Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 470μW clock-free current-controlled class D amplifier with 0.02% THD+N and 82dB PSRR

This paper presents a clock-free current-controlled class D audio power amplifier. The proposed audio amplifier is based on integral sliding mode control (ISMC) to ensure system robustness and to provide zero steady-state error. The proposed audio amplifier's hysteretic controller obviates the traditionally challenging triangle-wave carrier signal design task for pulse-width modulation (PWM). The IC prototype consumes at least 30% less static power than previously reported works and delivers 250mW of output power with 84% efficiency. The class D amplifier achieves up to 82dB of power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), more than 95dB of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the entire audio band, and 0.02% of total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N). The audio amplifier was fabricated in 0. 5μm CMOS standard technology, operates at 380kHz, and occupies 1.65mm2.
Utility Weights for the Vision-related Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-7D Instrument

Purpose: To obtain utility weights consistent with the needs of economic evaluation for the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-7D, a generic instrument created to increase the sensitivity of the measurement of quality of life amongst people with impaired vision. Methods: Two extant instruments were combined, the Vision-related Quality of Life Index (VisQoL) and the AQoL-6D. Utilities were obtained from patients with visual impairment and from the general population using time trade-off (TTO) methodology. Dimensions were combined and an econometric adjustment used to eliminate the effects of instrument redundancy. Bias was tested by comparison of holistic TTO values with utility scores predicted from the AQoL-7D scoring formula. Results: The AQoL-7D instrument consists of 26 items and 7 dimensions each with good psychometric properties. Their combination into a single instrument resulted in significant redundancy which was successfully eliminated. Utility formulae for both the public and patients produced bias-free estimates of the utility of holistic health states describing visual impairment. Results imply differing valuations of health states by the public and by people with impaired vision. Conclusions: The AQoL-7D can detect changes in health states affecting people with impaired vision which are likely to be overlooked by other generic instruments due to content insensitivity. The utilities it produces are generated using a “mainstream” methodology, the TTO. Quality-adjusted life year values based on the AQoL-7D may therefore be used for economic evaluation of programs.
The enigmatic subcostal muscle: Anatomical study with application to spine and chest pain syndromes and avoidance of confusion on imaging

The aim of this study was to revisit the morphological characteristics of the subcostal muscle and to obtain its morphometric data. One hundred and two sides of the thorax from 51 adult cadavers were used. The total number of subcostal muscles in the 102 specimens was 559. The subcostal muscle commonly comprised an aponeurosis at its superior and inferior attachments. This muscle had a thin band‐like shape in 64.2% cases, while in the other 35.8% either its superior or inferior attachment was wider. It was classified into the following four types on the basis of its inferior attachment: in Types I and II it extended to two (79.3%) and three (12.0%) lower ribs, respectively; in Type III it joined adjacent muscles such as the psoas major (2.2%) or quadratus lumborum (0.7%); and in Type IV it was attached to the transverse process (0.4%) or body (3.9%) of the 12th thoracic vertebra and the body of the 1st lumbar vertebra (1.4%). The subcostal muscle was found at the deepest layer of the intercostal space, and mainly presented in the upper and lower parts of the thorax. Its width and height were 18.2 ± 10.9 mm (mean ± SD) and 56.0 ± 13.3 mm, respectively. The distances from the midsagittal line to the superior and inferior attachments of the subcostal muscle were 77.1 ± 13.0 mm and 48.9 ± 13.5 mm, respectively. The results of this study will help to advance current understanding of the subcostal muscle. Clin. Anat. 28:1017–1021, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An extensible metrics extraction environment for object-oriented programming languages

In this paper the enhancements to an existing production-quality compiler to facilitate the collection of complexity metrics as an integral part of the compilation and build process are described An object oriented programming language meta-model is presented. This meta-model is used in a relational database schema and enables a language neutral form of a compilation unit of source code or system of units to be stored We have used C language routines with embedded SQL to calculate a suite of 11 complexity metrics for each class stored in the database. We present the full implementation of one of these routines. The resulting metrics extraction tool is highly extensible, readily facilitating incorporation of new object oriented programming languages and new metrics.
Vacuolar Pathology in the Median Eminence of the Hypothalamus After Hyponatremia

The median eminence of the hypothalamus is an important conduit by which neurosecretory hormones from hypothalamic nuclei are delivered to the pars nervosa (neural lobe) of the pituitary en route tothe bloodstream. Dilutional hyponatremia was produced in adult ratsto determine the effect on the morphology of the median eminence of the hypothalamus. Hyponatremia was caused by reducing electrolyte and organic osmolyte reserves to block the excretion of water through delivery of the nephrotoxin mercuric chloride (HgCl2). Histological examination of the brain 1 day after a hyponatremic insult revealed vacuolation within the median eminence of the hypothalamus. No other lesions were found in other parts of the brain after hyponatremia. The hyponatremic lesion consisted of a band of closely packed vacuoles that crossed the floor of the third ventricle. Vacuoles associated with hyponatremia were predominantly in the subependymal, fiber, reticular, and palisade layers of the median eminence. Vacuolation was not observed in the tanycyte layer of the median eminence. This study indicates that the median eminence is a potentially vulnerable site in human hyponatremic conditions that should be evaluated further in relevant animal models.
Mapping reflexive shifts of attention in eye‐centered and hand‐centered coordinate systems

Behavioral studies indicate that directional gaze and hand pointing are fundamental social signals that may capture spatial attention more powerfully than directional arrows. By using fMRI, we explored whether reflexive shifts of attention triggered by different distracters were influenced by the motor effector used for performing an overt response. In separate blocks, healthy participants performed a directional saccadic or a hand pointing movement. Color changes of a central black fixation point constituted the imperative instruction signal to make a leftward (red color) or a rightward (blue color) movement while ignoring distracting leftward or rightward oriented gaze, hand pointing, or arrow. Distracters that were directionally incongruent with the instruction cue impaired the saccadic and pointing‐release RTs. The comparison of incongruent vs. congruent conditions showed an increase of BOLD signal in the frontal eye field (FEF), the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) bilaterally. Importantly, a specific relationship between distracter and effector used for the response was found in these frontal and parietal regions. In particular, higher activity in the FEF, for distracting gaze was found mainly during the saccadic response task. In the same vein, higher activity in the left and right IPS regions was found for the distracting hand mainly in the hand pointing task. The results suggest that reflexive shifts of attention triggered by social signals are coded in the fronto‐parietal cortex according to effector‐specific mapping rules. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new RAS mutation that suppresses the CDC25 gene requirement for growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the activation of adenylate cyclase requires the products of the RAS genes and of CDC25. We isolated several dominant extragenic suppressors of the yeast cdc25 mutation. They did not suppress a thermosensitive allele of the adenylate cyclase gene (CDC35). One of these suppressors was a mutated RAS2 gene in which the transition C/G----T/A at position 455 resulted in replacement of threonine 152 by isoleucine in the protein. The same mutation in a v-Ha-ras gene reduces the affinity of p21 for guanine nucleotides (L.A. Feig, B. Pan, T.M. Roberts, and G.M. Cooper, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:4607-4611, 1986). These results support a model in which the CDC25 gene product is the GDP-GTP exchange factor regulating the activity of the RAS gene product.
Differential surface stress sensor for detection of chemical and biological species

We report a sensor consisting of two micromachined cantilevers (a sensing/reference pair) that is suitable for detection of chemical and biological species. The sensing strategy involves coating the sensing cantilever with receptors that have high affinities for the analyte. The presence of analyte is detected by determining the differential surface stress associated with its adsorption/absorption to the sensing cantilever. An interferometric technique is utilized to measure the differential bending of the sensing cantilever with respect to reference. Surface stress associated with hybridization of single stranded DNA is measured to demonstrate the unique advantages of the sensor.
A Split-Mouth Study on Microbiological Profile in Clinical Healthy Teeth and Implants Related to Key Inflammatory Mediators

This split-mouth study investigated the correlation of the qualitative and quantitative bacterial composition in dental plaque around clinically healthy periodontal and peri-implant subgingival sites with the levels of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the inflammatory infiltrate in the soft tissue surrounding a healthy dental implant and natural tooth in the same patient. Nine patients, all in good health and non-smokers, were studied. All of the patients were highly motivated in terms of oral hygiene and had healthy natural teeth and at least one healthy implant. After three sessions of professional oral care, clinical parameters were recorded. A sample of subgingival plaque was harvested with a sterile curette from the buccal side of the selected implants and teeth. The plaque samples were cultured to quantify the total microbiota and the number of obligate and facultative bacterial strains. Simultaneously, from the lingual/palatal aspect of the same implants and teeth the keratinized periodontal and peri-implant soft tissues were biopsied for cytokine expression and histomorphometric analysis. The tissue biopsies were halved: the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect active TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and TGF-β2 and distribution, composition, quantification of inflammation were assessed in parallel. The patients harbored no periodontopathogens and the microbiological composition of the plaque taken from implant sites did not differ from that harvested from teeth. No significant differences were seen between implants and teeth for both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Even the histological examination showed no significant epithelial changes, although slight perivascular lymphocytic infiltration was seen in some biopsies.
Advanced electrical design for the next generation MV integrated power system converter

The integrated power system converter is a high-power voltage source inverter suitable for Naval applications which combines the innovative three-level neutral-point piloted topology with state-of-the art 4.5kV press-pack devices. The converter design has included an in depth semiconductor characterization of IGBT/diode press-pack devices from two manufacturers which have been used to study the interactions in the semiconductor and gating electronic interface. Simulation and lab results with an active snubber are shown and discussed. The paper also highlights aspects of the design which make it especially suitable for Naval applications.
Estimating Migratory Connectivity of Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) using Geolocator and Mark—Recapture Data

ABSTRACT. Understanding the connectivity between breeding and nonbreeding populations of migratory birds is fundamental to our knowledge of biological phenomena such as population dynamics and dispersal. Moreover, our ability to quantify migratory connectivity has inevitable consequences for both conservation and management of species that utilize distinct geographic locations. Technology is rapidly advancing our ability to track birds throughout the annual cycle and to collect data on the degree of connectivity among breeding and nonbreeding populations. We combined two direct methods, mark—recapture (n = 17) and geolocation (n = 6), to estimate the migratory connectivity of breeding and nonbreeding populations of Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). Data from geolocators show that birds breeding in the Mid-Atlantic overwinter in both Cuba and southern Florida. Mark-recapture data supported our geolocator results but also provided a broader spatial perspective by documenting that Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern populations occupy distinct geographic localities during the nonbreeding period. This research underscores the importance of geolocators, as well as other tools, to advance our understanding of migratory connectivity. Finally, our results highlight the potential value of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Bird Banding Laboratory mark-recapture data, which are often underutilized in ornithological research.
Neuropeptide Y: a possible role in hypertension?

Purpose To evaluate whether neuropeptide Y (NPY) is likely to be relevant as a regulator of cardiovascular function in general and of blood pressure control in arterial hypertension in particular, based on a literature survey. Results of data analysis NPY is a putative cotransmitter of many central and peripheral sympathetic neurons. It and its receptors are present in brain areas and peripheral tissues involved in cardiovascular regulation, and administration of exogenous NPY to these sites can elicit functional cardiovascular responses by acting on specific pre- and postsynaptic receptors. Moreover, NPY may act as a growth factor for the development of vascular and cardiac hypertrophy. The release of NPY and postsynaptic vasoconstriction responses to NPY may be enhanced in hypertension, whereas presynaptic inhibitory responses may be attenuated. Some of these alterations may precede the development of blood pressure elevations in the spontaneously hypertensive rat model of genetic hypertension. Conclusions NPY might be an important physiological and pathophysiological modulator of cardiovascular function, but further studies using specific high-affinity antagonists are required.
[Quantitative parameters of the 3'-5'-exonuclease reaction of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 and DNA with single-strand breaks containing dYMP or their modified analogues].

Human apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a multifunctional enzyme. In addition to its main AP endonuclease activity, the cleavage of DNA 5' to the AP site, it displays other weak enzymatic activities. One of them is 3'-5' exonuclease activity, which is most effectively pronounced for DNA duplexes containing modified or mismatched nucleotides at the 3' end of the primer chain. There is a presumption that APE1 can correct the DNA synthesis catalyzed by DNA polymerase beta during the base excision repair process. We determined the quantitative parameters of the 3'-5' exonuclease reaction in dependence on the reaction conditions to reveal the detailed mechanism of this process. The kinetic parameters of APE1 exonuclease excision of mismatched dCMP and dTMP from the 3' terminus of single-strand DNA and from photoreactive dCMP analogues applied for photoaffinity modification of proteins and DNA in recombinant systems and cell/nuclear extracts were determined. The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2008, vol. 34, no. 2; see also http://www.maik. ru.
Polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity from the vegetable plant Artemisia absinthium L.

The aim of this work was to establish the antioxidant capacity and the polyphenolic profile of Artemisia absinthium that could potentially be used in the human diet. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic method was used to identify and quantify individual phenolic compounds of the A. absinthium leaves. A total of 20 polyphenolic compounds were identified and quantified in A. absinthium leaves, including hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and other groups of phenolic compounds. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis of the phenolic compounds profile revealed that salicylic acid was the dominant phenolic compound present in the leaves extract followed by myricetin, caffeic acid, gallic acid and ferulic acid. The A. absinthium leaves was extracted with 3 different solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol and water) and screened for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of A. absinthium was assessed by evaluating the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power and phosphomolybdenum assay. Water extract exhibited the highest phenolic content (134.47 mg gallic acid equivalent 100g DW-1) whereas, ethyl acetate extract showed highest flavonoid content (87.04 mg quercetin equivalent 100g DW-1). The water extract possesses highest antioxidant activity towards DPPH, reducing power and phosphomolybdenum assay. The antioxidant activity among the A. absinthium leaves extracts assayed through all the three methods was found to be water extract > methanol extract > ethyl acetate extract. Compared with those of major commercial leafy vegetables, leaves of Artemisia contain high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which provide significant health benefits.
Biotinylated phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate as affinity ligand.

Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)), a primary output signal of phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase, plays a crucial role in diverse cellular processes. Evidence indicates that PIP(3) exerts downstream signaling, in part, by recruiting effector proteins to plasma membranes. Consequently, identification of signaling enzymes with PIP(3)-binding motifs represents a viable approach to understand the mechanism by which specificity of the PI 3-kinase-mediated signaling network is maintained. To address this issue, we have developed biotinylated derivatives of PIP(3) as affinity probes for the purification and characterization of PIP(3)-binding proteins. Considering the relaxed requirement for the acyl moiety in PIP(3) recognition, these biotinylated PIP(3) analogues display two structural features. First, they contain short acyl side chains (C(4) and C(8)), allowing them to be soluble in aqueous milieu. This desirable feature avoids the formation of lipid aggregates, which minimizes nonspecific hydrophobic interactions with proteins. Second, the appended biotin is located at the terminus of the sn-1 acyl side chain, thereby maintaining the integrity of the phosphoinositol head group essential for selective recognition. The utility of these affinity ligands is validated by the purification of recombinant PIP(3)-binding proteins, expressed as GST fusion proteins, to homogeneity from bacterial lysates. These include the C-terminal SH2 domain of the p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase and the N-terminal PH domain of PLCgamma1. The efficiency of biotinylated PIP(3) analogues in the purification of these recombinant proteins was approximately 20% of that of glutathione beads
Valid joint workspace and self-aligning docking conditions of a reconfigurable mobile multi-robots system

JL-1 is a reconfigurable multi-robots system based on parallel mechanisms and cone-shaped docking mechanisms. To reveal how the force cooperation between robots enhances the terrain adaptability of JL-1 and to discover the limits of the current reconfiguration mechanism, this paper analyzes the forces arising between robots during cooperation in docking and docked state. The static analysis of the posture-adjusting mechanism yields the force amplifying feature and the valid workspace of this motorized spherical joint consisting of a parallel and serial mechanism. This paper also deduces the self-aligning conditions of the docking mechanism, which is useful to improve the mechanism and clarify the demands on the docking guidance sensors. At last, a series of onsite experiments confirm the analysis and perform two new types of locomotion according to the results of static analysis.
Development and Evaluation, of a Longitudinal Case-Based Learning (CBL) Experience for a Geriatric Medicine Rotation

Abstract The DWR Department of Geriatric Medicine at OUHSC and the OKC VA Medical Center began a mandatory third-year geriatric medicine clerkship in 2003. As part of the didactic sessions, the Department created a longitudinal Case-Based Learning (CBL) experience. The purpose of this paper is to describe the CBL experience, report student satisfaction with the CBL process, and discuss how students value CBL as a teaching method compared to other methods. The results indicate that CBL is highly valued among the students due to the interactive nature of the sessions and longitudinal nature of the cases
Optimal muscle fascicle length and tendon stiffness for maximising gastrocnemius efficiency during human walking and running

Muscles generate force to resist gravitational and inertial forces and/or to undertake work, e.g. on the centre of mass. A trade-off in muscle architecture exists in muscles that do both; the fibres should be as short as possible to minimise activation cost but long enough to maintain an appropriate shortening velocity. Energetic cost is also influenced by tendon compliance which modulates the timecourse of muscle mechanical work. Here we use a Hill-type muscle model of the human medial gastrocnemius to determine the muscle fascicle length and Achilles tendon compliance that maximise efficiency during the stance phase of walking (1.2m/s) and running (3.2 and 3.9m/s). A broad range of muscle fascicle lengths (ranging from 45 to 70mm) and tendon stiffness values (150–500N/mm) can achieve close to optimal efficiency at each speed of locomotion; however, efficient walking requires shorter muscle fascicles and a more compliant tendon than running. The values that maximise efficiency are within the range measured in normal populations. A non-linear toe-region region of the tendon force–length properties may further influence the optimal values, requiring a stiffer tendon with slightly longer muscle fascicles; however, it does not alter the main results. We conclude that muscle fibre length and tendon compliance combinations may be tuned to maximise efficiency under a given gait condition. Efficiency is maximised when the required volume of muscle is minimised, which may also help reduce limb inertia and basal metabolic costs. r 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.