Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between Analog and Digital Time and Frequency Measurement Techniques

Along with the accuracy enhancement of different kinds of frequency standards, more demands are made on the measurement precision. In time and frequency measurement instruments, both digital and analog processing techniques and circuits are used widely. The paper focuses primarily on the limitations of the technology and the principle in the use of the analog and the digital measurement approaches. Based on the principle of the conventional method measuring the period of frequency difference between the reference and the measured frequency standards, the analog and the digital measurement techniques are compared in actual realization, configuration, precision and error sources etc. A number of experiments indicate that the precision of the analog method is as high as 10-13/tau and the precision of the digital method about 10-12/tau or lower. Furthermore, the digital scheme in TTL circuits has great influence of trigger error and quantified error on measurement result; while in ECL circuits, trigger error is held down and the precision is greatly enhanced. Moreover, this paper proposes some improvement step. One had better appropriately combine ultra-high speed devices with the digital method to obtain a high precision frequency measurement device.
The use of qualitative research criteria for portfolio assessment as an alternative to reliability evaluation: a case study

Aim Because it deals with qualitative information, portfolio assessment inevitably involves some degree of subjectivity. The use of stricter assessment criteria or more structured and prescribed content would improve interrater reliability, but would obliterate the essence of portfolio assessment in terms of flexibility, personal orientation and authenticity. We resolved this dilemma by using qualitative research criteria as opposed to reliability in the evaluation of portfolio assessment.
Differential modulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 and type 3 by ATP.

Binding of ATP to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) results in a more pronounced Ca(2+)release in the presence of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)). Two recently published studies demonstrated a different ATP sensitivity of IP(3)-induced Ca(2+)release in cell types expressing different IP(3)R isoforms. Cell types expressing mainly IP(3)R3 were less sensitive to ATP than cell types expressing mainly IP(3)R1 (Missiaen L, Parys JB, Sienaert I et al. Functional properties of the type 3 InsP(3)receptor in 16HBE14o- bronchial mucosal cells. J Biol Chem 1998;273: 8983-8986; Miyakawa T, Maeda A, Yamazawa T et al. Encoding of Ca(2+)signals by differential expression of IP(3)receptor subtypes. EMBO J 1999;18: 1303-1308). In order to investigate the difference in ATP sensitivity between IP(3)R isoforms at the molecular level, microsomes of Sf9 insect cells expressing full-size IP(3)R1 or IP(3)R3 were covalently labeled with ATP by using the photoaffinity label 8-azido[alpha-(32)P]ATP. ATP labeling of the IP(3)R was measured after immunoprecipitation of IP(3)Rs with isoform-specific antibodies, SDS-PAGE and Phosphorimaging. Unlabeled ATP inhibited covalent linking of 8-azido[alpha-(32)P]ATP to the recombinant IP(3)R1 and IP(3)R3 with an IC(50)of 1.6 microM and 177 microM, respectively. MgATP was as effective as ATP in displacing 8-azido[alpha-(32)P]ATP from the ATP-binding sites on IP(3)R1 and IP(3)R3, and in stimulating IP(3)-induced Ca(2+)release from permeabilized A7r5 and 16HBE14o- cells. The interaction of ATP with the ATP-binding sites on IP(3)R1 and IP(3)R3 was different from its interaction with the IP(3)-binding domains, since ATP inhibited IP(3)binding to the N-terminal 581 amino acids of IP(3)R1 and IP(3)R3 with an IC(50)of 353 microM and 4.0 mM, respectively. The ATP-binding sites of IP(3)R1 bound much better ATP than ADP, AMP and particularly GTP, while IP(3)R3 displayed a much broader nucleotide specificity. These results therefore provide molecular evidence for a differential regulation of IP(3)R1 and IP(3)R3 by ATP.
Adaptive transmission in amplify-and-forward cooperative communications using orthogonal space-time block codes under spatially correlated antennas

This study analyses the impact of antenna correlation on orthogonal space–time block coding in amplify-and-forward cooperative relay networks in conjunction with different adaptive transmission techniques over Rayleigh fading channels. Closed-form expressions are derived for the cumulative distribution function, and probability distribution function of the total signal-to-noise ratio. For each considered adaptive transmission technique, the authors derive closed-form expressions for the average channel capacity, outage probability, average spectral efficiency and the average bit error rate of the system. Using numerical evaluations, the performances for different cases are compared in order to evaluate and quantify the effects of spatial correlation on the system performance.
Economic evaluation of an intensive home visiting programme for vulnerable families: a cost-effectiveness analysis of a public health intervention.

BACKGROUND Recent reviews have shown that home visiting programmes that address parenting have the potential to improve long term health and social outcomes for children. However there are few studies exploring the cost-effectiveness of such interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an intensive home visiting programme directed at vulnerable families during the antenatal and postnatal periods. METHODS The design was an economic evaluation alongside a multicentre randomized controlled trial, in which 131 eligible women were randomly allocated to receive 18 months of intensive home visiting (n=67) or standard services (n=64). Due to the public health nature of the intervention a cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken from a societal perspective. RESULTS The mean 'societal costs' in the control and intervention arms were 3874 pounds and 7120 pounds, respectively, a difference of 3246 pounds (p<0.000). The mean 'health service only' costs were 3324 pounds and 5685 pounds respectively, a difference of 2361 pounds (p<0.000). As well as significant improvements in maternal sensitivity and infant cooperativeness there was also a non-significant increase in the likelihood of the intervention group infants being removed from the home due to abuse and neglect. These incremental benefits were delivered at an incremental societal cost of 3246 pounds per woman. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study provide evidence to suggest that, within the context of regular home visits, specially trained home visitors can increase maternal sensitivity and infant cooperativeness and are better able to identify infants in need of removal from the home for child protection. The extent to which these benefits are 'worth' the societal cost of 3246 pounds per woman however is a matter of judgment.
5,8-Bis[bis(pyridin-2-yl)amino]-1,3,4,6,7,9,9b-heptaazaphenalen-2(1H)-one dimethyl sulfoxide monosolvate dihydrate

In the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C26H17N13O·C2H6OS·2H2O, there is one independent heptazine-based main molecule, one dimethyl sulfoxide molecule and two water molecules as solvents. The tri-s-triazine unit is substituted with two dipyridyl amine moieties and a carbonylic O atom. As indicated by the bond lengths in this acid unit of the heptazine derivative [C=O = 1.213 (2) Å, while the adjacent C—N(H) bond = 1.405 (2) Å] it is best described by the keto form. The cyameluric nucleus is close to planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.061 Å) and the pyridine rings are inclined to its mean plane by dihedral angles varying from 47.47 (5) to 70.22 (5)°. The host and guest molecules are connected via N—H⋯O, O—H⋯O and O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a four-membered inversion dimer-like arrangement enclosing an R 4 4(24) ring motif. These arrangements stack along [1-10] with a weak π–π interaction [inter-centroid distance = 3.8721 (12) Å] involving adjacent pyridine rings. There are also C—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and C—H⋯π interactions present within the host molecule and linking inversion-related molecules, forming a three-dimensional structure.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Typhonium Flagelliforme (Lodd.) Blume Tuber

Problem Statement: Multiple drug resistance in human pathogenic micro organisms has developed due to indiscriminate use of modern antimicrobial drugs generally used in the management of infectious diseases. This increases the importance of exploiting the natural sources instead modern drugs. Approach: The antibacterial and antioxidant activity of different extracts from of Typhonium flagelliforme (L.) Blume tuber (family: Araceae) commonly called 'Rodent Tuber' was assessed towards selected bacteria as well as in different antioxidant models. The antibacterial screening was carried out by disc diffusion method. Two complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical scavenging and total phenolic compounds, were used for the antioxidant analysis. Results: Except hexane extract none of the other extracts shown anti bacterial activity against the selected strains. The hexane extract from Typhonium flagelliforme tuber had interesting activity against both the gram negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11±1.0 mm diameter) and Salmonella choleraesuis (12±1.1 mm diameter). The positive control, Streptomycin had shown zone of inhibition of 20±1.5 mm, 20±1.3 mm, 23±1.5 mm and 23±1.0 mm in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella choleraesuis and Bacillus subtilis respectively. All the extracts were subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activity. The DPPH assay showed that the inhibitory activity of ethyl acetate (77.6±0.9%) and dichloromethane (70.5±1.7%) extracts were having comparatively admirable inhibition capacity when compared to the positive control BHT (95.3±1.3%). Total phenolic content of all extracts was also evaluated, and dichloromethane extracts (5.21±0.82 GAE mg/g extract) was superior to all other extracts, followed by hexane and ethyl acetate. Conclusion: Considering all the results collectively T. flagelliforme appears to be a promising plant demonstrating antibacterial and antioxidant activity that requires further investigation.
MCI is Associated With Deficits in Everyday Functioning

The purpose of the present study was to examine the types of impairments in everyday function that accompany mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Data for this study was collected from 434 individuals consecutively evaluated at a university-based Alzheimer's Center. A total of 96 participants were diagnosed with MCI, 105 were cognitively normal, and 233 had dementia. Informant ratings of participants' abilities were obtained across different functional domains reflecting everyday abilities related to memory, language, visual spatial abilities, planning, organization, and divided attention. As expected, the demented group was significantly more impaired than the healthy control and MCI groups across all of the functional domains. The MCI group also showed significantly more functional impairment relative to healthy controls in all of the functional domains. Examination of the effect sizes as a measure of the magnitude of functional impairment in the MCI groups relative to controls showed that the greatest degree of impairment occurred within the Everyday Memory domain. The current findings suggest that individuals with MCI demonstrate deficits in a wide range of everyday functions but that the magnitude of these changes is greatest for those functional abilities that rely heavily on memory.
EVALUATION OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOXICITY AT DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS IN RELATION TO TIME USING BROILER CHICKEN MODEL

Toxicity of diclofenac sodium was evaluated in relation to clinical signs, post mortem findings, liver and kidneys functions in broiler chicken model. Broiler birds (35 th day) of groups A1, A2, A3 and A4 were injected diclofenac sodium at dose rate of 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weigh t intramuscularly, respectively for four consecutive days. The birds of group A5 were injected with 0.2 ml/kg of physiological normal saline. Same dosage regime was followed for groups B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 using oral route. Clinical signs observed in bird s receiving 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight diclofenac sodium were lethargy, asleep, no response to external stimuli, closed eyes, deep breathing and difficulty while standing and walking. Percent mortality recorded in different treatment groups showed inc reasing fashion with higher dose of diclofenac sodium used by either route. The major gross lesion was visceral gout manifested as mild to severe and widespread deposition of a mixture of white chalky material (uric acid crystals), white debris (uric acid) and varying amounts of fibrinous exudate on all the visceral organs. Serum uric acid values at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-exposure were significantly higher in same groups than control and groups treated with diclofenac sodium 1.25 mg/kg body weight. Mean ± SD values of serum creatinine concentrations showed significant rise in relation to time than normal birds. A significant increase in serum AST activity was observed in samples from the birds of groups A2, A3, A4, B2, B3 and B4 at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after dosing (p<0.05). Values of serum ALT and ALP showed similarly rising trend with increase in the dose of diclofenac sodium used by either routes. It was concluded that diclofenac sodium is not a safe drug at higher doses by both routes.
Shift schedule optimization of 2-speed electric vehicle using model predictive control

This paper presents a model predictive control (MPC) gear shifting strategy for a novel electric vehicle equipped with 2-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), aiming at improving the fuel economy and reduce frequent gear shifting. In order to reflect the effect of this control method, one other control strategy is designed based on dynamic programming (DP). Results indicate that while both the methods can satisfy the vehicle velocity tracking requirement, the MPC-based method can improve the fuel economy of the pure electric vehicle. Moreover, the gear shifting strategy based on MPC could also avoid frequent shifting.
Longitudinal changes in leukocyte telomere length and mortality in humans.

BACKGROUND Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) ostensibly shortens with age and has been moderately associated with mortality. In humans, these findings have come almost solely from cross-sectional studies. Only recently has LTL shortening within individuals been analyzed in longitudinal studies. Such studies are relevant to establish LTL dynamics as biomarkers of mortality as well as to disentangle the causality of telomeres on aging. METHODS We present a large longitudinal study on LTL and human mortality, where the 10-year change of LTL is analyzed in 1,356 individuals aged 30-70 years. RESULTS We find age, smoking status, and alcohol consumption to be associated with LTL attrition and confirm a strong association with baseline LTL. The latter association might be an epiphenomenon of regression to the mean. We do not find an association of mortality with either absolute LTL or LTL attrition. Further, we show that DNA quality has an impact on TS ratios. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes that certain lifestyle factors influence LTL dynamics. However, it questions the applicability of LTL dynamics as a predictor of mortality. We suggest cautiousness when assessing actual LTL attrition due to the need for high-quality DNA and the phenomena of regression to the mean.
Caching reverse-geocoded locations on smartphones

Photo-driven smartphone usage often requires invoking a server to perform reverse-geocoded location lookup, an approach that incurs network delay and increased power consumption for communication. A solution we consider is to cache the reverse-geocoding results so that the location of subsequent photos taken within some range of previously reverse-geocoded photos can be looked up in the cache without having to access a server. The key challenge, then, is effectively defining and caching the reverse-geocoded regions on the smartphone to enable accurate lookups. We propose three schemes and evaluate their performance over a photo data set taken across 14 cities.
A lossless earth Green's function representation between any two subsurface points from surface reflection GPR data

We present a three-dimensional scheme that can be used to compute the electromagnetic impulse response between any two subsurface points from surface reflection data measured at a single surface of a lossless medium. The scheme first computes a virtual vertical radar profile using the Marchenko scheme from which focusing wavefields are computed. With the aid of the Green's functions of the virtual vertical radar profiles these focusing wavefields are then used to compute the Green's function between any two points in the subsurface. One point is a virtual receiver and the other point is a virtual source. Virtual radar images can be created as well as the whole time evolution of the radar wave field throughout the subsurface generated by any subsurface virtual source. We show with a numerical example that the method works well in a one-dimensional configuration.
Prospective, Open-Label, 18-Month Trial of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for Facial Soft-Tissue Augmentation in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Lipoatrophy: One-Year Durability

Background: The objective was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of soft-tissue augmentation of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) in patients with facial lipoatrophy secondary to human immunodeficiency virus disease. Methods: This 18-month, prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical trial of calcium hydroxylapatite for soft-tissue augmentation of patients with facial lipoatrophy enrolled 100 subjects (94 men and six women). Results: Correction of facial lipoatrophy was evaluated by comparing changes from baseline using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, with confirmation using standardized photography. All 100 patients were determined to be improved or better at 3 months. Secondary effectiveness endpoints—improvement at 6 months on the scale and skin thickness measurements at 3 and 6 months—were also met. Twelve-month data and 18-month scale scores were also available. One hundred percent of assessable patients were rated as improved or better on the scale at every time point through 12 months; 91 percent were improved or better at 18 months. “Yes” responses to all patient satisfaction questions ranged from 97 percent to 100 percent at every evaluation through 12 months. In addition, skin thickness measurements at 12 months remained statistically better than those at baseline. Eighteen-month patient satisfaction and skin thickness measurements were not available at the time of submission. Adverse events reported through 12 months were generally mild (ecchymosis, edema, erythema, pain, and pruritus), not unexpected, and generally short in duration. Eighteen-month safety data were not available at the time of submission. Conclusions: Radiesse is an appropriate and well-tolerated treatment for patients with facial lipoatrophy. It demonstrates an excellent safety profile, causes immediate augmentation of the soft tissues, and appears to provide relatively long-lasting improvement in appearance, with very high patient satisfaction.
Microalgae as a Feedstock for Biofuel Precursors and Value-Added Products: Green Fuels and Golden Opportunities

The prospects of biofuel production from microalgal carbohydrates and lipids coupled with greenhouse gas mitigation due to photosynthetic assimilation of CO2 have ushered in a renewed interest in algal feedstock. Furthermore, microalgae (including cyanobacteria) have become established as commercial sources of value-added biochemicals such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenoid pigments used as antioxidants in nutritional supplements and cosmetics. This article presents a comprehensive synopsis of the metabolic basis for accumulating lipids as well as applicable methods of lipid and cellulose bioconversion and final applications of these natural or refined products from microalgal biomass. For lipids, one-step in situ transesterification offers a new and more accurate approach to quantify oil content. As a complement to microalgal oil fractions, the utilization of cellulosic biomass from microalgae to produce bioethanol by fermentation, biogas by anaerobic digestion, and bio-oil by hydrothermal liquefaction are discussed. Collectively, a compendium of information spanning green renewable fuels and value-added nutritional compounds is provided.
Foundress re‐emergence and fig permeability in fig tree–wasp mutualisms

Some female pollinating fig wasps (foundresses) re‐emerge from figs after oviposition/pollination. We investigated why this occurs in the mutualism between the gynodioecious Ficus montana and Liporrhopalum tentacularis. Re‐emergence increased with foundress density in figs and some foundresses oviposited in two male figs, indicating that they re‐emerge because of oviposition site limitation. Re‐emergence was independent of fig diameter, indicating that permeability is not because of fig age at entry. Rather, as some foundresses also pollinate two female figs we suggest permeability is selected for because it increases pollinator production and/or efficiency (although, potentially opposing these hypotheses, we also found between‐tree differences in permeability in male figs). In addition, we show that re‐emergence is much more common than previously suspected, and more common from gynodioecious than monoecious fig species. We argue that our findings in F. montana could explain this pattern of incidence.
Invasive Cerebrospinal Fluid Cysts and Cephaloceles of the Petrous Apex

Objective: To describe the presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and surgical management of petrous apex cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cysts and cephaloceles. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Six patients with symptomatic CSF cysts or cephaloceles. Intervention(s): All patients underwent operative intervention. Main Outcome Measure(s): Presentation, imaging characteristics, operative findings, surgical approach, resolution of symptoms, and complications. Results: Six patients presented with various neurotologic symptoms including vertigo, otalgia, diplopia, meningitis, hearing loss, and retroorbital headaches. Four lesions were centered within the anterior petrous apex and were classified as a cephalocele originating from Meckel's cave. The remaining two lesions were arachnoid cysts that involved the posterior petrous apex. Cysts and cephaloceles both demonstrated bone erosion on computed tomography and were hyperintense on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and isointense or hypointense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. A variety of surgical approaches was used to treat these lesions. Preoperative symptoms were improved in five of six cases. One patient developed a postoperative CSF leak that resolved with conservative measures. Conclusion: Petrous apex CSF cysts and cephaloceles may present with a variety of neurotologic symptoms. Imaging often helps narrow the differential diagnosis, but these lesions can still be confused with other erosive skull base lesions such as cholesterol granulomas, epidermoids, or tumors. Optimal treatment of symptomatic posterior petrous apex CSF cysts is marsupialization via a posterior fossa approach (i.e., retrosigmoid or retrolabyrinthine). A middle fossa approach with obliteration of the anterior petrous apex may be used to treat symptomatic CSF cephaloceles arising from Meckel's cave.