Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of PSoC/sup /spl trade// component in a frequency based acquisition method for smart sensors applications

This work presents the development of a useful frequency based acquisition system, based on a programmable system on chip developed by Cypress/sup /spl trade// MicroSystems. The goal is to demonstrate the possibilities offered by system-on-chip programmable devices in specific processing systems, where the costs make the use of specific integrated circuits unaffordable. PSoC circuits built by Cypress Microsystems includes all the components necessary to built classical acquisition circuits based-on-ADC as, also, to include actual and powerful frequency-based acquisition circuitry inside the component. This opportunity is exploited in the paper in order to compare both data acquisition methodologies. Moreover, the frequency-based data acquisition method implemented in the circuit is based on a voltage to frequency-code converter and uses the indirect count methodology. This conversion method produces a very versatile, precise and scalable structure for data acquisition. Also, it has been demonstrated that the powerful Cypress/sup /spl trade// Programmable System on Chip (PSoC/sup /spl trade//) platform, results in a perfect way to acquire, condition, multiplex, process and transmit external analogue data to different external processors, liberating the main processor of tedious works while allowing the system to spend time on processing instead of capturing data.
Identification of tyrosine residues within the intracellular domain of the erythropoietin receptor crucial for STAT5 activation.

FDCP‐1 cells are hematopoietic progenitor cells which require interleukin‐3 for survival and proliferation. FDCP‐1 cells stably transfected with the murine erythropoietin receptor cDNA survive and proliferate in the presence of erythropoietin. Erythropoietin induces the activation of the short forms (80 kDa) of STAT5 in the cells. Erythropoietin‐induced activation of STAT5 was strongly reduced in cells expressing mutated variants of the erythropoietin receptors in which tyrosine residues in their intracellular domain have been eliminated. We determined that the erythropoietin receptor tyrosine residues 343 and 401 are independently necessary for STAT5 activation. The amino acid sequences surrounding these two tyrosine residues are very similar. Peptides comprising either phosphorylated Tyr343 or phosphorylated Tyr401, but not their unphosphorylated counterparts, inhibited the STAT5 activation. We propose that these two tyrosine residues of the erythropoietin receptor constitute docking sites for the STAT5 SH2 domain. The growth stimulus mediated by erythropoietin was decreased in cells expressing erythropoietin receptors lacking both Tyr343 and Tyr401. This suggests that STAT5 activation could be involved in the growth control of FDCP‐1 cells.
Good Clinical Outcomes but High Rates of Adverse Reactions during Linezolid Therapy for Serious Infections: a Proposed Protocol for Monitoring Therapy in Complex Patients

ABSTRACT We assessed the toxicity and clinical outcomes associated with linezolid therapy (mean duration, 29 ± 28 days; range, 8 to 185 days) in 44 patients with serious gram-positive infections. Although a clinical cure was achieved in 73% of the cases, 28/44 (64%) had adverse reactions (thrombocytopenia, n = 13; anemia, n = 7; gastrointestinal, n = 12; peripheral neuropathy, n = 1; serotonin syndrome, n = 1), such that a systematic monitoring protocol was developed.
Doppler frequency extraction of foliage penetration radar based on the Hilbert-Huang transform technology

The paper deals with Doppler frequency extraction in foliage penetrating radar (FPR). The strong echoes from dense foliage and the high attenuation of the radar microwaves often make it difficult for traditional time-frequency distributions to represent the Doppler frequency clearly and locally. A Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) technology is proposed to extract the desired signal from interference and to give a new Doppler frequency Hilbert spectrum. Higher signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) and higher resolution in the time-frequency distribution are obtained.
Improvements in beam search for 10000-word continuous-speech recognition

The authors describe the improvements in a time-synchronous beam search strategy for a 10000-word continuous-speech recognition task. Basically they introduced two measures, namely a tree organization of the pronunciation lexicon and a novel look-ahead technique at the phoneme level. The experimental tests performed showed that the number of state hypotheses could be reduced from 50000 to 3000, i.e., by a factor of about 17. At the same time, the word error rate did not increase. >
Morphometric study of the glomerular population in the mouse olfactory bulb: Numerical density and size distribution along the rostrocaudal axis

A morphometric study of the glomerular population in the olfactory bulb of the mouse has been carried out by using stereological methods. On the basis of the assumption that the glomerular population is a polydispersed system of spheres, glomerular profile distributions obtained from profile measurements were subjected to a mathematical unfolding procedure to obtain the actual glomerular size distribution. We used a distribution‐free method to account for the combined effects of overprojection due to section thickness and truncation (two missing profile mechanisms). Results proved better than those obtained directly from profile measurements without stereological analysis. Several new findings were obtained. First, significant variations of the glomerulus sizes were found along the rostrocaudal axis. The glomeruli are larger in the middle region of the olfactory bulb, whereas their numerical density decreases in the same region. Moreover, the profile density is homogeneous along the rostrocaudal axis. In other words, the relative surface occupied by the periglomerular cells in the glomerular layer is invariant. As a consequence, it may be concluded that the variations in size and numerical density are inversely correlated. Thus, since the glomeruli are larger in the middle region, their number per unit volume is logically smaller in this same area. Finally, the computerization of all these data has led us to estimate the number of glomeruli (1,810 ± 41) in the olfactory bulb of the mouse. In order to get a comparative idea of their advantages and disadvantages, other standard stereological methods were used in the present study to determine this number. Functional interpretations of the variations of the size and numerical density along the rostrocaudal axis of the olfactory bulb are discussed with respect to ontogenetic and morphofunctional data obtained elsewhere.
Distributed Computing Environment using DCOM

Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) is a widely accepted set of tools for developing and deploying multi-platform, secure, enterprise-wide distributed computing applications. Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) technology introduced by Microsoft provides a framework for developing distributed components. This paper describes an efficient implementation of a Distributed Computing Environment using the DCOM technology. The application covers major issues concerning a distributed environment like fault tolerance, load balancing and security. The paper also has a brief comparison of the DCOM with CORBA, a popular alternative for distributed component development.
The Redundancy of Peptidoglycan Carboxypeptidases Ensures Robust Cell Shape Maintenance in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Peptidoglycan (PG) is an essential structural component of the bacterial cell wall and maintains the integrity and shape of the cell by forming a continuous layer around the cytoplasmic membrane. The thin PG layer of Escherichia coli resides in the periplasm, a unique compartment whose composition and pH can vary depending on the local environment of the cell. Hence, the growth of the PG layer must be sufficiently robust to allow cell growth and division under different conditions. We have analyzed the PG composition of 28 mutants lacking multiple PG enzymes (penicillin-binding proteins [PBPs]) after growth in acidic or near-neutral-pH media. Statistical analysis of the muropeptide profiles identified dd-carboxypeptidases (DD-CPases) that were more active in cells grown at acidic pH. In particular, the absence of the DD-CPase PBP6b caused a significant increase in the pentapeptide content of PG as well as morphological defects when the cells were grown at acidic pH. Other DD-CPases (PBP4, PBP4b, PBP5, PBP6a, PBP7, and AmpH) and the PG synthase PBP1B made a smaller or null contribution to the pentapeptide-trimming activity at acidic pH. We solved the crystal structure of PBP6b and also demonstrated that the enzyme is more stable and has a lower Km at acidic pH, explaining why PBP6b is more active at low pH. Hence, PBP6b is a specialized DD-CPase that contributes to cell shape maintenance at low pH, and E. coli appears to utilize redundant DD-CPases for normal growth under different conditions. IMPORTANCE Escherichia coli requires peptidoglycan dd-carboxypeptidases to maintain cell shape by controlling the amount of pentapeptide substrates available to the peptidoglycan synthetic transpeptidases. Why E. coli has eight, seemingly redundant dd-carboxypeptidases has remained unknown. We now show that one of these dd-carboxypeptidases, PBP6b, is important for cell shape maintenance in acidic growth medium, consistent with the higher activity and stability of the enzyme at low pH. Hence, the presence of multiple dd-carboxypeptidases with different enzymatic properties may allow E. coli to maintain a normal cell shape under various growth conditions. Escherichia coli requires peptidoglycan dd-carboxypeptidases to maintain cell shape by controlling the amount of pentapeptide substrates available to the peptidoglycan synthetic transpeptidases. Why E. coli has eight, seemingly redundant dd-carboxypeptidases has remained unknown. We now show that one of these dd-carboxypeptidases, PBP6b, is important for cell shape maintenance in acidic growth medium, consistent with the higher activity and stability of the enzyme at low pH. Hence, the presence of multiple dd-carboxypeptidases with different enzymatic properties may allow E. coli to maintain a normal cell shape under various growth conditions.
Organizational Reliability Capability Assessment: A Case Study in China R&D Enterprise for Aviation Products

The IEEE Standard 1624 provides a foundation for the assessment of organizational reliability capability (ORC). However, to better match the individual characteristics of different industries, this standard needs to be suitably clipped and adjusted, so as to develop customized models for the reliability capability evaluations of different organizations. To evaluate the ORC of China's aviation enterprises effectively, we propose a reliability engineering capability maturity model (RE-CMM) for China's aviation industry, with adequate consideration of the features closely associated with China's aviation enterprises and China's military standards. The proposed RE-CMM model is established on the theoretical basis of Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), combined with the IEEE standard and China's military standards for Reliability, Maintainability, and Supportability (RMS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to verify the validity of the RE-CMM model. We use a fuzzy method for the evaluation of reliability engineering capability. Detailed steps of reliability engineering capability assessment are also provided for the application of the model. Finally, a case study on a Chinese aviation enterprise is given to illustrate the model and method.
VLSI implementations of stereo matching using Dynamic Programming

Dynamic Programming (DP)-based stereo matching consists of three major parts: matching cost computation (M.C.C.), minimum cost accumulation (M.C.A.), and disparity optimization (D.O.). This paper presents two architectures of implementations: array-based and memory-based. The array-based implementation is a systolic-like design consisting of regularly connected processing elements (PEs). The memory-based design replaces most of the PEs by memory units in order to reduce area cost. Both architectures adopt the concept of double buffer designs in order to process contiguous images. Experimental results show that the proposed design can achieve real-time processing speed at reasonable area cost.
Gene expression profiling identifies a subset of adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with myeloid-like gene features and over-expression of miR-223

Background Until recently, few molecular aberrations were recognized in acute lymphoblastic leukemia of T-cell origin; novel lesions have recently been identified and a certain degree of overlap between acute myeloid leukemia and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia has been suggested. To identify novel T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia entities, gene expression profiling was performed and clinico-biological features were studied. Design and Methods Sixty-nine untreated adults with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia were evaluated by oligonucleotide arrays: unsupervised and supervised analyses were performed. The up-regulation of myeloid genes and miR-223 expression were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results Using unsupervised clustering, we identified five subgroups. Of these, one branch included seven patients whose gene expression profile resembled that of acute myeloid leukemia. These cases were characterized by over-expression of a large set of myeloid-related genes for surface antigens, transcription factors and granule proteins. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed over-expression of MPO, CEBPA, CEBPB, GRN and IL8. We, therefore, evaluated the expression levels of miR-223, involved in myeloid differentiation: these cases had significantly higher levels of miR-223 than had the other cases of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with values comparable to those observed in acute myeloid leukemia. Finally, these patients appear to have an unfavorable clinical course. Conclusions Using gene profiling we identified a subset of adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, accounting for 10% of the cases analyzed, which displays myeloid features. These cases were not recognized by standard approaches, underlining the importance of gene profiling in identifying novel acute leukemia subsets. The recognition of this subgroup may have clinical, prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Reduction of settling time and minimization of transient overshoot of a buck converter

A simple two-loop control scheme for the step-down buck converter has been proposed. This is a voltage and current-mode control scheme in which for the PWM generation, an external saw tooth generator is required. The controller implementation requires a type II and type III compensator and gives quiet better performance than single current-mode and voltage mode control. The proposed controller gives lower ripple in the output voltage, reduces the settling time and keeps the output stable in case of variable input. The overshoot of the output voltage during transient time is minimized using pole-zero cancellation technique. Finally all the losses of the system are calculated where all the parameters are considered as practical.
Chondrocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis induced by GROα require three‐dimensional interaction with the extracellular matrix and a co‐receptor role of chondroitin sulfate and are associated with the mitochondrial splicing variant of cathepsin B

CXCR2 ligands contribute to chondrocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, important determinants in cartilage pathophysiology. We unraveled the kinetics of signaling, biochemical, transcriptional, and morphological events triggered by GROα in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes kept in three‐dimensional culture. p38 MAPK activation was assessed with a highly sensitive ELISA. Effector caspase activation was evaluated by cleavage of a fluorogenic substrate. Gene expression of key markers of hypertrophy (MMP‐13, Runx‐2) and matrix synthesis (aggrecan), and of cathepsin B isoform CB(‐2,3) was evaluated by real time PCR. Occurrence of the morphological markers of apoptosis was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). GROα led to p38 MAPK activation in passaged chondrocytes cultured in micromass but not as a high‐density monolayer. This caused the downstream triggering of chondrocyte hypertrophy (MMP‐13 and Runx‐2 upregulation, and calcium deposition) and apoptosis/anoikis following concurrence of matrix degrading activity, and inhibition of matrix synthesis which also involved the induction of CB(‐2,3). These phenomena proved to be dependent on the co‐receptor role of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) and the activation of p38 MAPK, since they were abrogated either by preincubation with soluble chondroitin‐4 sulfate or p38 MAPK inhibitors. The co‐receptor role of sGAG was further demonstrated by colocalization experiments of these molecules with GROα in the stimulated micromasses. These findings suggest that extracellular matrix exerts a regulatory role in chondrocytes differentiation, and that meaningful investigation of the effects of chemokines on chondrocyte biology requires culture conditions respectful of both the differentiated status of the chondrocytes and of their three‐dimensional interaction with the extracellular matrix. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 417–427, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design and validation of an indicator gas injector for multiple gas washout tests in mechanically ventilated patients

A device to produce a stepwise indicator gas fraction variation to initiate a washout test in mechanically ventilated patients is described. The device, which can be used in conjunction with the commonly used Siemens-Elema series 900 ventilators, is based on simple, off-the-shelf technology. It features the simultaneous use of two indicator gases (so that the influence of diffusion processes in the gas exchange to the patient can be measured) and maintains a nearly constant FIO2 during a washout procedure. With this indicator gas injector, the transition time of the indicator gas fraction at the beginning of a washout proved to be short enough to detect ventilation inhomogeneity by visual inspection of the washout curves. Functional residual capacity measurements using this device are presented on a test lung with known volume, on healthy volunteers, and on critically ill patients. (Crit Care Med 1990; 18:754)
Habitat associations of macrolichens on a boreal island in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada

Abstract Compared to the mainland, boreal oceanic islands would be expected to have a depauperate lichen biota because of their isolation, small area, exposure to salt spray and structurally simple habitats. We surveyed the macrolichens (non-crustose lichens) and quantified habitat associations on Kent Island, an 80-hectare island that lies at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada. A total of 43 species in 13 genera were identified, which represents 19% of the macrolichen species richness of Fundy National Park on the mainland coast of New Brunswick. Cyanolichens were not found on Kent Island. Nearly 75% of Kent Island's macrolichen species had boreal biogeographical affinities, despite the island's temperate latitude (44°35′N) and low elevation, due to the chilling influence of the locally upwelling Labrador Current. Multi-response Permutation Procedures and Indicator Species Analysis demonstrated non-random habitat associations among Kent Island's macrolichen species and moderate but significant differences in lichen communities among five forest types on the island.
Minocycline Blocks Acute Bilirubin-Induced Neurological Dysfunction in Jaundiced Gunn Rats

Background: Extreme hyperbilirubinemia is treated with double volume exchange transfusion, which may take hours to commence. A neuroprotective agent that could be administered immediately might be clinically useful. Minocycline, an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic semisynthetic tetracycline, prevents hyperbilirubinemia-induced cerebellar hypoplasia in Gunn rats. Acute brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) abnormalities occur after giving sulfadimethoxine to 16-day-old jaundiced Gunn rats to displace bilirubin into tissue including brain. Objective: To assess whether minocycline is neuroprotective in this model of acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Methods: We recorded BAEPs at baseline and 6 h after injecting sulfadimethoxine. Minocycline 0.5 mg/kg (n = 4), 5 mg/kg (n = 9), 50 mg/kg (n = 9) or 500 mg/kg (n = 3, all died) was administered 15 min before sulfadimethoxine (0 h). Controls received saline followed by either sulfadimethoxine (n = 13) or saline (n = 7). Results: At 6 h total plasma bilirubin decreased from 10.84 ± 0.88 mg/dl (mean ± SD) to 0.70 ± 0.35 mg/dl (p <10–9) in all sulfadimethoxine-injected groups. At 6 h, there was complete protection against decreased amplitudes of BAEP waves II and III and increased I-II and I-III interwave intervals (brainstem conduction times corresponding to I–III and I–V in humans) with 50 mg/kg minocycline, and partial protection with lower doses. Conclusions: Minocycline 50 mg/kg 15 min prior to an intervention that normally produces acute bilirubin neurotoxicity is neuroprotective in jaundiced Gunn rat pups. Further studies are needed to investigate the temporal course and mechanism of neuroprotection. Minocycline, administered immediately, may be clinically useful in treating extreme neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and preventing kernicterus. We believe our model provides an efficient in vivomodel to screen and evaluate new agents that are neuroprotective against bilirubin toxicity and kernicterus.
Roughness effect on the frequency of a quartz-crystal resonator in contact with a liquid.

The problem of coupling of the shear oscillations of a quartz crystal bounded by a rough surface with damped waves in a liquid has been investigated. The shift of the resonance frequency of a quartz crystal due to either random roughness or periodical corrugation has been considered. A relation between the shift and a correlation function of roughness has been found. It has been shown that the roughness effect is most pronounced in the low viscosity limit. It has been demonstrated that the results of quartz-crystal microbalance measurements can provide valuable information on the average height and the correlation length of surface roughness.