Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Miniaturization of high frequency power converters

iv topologies including soft-switching buck converters, Class-E resonant converters, and ClassDE resonant converters. Integrated circuit design technologies including silicon-in-insulator and high-voltage CMOS technologies are used to design two chips. Packaging technologies like module integration, power-supply-in-package, and thermally enhanced epoxy molding are used, not only to achieve tighter integration for the internal components, but also to enhance the thermal and mechanical performance of the prototypes. Finally, control techniques like on-off control, frequency control, and phase-shift control were investigated to achieve different levels of control for the output voltage or the output current of the power converters. Adaptive dead-time control is identified as one of the most important circuits to integrate in case of applying continuous operation control methods, like pulse width modulation control, frequency control, or phase shift control, as it is a must to use in combination with soft-switching techniques. With the proper application of the knowledge gained throughout this work, it is possible to achieve high power density converters, and potentially realize the vision of a fully integrated power-supply-on-chip (PwrSoC).
Improved Ion Mobility Spectrometer for Chemical Warfare Agents Detection

On the basis of existing Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, significant improvements have been made in drift tube design, gas path system structure, ionization source choice, and display screen. Then, a series of experiments on Sarin (GB), Mustard gas(HD), Hydrogen cyanide (AC) and VX detection have been launched, whose results indicated that the improved Ion Mobility Spectrometer had good performance in fast response speed, easy rinse, low temperature environment adaption with a high resolution and sensitivity.
CALL FOR PAPERS Bioengineering the Lung: Molecules, Materials, Matrix, Morphology, and Mechanics Rho-kinase inhibition attenuates airway responsiveness, inflammation, matrix remodeling, and oxidative stress activation induced by chronic inflammation

Samantha Souza Possa, Homar Toledo Charafeddine, Renato Fraga Righetti, Patricia Angeli da Silva, Rafael Almeida-Reis, Beatriz Mangueira Saraiva-Romanholo, Adenir Perini, Carla Maximo Prado, Edna Aparecida Leick-Maldonado, Milton A. Martins, and Iolanda de Fatima Lopes Calvo Tiberio Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, and Department of Biological Science, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Diadema, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Carbon Dots with Tunable Photoluminescence Properties

A facile process for producing carbon dots with tunable luminescence properties has been developed by using microwaveassisted technique. Citric acid and L-histidine were used as carbohydrate precursors. By varying the precursors concentration in ethylene glycol, adjustable multicolor carbon dots of blue, green to yellow under UV excitation were easily obtained. We found that the photoluminescence of carbon dots (diameter < 40 nm) can be adjusted by simply varying precursor amount, which has not yet been reported before. Other methods for preparing different photoluminescent carbon dots often use oxidative/reductive chemicals, our method is facile and environmental friendly. The tuneable photoluminescence range can extend from 430 nm to 550 nm in this system.
Structural features of the KPI domain control APP dimerization, trafficking, and processing

The two major isoforms of human APP, APP695 and APP751, differ by the presence of a Kunitz‐type protease inhibitor (KPI) domain in the extracellular region. APP processing and function is thought to be regulated by homodimerization. We used bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to study dimerization of different APP isoforms and mutants. APP751 was found to form significantly more homodimers than APP695. Mutation of dimerization motifs in the TM domain did not affect fluorescence complementation, but native folding of KPI is critical for APP751 homodimerization. APP751 and APP695 dimers were mostly localized at steady state in the Golgi region, suggesting that most of the APP751 and 695 dimers are in the secretory pathway. Mutation of the KPI led to the retention of the APP homodimers in the endoplasmic reticulum. We finally showed that APP751 is more efficiently processed through the nonamyloidogenic pathway than APP695. These findings provide new insight on the particular role of KPI domain in APP dimerization. The correlation observed between dimerization, subcellular localization, and processing suggests that dimerization acts as an efficient regulator of APP trafficking in the secretory compartments that has major consequences on its processing. —Ben Khalifa, N. , Tyteca, D. , Marinangeli, C. , Depuydt, M. , Collet, J.‐F. , Courtoy, P. J., Renauld, J.‐C. , Constantinescu, S. N. , Octave, J.‐N. , Kienlen‐Campard, P. Structural features of the KPI domain control APP dimerization, trafficking, and processing. FASEB J. 26, 855–867 (2012). www.fasebj. org
The sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitor ABC294640 inhibits cervical carcinoma cell growth

ABC294640 is a specific sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) inhibitor. The anti-cervical carcinoma activity by ABC294640 was tested in this study. ABC294640 inhibited in vitro growth of the established (C33A and HeLa lines) and primary human cervical carcinoma cells. The SphK2 inhibitor also induced G1-S arrest and apoptosis in cervical carcinoma cells. It was yet non-cytotoxic to SphK2-low human cervical epithelial cells. ABC294640 inhibited SphK activation, causing sphingosine-1-phosphate depletion, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in-activation and ceramide production. Bcl-2 is a key resistance factor of ABC294640. Pharmacological Bcl-2 inhibition or Bcl-2 shRNA potentiated ABC294640-induced C33A cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. On the other hand, exogenous over-expression of Bcl-2 attenuated ABC294640's cytotoxicity against C33A cells. In vivo, ABC294640 administration inhibited C33A xenograft tumor growth in mice. Co-administration of the Bcl-2 inhibitor GDC-0199 further potentiated ABC294640's anti-tumor activity. Together, we suggest that ABC294640 might have translational value for the treatment of human cervical carcinoma.
Feature Selection for Ensembles

The traditional motivation behind feature selection algorithms is to find the best subset of features for a task using one particular learning algonthm. Given the recent success of ensembles, however, we investigate the notion of ensemble feature selection in this paper. This task is harder than traditional feature selection in that one not only needs to find features germane to the learning task and learning algorithm, but one also needs to find a set of feature subsets that will promote disagreement among the ensemble's classifiers. In this paper, we present an ensemble feature selection approach that is based on genetic algorithms. Our algorithm shows improved performance over the popular and powerful ensemble approaches of AdaBoost and Bagging and demonstrates the utility of ensemble feature selection.
Topical preparation containing suspension of solid lipid particle

PURPOSE: To prepare a topical preparation having merits of improved blockage effect on skin, etc., reduced skin stimulation and improved penetration of a medicine, compared to a conventional emulsion, etc., and preparation. CONSTITUTION: This topical preparation for a body is an aqueous suspension of nano particles of a solid lipid including at least one lipid and preferably at least one kind of emulsifier. The nano particles of the solid lipid has 50-1,000nm average particle diameter and the concentration thereof is 0.01-60wt. % based on the suspension. A topical preparation containing the suspension of the nano particles of the solid lipid is also provided.
Analysis of a Shaftless Semi-Hard Magnetic Material Flywheel on Radial Hysteresis Self-Bearing Drives

Flywheel Energy Storage Systems are interesting solutions for energy storage, featuring advantageous characteristics when compared to other technologies. This has motivated research effort focusing mainly on cost aspects, system reliability and energy density improvement. In this context, a novel shaftless outer-rotor layout is proposed. It features a semi-hard magnetic FeCrCo 48/5 rotor coupled with two bearingless hysteresis drives. The novelty lies in the use of the semi-hard magnetic material, lending the proposed layout advantageous features thanks to its elevated mechanical strength and magnetic properties that enable the use of bearingless hysteresis drives. The paper presents a study of the proposed layout and an assessment of its energetic features. It also focuses on the modeling of the radial magnetic suspension, where the electromagnets providing the levitating forces are modeled through a one-dimensional approach. The Jiles–Atherton model is used to describe the magnetic hysteresis of the rotor material. The proposed flywheel features a mass of 61.2 kg, a storage capability of 600 Wh at the maximum speed of 18,000 rpm and achieves an energy density of 9.8 Wh/kg. The performance of the magnetic suspension is demonstrated to be satisfactory and the influence of the hysteresis of the rotor material is highlighted.
Cytomorphologic features of primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the psoas muscle: A case report and literature review

Ki‐1 (CD30) positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an uncommon malignancy, which may present with nodal as well as extra‐nodal disease. Primary skeletal muscle Ki‐1 (CD30) positive ALCL is an even rarer event with few cases reported in the literature and only some with published cytomorphologic features. An 83‐year‐old woman underwent a fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a psoas muscle mass. Smears demonstrated a predominantly discohesive population of large pleomorphic cells. The nuclei were hypechromatic and lobulated, with often multinucleation. Nucleoli were prominent in a subset of cells. Cytoplasmic vacuolization was also present. No lymphoglandular bodies were identified. A cytodiagnosis of malignant cells favoring metastatic melanoma vs. poorly differentiated carcinoma was rendered. Morphologic and immunohistochemical features later revealed a primary psoas muscle Ki‐1 (CD30) positive ALCL with negative staining for anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase (ALK). Cytologic features of ALCL mimic epithelial neoplasms, sarcomas, melanoma and other lymphomas. Although rare, ALCL should be a diagnostic consideration when discohesive pleomorphic malignant cells are encountered on FNA of a muscle neoplasm. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vehicular Internet: Security & Privacy Challenges and Opportunities

The vehicular internet will drive the future of vehicular technology and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Whether it is road safety, infotainment, or driver-less cars, the vehicular internet will lay the foundation for the future of road travel. Governments and companies are pursuing driver-less vehicles as they are considered to be more reliable than humans and, therefore, safer. The vehicles today are not just a means of transportation but are also equipped with a wide range of sensors that provide valuable data. If vehicles are enabled to share data that they collect with other vehicles or authorities for decision-making and safer driving, they thereby form a vehicular network. However, there is a lot at stake in vehicular networks if they are compromised. With the stakes so high, it is imperative that the vehicular networks are secured and made resilient to any attack or attempt that may have serious consequences. The vehicular internet can also be the target of a cyber attack, which can be devastating. In this paper, the opportunities that the vehicular internet offers are presented and then various security and privacy aspects are discussed and some solutions are presented.
Fabrication of highly ordered Ta2O5 and Ta3N5 nanorod arrays by nanoimprinting and through-mask anodization

Using highly ordered porous anodic alumina membrane fabricated with the aid of nanoimprinting as a mask, Ta2O5 nanorod array with uniform diameter, length, and distribution is grown in situ on a Ta substrate by through-mask anodization. The Ta2O5 nanorod array is further transformed into Ta3N5 nanorod array without damaging the nanorod structure by nitridation. Solar-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting with a maximum solar energy conversion efficiency of 0.36% is demonstrated with the Ta3N5 nanorod array after modifying the surface with cobalt-phosphate as a co-catalyst. The Ta2O5 and Ta3N5 nanorod arrays have potential applications in catalysis, photonics, UV photodetection and solar energy conversion.
Using an active contour method to detect bilge dumps from SAR imagery

An automatic approach to detect bilge dumping in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images over Southern African oceans is proposed. The approach uses a threshold-based algorithm and a region-based active contour model (ACM) algorithm to achieve an efficient bilge dump detection tool. A threshold method was used to detect areas with a high bilge dump probability while the ACM method is used to get closed contours of potential bilge dumps. A discrimination step was implemented to detect linear features as potential bilge dump events. The automated approach was investigated using SENTINEL-1A and ENVISAT Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) where the proposed approach showed promising results.
Homography estimation in omnidirectional vision under the L∞-norm

Solving the vision problem using convex optimization theory is now a focus in computer vision and robot communities. Second Order Cone Programming (SOCP) is especially effective in these methods. This paper discusses homography estimation in omnidirectional vision under the L∞-norm, which provides a theoretical guarantee of global optimality and a wide field of view. We give three different kinds of frameworks in this paper. This approach provides a theoretical guarantee of global optimality. A robot with this algorithm, which provides global optimality and a wide field of view demonstrated by good performance in experiments for synthetic and real data, has a more exact location and 3D reconstruction ability, which cannot be provided by traditional homography estimate method under traditional vision system.
The interpretation of speech reception threshold data in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners: II. Fluctuating noise.

Following previous work [Smits and Festen. (2011). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 130, 2987-2998] involving the interpretation of speech reception threshold (SRT) data in steady-state noise, the present study considers fluctuating noise. Whereas the SIIsteady function [i.e., the speech intelligibility index (SII) against SNR in steady-state noise] can be approximated by a simple linear function going from 0 to 1 between SNR = -15 dB to +15 dB, the SIIfluc function is a function over a broader range than 30 dB and its maximum lies at a SNR higher than +15 dB. The difference in shape between the SIIsteady and SIIfluc functions has several implications. It predicts a reduction in fluctuating masker benefit (FMB), or even a negative FMB, for higher SNRs for normal-hearing listeners. Experimental data confirm this prediction. Much of the reduction in FMB for hearing-impaired listeners may be attributed to the higher SRTs in steady-state noise for these listeners.
Integral Impact of BTI, PVT Variation, and Workload on SRAM Sense Amplifier

The CMOS technology scaling faced over the past recent decades severe variability and reliability challenges. One of the major reliability challenges is bias temperature instability (BTI). This paper analyzes the impact of BTI on the sensing delay of standard latch-type sense amplifier (SA), which is one of the critical components of high performance memories; the analysis is done by incorporating the impact of process, voltage, and temperature variations (in order to investigate the severity of the integral impact) and by considering different workloads and four technology nodes (i.e., 45, 32, 22, and 16 nm). The results show the importance of taking the SA degradation into consideration for robust memory design; the SA degradation depends on the application and technology node, and the sensing delay can increase with 184.58% for the worst case conditions at 16 nm. The results also show that the BTI impact for nominal conditions at 16 nm reaches a 12.10% delay increment. On top of that, when extrinsic conditions are considered, the degradation can reach up to 168.45% at 398 K for 16 nm.
Performance Enhancement of A GaAs Solar Cell with Colloidal Quantum Dots Embedded in Trenches

A hybrid colloidal quantum dot (CQD) single junction GaAs solar cell was fabricated and measured. The CQDs are cast into the different sizes of trenches on the device surface. The introduction of CQD layer brings wide-range EQE enhancement, particularly in the ultra-violet band. The analysis reveals possible luminescent down-shifting effect due to our embedded quantum dots. As high as 2 times of EQE enhancement can be observed at specific short wavelength.
Reconfigurable Circuit design using evolvable hardware chip for illumination tolerant image enhancement

For many signal processing applications, image processing are performed on real-time data. Images capture through any signal processing receivers may be contaminated by a variety of distortions such as improper illumination or shading of images and also noise sources such as chip electronic noise. Therefore a processing hardware unit has to be incorporated before reorganization to improve image quality. Virtual reconfigurable circuit EHW is designed to adapt to changes in task requirements or changes in the environment through its ability to reconfigure its own hardware structure to remove the noise in the image.
A new architecture for robot control

In this paper we discuss the demanding computational needs of robot control and describe a new computer architecture optimized for such problems. Inverse kinematics and dynamics for 6 degrees of freedom arms are often used as benchmarks to measure controller speed. According to current estimates, the new processor we describe can compute both of these problems, using 32 bit fixed-point operations, in less than 250 microseconds. This is an order of magnitude faster than existing state-of-the-art systems. Such benchmarks only measure a smallportion of the true robot control problem. The issues of interpolation, input/output, and multiple axis synchronization must also be addressed. As robotics becomes more advanced, the need for more compatationally intensive control algorithms (hybrid position/force control, sensory-based control, multiple robot cooperation, etc.) will grow. These now computationally-intractable problems must ultimately be computed in real-time. In this paper, we discuss current progress on a flexible (i.e. programmable) system which is fast enough to approach such problems. The system is targetted to support up to 40 synchronized axes, performing advanced control algorithms with an update rate over 1 KHz.
Enhanced Tensile Strength of Titanium/Polycarbonate Joint Connected by Electron Beam Activated Cross-Weave Carbon Fiber Cloth Insert

A new titanium (Ti)/polycarbonate (PC) joint [Ti/EBCF/PC] internally connected by homogeneous low potential electron beam irradiation (HLEBI) activated cross-weave carbon ber (6 μm in diameter) cloth insert taking advantage of broad CF surface area had been developed. Applying HLEBI dose in the range of 0.043 to 0.43 MGy to the bare CF half-length prior to dipping in the thermoplastic PC molten resin enhanced ultimate tensile strength (σb) of Ti/EBCF/PC over that without HLEBI [Ti/CF/PC]. The 0.30 MGy dose appeared to be near the optimum resulting in σb of 20.7 MPa, an increase of 3.0, 3.9 and 21.1 times higher than that of Ti/CF/PC, with glue only [Ti/Glue/PC], and with spontaneous adhesion without glue [Ti/PC], at 7.00, 5.30, and 0.98 MPa, respectively. Moreover, regardless of HLEBI treatment, introduction of the CF insert into the joint prevented abrupt brittle fracture compared to the Ti/PC joint. The corrected ultimate tensile strength (σb) de ned as that of the 60 vol% CF-containing PC cross section portion calculated by rule of mixtures was also raised by the 0.30 MGy HLEBI to σb = 195 MPa (Ti/EBCF/CFRPC); 6.89 and 31.7 times higher than that of Ti/CF/CFRPC and Ti/PC at 28.3 MPa and 6.16 MPa, respectively. The HLEBI probably enhanced the ability to adhere the CFs to dif cult to adhere thermoplastic PC to generate the tremendously large friction force, with the aim of raising the safety level of lightweight material with high resistance to fracture for airplanes and automobiles. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.M2017012]
Nature‐Inspired Multifunctional Ligands: Focusing on Amyloid‐Based Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease

The amyloidogenic pathway is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, growing evidence suggests that a linear disease model based on β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) alone is not likely to be realistic, which therefore calls for further investigations on the other actors involved in the play. The pro‐oxidant environment induced by Aβ in AD pathology is well established, and a correlation among Aβ, oxidative stress, and conformational changes in p53 has been suggested. In this study, we applied a multifunctional approach to identify allyl thioesters of variously substituted trans‐cinnamic acids for which the pharmacological profile was strategically tuned by hydroxy substituents on the aromatic moiety. Indeed, only catechol derivative 3 [(S)‐allyl (E)‐3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enethioate] inhibited Aβ fibrilization. Conversely, albeit to different extents, all compounds were able to decrease the formation of reactive oxygen species in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and to prevent alterations in the conformation of p53 and its activity mediated by soluble sub‐lethal concentrations of Aβ. This may support an involvement of oxidative stress in Aβ function, with p53 emerging as a potential mediator of their functional interplay.
Activation of autophagy in macrophages by pro-resolving lipid mediators

The resolution of inflammation is an active process driven by specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, such as 15-epi-LXA4 and resolvin D1 (RvD1), that promote tissue regeneration. Macrophages regulate the innate immune response being key players during the resolution phase to avoid chronic inflammatory pathologies. Their half-life is tightly regulated to accomplish its phagocytic function, allowing the complete cleaning of the affected area. The balance between apoptosis and autophagy appears to be essential to control the survival of these immune cells within the inflammatory context. In the present work, we demonstrate that 15-epi-LXA4 and RvD1 at nanomolar concentrations promote autophagy in murine and human macrophages. Both compounds induced the MAP1LC3-I to MAP1LC3-II processing and the degradation of SQSTM1 as well as the formation of MAP1LC3+ autophagosomes, a typical signature of autophagy. Furthermore, 15-epi-LXA4 and RvD1 treatment favored the fusion of the autophagosomes with lysosomes, allowing the final processing of the autophagic vesicles. This autophagic response involves the activation of MAPK1 and NFE2L2 pathways, but by an MTOR-independent mechanism. Moreover, these pro-resolving lipids improved the phagocytic activity of macrophages via NFE2L2. Therefore, 15-epi-LXA4 and RvD1 improved both survival and functionality of macrophages, which likely supports the recovery of tissue homeostasis and avoiding chronic inflammatory diseases.