Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An implementation of link analysis jitter algorithm in the presence of receiver non-linearity1

A hash map implementation of the link analysis technique for obtaining jitter is proposed, under non-linear receiver conditions. The jitter PDF obtained from the link analysis, which typically assumes an LTI system, is passed through the I/O non-linear CMOS receiver voltage characteristics, obtaining the final jitter distribution. Simulations show promising results.
GUI Based Control System Analysis using PID Controller for Education

PID control strategy should be understood as a huge part in the education oriented on process control. Application of suitable GUI windows software can contribute in the increase of education quality and providing a better understanding of PID control through as it provides a user friendly environment which is suitable and comfortable for teaching, learning and training application. This paper present the PID control system analysis by explaining the PID controller three-term parameters, PID control types and structure, and PID tuning approach using Ziegler-Nichols and manual tuning method (in both s-domain and z-domain) with the help of simulation and Graphical User Interface GUI windows based on MATLAB. This software package is targeted for engineering students and practicing engineers.
Color cast removal based on fitting gray-axis

Color cast removal is a fundamental preliminary step in image processing. This paper describes a novel algorithm that using least square algorithm to fit the gray-axis firstly, and then removing the cast through a rotation transformation in Lab color space. The proposed method has been tested, with positive results, on a large set of images downloaded from related databases or literatures.
Invited review: Integrating quantitative findings from multiple studies using mixed model methodology.

In animal agriculture, the need to understand complex biological, environmental, and management relationships is increasing. In addition, as knowledge increases and profit margins shrink, our ability and desire to predict responses to various management decisions also increases. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to help show how improved mathematical and statistical tools and computer technology can help us gain more accurate information from published studies and improve future research. Researchers, in several recent reviews, have gathered data from multiple published studies and attempted to formulate a quantitative model that best explains the observations. In statistics, this process has been labeled meta-analysis. Generally, there are large differences between studies: e. g. , different physiological status of the experimental units, different experimental design, different measurement methods, and laboratory technicians. From a statistical standpoint, studies are blocks and their effects must be considered random because the inference being sought is to future, unknown studies. Meta-analyses in the animal sciences have generally ignored the Study effect. Because data gathered across studies are unbalanced with respect to predictor variables, ignoring the Study effect has as a consequence that the estimation of parameters (slopes and intercept) of regression models can be severely biased. Additionally, variance estimates are biased upward, resulting in large type II errors when testing the effect of independent variables. Historically, the Study effect has been considered a fixed effect not because of a strong argument that such effect is indeed fixed but because of our prior inability to efficiently solve even modest-sized mixed models (those containing both fixed and random effects). Modern statistical software has, however, overcome this limitation. Consequently, meta-analyses should now incorporate the Study effect and its interaction effects as random components of a mixed model. This would result in better prediction equations of biological systems and a more accurate description of their prediction errors.
Supplementary motor area and anterior intraparietal area integrate fine‐graded timing and force control during precision grip

We investigated the neuronal processing of the physiologically particularly important precision grip (opposition of index finger and thumb) by the combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and an MR‐compatible haptic interface. Ten healthy subjects performed isometric precision grip force generation with visual task instruction and real‐time visual feedback in a block design. In a 2 × 2 two‐factorial design, both the timing and force could be either constant or varying (identical average timing and force). As we expected only small changes in the fMRI response for the different fine‐graded motor control conditions, we maximized the sensitivity of the data analysis and implemented a volumes of interest (VOI) restricted general linear model analysis including non‐explanatory force regressors to eliminate directly force‐related low‐level activations. The VOIs were defined based on previous studies. We found significant associations: timing variation (variable vs. constant) and primary motor area (M1) and dorsal premotor area (PMd); force variation (variable vs. constant) and primary somatosensory area (S1), anterior intraparietal area (AIP) and PMd; interaction of timing and force and supplementary motor area (SMA) and AIP. We conclude that SMA and AIP integrate fine‐graded higher‐level timing and force control during precision grip. M1, S1 and PMd process lower‐level timing and force control, yet not their integration. These results are the basis for a detailed assessment of manual motor control in a variety of motor diseases. The detailed behavioural assessment by our MR‐compatible haptic interface is particularly valuable in patients due to expected larger inter‐individual variation in motor performance.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate regulate phagolysosome biogenesis

Significance Phagocytes are key to innate immunity, as they ingest, kill, and degrade foreign particles, such as microbes. Particle uptake results in the formation of phagosomes that eventually fuse with lysosomes, the main degradative compartments in cells. Phagosome–lysosome fusion (PLF) is crucial for the degradation of phagosome contents and antigen presentation. Most pathogenic microbes that multiply within phagocytes and cause severe diseases (e.g. tuberculosis), prevent PLF. Deciphering the mechanisms that govern PLF will help to understand how phagocytic cells clear microbial infections and how pathogens evade being delivered to microbicidal phagolysosomes. Here, we identify specific phosphoinositide lipids [i.e. PI(4)P and PI(3)P] and the enzymes that produce them as regulators of PLF, which explains why these lipids are manipulated by some pathogens. Professional phagocytic cells ingest microbial intruders by engulfing them into phagosomes, which subsequently mature into microbicidal phagolysosomes. Phagosome maturation requires sequential fusion of the phagosome with early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes. Although various phosphoinositides (PIPs) have been detected on phagosomes, it remained unclear which PIPs actually govern phagosome maturation. Here, we analyzed the involvement of PIPs in fusion of phagosomes with various endocytic compartments and identified phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P], phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P], and the lipid kinases that generate these PIPs, as mediators of phagosome–lysosome fusion. Phagosome–early endosome fusion required PI(3)P, yet did not depend on PI(4)P. Thus, PI(3)P regulates phagosome maturation at early and late stages, whereas PI(4)P is selectively required late in the pathway.
Breathing Pattern and Occlusion Pressure Waveform in Humans Anesthetized With Halothane or Sevoflurane

To examine the ventilatory effects of sevoflurane, breathing pattern, airway occlusion pressure waveform, and the mechanical variables of the respiratory system were determined in seven subjects anesthetized with sevoflurane and in an additional seven subjects anesthetized with halothane. All patients breathed 1 MAC of anesthetic using oxygen as the carrier gas, and the measurements were performed in the absence of surgical stimulation. The durations of inspiration and expiration were significantly longer during sevoflurane than during halothane administration. Tidal volumes were larger in the sevoflurane group than in the halothane group. Occlusion pressure waveforms were also markedly different between the two groups. Occlusion pressure during the initial 300–400 ms tended to be less in the sevoflurane-anesthetized than in the halothane-anesthetized subjects. There was no evidence of an active Hering-Breuer reflex with either anesthetic. Mechanical variables of the respiratory system were essentially identical between the two anesthetics. We conclude that (a) the ventilatory effects of halothane and sevoflurane are different, (b) the difference in the respiratory timing and depth of breathing originates from the action of the anesthetics on the central respiratory neural network, and (c) the different shape of the tracheal occlusion pressure may be largely due to the different effects of halothane and sevoflurane on the muscles of the rib cage.
Simulation of wind speed forecast errors for operation planning of multiarea power systems

The amount of wind power has increased significantly over the last years. When the share of wind power increases it is necessary to consider the produced power in the daily operation planning of the power system. The first step is then to use forecasts of wind power. But the forecasts of wind power are in reality rather uncertain, so reserves have to be kept for unforecasted wind speed changes. But still an economical good solution is of large interest, and the consequence of this is to use stochastic optimization. To be able to do this it is necessary to have a view, so called scenarios, of possible outcomes of wind power. The aim of this paper is to provide a method that can simulate possible outcomes of wind speeds based on available forecasts. The method is based on the assumption that wind speed forecasts are available in several regions and the forecast errors in different regions are correlated. The developed method is based on multidimensional ARMA series.
Potent Neutralizing Serum Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2-Exposed IgG-Seronegative Individuals

ABSTRACT The mechanisms behind the resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) infection are still not fully understood. In the present study, we explored the HIV-2-specific humoral serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) immune response in HIV-2-exposed IgG-seronegative (EGSN) individuals. Serum samples from heterosexual EGSN individuals and their known HIV-2-infected partners, as well as controls originating from Guinea-Bissau in Africa, were studied. Antibody reactivity to native and recombinant envelope glycoproteins was investigated, and the capacity of purified serum IgA to neutralize HIV-2SBL6669 was tested. Our results showed that 16 of 25 EGSN samples exhibited reactivity against whole HIV-2 antigen, 6 of 25 samples reacted with recombinant gp36 (rgp36), and 3 of 25 samples were positive against HIV-2 rgp105; no reactivity to native HIV-2 gp125 was detected. Purified serum IgA antibodies from both EGSN and HIV-2-positive individuals, but not that from the negative controls, exhibited neutralization of HIV-2SBL6669. The most potent neutralization activity was exhibited by IgA purified from EGSN compared to infected individuals' IgA. The antigenic pattern of the HIV-2-positive partners showed that all serum IgA samples were reactive to whole HIV-2 antigen, and 14 of 15 reacted with rgp36. For rgp105 and gp125, 5 of 15 and 4 of 15 samples exhibited binding, respectively. The serum of the EGSN group had a higher mean IgA concentration than that of the negative controls (P < 0.05). Thus, we describe HIV-2-specific serum IgA antigen reactivity and show a more potent serum IgA-mediated HIV-2-neutralizing activity in EGSN individuals than in HIV-2-infected patients.
Transformational change in health care systems: An organizational model

Background: The Institute of Medicine's 2001 report Crossing the Quality Chasm argued for fundamental redesign of the U.S. health care system. Six years later, many health care organizations have embraced the report's goals, but few have succeeded in making the substantial transformations needed to achieve those aims. Purposes: This article offers a model for moving organizations from short-term, isolated performance improvements to sustained, reliable, organization-wide, and evidence-based improvements in patient care. Methodology: Longitudinal comparative case studies were conducted in 12 health care systems using a mixed-methods evaluation design based on semistructured interviews and document review. Participating health care systems included seven systems funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Pursuing Perfection Program and five systems with long-standing commitments to improvement and high-quality care. Findings: Five interactive elements appear critical to successful transformation of patient care: (1) Impetus to transform; (2) Leadership commitment to quality; (3) Improvement initiatives that actively engage staff in meaningful problem solving; (4) Alignment to achieve consistency of organization goals with resource allocation and actions at all levels of the organization; and (5) Integration to bridge traditional intra-organizational boundaries among individual components. These elements drive change by affecting the components of the complex health care organization in which they operate: (1) Mission, vision, and strategies that set its direction and priorities; (2) Culture that reflects its informal values and norms; (3) Operational functions and processes that embody the work done in patient care; and (4) Infrastructure such as information technology and human resources that support the delivery of patient care. Transformation occurs over time with iterative changes being sustained and spread across the organization. Practice Implications: The conceptual model holds promise for guiding health care organizations in their efforts to pursue the Institute of Medicine aims of fundamental system redesign to achieve dramatically improved patient care.
Hotel Websites and Consumer Behaviour : The Antecedents of Consumers ’ Purchase Intentions

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of consumers’ perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, entertainment and transaction cost on consumers’ responses towards hotel websites. Data were collected through an online survey from a total of 234 university students in Greece. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the research model and test the research hypotheses. The development and empirical validation of an extended TAM model is adjusted to the socio-economic conditions of the European market. The findings imply that website ease of use, entertainment and transaction cost affect consumers’ responses contrary to perceived usefulness. Managerial implications and research opportunities for the hospitality industry are discussed.
Silanimonas algicola sp. nov., isolated from laboratory culture of a bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile bacterium, designated M23T, was isolated from a laboratory culture of a bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis, which was isolated from a eutrophic lake in Korea. The strain grew optimally without NaCl and at 25-30 °C on R2A agar medium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences positioned the novel strain among the genus Silanimonas, with the highest similarity to Silanimonas lenta DSM 16282T (98.5 %). DNA-DNA relatedness between strain M23T and the closely related species in the genus Silanimonas was <30 %. Strain M23T contained iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and iso-C16 : 0 as major fatty acids and ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the major quinone. Strain M23T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine as major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain M23T was 69.6 mol%. On the basis of the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain M23T represents a novel species in the genus Silanimonas, for which the name Silanimonas algicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M23T (=KCTC 52219T=JCM 31889T).
Automatic Integration Test Generation from Unit Tests of eXVantage Product Family

A process for the dry sluicing of sediment from pressurized systems, such as gasification processes, in which gravitationally conveyed sediments are cooled to below their release temperature before removal. The sediments are cooled via indirect heat exchange, such as radiation cooling, to below their release point in a first zone, and are then further cooled indirectly as well as directly via cool countercurrent gas in a second zone to temperatures below 300 DEG C. , the sediment route in the second zone being lengthened by deflection of at least a part of the sediment, the sediment being removed via a sluice. The apparatus for performing the process includes a pressure resistant tank with a conical lower portion containing outlet branches, one outlet branch of which includes an externally cooled sediment conduit, the upper section of which includes straight and diagonal jacket surfaces, the bottom section including a vertical sediment shaft to which a first sluicing valve, a sluice and an additional sluicing valve are connected in sequence.
Hydrocortisone effect on hyaluronate synthesis in a self‐assembled human dermal equivalent

Human dermal matrix is a 'self‐assembled' dermal equivalent containing large amounts of the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (hyaluronate, hyaluronan, HA). We sought to investigate the actions of the hormone hydrocortisone on hyaluronate synthesis in the human dermal matrix. To this end, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured under serum‐free conditions, and in the absence of a three‐dimensional matrix, in the presence of varying amounts of hydrocortisone. The resultant human dermal matrices were characterized. We report that low concentrations of hydrocortisone enhance hyaluronate synthesis in the human dermal equivalent and higher concentrations cause inhibition of hyaluronate synthesis. Other glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin sulphate) synthesis is not affected by changing hydrocortisone concentrations up to 500× (200 µg/ml) of the base value. In order to gain preliminary insight into the molecular mechanism of hyaluronate inhibition, a differential gene array analysis was conducted of human dermal matrix grown in the presence of 200 µg/ml hydrocortisone and in a physiological concentration (0.4 µg/ml, normal conditions). The results of these experiments demonstrate the differential expression of 43 genes in the 500× (200 µg/ml) hydrocortisone construct as compared to the construct grown under normal conditions (0.4 µg/ml hydrocortisone). These preliminary experiments suggest that hydrocortisone at higher concentrations may exert its inhibitory effect on hyaluronate synthesis early in the glycolytic pathway, leading to HA biosynthesis by downregulation of phosphoglucomutase and glucose phosphate isomerase, possibly leading to depletion of the cellular pool of UDP‐sugar precursors necessary for HA synthesis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Estimation Model for Small Organic Software Project

It is very hard to estimate software development effort accurately. So far, no model has proved to be successful at effectively and consistently estimating software development effort or cost. So it is useful to research a particular model for a particular type of project. A new model for small organic project is proposed for software effort estimation. This model is based on actual project data and well-established theories, using Gauss-Newton model to calibrate the parameters of the COCOMO model, using Fuzzy logic models to maintaining the merits of the COCOMO model. In particular, this model has been successfully used in some small project, and has demonstrated great potential to predict software cost more accurately.
Redetermination of tetrakis(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamato)tin(IV)

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Sn(C5H10NS2)4], was originally determined by Harreld & Schlemper [Acta Cryst. (1971), B27, 1964–1969] using intensity data estimated from Weissenberg films. In comparison with the previous refinement, the current redetermination reveals anisotropic displacement parameters for all non-H atoms, localization of the H atoms, and higher precision of lattice parameters and interatomic distances. The complex features a distorted S6 octahedral coordination geometry for tin and a cis disposition of the monodentate dithiocarbamate ligands.
Comparison of Compound Administration Methods in Biochemical Assays

Compound sample preparation and delivery are the most critical steps in high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns. Historically, several methods of compound delivery to assays have been used for HTS, including intermediate plates with prediluted compounds, assay-ready plates (ARPs) using either preplated dried compound films or nanoliter DMSO spots of compounds, as well as pin tool–delivered compounds. We and others have observed differences in apparent compound potency depending on the compound delivery method. To quantitatively measure compound potency differences due to the chosen delivery methods, we conducted a controlled study using a validated biochemical luciferase assay and compared potencies when compounds were delivered in either ARPs (using acoustic dispensed nanoliter spots) or by pin tool. Here we compare hit rates, confirmation rates, false-positive rates, and false-negative rates between the two delivery methods using the luciferase assay. We compared polystyrene (PS) and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) plates using both delivery methods and examined whether ARPs stored at 4 °C were superior to those stored frozen at −20 °C. The data show that the choice of compound delivery method to the assay has an effect on the apparent IC50’s and that pin tool delivery results in more confirmed hits than preplated compounds, resulting in a lower false-negative rate. However, this effect is minimized through the use of COC plates and by obtaining plates in a “just-in-time” mode. Overall, this report provides guidance on using assay-ready compound plates and has affected the way HTS campaigns are using acoustically dispensed plates in our department.