Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An analytical expression for power spectra of M-ary LREC continuous phase modulation signals

Several different methods are available for computing the power spectral density (PSD) of a general continuous phase modulated (CPM) signal. For the case of rectangular frequency pulses with L=1 (that is, M-ary continuous phase frequency shift keying (CPFSK) or M-ary 1REC CPM), an analytical expression is known for the PSD when the data symbols are equally likely. An analytic expression is obtained for the PSD of an M-ary LREC CPM signal where L is an arbitrary positive integer and the data symbols are not necessarily equally likely. The technique employed does not require the tedious evaluation of integrals. Rather, the integrals are recognized as convolutions and the PSD is obtained using simple Fourier transform properties. Some numerical results and computational aspects of the method are discussed. <<ETX>>
Combined action of the dinuclear platinum compound BBR3610 with the PI3‐K inhibitor PX‐866 in glioblastoma

Polynuclear platinum compounds are more effective at killing glioblastoma cells than cisplatin, work by a different mechanism, and typically do not induce high levels of apoptosis at early time points after exposure. Here, we tested the hypothesis that combining BBR3610, the most potent polynuclear platinum, with a phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor would promote apoptosis and enhance the impact on glioblastoma cells. The PI3K pathway is commonly activated in glioblastoma and promotes tumor cell survival, suggesting that its inhibition would make cells more sensitive to cytotoxic agents. We chose PX‐866 as a PI3K inhibitor as it is a clinically promising agent being evaluated for brain tumor therapy. Combining BBR3610 and PX‐866 resulted in synergistic killing of cultured glioma cells and an extension of survival in an orthotopic xenograft animal model. Both agents alone induced autophagy, and this appeared to be saturated, because when they were combined no additional autophagy was observed. However, the combination of PX‐866 and BBR3610 did induce statistically significant increases in the level of apoptosis, associated with a reduction in pAkt and pBad, as well as inhibition of transwell migration. We conclude that combining polynuclear platinums with PI3K inhibitors has translational potential and alters the cellular response to include early apoptosis.
Cache-Sensitive Memory Layout for Dynamic Binary Trees

We use cache-sensitive memory layouts to improve search performance in ordinary binary search trees, without increasing the time complexity of insertion or deletion. Our approach does not require changes to the structure of the nodes or the rebalancing strategy of the tree. Cache-sensitivity is maintained with a memory-layout invariant that keeps a given number of neighboring nodes in the tree stored in the same cache block. We show how to preserve it using worst-case constant-time operations executed when the tree changes. In our extensive experiments, the invariant consistently improved the search performance of large AVL and red–black trees by 26–32%, on synthetic data as well as realistic search tree operations extracted from a database benchmark. We also compare binary search trees with several cache-sensitive B-trees, and non-dynamic approaches for laying out tree nodes in a multi-level memory hierarchy.
The Subjects as a Simple Random Effect Fallacy: Subject Variability and Morphological Family Effects in the Mental Lexicon

This is a methodological study addressing the appropriateness of standard by-subject and by-item averaging procedures for the analysis of repeated-measures designs. By means of a reanalysis of published data (Schreuder & Baayen, 1997), using random regression models, we present a proof of existence of systematic variability between participants that is ignored in the standard psycholinguistic analytical procedures. By applying linear mixed effects modeling (Pinheiro & Bates, 2000), we call attention to the potential lack of power of the by-subject and by-item analyses, which in this case study fail to reveal the coexistence of a facilitatory family size effect and an inhibitory family frequency effect in visual and auditory lexical processing.
DC Islands in AC Smart Grids

The advantages arising from dc distribution networks are related to the possibilities of achieving higher quality supply and easier reconfigurability of the system. This paper presents the concept of introducing some dc islands interconnected with the ac distribution network. This will make it easier to connect storage systems, electrical drives, power converters, and renewable sources (i.e., photovoltaic panels). In order to realize the aforementioned goals, a methodology for designing the control strategy of different power converters connected to a dc bus without a centralized system management control unit is proposed. In this way, a plug-and-play functionality for connecting new power converter interfaced elements in the dc network able to stabilize the voltage under different working conditions is realized. In order to prove the advantages obtainable with such a network, a 100-kW dc test facility has been realized at the laboratories of RSE. Different working conditions were tested by means both of numerical and experimental results, proving the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for voltage regulation, continuity of service, and the smart use of storage devices.
Structural Rearrangement within an Enveloped Virus upon Binding to the Host Cell

ABSTRACT We have made the surprising discovery that the interactions of herpes simplex virus with its initial cell attachment receptor induce a rapid and highly efficient structural change in the tegument, the region of the virion situated between the membrane and the capsid. It has been known for nearly a decade that viruses can trigger host signaling pathways when they bind to receptors on the cell surface; however, until now there has been no evidence that a signal can be sent in reverse—from the “outside in”—across a viral membrane. Evidence for this signaling event was found during studies of UL16, a tegument protein that is conserved among all the herpesviruses. Previous work has demonstrated that UL16 is bound to capsids isolated from the cytoplasm of infected cells, but this interaction is destabilized during subsequent egress steps, leading to release of the extracellular virion. Pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide, a small, membrane-permeating compound that covalently modifies free cysteines, restabilizes the interaction, thereby permitting the capsid-UL16 complex to be isolated following disruption of virions with NP-40. In the experiments described here, we found that the natural signal for release of UL16 from capsids is sent when virions merely bind to cells at 4°C. The internal change was also observed upon binding to immobilized heparin in a manner that requires viral glycoprotein C. This represents the first example of signaling across a viral envelope following receptor binding.
Using arduino as pedagogical strategy in learning logic programming

This study aimed to investigate the learning concepts of logic programming for high-school students introducing the arduino tool as a pedagogical strategy. therefore, the methodology applied initially consisted in presencial classes, as well as the subsequent interaction with the tool and assessment activities. initial results indicate that this strategy was adequate for materialization of abstract concepts that are taught in logic programming, but it also allows one to identify formalization difficulties of mathematical concepts for solving activities that were proposed.
A Large-Signal Monolayer Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Compact Model for RF-Circuit Applications

In this paper, we report a physics-based compact model for monolayer graphene field-effect transistors (m-GFETs) based on the 2-D Density of States of monolayer graphene and the drift-diffusion equation. Furthermore, the Ward-Dutton charge partitioning scheme has been incorporated to the model extending its capabilities to AC and transient simulations. The model has been validated through comparison with DC and RF measurements from two different long-channel m-GFET technologies. Moreover, values of parasitic elements included in the model are extracted from measurements on dedicated test structures and verified through electromagnetic simulations (EM). Finally, an EM-SPICE co-simulation has been carried out to assess the applicability of the developed m-GFET model for the design of “balun” circuits.
N‐glycan engineering of a plant‐produced anti‐CD20‐hIL‐2 immunocytokine significantly enhances its effector functions

Anti‐CD20 recombinant antibodies are among the most promising therapeutics for the treatment of B‐cell malignancies such as non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. We recently demonstrated that an immunocytokine (2B8‐Fc‐hIL2), obtained by fusing an anti‐CD20 scFv‐Fc antibody derived from C2B8 mAb (rituximab) to the human interleukin 2 (hIL‐2), can be efficiently produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The purified immunocytokine (IC) bearing a typical plant protein N‐glycosylation profile showed a CD20 binding activity comparable to that of rituximab and was efficient in eliciting antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of human PBMC against Daudi cells, indicating its fuctional integrity. In this work, the immunocytokine devoid of the typical xylose/fucose N‐glycosylation plant signature (IC‐ΔXF) and the corresponding scFv‐Fc‐ΔXF antibody not fused to the cytokine, were obtained in a glyco‐engineered ΔXylT/FucT N. benthamiana line. Purification yields from agroinfiltrated plants amounted to 20–35 mg/kg of leaf fresh weight. When assayed for interaction with FcγRI and FcγRIIIa, IC‐ΔXF exhibited significantly enhanced binding affinities if compared to the counterpart bearing the typical plant protein N‐glycosylation profile (IC) and to rituximab. The glyco‐engineered recombinant molecules also exhibited a strongly improved ADCC and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Notably, our results demonstrate a reduced C1q binding of xylose/fucose carrying IC and scFv‐Fc compared to versions that lack these sugar moieties. These results demonstrate that specific N‐glycosylation alterations in recombinant products can dramatically affect the effector functions of the immunocytokine, resulting in an overall improvement of the biological functions and consequently of the therapeutic potential.
Negative regulation of transcription of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae catalase T (CTT1) gene by cAMP is mediated by a positive control element.

Transcription of the CTT1 (catalase T) gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled by oxygen via heme, by nutrients via cAMP and by heat shock. Nitrogen limitation triggers a rapid, cycloheximide‐insensitive derepression of the gene. Residual derepression in a cAMP‐nonresponsive mutant with attenuated protein kinase activity (bcy1 tpk1w tpk2 tpk3) demonstrates the existence of an alternative, cAMP‐independent nutrient signaling mechanism. Deletion analysis using CTT1‐lacZ fusion genes revealed the contribution of multiple control elements to derepression, not all of which respond to the cAMP signal. A positive promoter element responding to negative control by cAMP was inactivated by deletion of a DNA region between base pairs ‐340 and ‐364. Upstream fragments including this element confer negative cAMP control to a LEU2‐lacZ fusion gene. Northern analysis of CTT1 expression in the presence or absence of heme, in RAS2+ (high cAMP) and ras2 mutant (low cAMP) strains and in cells grown at low temperature (23 degrees C) and in heat‐shocked cells (37 degrees C) shows that CTT1 is only induced to an appreciable extent when at least two of the three factors contributing to its expression (oxidative stress signaled by heme, nutrient starvation (low cAMP) and heat stress) activate the CTT1 promoter.
Measurement of the state of stress in silicon with micro-Raman spectroscopy

Micro-Raman spectroscopy has been widely used to measure local stresses in silicon and other cubic materials. However, a single (scalar) line position measurement cannot determine the complete stress state unless it has a very simple form such as uniaxial. Previously published micro-Raman strategies designed to determine additional elements of the stress tensor take advantage of the polarization and intensity of the Raman-scattered light, but these strategies have not been validated experimentally. In this work, we test one such stategy [S. Narayanan, S. Kalidindi, and L. Schadler, J. Appl. Phys. 82, 2595 (1997)] for rectangular (110)- and (111)-orientated silicon wafers. The wafers are subjected to a bending stress using a custom-designed apparatus, and the state of (plane) stress is modeled with ABAQUS. The Raman shifts are calculated using previously published values for silicon phonon deformation potentials. The experimentally measured values for σxx, σyy, and τxy at the silicon surface are in good ag.
Challenges in provider payment under the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme: a case study of claims management in two districts.

UNLABELLED In 2004, Ghana started implementing a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to remove cost as a barrier to quality healthcare. Providers were initially paid by fee - for - service. In May 2008, this changed to paying providers by a combination of Ghana - Diagnostic Related Groupings (G-DRGs) for services and fee - for - service for medicines through the claims process. OBJECTIVE The study evaluated the claims management processes for two District MHIS in the Upper East Region of Ghana. METHODS Retrospective review of secondary claims data (2008) and a prospective observation of claims management (2009) were undertaken. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for primary data collection using interview guides and checklists. The reimbursements rates and value of rejected claims were calculated and compared for both districts using the z test. The null hypothesis was that no differences existed in parameters measured. FINDINGS Claims processes in both districts were similar and predominantly manual. There were administrative capacity, technical, human resource and working environment challenges contributing to delays in claims submission by providers and vetting and payment by schemes. Both Schemes rejected less than 1% of all claims submitted. Significant differences were observed between the Total Reimbursement Rates (TRR) and the Total Timely Reimbursement Rates (TTRR) for both schemes. For TRR, 89% and 86% were recorded for Kassena Nankana and Builsa Schemes respectively while for TTRR, 45% and 28% were recorded respectively. CONCLUSION Ghana's NHIS needs to reform its provider payment and claims submission and processing systems to ensure simpler and faster processes. Computerization and investment to improve the capacity to administer for both purchasers and providers will be key in any reform.
Renal transplantation in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

Purpose of reviewThis review aims to provide a state-of-the-art perspective on the role of kidney transplantation in cases of end-stage kidney disease due to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis. We focus on patient and graft survival in recent years, timing of transplant, impact of ANCA status, and relapse of vasculitis in the allograft. Recent findingsGraft and patient outcome compare very favorably with other causes of kidney failure and several recent studies have indicated that these outcomes have improved further in recent years. Relapse of vasculitis posttransplant appears to be lower in the modern era of transplant induction. There may be an excess mortality in those transplanted less than 1 year after induction of vasculitis remission, so it is probably wise to wait for this period before proceeding with the graft. ANCA status at transplant does not appear to influence outcome. SummaryKidney transplantation is an excellent treatment for kidney failure due to vasculitis, although one must never lose sight of the cause of the original vasculitic kidney failure in the event of clinical deterioration of an allograft recipient, even if the diagnosis of ANCA vasculitis was many years previously.
A wideband CMOS LC VCO with low tuning sensitivity for CMMB applications

A dual core wideband voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with small VCO tuning gain fluctuation ( KVCO variation ) is presented. This integrated VCO has a wide tuning range from 1.8 GHz to 3.8 GHz, which can provide all desired frequency band for China Mobile Multimedia Broadcasting (CMMB) receiver. A 5-bit switched capacitor bank and a self-controlled varactor pair is used in each core to achieve required tuning range and small tuning sensitivity. Spot phase noise is −119.5dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset for 3.817 GHz output frequency while power dissipation is 3–4 mA from 1.5 V supply. This circuit is realized in 0.18-µm CMOS technology and the total area is 530×440µm2.
Expression of testis‐specific histone genes during the development of rat spermatogenic cells in vitro

We have used two radiolabeled oligonucleotide probes (TH2B and H1t), Northern blotting, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography to study the temporal expression of TH2B and H1t testis‐specific histone genes during the development of rat spermatogenic cells in vitro. These studies were carried out to determine whether meiotic prophase spermatocytes, known to synthesize in vivo TH2B and H1t histones among other histones, are capable of expressing these testis‐specific genes in vitro during an extended period of time. We have found abundant TH2B and H1t mRNA steady state levels as well as newly‐synthesized TH2B and H1t histones after 5 days of coculture. Northern blots reprobed with H1t‐specific oligonucleotide showed that H1t mRNA remained prominent when TH2B mRNA started to decline after 8–12 days of coculture. Phase‐contrast and transmission electron microscopy studies carried out throughout the course of the experiments demonstrated that the number of viable spermatogonia and meiotic prophase spermatocytes was relatively constant during 12 days of coculture. Spermatocytes, in a clone‐like arrangement, remained attached to Sertoli cell surfaces and displayed subcellular features consistent with those observed in the intact seminiferous epithelium. Spermatogonia formed long, branching chains of interconnected cells. Results of this study indicate that spermatogenic cells in coculture with Sertoli cells express testis‐specific histone genes for an extended period of time. Testis‐specific histone gene expression in vitro should facilitate further studies for understanding the role of these histones in chromatin structure, transcription, and genetic recombination during male meiotic prophase.
Patient participation in decision-making and consent to treatment: the case of general surgery.

Recent political initiatives have sought to encourage patients to seek increased participation in decision-making on treatments. In NHS surgical care, the consent process begins most commonly with an outpatients consultation within which the implicit rules of communication and participation are conveyed to patients by the setting, and the routines of the service providers. The signing of the consent form just prior to surgery while on the ward tends to be a re-affirmation of the strengths and weaknesses of the relationship established there and the discourse on which it is based. The reflections of surgical patients and staff reported here suggest that politico-legalistic measures to encourage and increase patient participation in surgical decision-making will continue to be frustrated. This may occur not simply because of a natural desire on the part of surgeons to reaffirm established professional rights to control the form and content of consultations, but because more demanding patients will disrupt the methods by which surgeons and other service providers have been able to fulfil the demands for patient throughput which a pressured health care system places on them.
Using DNA to test the utility of pellet‐group counts as an index of deer counts

Despite widespread use of fecal pellet-group counts as an index of ungulate density, techniques used to convert pellet-group numbers to ungulate numbers rarely are based on counts of known individuals, seldom evaluated across spatial and temporal scales, and precision is infrequently quantified. Using DNA from fecal pellets to identify individual deer, we evaluated the relationship between pellet-group count and count of Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) during a 3-year study (2006–2008) in 3 watersheds in southeast Alaska, USA. We surveyed 141,054 m2 of transect, counted 10,569 pellet groups, and identified 737 unique deer. We used a multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear model to analyze expected deer count as a function of pellet-group count. Pellet-group count was a significant predictor of DNA-based index of deer count, but that relationship varied by transect, watershed, and year, indicating that extrapolation of a single linear relationship across space and time was not possible. More importantly, most of the variation in our models was residual and unexplained. Assuming that our DNA-based results were a more accurate and precise metric of true deer count, we do not support the use of pellet-group count to index deer count in southeast Alaska unless confounding factors are accounted for at fine spatial (e.g., habitat patch) scales. Because of the difficulty in routinely evaluating the influence of confounding variables in remote and unmanaged landscapes, we suggest that wildlife programs in these environments consider alternatives, such as DNA-based methods, for monitoring trends in ungulate populations. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Gated UWB pulse signal generation

A simple method is proposed to generate UWB pulses which satisfy the FCC spectral mask. The proposed algorithm is easily realized with an oscillator and an on-off switch. The center frequency and the bandwidth of the gated pulses are controlled by the frequency of the oscillator and switch closures. Also, it can be applied to various systems if a filters, such as the root-raised cosine filter, is used.
A Software Cost Model with Warranty and Risk Costs

In this paper, a cost model with warranty cost, time to remove each error detected in the software system, and risk cost due to software failure is developed. A software reliability model based on non-homogeneous Poisson process is used. The optimal release policies to minimize the expected total software cost are discussed. A software tool is also developed using Excel and Visual Basic to facilitate the task of determining the optimal software release time. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the results.
Antibacterial activity of photosensitizers immobilized onto solid supports via mechanochemical treatment

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy is based on the ability of photosensitizers to transfer energy absorbed under illumination to dissolved oxygen or to organic substrates, thus exciting them and producing active free radicals and radical ions. Free and liposome-encapsulated photosensitizers, as well as photosensitizers which are immobilized onto solid supports, are known to effectively eradicate bacterial cells. In the present work, we report a novel technique for the mechanochemical immobilization of photosensitizers onto solid supports. Neutral Red was shown to bind covalently to a pre-synthesized copolymer of salicylic acid and formaldehyde. This photosensitizer, as well as Methylene Blue and Rose Bengal, were deeply absorbed and incorporated into talc under mechanochemical treatment. The immobilized photosensitizers were active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in all cases. Correspondence/Reprint request: Dr. Marina Nisnevitch, Ariel University, Kiryat-ha-Mada, 3, 40700 Ariel, Israel. E-mail: marinan@ariel.ac. il Marina Nisnevitch et al. 2