. Cet article souligne la pertinence d'une caracterisation fine des activites de R&D a l'etranger pour determiner les strategies de localisation des entreprises, et donc l'attractivite des territoires. La typologie developpee dans l'article presente trois types de centres qui obeissent aux trois grands types de motivations identifiees par les observations recentes: le marche local, les capacites scientifiques et technologiques et le rapport qualite-prix des activites de R&D. Nos tests empiriques confirment l'importance de tenir compte de la diversification des activites de R&D des entreprises a l'etranger pour comprendre les determinants de leur localisation.
Lipid Disorders in Diabetes

available to deal with problematic situations, and (4) incentives (or lack of such) for engaging in particular behaviors. Note that none of these variables imply a "pathological" view of diabetes; all are important for the day-to-day functioning of nondiabetic persons also. The theory also emphasizes the interaction between these variables and implies a need for the development of specific measures relevant to the specific behaviors of interest rather than global personality measures. For example, rather than employing general measures of problem-solving skills, we have developed measures that are specific to situations commonly faced by persons with diabetes (e.g., how can you overcome the inconvenience of urine testing at work; what do you do when urged to have a rich dessert? ). As another example, one important type of "incentive" is the degree of social support available from family members. Instead of using global measures of social support or family interaction, we have developed a "diabetes family behavior checklist" to assess supportive and nonsupportive actions of family members. Dr. Skyler commented on the need for research on behavioral interventions designed to facilitate coping with the diabetes self-care regimen. A better theoretical understanding and empirical detailing of the factors affecting adherence should decrease the number of premature behavior change attempts that are, in Skyler's words, "poorly conceived or irrelevant studies by investigators unfamiliar with clinical diabetes" (ref. 1, p. 656). Most of the social learning variables suggest specific intervention strategies rather than focusing on relatively unchangeable demographic or personality measures. It may eventually be possible to address relevant psychosocial variables in a preventive fashion. Health professionals, in collaboration with the person who has diabetes, could construct strategies during initial patient education that would assist coping with the requirements of the regimen. The ultimate usefulness of a social learning approach to psychological issues in diabetes is, of course, an empirical question. We feel, however, that such an approach avoids many of the problems noted by Skyler.
Performance study on the two methods of IF digital coherent detection

The direct IF sampling and digital coherent detection technique has important application in the modern radar. This paper studies the performances of the typical digital coherent detection methods such as Hilbert transform method and interpolation method etc. Utilizing LFM signal, we present the method that can test the quadrature performance of IF digital coherent detection by using pulse compression. Upon this method we give the relation of the quadrature performance and the order of Hilbert filter and interpolation filter, and draw some conclusions on the quadrature performance. We point out that direct IF digital coherent detection leads to SNR loss and obtain the losses of two methods by simulations.