Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degradation and drug release property of star poly(epsilon-caprolactone)s with dendritic cores.

A series of star poly(epsilon-caprolactone)s (PCL) with dendritic cores, PAMAM-PCLs, were synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone (CL) initiated by poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM-OH). By controlling the feed ratio of the macroinitiator PAMAM-OH to the monomer CL, the star polymers with different branch lengths and properties can be obtained. The successful incorporation of PCL sequences onto the PAMAM-OH core was verified by FTIR, 1H NMR, and combined size-exclusion chromatography and multiangle laser light scattering analysis. The in vitro degradation of PAMAM-PCLs was investigated. The results show the hydrolytic degradation rate increases with increasing content of hydrophilic PAMAM-OH core. While the enzymatic degradation rate is affected by two competitive factors, the catalytic effect of Pseudomonas cepacia lipase on the degradation of PCL branches and the hydrophilicity that depends on the polymer composition. Using the PAMAM-PCLs with different molecular weights, the microsphere drug delivery systems with submicron sizes were fabricated using an "ultrasonic assisted precipitation method. " The in vitro drug release from these microspheres was investigated.
Function of the Ski4p (Csl4p) and Ski7p Proteins in 3′-to-5′ Degradation of mRNA

ABSTRACT One of two general pathways of mRNA decay in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae occurs by deadenylation followed by 3′-to-5′ degradation of the mRNA body. Previous results have shown that this degradation requires components of the exosome and the Ski2p, Ski3p, and Ski8p proteins, which were originally identified due to their superkiller phenotype. In this work, we demonstrate that deletion of the SKI7 gene, which encodes a putative GTPase, also causes a defect in 3′-to-5′ degradation of mRNA. Deletion ofSKI7, like deletion of SKI2, SKI3, or SKI8, does not affect various RNA-processing reactions of the exosome. In addition, we show that a mutation in theSKI4 gene also causes a defect in 3′-to-5′ mRNA degradation. We show that the SKI4 gene is identical to theCSL4 gene, which encodes a core component of the exosome. Interestingly, the ski4-1 allele contains a point mutation resulting in a mutation in the putative RNA binding domain of the Csl4p protein. This point mutation strongly affects mRNA degradation without affecting exosome function in rRNA or snRNA processing, 5′ externally transcribed spacer (ETS) degradation, or viability. In contrast, thecsl4-1 allele of the same gene affects rRNA processing but not 3′-to-5′ mRNA degradation. We identify csl4-1 as resulting from a partial-loss-of-function mutation in the promoter of the CSL4 gene. These data indicate that the distinct functions of the exosome can be separated genetically and suggest that the RNA binding domain of Csl4p may have a specific function in mRNA degradation.
M-lcelp Speech Coding at Bit-rates Below 4kbps

This paper presents the M-LCELP (multi-mode Learned Code Excited LPC) speech coder, which has been developed for submission to the competition for setting the North American standards for half-rate digital cellular systems. The MOS subjective test shows that 4.075kbps M-LCELP synthetic speech quality is high, equivalent to that of a 8kbps VSELP full-rate coder.
Predictive control of an H-NPC converter for single-phase rooftop photovoltaic systems

This paper presents the predictive control of the H-NPC converter for single-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) applications. This topology has been commercialized by one major manufacturer for small-scale rooftop PV applications, up to 8 kW, with classic PI control and an adapted carrier based PWM modulation. The proposed control scheme allows the dc-Link voltage control and the balance of the dc-link capacitors. Low ripple currents and a near unity power factor are achieved. The use of predictive control has been further exploited by adding control of the average device switching frequency, and a switching loss reduction mechanism. Other additions to the predictive control scheme allow the control of the common-mode voltage to eliminate possible leakage currents due to parasitic capacitance of the PV modules. The proposed control scheme is validated trough simulation results and tested under dynamic conditions.
Antiadhesive Collagen Membrane with Heparin Slow Release

A collagenous antiadhesive membrane with slow heparin release was tested in animal studies and found to exhibit antiadhesion activity. The antiadhesive membrane was prepared by crosslinking protamine to purified human amnion and then ionically binding heparin to the protamine. The amount of bound heparin was proportional to the protamine content in the collagen. The heparin was found to slowly release in vivo over a period of one month. The heparinized amnion was evaluated in canines. A portion of the serous membrane was removed from the intestine and the heparinized amnion was sutured onto the site. Observations up to 687 days after surgery revealed that the heparinized amnion showed satisfactory antiadhesion efficacy. Mesothelial cell proliferation lining on the site and normal wound healing was observed with no scar formation. The amnion was incorporated into the tissue and grad ually resorbed. In contrast, all unheparinized amnion controls showed consid erable adhesion and severe scar formation with distortion of the healed in testine. Two out of the four control dogs died of intestinal obstruction.
A New Robust Method for Nonlinear Regression.

BACKGROUND When outliers are present, the least squares method of nonlinear regression performs poorly. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a robust alternative technique to the Ordinary Least Squares nonlinear regression method. This new robust nonlinear regression method can provide accurate parameter estimates when outliers and/or influential observations are present. METHOD Real and simulated data for drug concentration and tumor size-metastasis are used to assess the performance of this new estimator. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to evaluate the robustness of our new method in comparison with the Ordinary Least Squares method. RESULTS In simulated data with outliers, this new estimator of regression parameters seems to outperform the Ordinary Least Squares with respect to bias, mean squared errors, and mean estimated parameters. Two algorithms have been proposed. Additionally and for the sake of computational ease and illustration, a Mathematica program has been provided in the Appendix. CONCLUSION The accuracy of our robust technique is superior to that of the Ordinary Least Squares. The robustness and simplicity of computations make this new technique more appropriate and useful tool for the analysis of nonlinear regressions.
Intracranial Pressure Telemetry System Using Semicustom Integrated Circuits

A new generation of implantable, telemetric transmitters for intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements have been developed. A unique technique used in packaging the silicon piezoresistive pt essure transducer provides excellent long-term stability. Pulse code modulation is used for data transmission over a radio frequency (RF) link. To minimize the component count, two semicustom, bipolar integrated circuits are used. The transmitter electronics are housed inside a 29 ×20 ×7 mm titanium package along with the pressure transducer and two lithium batteries. Even though the transmitter consumes less than 0.4 mW of power, it is turned on remotely via RF signal transduction only on demand in order to extend the lifetime of the batteries to years. The pressure input of the transmitter has a dynamic range of ¿100- +200 mmHg with a 0.3 mmHg resolution and a 1 mmHg accuracy. Long-term in vitro and in vivo pressure baseline stabilities of better than 1 and 2 mmHg per month, respectively, have been achieved.
Compact antenna using split-ring resonator integrated with bent dipole-like metal pattern

We propose a novel compact antenna using a split-ring resonator (SRR), a common metamaterial structure. By integrating an SRR with a bent dipole-like metal pattern, miniaturization and performance enhancement are achieved. From simulated results, we confirm wide bandwidth and high efficiency close to the theoretical limit. We also designed and evaluated the proposed antenna with a reflector and extended feed line for applications requiring directed radiation.
Particle-Swarm Optimization in Antenna Design: Optimization of Log-Periodic Dipole Arrays

This paper presents a short tutorial and overview of optimization algorithms based on particle-swarm schemes, and their application to solving electromagnetic problems. As a practical example, a particle-swarm optimization (PSO) tool has been applied in conjunction with the Numerical Electromagnetics Code (NEC) to get the design curves of optimized log-periodic dipole arrays (LPDAs). The graphs show the performance of several radiation parameters (directive gain, front-to-back ratio, bandwidth, SWR, and half-power beamwidth in the E and H planes) as a function of typical design parameters of log-periodic dipole arrays (geometrical parameters and characteristics of the feed). Examples of optimized antennas are given, and their performance is compared to that of standard log-periodic dipole arrays.
High CO2 Levels Cause Skeletal Muscle Atrophy via AMP-activated Kinase (AMPK), FoxO3a Protein, and Muscle-specific Ring Finger Protein 1 (MuRF1)*

Background: CO2 retention and skeletal muscle atrophy occur in patients with lung diseases and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Results: Hypercapnia leads to AMPK/FoxO3a/MuRF1-dependent muscle fiber size reduction. Conclusion: Hypercapnia activates a signaling pathway leading to skeletal muscle atrophy. Significance: High CO2 levels directly activate a proteolytic program of skeletal muscle atrophy which is of relevance to patients with lung diseases. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, and critical care illness may develop hypercapnia. Many of these patients often have muscle dysfunction which increases morbidity and impairs their quality of life. Here, we investigated whether hypercapnia leads to skeletal muscle atrophy. Mice exposed to high CO2 had decreased skeletal muscle wet weight, fiber diameter, and strength. Cultured myotubes exposed to high CO2 had reduced fiber diameter, protein/DNA ratios, and anabolic capacity. High CO2 induced the expression of MuRF1 in vivo and in vitro, whereas MuRF1−/− mice exposed to high CO2 did not develop muscle atrophy. AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), a metabolic sensor, was activated in myotubes exposed to high CO2, and loss-of-function studies showed that the AMPKα2 isoform is necessary for muscle-specific ring finger protein 1 (MuRF1) up-regulation and myofiber size reduction. High CO2 induced AMPKα2 activation, triggering the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of FoxO3a, and leading to an increase in MuRF1 expression and myotube atrophy. Accordingly, we provide evidence that high CO2 activates skeletal muscle atrophy via AMPKα2-FoxO3a-MuRF1, which is of biological and potentially clinical significance in patients with lung diseases and hypercapnia.
Diversity gain for rician and Rayleigh environments in reverberation chamber

Reverberation chamber is used to characterize the diversity gain based on its properties of diffuse field. First, we isolate the effects on diversity gain due to different factors, resulting in a composite power imbalance. Then, we describe the power correlation as a function of the complex correlation when the K-factors on different channels are not identical. By using Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate the maximum diversity gains for different configurations (i.e., different levels of K-factor, power imbalances, complex correlations). We measure the diversity gain when changing the correlation between the received signals (at antenna array) and when the unstirred power level at reception changes. Then, we compare these results with those issued from statistical simulations.
MOLECULAR GAS EVOLUTION ACROSS A SPIRAL ARM IN M51

We present sensitive and high angular resolution CO(1–0) data obtained by the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy observations toward the nearby grand-design spiral galaxy M51. The angular resolution of 0. ″7 corresponds to 30 pc, which is similar to the typical size of giant molecular clouds (GMCs), and the sensitivity is also high enough to detect typical GMCs. Within the 1′ field of view centered on a spiral arm, a number of GMC-scale structures are detected as clumps. However, only a few clumps are found to be associated with each giant molecular association (GMA) and more than 90% of the total flux is resolved out in our data. Considering the high sensitivity and resolution of our data, these results indicate that GMAs are not mere confusion with GMCs but plausibly smooth structures. In addition, we have found that the most massive clumps are located downstream of the spiral arm, which suggests that they are at a later stage of molecular cloud evolution across the arm and plausibly are cores of GMAs. By comparing with Hα and Paα images, most of these cores are found to have nearby star-forming regions. We thus propose an evolutionary scenario for the interstellar medium, in which smaller molecular clouds collide to form smooth GMAs at spiral arm regions and then star formation is triggered in the GMA cores. Our new CO data have revealed the internal structure of GMAs at GMC scales, finding the most massive substructures on the downstream side of the arm in close association with the brightest H ii regions.
Introduction to radial basis function networks

This document is an introduction to radial basis function RBF networks a type of arti cial neural network for application to problems of supervised learning e g regression classi cation and time series prediction It is now only available in PostScript an older and now unsupported hyper text ver sion may be available for a while longer The document was rst published in along with a package of Matlab functions implementing the methods described In a new document Recent Advances in Radial Basis Function Networks became available with a second and improved version of the Matlab package mjo anc ed ac uk www anc ed ac uk mjo papers intro ps www anc ed ac uk mjo intro intro html www anc ed ac uk mjo software rbf zip www anc ed ac uk mjo papers recad ps www anc ed ac uk mjo software rbf zip
Analytical model of radiation response in FDSOI MOSFETS

It was recently shown that band-to-band tunneling (BBT), in combination with trapped charge buildup in the buried oxide, affects the radiation response in some fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) MOSFET technologies. In this paper, an analytical model for these radiation response characteristics is proposed. The charge coupling between the front and back gates is demonstrated analytically using closed-form expressions for the back-gate threshold voltage as a function of trapped charge in the buried oxide and front gate voltage.
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of AtPAP 15 , a Purple Acid Phosphatase with Phytase Activity , in Arabidopsis 1 [ W ] [ OA ]

Purple acid phosphatase (PAP) catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters and anhydrides to release phosphate within an acidic pH range. Among the 29 PAP-like proteins in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), AtPAP15 (At3g07130) displays a greater degree of amino acid identity with soybean (Glycine max; GmPHY) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) PAP (NtPAP) with phytase activity than the other AtPAPs. In this study, transgenic Arabidopsis that expressed an AtPAP15 promoter:: b-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion protein showed that AtPAP15 expression was developmentally and temporally regulated, with strong GUS staining at the early stages of seedling growth and pollen germination. The expression was also organ/tissue specific, with strongest GUS staining in the vasculature, pollen grains, and roots. The recombinant AtPAP purified from transgenic tobacco exhibited broad substrate specificity with moderate phytase activity. AtPAP15 T-DNA insertion lines exhibited a lower phytase and phosphatase activity in seedling and germinating pollen and lower pollen germination rate compared with the wild type and their complementation lines. Therefore, AtPAP15 likely mobilizes phosphorus reserves in plants, particularly during seed and pollen germination. Since AtPAP15 is not expressed in the root hair or in the epidermal cells, it is unlikely to play any role in external phosphorus assimilation.
Hot carrier degradation: From defect creation modeling to their impact on NMOS parameters

Hot Carrier induced degradation is modeled using the carrier energy distribution function including Carrier-Carrier Scattering process. Silicon-hydrogen bond breakage through single particle and multiple particles interactions is considered in the modeling of the microscopic defect creation along the channel. Good agreement with lateral profile measurements is obtained for various stress conditions. The impact of the simulated defects distribution along the channel on the electrostatic and mobility (using remote coulomb scattering) is found in line with measurements.
A novel global MPPT based on genetic algorithms for photovoltaic systems under the influence of partial shading

This paper presents a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm, based on genetic algorithms (GA). This algorithm is used for searching the global maximum power point (GMPP) for photovoltaic systems affected by partial shading. The “Perturb and Observe” (P&O) algorithm is embedded into the GA function for improving the optimisation process. By adding this functionality to the algorithm, the number of iterations and the population size is low, thus finding the MPP in a short time. Description of this algorithm and its performances will be detailed in this article, verified through simulation and experimental results.
High-frequency and brief-pulse stimulation pulses terminate cortical electrical stimulation-induced afterdischarges

Brief-pulse stimulation at 50 Hz has been shown to terminate afterdischarges observed in epilepsy patients. However, the optimal pulse stimulation parameters for terminating cortical electrical stimulation-induced afterdischarges remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the effects of different brief-pulse stimulation frequencies (5, 50 and 100 Hz) on cortical electrical stimulation-induced afterdischarges in 10 patients with refractory epilepsy. Results demonstrated that brief-pulse stimulation could terminate cortical electrical stimulation-induced afterdischarges in refractory epilepsy patients. In conclusion, (1) a brief-pulse stimulation was more effective when the afterdischarge did not extend to the surrounding brain area. (2) A higher brief-pulse stimulation frequency (especially 100 Hz) was more likely to terminate an afterdischarge. (3) A low current intensity of brief-pulse stimulation was more likely to terminate an afterdischarge
Skin mechanics measured in vivo using torsion: a new and accurate model more sensitive to age, sex and moisturizing treatment

Measurements of skin mechanics are required to understand better cracking and flaking of the epidermis and loss of ‘elasticity’with age in the dermis. Improvements in torsional testing are described here. The resulting data was fitted to algebraic models, the parameters of which can serve both as a concise description of the responses and as a means of relating them to skin structure and physiology. This investigation looks into the suitability of seven such algebraic models. Five of the models examined here appear to be new.
Real-world experience with adjuvant fec-d chemotherapy in four Ontario regional cancer centres.

BACKGROUND The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy with fec-d (5-fluorouracil-epirubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel) is superior to that with fec-100 alone in women with early-stage breast cancer. As the use of fec-d increased in clinical practice, health care providers anecdotally noted higher-than-expected toxicity rates and frequent early treatment discontinuations because of toxicity. In the present study, we compared the rates of serious adverse events in patients who received adjuvant fec-d chemotherapy in routine clinical practice with the rates reported in the pacs-01 trial. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients prescribed adjuvant fec-d for early-stage breast cancer at 4 regional cancer centres in Ontario. Information was collected from electronic and paper charts by a physician investigator from each centre. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and univariate regression. RESULTS The 671 electronic and paper patient records reviewed showed a median patient age of 52.2 years, 229 patients (34.1%) with N0 disease, 508 patients (75.7%) with estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive disease (or both), and 113 patients (26%) with her2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 152 patients (22.7%), most frequently at cycle 4, coincident with the initiation of docetaxel [78/152 (51.3%)]. Primary prophylaxis with hematopoietic growth factor support was used in 235 patients (35%), and the rate of febrile neutropenia was significantly lower in those who received prophylaxis than in those who did not [15/235 (6.4%) vs. 137/436 (31.4%); p < 0.001; risk ratio: 0.20]. CONCLUSIONS In routine clinical practice, treatment with fec-d is associated with a higher-than-expected rate of febrile neutropenia, in light of which, primary prophylaxis with growth factor should be considered, per international guidelines. Adoption based on clinical trial reports of new therapies into mainstream practice must be done carefully and with scrutiny.
Plasma membrane‐generated reactive oxygen intermediates and their role in cell growth of plants

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced as intermediates in the reduction of O2 to H2O (superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical), are generally regarded as harmful products of oxygenic metabolism causing cell damage in plants, animals and microorganisms. However, oxygen radical chemistry can also play useful roles if it takes place outside of the protoplast. In plants, the production of these ROS initiated by the plasma membrane NAD(P)H oxidase can be used for controlled polymer breakdown leading to wall loosening during extension growth. Backbone cleavage of cell wall polysaccharides can be accomplished by hydroxyl radicals produced from hydrogen peroxide and superoxide in a reaction catalyzed by cell wall peroxidase. Growing plant organs such as coleoptiles or roots of maize seedlings produce these ROS specifically in the apoplast of actively growing tissues, e.g. in the epidermis of the coleoptile and the growing zone of the root. Auxin promotes the release of hydroxyl radicals when inducing elongation growth. Experimental generation of hydroxyl radicals in the wall causes an increase in wall extensibility in vitro and replaces auxin in inducing growth. Auxin‐induced growth can be inhibited by scavengers of ROS or inhibitors interfering with the formation of these molecules in the cell wall. These results provide the experimental background for a novel hypothesis on the mechanism of plant cell growth in which the generation of hydroxyl radicals, initiated by the plasma membrane NAD(P)H oxidase, plays a central role.