Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 70 MHz - 4.1 GHz 5th-Order Elliptic gm-C Low-Pass Filter in Complementary SiGe Technology

We present the first demonstration of a continuous-time, fifth-order, elliptic, gm-C low-pass active filter in 0.25 mum complementary (npn + pnp) silicon-germanium (C-SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology. This C-SiGe technology features npn SiGe HBTs with peak fT and fmax of 170 GHz and 170 GHz, respectively, as well as pnp SiGe HBTs having fT and fmax of 90 GHz and 120 GHz, respectively. This C-SiGe active filter was implemented with Voorman transconductors (Voorman, 2000) to fully exploit the complementary high-speed npn and pnp SiGe HBTs. The circuit occupies an area of 0.82 mm2, and exhibits a filter cut-off frequency of 4.1 GHz. This C-SiGe active filter achieves a record continuous tuning range between 70 MHz and 4.1 GHz, attains an output noise power spectrum density (PSD) of -143 dBm/Hz, and operates off a 3.5 V supply, with a total power consumption of 100 mW at the maximum bandwidth of 4.1 GHz
Evidence-based Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Diagnostic Tool in Dementia Workup

Background: The diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging in dementia workups has increased recently. The basic use is to exclude space-occupying processes in the brain. However, magnetic resonance imaging offers major opportunities for studying atrophy of specific brain areas. A great interest has been put in whether atrophy in the medial temporal lobe can serve as an early diagnostic marker for Alzheimer disease. Methods and Results: In this evaluation, we used evidence-based techniques and reviewed more than 400 articles that address this issue. Our main finding is that a variety of methods in studying brain areas were used, and this made it difficult to extract conclusive information in a systematic way. Conclusion: However, we were able to conclude that atrophy of the hippocampus can distinguish patients with Alzheimer disease from healthy subjects, but there was a lack of evidence because of insufficient studies concerning the usefulness of medial temporal lobe atrophy as a diagnostic marker in a more general setting.
Impacts of the East Asian monsoon on lower tropospheric ozone over coastal South China

The impact of the East Asian monsoon (EAM) on climatology and interannual variability of tropospheric ozone (O3) over the coastal South China was investigated by analyzing 11 years of ozonesonde data over Hong Kong with the aid of Lagrangian dispersion modeling of carbon monoxide and calculation of an EAM index. It was found that the seasonal cycle of O3 in the lower troposphere is highly related to the EAM over the study region. Ozone enhancements in the free troposphere are associated with the monsoon-induced transport of pollutants of continental anthropogenic and biomass burning origins. Lower tropospheric O3 levels showed high interannual variability, with an annual averaged amplitude up to 61% of averaged concentrations in the boundary layer (0–1 km altitudes) and 49% below 3 km altitude. In spring and autumn, the interannual variability in boundary layer O3 levels was predominately influenced by the EAM intensity, with high O3 mixing ratios associated with northeasterly circulation anomalies.
A simple anti-windup compensation scheme for systems with rate-limited actuators

This paper proposes a simple anti-windup scheme for linear systems which are asymptotically stable but which have inputs which are limited in rate. The closed-loop system with these rate-limits and anti-windup compensation is proved to be globally asymptotically stable and locally exponentially stable. Furthermore, the L2 gain of a map which is central to the performance of the nonlinear closed-loop system is shown to be finite provided certain conditions are satisfied. One of the notable features of the proposed scheme is that it is exceptionally simple, and can be thought of as, in essence, a modified IMC anti-windup scheme.
Four new species of the trapdoor spider genus Conothele Thorell, 1878 from Mainland China and Laos (Araneae, Ctenizidae)

Abstract Here for the first time the presence of the trapdoor spider genus Conothele Thorell, 1878 (Araneae: Ctenizidae) is reported from mainland China and Laos. Four Conothele species collected from the regions are described as new to science, based on the female genital morphology: Conothele baiyunensis Xu, Xu & Liu, sp. n. (Guangdong Province), Conothele daxinensis Xu, Xu & Li, sp. n. (Guangxi Province), Conothele sidiechongensis Xu, Xu & Liu, sp. n. (Yunnan Province, China and Vietnam), Conothele yundingensis Xu, Xu & Li, sp. n. (Yunnan Province).
Power spectral density and KNN based adaboost classifier for epilepsy classification from EEG

In the arena of biomedical engineering, the classification and analysis of epilepsy from Electroencephalography (EEG) signals forms an important area of research. When the neurons get hyper excited, seizures occur causing a lot of inconvenience and trouble to the patient. For the study of the predominant abnormalities in the cerebral cortex of the brain, EEG is used widely. Due to the long nature of the EEG recordings, it is very difficult for the clinicians and visual experts to analyze the entire waveforms and hence automated detection of seizures from EEG signals came into existence. In this paper, the dimensions of the recorded EEG signals was reduced with the help of Power Spectral Density (PSD) and then the dimensionally reduced values are classified with the help of KNN Based Adaboost Classifier for the classification of epilepsy and the performance metrics are analyzed. Results show that an average accuracy of about 97.53% along with an average Performance Index of about 94.85% is obtained.
Recombination among Protein II genes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae generates new coding sequences and increases structural variability in the Protein II family

Expression of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Protein II (P.II) is subject to phase variation and antigenic variation. The P.II proteins made by one strain possess both unique and conserved antigenic determinants. To study the mechanism of antigenic variation, we cloned several P.II genes, using as probes a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for unique determinants. The DNA sequences of three P.II genes showed that they shared a conserved framework, with two short hypervariable (HV) regions being responsible for most of the differences among them. We demonstrated that unique epitopes recognized by the MAbs were at least partially encoded by one of the HV regions. Moreover, we found that reassortment of the two HV regions among P.II genes occurs, generating increased structural and antigenic variability in the P.II protein family.
Economic Costs of Achieving Current Conservation Goals in the Future as Climate Changes

Abstract: Conservation of biologically diverse regions has thus far been accomplished largely through the establishment and maintenance of protected areas. Climate change is expected to shift climate space of many species outside existing reserve boundaries. We used climate‐envelope models to examine shifts in climate space of 11 species that are representative of the Mount Hamilton Project area (MHPA) (California, U.S.A.), which includes areas within Alameda, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, and San Benito counties and is in the state's Central Coast ecoregion. We used Marxan site‐selection software to determine the minimum area required as climate changes to achieve a baseline conservation goal equal to 80% of existing climate space for all species in the MHPA through 2050 and 2100. Additionally, we assessed the costs associated with use of existing conservation strategies (land acquisition and management actions such as species translocation, monitoring, and captive breeding) necessary to meet current species‐conservation goals as climate changes. Meeting conservation goals as climate changes through 2050 required an additional 256,000 ha (332%) of protected area, primarily to the south and west of the MHPA. Through 2050 the total cost of land acquisition and management was estimated at US$1.67–1.79 billion, or 139–149% of the cost of achieving the same conservation goals with no climate change. To maintain 80% of climate space through 2100 required nearly 380,000 additional hectares that would cost $2.46–2.62 billion, or 209–219% of the cost of achieving the same conservation goals with no climate change. Furthermore, maintaining 80% of existing climate space within California for 27% of the focal species was not possible by 2100 because climate space for these species did not exist in the state. The high costs of conserving species as the climate changes—that we found in an assessment of one conservation project—highlights the need for tools that will aid in iterative goal setting given the uncertainty of the effects of climate change and adaptive management that includes new conservation strategies and consideration of the long‐term economic costs of conservation.
An efficient two-pass decoder for SMT using word confidence estimation

During decoding, the Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) decoder travels over all complete paths on the Search Graph (SG), seeks those with cheapest costs and back-tracks to read off the best translations. Although these winners beat the rest in model scores, there is no certain guarantee that they have the highest quality with respect to the human references. This paper exploits Word Confidence Estimation (WCE) scores in the second pass of decoding to enhance the Machine Translation (MT) quality. By using the confidence score of each word in the N-best list to update the cost of SG hypotheses containing it, we hope to " reinforce " or " weaken " them relied on word quality. After the update, new best translations are re-determined using updated costs. In the experiments on our real WCE scores and ideal (oracle) ones, the latter significantly boosts one-pass de-coder by 7.87 BLEU points, meanwhile the former yields an improvement of 1.49 points for the same metric.
Traffic Visualization - Applying Information Visualization Techniques to Enhance Traffic Planning

In this paper, we present a space-time visualization to provide city’s decision-makers the ability to analyse and uncover important “city events” in an understandable manner for city planning activities. An interactive Web mashup visualization is presented that integrates several visualization techniques to give a rapid overview of traffic data. We illustrate our approach as a case study for traffic visualization systems, using datasets from the city of Oulu that can be extended to other city planning activities. We also report the feedback of real users (traffic management employees, traffic police officers, city planners) to support our arguments.
Identification of Residues Important for Ligand Binding of Thromboxane A2 Receptor in the Second Extracellular Loop Using the NMR Experiment-guided Mutagenesis Approach*

The second extracellular loop (eLP2) of the thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) had been proposed to be involved in ligand binding. Through two-dimensional1H NMR experiments, the overall three-dimensional structure of a constrained synthetic peptide mimicking the eLP2 had been determined by our group (Ruan, K.-H., So, S.-P., Wu, J., Li, D., Huang, A., and Kung, J. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 275–280). To further identify the residues involved in ligand binding, a TP receptor antagonist, SQ29,548 was used to interact with the synthetic peptide. High resolution two-dimensional 1H NMR experiments, NOESY, and TOCSY were performed for the peptide, SQ29,548, and peptide with SQ29,548, respectively. Through completed 1H NMR assignment and by comparing the different spectra, extra peaks were observed on the NOESY spectrum of the peptide with SQ29,548, which implied the contacts between residues of eLP2 at Val176, Leu185, Thr186, and Leu187 with SQ29,548 at position H2, H7, and H8. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to confirm the possible ligand-binding sites on native human TP receptor. Each of the four residues was mutated to the residues either in the same group, with different structure or different charged. The mutated receptors were then tested for their ligand binding activity. The receptor with V176L mutant retained binding activity to SQ29,548. All other mutations resulted in decreased or lost binding activity to SQ29,548. These mutagenesis results supported the prediction from NMR experiments in which Val176, Leu185, Thr186, and Leu187 are the possible residues involved in ligand binding. This information facilitates the understanding of the molecular mechanism of thromboxane A2 binding to the important receptor and its signal transduction.
IL6-174G > C genetic polymorphism influences antidepressant treatment outcome

Abstract Background: Major depressive disorder is a condition associated with dysregulated cytokine levels; among these, IL6. Furthermore, genetic variations within cytokine genes have been proposed to predict antidepressant treatment outcome. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the role of IL6-174G > C and IL6R D358A A > C functional polymorphisms in antidepressant treatment phenotypes, specifically remission, relapse, and treatment resistant depression (TRD). Methods: The referred polymorphisms were genotyped in 80 MDD patients followed at Hospital Magalhães Lemos, Portugal, within a period of 27 months. Results: It was found that patients carrying IL6-174 GC genotype present a protection towards the development of TRD (OR = 0.242; 95% CI = 0.068–0.869; p = .038), when compared with GG genotype. Additionally, carriers of IL6-174 CC genotype remit earlier than patients with IL6-174 GG/GC genotypes, with a median time to remission of 6 weeks for CC carriers and 15 weeks for GG or GC carriers (p = .030, Log-rank test). No association was found between IL6R D358A genetic polymorphism and any of the treatment phenotypes evaluated. Conclusions: The IL6-174G > C polymorphism influences antidepressant treatment outcome in this sub-set of MDD patients, providing a putative mechanistic link for the dysregulated IL-6 levels described in the literature in patients with TRD.
Sustained broad-spectrum antibacterial effects of nanoliposomes loaded with silver nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND The emergence of microbial resistance to antibiotics warrants the search for effective broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used as antimicrobial agents. AgNPs encapsulated in nanolipososmes have been developed as effective antimicrobial agents. MATERIALS & METHODS Nanoliposomes (<50 nm) were prepared using a modified reverse-phase evaporation method, and spherical, dextrose-capped AgNPs were synthesized. The prepared liposome AgNPs (LAgNPs) were characterized, and tested for their antibacterial effects. RESULTS The size of LAgNPs is 25-80 nm. The release of AgNPs from nanoliposomes was sustained over 10 h. Complete growth inhibition of Eschericia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus was achieved using 180, 200, 160 and 120 µM, respectively, of LAgNPs. LAgNPs exhibited sustained broad-spectrum antibacterial effects compared with free AgNPs. CONCLUSION Nanoliposomes loaded with AgNPs are potentially effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. This new formula, which can be further fortified by encapsulation of additional established antibacterial agents, may be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and also promote wound healing.
Performance Evaluation of Different Methods for Estimation of Evapotranspiration in Pakistan’s Climate

Pakistan experiences a variety of climates ranging from a small humid patch in the north to extremely arid southern plains. Evapotranspiration is not a directly measurable element among agrometeorological parameters influencing crop growth and development. Many empirical and semi-empirical methods for estimation of crop evapotranspiration exist and are being used by individual scientists and researchers in Pakistan as per their claimed validations in other parts of the world. In this paper a comparison is made in reference with pan evaporation to test the performance of four widely used methods in the world under various climatic conditions of Pakistan. Although lysimeteric data are believed to be the best judge to assess the performance of any method yet the date are not available in continuous series at all location. The second best of choice is made on evaporation well documented in PMD archives from four Regional Agro- Metrological Centers representing four major agro-climatic zones of Pakistan. FAO Penman-Monteith equation worked well in all the major climatic zones of Pakistan and may be adapted to draw closer and more realistic estimates of evapotranspiration for crop water requirements, various operational agricultural practices and water balance studies.
A Rat Model of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy for Investigating Left Ventricular Volume Reduction Surgery

Abstract Objective: The effects of volume reduction surgery (VRS) for ischemic cardiomyopathy are not fully understood. The development of a proper animal model will help to resolve this issue. Methods: Study 1 (Noninvasive study): Twenty‐six rats developed large akinetic left ventricular (LV) aneurysms or ischemic cardiomyopathy after anterior descending artery ligation (first surgery). Four weeks after the surgery, 13 rats underwent volume reduction surgery (second surgery) (VRS group), while 13 underwent rethoracotomy alone (sham group). Before the first surgery, and before and after the second surgery, the LV dimensions were measured by echocardiography, and the heart rate and systolic blood pressure were recorded by the tail cuff method. Study 2 (Invasive study): In 7 rats undergoing the VRS and 9 undergoing the sham operation, LV pressure was measured with a manometer‐tipped catheter, immediately before and after the second surgery. Results: Study 1: All rats survived the second surgery, after which LV end‐diastolic diameter decreased and LV fractional shortening increased (both p < 0.001) in the VRS group. This group also increased heart rate after the second surgery (p < 0.05). Study 2: There were no differences in LV endsystolic or end‐diastolic pressure between the two groups before and after the second surgery. Conclusions: This model enables reproducible physiological evaluation of the LV after VRS, and since the rats show postoperative survival, it provides a useful tool for various investigations.
On the Definition and Estimation of Spectrum Occupancy

Spectrum occupancy for channels and bands of similar channels is defmed. A distinction is made between transmission occupancy and message occupancy. The measurement time required to determine if a given channel is occupied is considered as well as the time required to estimate the degree of transmission occupancy with a given statistical confidence. Nonparametric (distribution-free) statistical techniques are employed to obtain this estimate and to determine the sample size required to establish confidence bounds for a set of channel or band transmission occupancy values.
Fast Multipole Method on the Cell Broadband Engine: the Near Field Part

The implementation of the near field part of the Fast Multipole Method, which solves hierarchically N-body problems, is presented for the Cell Broadband Engine. Algorithmic and hardware issues, as well as code specific optimizations, are detailed for this first step towards the first full implementation of a hierarchical N-body method on the Cell processor. We compute up to more than 8.5 billion interactions per second (115.8 Gflop/s) on the Cell Processor, and up to more than 17 billion interactions per second on the IBM QS20 blade (230.4 Gflop/s), for both uniform and non-uniform distributions of particles.
Enhancement of A Spermatogonial Proliferation and Differentiation in Irradiated Rats by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Administration1.

The initial changes in the numbers, proliferation, and differentiation of A spermatogonia in irradiated rats after the administration of a GnRH antagonist, which is known to induce differentiation in this system, were investigated. LBNF1 rats were given 6 Gy ofγ -irradiation; some were treated with the GnRH antagonist Cetrorelix beginning 15 weeks after irradiation. Although the spermatogonia in the irradiated rats without hormone treatment continue to proliferate (labeling and mitotic indexes of 24% and 18%, respectively), they underwent apoptosis (apoptotic indexes of 21% by the terminal transferase-mediated end labeling assay and 9% by nuclear morphology), resulting in a constant number of A spermatogonia. Whole mount analysis of clones of A spermatogonia revealed that larger clones were more likely to undergo apoptosis than mitosis. Hormone administration decreased the intratesticular testosterone concentration to 6% of the level in irradiated rats within 1 week. Concomitantly, there was a decrease in.
Simulation of Rodlike Particles in Field-Flow Fractionation ( FFF )

The manufacturing of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) results in mixtures that are polydisperse with respect to both size and chirality, the latter of which strongly affects the tube electronic properties. For nanotubes to achieve their full potential in applications, it is desirable to be able to separate them according to both of these physical characteristics. Field-flow fractionation (FFF) (1-3) is an liquid based technique used to separate various macromolecular, colloidal, and particulate materials ranging from 10 to 10 μm in size and has recently been applied in a number of studies (49) to the separation of nanotubes. In FFF, a mixture to be separated is driven through a channel (the “flow”, in FFF) while a field is applied in a direction perpendicular to the streamwise direction. The perpendicular field may be either another flow field, an electric field, or a temperature gradient, amongst a number of possibilities. The perpendicular field is chosen so that the interaction between the field and the streamwise parabolic profile, promotes a separation of components based on their mobility in the field. In this work, we develop a Brownian dynamics simulation of prolate ellipsoidal particles to investigate the separation of rodlike particles in FFF. The particle motions are governed by stochastic forms of a linear momentum balance with orientation dependent drag and diffusion coefficients, and the Jeffery equation with rotational diffusion (10; 11). The simulation shows that nanotube scale particles would be expected to elute by a normal mode mechanism, based on a particle diameter of 1 nm. Elution profiles and average velocity through the device as a function of particle size, and throughput and cross flow flowrates are examined.
Recent advancements in outdoor measurement techniques for angle of incidence effects

Reflection losses from a PV module become increasingly pronounced at solar incident angles >60°. However, accurate measurement in this region can be problematic due to tracker articulation limits and irradiance reference device calibration. We present the results of a measurement method enabling modules to be tested over the full range of 0-90° by articulating the tracker in elevation only. This facilitates the use of a shaded pyranometer to make a direct measurement of the diffuse component, reducing measurement uncertainty. We further present the results of a real-time intercomparison performed by two independent test facilities ~10 km apart.