Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digital Blind Background Calibration of Imperfections in Time-Interleaved ADCs

This paper presents a digital blind background calibration technique of imperfections in time-interleaved analog-to-digital converters (TI-ADCs). The proposed technique directly operates on the statistics of the input signal to continuously estimate and eliminate the conversion errors resulted from offset, gain, and timing mismatch. Behavioral simulations are presented for a 4-channel 10-bit TI-ADC in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) is enhanced from 33.7 dB to more than 61 dB using the introduced calibration technique. This calibration method converges after roughly $4 \times 10^{6}$ conversions.
A propagator matrix method for the Rayleigh–Taylor instability of multiple layers: a case study on crustal delamination in the early Earth

S U M M A R Y The dispersion relation of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability, a gravitational instability associated with unstable density stratification, is of profound importance in various geophysical contexts. When more than two layers are involved, a semi-analytical technique based on the biharmonic formulation of Stokes flow has been extensively used to obtain such dispersion relation. However, this technique may become cumbersome when applied to lithospheric dynamics, where a number of layers are necessary to represent the continuous variation of viscosity over many orders of magnitude. Here, we present an alternative and more efficient method based on the propagator matrix formulation of Stokes flow. With this approach, the original instability problem is reduced to a compact eigenvalue equation whose size is solely determined by the number of primary density contrasts. We apply this new technique to the stability of the early crust, and combined with the Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, we derive an empirical formula to compute the growth rate of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability for this particular geophysical setting. Our analysis indicates that the likelihood of crustal delamination hinges critically on the effective viscosity of eclogite.
Weighted Genome Trees: Refinements and Applications

ABSTRACT There are many ways to group completed genome sequences in hierarchical patterns (trees) reflecting relationships between their genes. Such groupings help us organize biological information and bear crucially on underlying processes of genome and organismal evolution. Genome trees make use of all comparable genes but can variously weight the contributions of these genes according to similarity, congruent patterns of similarity, or prevalence among genomes. Here we explore such possible weighting strategies, in an analysis of 142 prokaryotic and 5 eukaryotic genomes. We demonstrate that alternate weighting strategies have different advantages, and we propose that each may have its specific uses in systematic or evolutionary biology. Comparisons of results obtained with different methods can provide further clues to major events and processes in genome evolution.
Quality factor concept in piezoceramic transformer performance description

A new general approach based on the quality factor concept to piezoceramic transformer (PT) performance description is proposed. The system's quality factor, material elastic anisotropy, and coupling factors of the input and output sections of an electrically excited and electrically loaded PT fully characterize its resonance and near-resonance behavior. The PT efficiency, transformation ratio, and input and output power were analytically analyzed and simulated as functions of the load and frequency for the simplest classical Langevin-type and Rosen-type PT designs. A new formulation of the electrical input impedance allows one to separate the power consumed by PT from the power transferred into the load. The system's PT quality factor takes into account losses in each PT "input-output-load" functional components. The loading process is changing PT input electrical impedance on the way that under loading the minimum series impedance is increasing and the maximum parallel impedance is decreasing coincidentally. The quality-factors ratio, between the states of fully loaded and nonloaded PT, is one of the best measures of PTs dynamic performance-practically, the lower the ratio is, the better PT efficiency. A simple and effective method for the loaded PT quality factor determination is proposed. As was found, a piezoceramic with low piezoelectric anisotropy is required to provide maximum PT efficiency and higher corresponding voltage gain. Limitations on the PT output voltage and power, caused by nonlinear effects in piezoceramics, were established.
History of Family Violence, Childhood Behavior Problems, and Adolescent High-Risk Behaviors as Predictors of Girls’ Repeated Patterns of Dating Victimization in Two Developmental Periods

This study aims to document the prevalence of repeated patterns of dating victimization and to examine, within the frameworks of an ecological model and lifestyle/routine activities theories, associations between such patterns and family, peer, and individual factors. Dating victimization in adolescence (age 15) and early adulthood (age 21) was evaluated in 443 female participants. Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that history of family violence, childhood behavior problems, and adolescent high-risk behaviors were associated with an increased risk for girls of being victimized (psychologically and/or physically/sexually) in their dating relationships, either in adolescence or early adulthood, or at both developmental periods.
Determines Responsiveness to Macrophage Diverse Memory Subsets of T Cells and CC-Chemokine Receptor 6 Is Expressed on

CC-chemokine receptor (CCR) 6 is the only known receptor for macrophage inﬂammatory protein (MIP)-3 a , a CC chemokine chemotactic for lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Using anti-serum that we raised against the N-terminal residues of CCR6, we have characterized the surface expression of CCR6 on peripheral blood leukocytes and we have correlated CCR6 expression with responses to MIP-3 a . We found that CCR6 was expressed only on memory T cells, including most a 4 b 7 memory cells and cutaneous lymphocyte-associated Ag-expressing cells, and on B cells. Accordingly, chemotaxis of T cells to MIP-3 a was limited to memory cells. Moreover, calcium signals on T cells in response to MIP-3 a were conﬁned to CCR6-expressing cells, consistent with CCR6 being the only MIP-3 a receptor on peripheral blood T cells. Unlike many CC chemokines, MIP-3 a produced a calcium signal on freshly isolated T cells, and CCR6 expression was not increased by up to 5 days of treatment with IL-2 or by cross-linking CD3. Despite their surface expression of CCR6, freshly isolated B cells did not respond to MIP-3 a . In addition to staining peripheral blood leukocytes, our anti-serum detected CCR6 on CD34 1 bone marrow cell-derived dendritic cells. Our data are the ﬁrst to analyze surface expression of CCR6, demonstrating receptor expression on differentiated, resting memory T cells, indicating differences in receptor signaling on T cells and B cells and suggesting that CCR6 and MIP-3 a may play a role in the physiology of resting memory T cells and in the interactions of memory T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells. The Journal of Immunology, 1999, 162: 186–194.
Effects of Endocytosis Inhibitory Drugs on Rubella Virus Entry into VeroE6 Cells

It has been suggested that infectious entry of rubella virus (RV) is conducted by receptor mediated endocytosis. To explore the cellular entry mechanism of RV, inhibitory effects of drugs affecting various endocytic pathways on RV entry into VeroE6 cells were analyzed. Results showed that RV infectious entry into VeroE6 cells is mediated by clathrin‐dependent endocytosis and not by caveolae‐mediated endocytosis. Moreover, chemical inhibition of macropinocytosis such as treatments of amiloride, actin and microtubule‐disrupting drug significantly reduced RV infection. Considering that macropinocytosis is inducible endocytosis by cellular stimulations, clathrin‐mediated endocytosis is likely to be a major route of RV infectious entry.
PV inverter dynamics for reduced order model development

Climate change concerns have prompted significant interest in generating electricity from renewable resources. Due to decreasing photovoltaic (PV) system costs, PV generation is now becoming more widely deployed throughout the distribution network in Ireland. To study the potential impacts resulting from high penetration levels of residential PV installations, this paper presents the dynamic response of a photovoltaic converter to large changes in active power demand that could form part of a smart grid frequency control strategy. In this scenario, the distributed generation (DG) PV units would be required to collaborate autonomously in a short time scale and with centralized commands over longer time scales to achieve active power network stabilisation. The dynamics of a PV converter are extracted from a detailed, component level, 5.5 kWp PV system model taking account of the dynamic of each process involved. In this investigation a self-commutated standalone system is modelled with unity power factor load changes from 20 % - 90 % of rated capacity, capturing the converter dynamics decoupled from network reactance factors. The extracted system dynamics are required to develop a reduced order model that will reduce simulation times when considering a multi-agent distributed network whilst maintaining model accuracy. The use of this model will allow for advanced analysis of distributed control strategies to optimize distribution grid stiffness, stability and security. The reduction in the overall complexity of the network model, by employing reduced order agent models, is key to the development of detailed PV impact studies.
Immunohistochemical quantification of lymph vessels, VEGF‐C and VEGF receptor 3 in human sarcomas

Sir: Metastasis via lymph or blood vessels is frequent in human carcinomas and determines disease outcome. Quantitative evaluation of blood microvessel number has established a positive correlation with frequency of haematogenous metastases. The important role of lymphatic spread in tumour metastasis is well established, and the importance of the lymphangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and its receptor VEGF-R3 in this process has been demonstrated. In contrast to carcinomas, sarcomas metastasize almost exclusively via the blood stream while lymphatic metastases are exceptional. Only rare entities such as synovial sarcoma or epithelioid sarcoma show lymphatic metastasis in up to 40% of cases. The low tendency of most sarcomas to lymphatic propagation is generally explained by the paucity or absence of intratumoral lymphatic networks. We analysed 32 different human sarcomas, which had been sent to the Department of Pathology, University of Bonn (nine liposarcomas, eight leiomyosarcomas, five synovial sarcomas, three stromal sarcomas of the uterus, two epithelioid sarcomas, three spindle cell sarcomas, one osteosarcoma and one myxofibrosarcoma). Five human carcinomaswere analysed as control. We used a monoclonal mouse antihuman antibody directed against CD34 (Dako, Glostrup, Denmark) for blood vessel staining and a polyclonal rabbit antihuman antibody directed against podoplanin for lymph vessel staining. Evaluation of lymphatic (LVD) and blood (BVD) microvessel density was carried out according to Weidner et al. VEGF-C staining was performed using a polyclonal goat antihuman antibody and VEGF-receptor 3 was examined using a monoclonal mouse antihuman antibody (both antibodies R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Expression of VEGF-receptor 3 was evaluated semiquantitatively in consecutive step sections together with expression of podoplanin and CD34 in order to attribute immunoreactivity to either lymph or blood vessels. Sixteen of 32 sarcomas (50%) showed podoplaninpositive lymph vessels at intratumoral sites ranging from small capillaries to large sinusoidal structures (Figure 1). There was considerable variation of LVD between both different sarcoma groups and within the same sarcoma type. LVD ranged from 0 to 42 (average 5.91). Liposarcoma was the only tumour type with a virtual absence of lymph vessels. No correlation between LVD and malignancy grade was evident in any of the sarcoma types. A synovial sarcoma with a LVD of 6.67 was the only tumour presenting with focal lymphangiosis sarcomatosa. Neither a correlation between VEGF-C expression (Figure 2) by tumour cells and LVD values nor between Figure 1. Immunohistochemical double staining of an epithelioid sarcoma for both podoplanin-positive lymph vessels (green) and CD34-expressing blood vessels (brown) (bar 1⁄4 100 lm).
Herpes simplex virus-mediated human hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene transfer into neuronal cells

The virtually complete deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) results in a devastating neurological disease, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Transfer of the HPRT gene into fibroblasts and lymphoblasts in vitro and into hematopoietic cells in vivo has been accomplished by other groups with retroviral-derived vectors. It appears to be necessary, however, to transfer the HPRT gene into neuronal cells to correct the neurological dysfunction of this disorder. The neurotropic virus herpes simplex virus type 1 has features that make it suitable for use as a vector to transfer the HPRT gene into neuronal tissue. This report describes the isolation of an HPRT-deficient rat neuroma cell line, designated B103-4C, and the construction of a recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 that contained human HPRT cDNA. These recombinant viruses were used to infect B103-4C cells. Infected cells expressed HPRT activity which was human in origin.
The reb 1-1 Mutation of Arabidopsis . Effect on the Structure and Localization of Galactose-Containing Cell Wall Polysaccharides 1 [ W ]

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root epidermal bulger1-1 (reb1-1) mutant (allelic to root hair defective1 [rhd1]) is characterized by a reduced root elongation rate and by bulging of trichoblast cells. The REB1/RHD1 gene belongs to a family of UDP-DGlucose 4-epimerases involved in the synthesis of D-Galactose (Gal). Our previous study showed that certain arabinogalactan protein epitopes were not expressed in bulging trichoblasts of the mutant. In this study, using a combination of microscopical and biochemical methods, we have investigated the occurrence and the structure of three major Gal-containing polysaccharides, namely, xyloglucan (XyG), rhamnogalacturonan (RG)-I, and RG-II in the mutant root cell walls. Our immunocytochemical data show that swollen trichoblasts were not stained with the monoclonal antibody CCRC-M1 specific for a-L-Fucp-(1/2)-b-DGalp side chains of XyG, whereas they were stained with anti-XyG antibodies specific for XyG backbone. In addition, analysis of a hemicellulosic fraction from roots demonstrates the presence of two structurally different XyGs in reb1-1. One is structurally similar to wild-type XyG and the other is devoid of fuco-galactosylated side chains and has the characteristic of being insoluble. Similar to anti-XyG antibodies, anti-bupleuran 2IIC, a polyclonal antibody specific for galactosyl epitopes associated with pectins, stained all root epidermal cells of both wild type and reb1-1. Similarly, anti-RG-II antibodies also stained swollen trichoblasts in the mutant. In addition, structural analysis of pectic polymers revealed no change in the galactosylation of RG-I and RG-II isolated from reb1-1 root cells. These findings demonstrate that the reb1-1 mutation affects XyG structure, but not that of pectic polysaccharides, thus lending support to the hypothesis that biosynthesis of Gal as well as galactosylation of complex polysaccharides is regulated at the polymer level.
Shoulder Arthroscopy in Children and Adolescents

&NA; Arthroscopy is increasingly being used to manage a wide range of pathologies in the pediatric population. Knee arthroscopy is an efficacious treatment method for skeletally immature patients, and an increasing number of shoulder conditions can be managed with minimally invasive techniques. Special considerations are needed with regard to anatomy, anesthetic technique, equipment, and patient positioning when performing shoulder arthroscopy in a child or an adolescent. Several shoulder ailments can be managed arthroscopically in this patient population, including infection, contractures resulting from brachial plexus palsy, traumatic instability, atraumatic multidirectional instability, hemophilia, and rotator cuff injuries.
Revisiting the Single-Visit Protocol for Determining the Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold

Abstract Khan, FL, Lawal, JM, Kapture, DO, Swingle, JD, and Malek, MH. Revisiting the single-visit protocol for determining the electromyographic fatigue threshold. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3503–3507, 2017—The electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT) has been shown to demarcate between nonfatiguing and fatiguing exercise workloads. One potential limitation of incorporating the single EMGFT test in a clinical setting is the 2-minute stage increment inherit to the protocol. In most rehabilitation clinics, time with the client is limited, and any testing procedure needs to consider this factor. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine whether or not the estimation of the EMGFT is influenced by reducing the incremental stage to 1-minute intervals. We hypothesized that the 1-minute incremental protocol would provide similar estimates of the EMGFT as the traditional 2-minute incremental protocol. Nine college-aged men performed the single-leg knee-extensor ergometry at 1-minute (3 W) and 2-minute (6 W) stages in random order separated by 7 days. The exercise indices and the EMGFT were determined from the 2 protocols and analyzed using a paired samples t test. The EMG amplitude was assessed from the rectus femoris muscle. The results indicated significant differences between protocols for maximal power output (1 minute: 31.7 ± 2.2 W vs. 2 minutes: 38.0 ± 3.3 W, p = 0.016) and heart rate at end exercise (1 minute: 137 ± 5 b·min–1 vs. 2 minutes: 148 ± 5 b·min–1, p = 0.024). There were, however, no significant mean differences for the EMGFT (1 minute: 19.8 ± 1.8 vs. 2 minutes: 20.3 ± 1.9 W, p = 0.63) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for the exercised leg (1 minute: 9 ± 0 vs. 2 minutes: 9 ± 1, p = 0.68). These results indicate that reducing the exercise protocol by 50% did not change the estimated EMGFT. The practical application of this finding resides in the potential use in sports or rehabilitative settings in which there is limited time with the client and no objective measures to determine neuromuscular fatigue for aerobic exercise.
A high integrity IMU/GPS navigation loop for autonomous land vehicle applications

This paper describes the development and implementation of a high integrity navigation system, based on the combined use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), for autonomous land vehicle applications. The paper focuses on the issue of achieving the integrity required of the navigation loop for use in autonomous systems. The paper highlights the detection of possible faults both before and during the fusion process in order to enhance the integrity of the navigation loop. The implementation of this fault detection methodology considers both low frequency faults in the IMU caused by bias in the sensor readings and the misalignment of the unit, and high frequency faults from the GPS receiver caused by multipath errors. The implementation, based on a low-cost, strapdown IMU, aided by either standard or carrier phase GPS technologies, is described. Results of the fusion process are presented.
A reappraisal of nitrogen requirements for patients with critical illness and trauma

BACKGROUND Studies regarding protein requirements for patients with critical illness are inconclusive owing to small sample size and population heterogeneity. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the amount of protein required to achieve nitrogen equilibrium or a positive nitrogen balance (NB, −4 g/d or better) and ascertain whether patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit greater protein catabolism than those without TBI. METHODS Adult patients admitted to the trauma center, given specialized nutrition support, and had an NB determination within 5 days to 14 days after injury were evaluated. Patients with obesity, incomplete urine collection, kidney disease, corticosteroid or pentobarbital therapy, or an oral diet were excluded. RESULTS A total of 300 NB determinations from 249 patients were evaluated. Increasing the protein dosage generally resulted in improved NB; however, the data were highly variable. Of the patients who received a protein intake of 2 g/kg per day or greater, 54% achieved nitrogen equilibrium or positive NB (−4 g/d or better) in contrast to 38% and 29% of patients who received 1.5 g/kg per day to 1.99 g/kg per day and 1 g/kg per day to 1.49 g/kg per day, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in NB between patients with and without TBI at similar protein intakes. CONCLUSION A higher protein intake was generally associated with an improved NB; yet, many patients remained having a negative NB. A protein dosage of 2 g/kg per day or greater was more successful in achieving nitrogen equilibrium than were lower-dosage intakes. Patients with TBI do not exhibit significantly greater protein catabolism than do patients without TBI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III.
The Gamma function revisited

We find several new representations of the Gamma function (and related functions such as R(z) = ( z)/( z), Binet's function µ(z), and ln( z)) as integrals and partial-fraction-like expansions. We also present conver- gent and/or better versions of Stirling's formula, fully general reflection and shift formulas for the Gamma function, new continued fractions and new error estimates (such as understanding the convergence rate of Stieltjes' CF for the first time), and a new formula for the Beta function. While some of these seem mere curiosities, others appear to yield the best known numerical algorithms for evaluating ( z).
Aging, energy, and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases

The etiology of neurodegenerative diseases remains enigmatic; however, evidence for defects in energy metabolism, excitotoxicity, and for oxidative damage is increasingly compelling. It is likely that there is a complex interplay between these mechanisms. A defect in energy metabolism may lead to neuronal depolarization, activation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate excitatory amino acid‐receptors, and increases in intracellular calcium, which are buffered by mitochondria. Mitochondria are the major intracellular source of free radicals, and increased mitochondrial calcium concentrations enhance free radical generation. Mitochondrial DNA is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, and there is evidence of age‐dependent damage and deterioration of respiratory enzyme activities with normal aging. This may contribute to the delayed onset and age dependence of neurodegenerative diseases. There is evidence for increased oxidative damage to macromolecules in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Potential therapeutic approaches include glutamate release inhibitors, excitatory amino acid antagonists, strategies to improve mitochondrial function, free radical scavengers, and trophic factors. All of these approaches appear promising in experimental studies and are now being applied to human studies.