Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Neural-Network-Based Indoor Positioning System by Using Sectored Antenna Array

This paper presents the development of sectored antenna array and modified probabilistic neural network positioning algorithm for an indoor positioning system (IPS). Firstly, a new hexagonal IPS station is composed of six printed-circuit board Yagi-Uda antennas and Zigbee modules. It is designed to obtain the signals between an object and the station. Then, a modified probabilistic neural network (MPNN) is applied to estimate the accurate position of the object with the signal strength. From the experimental positioning results shown, the developed IPS system has the outperformance in an 8x8 square meters indoor scene. The proposed indoor positioning technique not only has a high positioning accuracy, but also is an effective solution to solve the difficult issue of positioning station deployment.
Max Percentile Replication for Peer-based VoD Systems

Peer-to-peer based (P2P) VoD systems have proven to be an effective solution for scalable video distribution. In P2P VoD, each peer contributes storage to replicate videos and assist video delivery. A fundamental question is how to optimally replicate video content across the peers so as to maximize their upload capacity. We study this question within the context of a large-scale P2P network where peers are grouped into different geographical regions, and downloading a video across regions is more expensive than within a region. Our analysis addresses the combined challenge of (1) optimizing the replica allocation (placement) with respect to an arbitrary stochastic demand distribution, and (2) finding an optimal assignment of video requests to peers. Our main result is that optimal replica placement in singleand multi-region environments is of max percentile nature. We derive optimal algorithms and show that they have low complexity and thus very practical. We use numerical analysis and simulation to evaluate the system performance and study its behavior. Our results can be used to provide valuable insights on the design of P2P VoD systems.
Highly-stable and efficient polymer solar cells incorporating nanoscale buffer layers induced by spontaneous vertical phase separation

A nanoscale interlayer formed through spontaneous vertical phase separation enhances the efficiency and stability of polymer solar cells. Poly(ethylene glycol) molecules blended into the photoactive layer spontaneously migrate to the surface of the polymer blend to form the interfacial buffer, thereby reducing the contact resistance after undergoing chemical reactions with the Al atoms of the cathode. The vertical phase separation of PEG molecules in the device were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
Physostigmine reversal of midazolam‐induced electroencephalographic changes in healthy subjects

Midazolam is a water‐soluble benzodiazepine. Flumazenil is a potent antagonist of midazolam‐induced sedation. Physostigmine has also been shown to reverse benzodiazepine sedation in anecdotal reports. The aim of this study was to quantitatively characterize the reversal of midazolam‐induced changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) by physostigmine compared to flumazenil and placebo.
The Difference Between Exercise-Induced Autonomic and Fitness Changes Measured After 12 and 20 Weeks of Medium-to-High Intensity Military Training

Abstract Grant, CC, Mongwe, L, Janse van Rensburg, DC, Fletcher, L, Wood, PS, Terblanche, E, and du Toit, PJ. The difference between exercise-induced autonomic and fitness changes measured after 12 and 20 weeks of medium-to-high intensity military training. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2453–2459, 2016—The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness, based on VO2max and exercise-induced cardiac autonomic changes, measured by heart rate variability (HRV) of 12 weeks with 20 weeks of training in the South African National Defence Force. Recruits (n = 154) participated in a medium-to-high intensity exercise intervention (daily energy expenditure: 8,485 kJ·d−1). The significant effect on VO2max between weeks 1 and 12 (48.57, SD = 9.25 vs. 53.36, SD = 7.21] did not continue during weeks 12–20 (53.36, SD = 7.21 vs. 53.87, SD = 7.87). No changes in the supine low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) (0.48, SD = 0.51 vs. 0.41, SD = 0.64) or the standing LF/HF (4.02, SD = 5.14 vs. 3.91, SD = 5.28), an indicator of autonomic balance and a possible indicator of overtraining syndrome, suggests that overtraining did not take place during weeks 12–20. This was confirmed with further decreases in supine and standing heart rate. However, the power of the vagal-induced variability continued to increase after 12 weeks. Increased vagal influence without concurrent change in autonomic balance may be interpreted as decreased sympathetic cardiac control. It is important to note that although no fitness changes were detected, positive cardiac autonomic conditioning did continue between weeks 12 and 20, as measured by increased vagal-induced HRV and decreased sympathetic influence on cardiac control. Results may be extrapolated to training in the normal population/athletes after a medium-to-high intensity exercise program, as this intervention was a closely monitored and standardized exercise program.
Bioluminescent bacteria: lux genes as environmental biosensors

Bioluminescent bacteria are widespread in natural environments. Over the years, many researchers have been studying the physiology, biochemistry and genetic control of bacterial bioluminescence. These discoveries have revolutionized the area of Environmental Microbiology through the use of luminescent genes as biosensors for environmental studies. This paper will review the chronology of scientific discoveries on bacterial bioluminescence and the current applications of bioluminescence in environmental studies, with special emphasis on the Microtox toxicity bioassay. Also, the general ecological significance of bioluminescence will be addressed.
Optimal design and control of coupled-inductors step-up dc-dc converter

Step-up dc-dc converters are natural candidates for interfacing in a feasible way renewable resource to electric power grid, since they guarantee both high step-up gain and high efficiency. Unfortunately, a systemic design of these converters is not easy, since many parameters related each other heavily affect the dynamic behavior and the efficiency of the converter. An optimization procedure is proposed for choosing the fundamental parameters of both converter and control law based upon sliding control technique. Sliding mode control has been selected for its well known properties of robustness against disturbances and modeling uncertainties. The core of the procedure is an analytical model of the power losses which in the optimization algorithm is the goal function. Some considerations are specifically performed with respect to the sliding mode existence. The numerical results reported in the paper permit to confirm the feasibility and the goodness of the proposed design and control methodology.
Introduction of a human X-6 translocation chromosome into a mouse teratocarcinoma: investigation of control of HLA-A, B, C expression.

We have developed an approach to human developmental biology which exploits somatic cell genetics. With this system we have examined the production of the HLA-A,B,C antigens, A human-mouse somatic cell hybrid was constructed which contained a human X-7 chromosome translocation carrying the HLA region; this hybrid was used as a donor of the X-6 translocation in the technique of microcell transfer. The X-6 chromosome recipient was the mouse embryonal carcinoma cell line PCC4. The microcell hybrid MCP-6 retained the embryonal carcinoma phenotype as judged by shape and absence of H-2 expression. Nonetheless, the expression of the HLA-A,B,C genes was not extinguished. HLA-A,B,C antigen production of the cell surface, however, was not detected because this hybrid apparently could not make beta 2-microglobulin.
Renormalization for unbiased estimation

In many computer vision problems, it is necessary to robustly estimate parameter values from a large quantity of image data. In such problems, least-squares minimization is computationally the most convenient and practical solution method. The author shows that the least-squares solution is in general statistically biased in the presence of noise. A scheme called renormalization that iteratively removes the statistical bias by automatically adjusting to the image noise is presented. It is applied to the problem of estimating vanishing points and focuses of expansion and conic fitting. <<ETX>>
Dynamic gate resistance control for current balancing in parallel connected IGBTs

In high power applications, switching devices such as MOSFETs and IGBTs must often be connected in parallel in order to provide higher current capability. However, the current imbalance of parallel connected IGBTs due to stray inductance, variations in device characteristics and asymmetric PCB layout, necessitates de-rating of the IGBTs. This deliberate de-rating is required in order to ensure the IGBTs function within their Safe-Operating-Area. Unfortunately, de-rating also leads to an increase in cost, size and complexity of the overall power electronics system. A current balancing method for parallel connected IGBTs using a dynamically adjustable gate driving resistance (Rg_dyanmic) is presented in this paper. Experimental results are achieved by measuring the current distribution between two parallel connected IGBTs (rated at 600V, 90A). These experimental results indicate an improvement in average current imbalance of 74% and 65% for the turn on and off periods, respectively.
Experimental Investigation of the Tunneling Injection Boosters for Enhanced $I_{ON}$ ETSOI Tunnel FET

We compare the performance of planar fully depleted silicon-on-insulator tunnel FETs (TFETs) with different tunneling boosters. The effectiveness of each of the following boosters is studied independently: low-bandgap channel or source-drain material as well as abrupt junction and ultrathin body. These boosters lead to an increase in the tunneling rate, and thus to enhanced ON current. The ION values of our devices vastly outperform literature results, paving the way for future CMOS-like TFET circuits.
The Dynamics of Knowledge-intensive Sectors' Knowledge Base: Evidence from Biotechnology and Telecommunications

In this paper, we present a methodology to represent and measure knowledge which takes into account knowledge heterogeneity and its sectoral level theoretical and empirical implications in knowledge intensive environments. We draw on work on recombinant knowledge, extending the approach to include the way the dynamics of technological knowledge creation evolves according to a life cycle; testing the existence of concepts such as technological paradigms; mapping the characteristics of the search process in the phases of exploration and exploitation during this technology life cycle and detecting the differences in sectoral evolution that can be explained by the properties of the knowledge base. We use European Patent Office data (1981–2005) to propose some operational metrics for the knowledge base and its evolution in two knowledge intensive sectors: biotechnology and telecommunications. Our empirical results show that there are interesting and meaningful differences across sectors, which are linked to the different phases of the technology life cycles.
Spare A∗ search approach for UAV route planning

UAV route planning is to plan a feasible route for the UAV considering the time of the UAV reaching the target, fuel consumption, mission requirements and the terrain and threat distribution in the flight area and other factors, in order to ensure the completion of the mission. We describe an improved algorithm of A∗ search approach which called sparse A∗ search approach in detail, including its content and process, and carried out a simulation experiment. And based on its disadvantages, we give an optimized method.
Sympathetic Nerves Inhibit Conducted Vasodilatation Along Feed Arteries during Passive Stretch of Hamster Skeletal Muscle

Ascending vasodilatation is integral to blood flow control in exercising skeletal muscle and is attributable to conduction from intramuscular arterioles into proximal feed arteries. Passive stretch of skeletal muscle can impair muscle blood flow but the mechanism is not well understood. We hypothesized that the conduction of vasodilatation along feed arteries can be modulated by changes in muscle length. In anaesthetized hamsters, acetylcholine (ACh) microiontophoresis triggered conducted vasodilatation along feed arteries (diameter, 50‐70 μm) of the retractor muscle secured at 100 % resting length or stretched by 30 %. At 100 % length, ACh evoked local dilatation (> 30 μm) and this response conducted rapidly along the feed artery (14 ± 1 μm dilatation at 1600 μm upstream). During muscle stretch, feed arteries constricted ≈10 μm (P < 0.05) and local vasodilatation to ACh was maintained while conducted vasodilatation was reduced by half (P < 0.01). Resting diameter and conduction recovered upon restoring 100 % length. Sympathetic nerve stimulation (4‐8 Hz) produced vasoconstriction and attenuated conduction in the manner observed during muscle stretch, as did noradrenaline or phenylephrine (10 nM). Inhibiting nitric oxide production (Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine, 50 μM) produced similar vasoconstriction yet had no effect on conduction. Phentolamine, prazosin, or tetrodotoxin (1 μM) during muscle stretch abolished vasoconstriction and restored conduction. Inactivation of sensory nerves with capsaicin had no effect on vasomotor responses. Thus, muscle stretch can attenuate conducted vasodilatation by activating α‐adrenoreceptors on feed arteries through noradrenaline released from perivascular sympathetic nerves. This autonomic feedback mechanism can restrict muscle blood flow during passive stretch.
Fetal toxoplasmosis and negative amniocentesis: necessity of an ultrasound follow‐up

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis relies on the PCR test on amniotic fluid and ultrasound follow‐up of the fetus. We report two cases of toxoplasma infection during the first trimester of gestation with a discrepant diagnosis of fetal infection. PCR performed more than four weeks after the estimated date of contamination was negative. Ultrasound follow‐up was normal up to the third trimester when major hydrocephalus was detected, leading to pregnancy termination. In both cases, post‐mortem examination revealed a diffuse infection with severe brain lesions. These observations confirm the necessity to continue a monthly ultrasound follow‐up, even if amniocentesis is negative, in case of fetal toxoplasma infection in pregnancy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A metal‐repressed promoter from gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis is highly active and metal‐induced in gram‐negative Cupriavidus metallidurans

A synthetic version of the metal‐regulated gene A (mrgA) promoter from Bacillus subtilis, which in this Gram‐positive bacterium is negatively regulated by manganese, iron, cobalt, or copper turned out to promote high level of basal gene expression that is further enhanced by Co(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), or Ni(II), when cloned in the Gram‐negative bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans. Promoter activity was monitored by expression of the reporter gene coding for the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and cellular intensity fluorescence was quantified by flow cytometry. Expression levels in C. metallidurans driven by the heterologous promoter, here called pan, ranged from 20‐ to 53‐fold the expression level driven by the Escherichia coli lac promoter (which is constitutively expressed in C. metallidurans), whether in the absence or presence of metal ions, respectively. The pan promoter did also function in E. coli in a constitutive pattern, regardless of the presence of Mn(II) or Fe(II). In conclusion, the pan promoter proved to be a powerful tool to express heterologous proteins in Gram‐negative bacteria, especially in C. metallidurans grown upon high levels of toxic metals, with potential applications in bioremediation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 469–477. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of STAT3 and PI 3-Kinase/Akt in Mediating the Survival Actions of Cytokines on Sensory Neurons

The binding of cytokines to the gp130 receptor activates the STAT3, MEK/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. To assess the relative importance of these pathways in promoting the survival of cytokine-dependent neurons, we conditionally inactivated STAT3 in mice and inhibited MEK, PI3K, and Akt in cultured neurons using pharmacological reagents and by expressing specific inhibitory proteins. Inactivation of STAT3 enhanced the death of the cytokine-dependent sensory neurons of the nodose ganglion in vivo and substantially reduced the response of these neurons to CNTF and LIF in vitro. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, but not PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK, markedly reduced the response of these neurons to CNTF, as did dominant-negative PI3K, dominant-negative Akt, and overexpression of Ruk (a natural PI3K inhibitor). These results demonstrate that STAT3 and PI3K/Akt signalling play major roles in mediating the survival response of neurons to cytokines.
RNA-seq of 272 gliomas revealed a novel, recurrent PTPRZ1-MET fusion transcript in secondary glioblastomas

Studies of gene rearrangements and the consequent oncogenic fusion proteins have laid the foundation for targeted cancer therapy. To identify oncogenic fusions associated with glioma progression, we catalogued fusion transcripts by RNA-seq of 272 gliomas. Fusion transcripts were more frequently found in high-grade gliomas, in the classical subtype of gliomas, and in gliomas treated with radiation/temozolomide. Sixty-seven in-frame fusion transcripts were identified, including three recurrent fusion transcripts: FGFR3-TACC3, RNF213-SLC26A11, and PTPRZ1-MET (ZM). Interestingly, the ZM fusion was found only in grade III astrocytomas (1/13; 7.7%) or secondary GBMs (sGBMs, 3/20; 15.0%). In an independent cohort of sGBMs, the ZM fusion was found in three of 20 (15%) specimens. Genomic analysis revealed that the fusion arose from translocation events involving introns 3 or 8 of PTPRZ and intron 1 of MET. ZM fusion transcripts were found in GBMs irrespective of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation status. sGBMs harboring ZM fusion showed higher expression of genes required for PIK3CA signaling and lowered expression of genes that suppressed RB1 or TP53 function. Expression of the ZM fusion was mutually exclusive with EGFR overexpression in sGBMs. Exogenous expression of the ZM fusion in the U87MG glioblastoma line enhanced cell migration and invasion. Clinically, patients afflicted with ZM fusion harboring glioblastomas survived poorly relative to those afflicted with non-ZM-harboring sGBMs (P < 0.001). Our study profiles the shifting RNA landscape of gliomas during progression and reveled ZM as a novel, recurrent fusion transcript in sGBMs.
Murine Coronavirus Replication-Induced p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation Promotes Interleukin-6 Production and Virus Replication in Cultured Cells

ABSTRACT Analyses of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in a mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)-infected macrophage-derived J774.1 cell line showed activation of two MAPKs, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Activation of MAPKs was evident by 6 h postinfection. However, UV-irradiated MHV failed to activate MAPKs, which demonstrated that MHV replication was necessary for their activation. Several other MHV-permissive cell lines also showed activation of both p38 MAPK and JNK, which indicated that the MHV-induced stress-kinase activation was not restricted to any particular cell type. The upstream kinase responsible for activating MHV-induced p38 MAPK was the MAPK kinase 3. Experiments with a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, SB 203580, demonstrated that MHV-induced p38 MAPK activation resulted in the accumulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNAs and an increase in the production of IL-6, regardless of MHV-induced general host protein synthesis inhibition. Furthermore, MHV production was suppressed in SB 203580-treated cells, demonstrating that activated p38 MAPK played a role in MHV replication. The reduced MHV production in SB 203580-treated cells was, at least in part, due to a decrease in virus-specific protein synthesis and virus-specific mRNA accumulation. Interestingly, there was a transient increase in the amount of phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in infected cells, and this eIF4E phosphorylation was p38 MAPK dependent; it is known that phosphorylated eIF4E enhances translation rates of cap-containing mRNAs. Furthermore, the upstream kinase responsible for eIF4E phosphorylation, MAPK-interacting kinase 1, was also phosphorylated and activated in response to MHV infection. Our data suggested that host cells, in response to MHV replication, activated p38 MAPK, which subsequently phosphorylated eIF4E to efficiently translate certain host proteins, including IL-6, during virus-induced severe host protein synthesis inhibition. MHV utilized this p38 MAPK-dependent increase in eIF4E phosphorylation to promote virus-specific protein synthesis and subsequent progeny virus production. Enhancement of virus-specific protein synthesis through virus-induced eIF4E activation has not been reported in any other viruses.
Fabrication of Planar Copper Microcoils for Telemetric Orthodontic Applications

The fabrication of electroplated planar copper microcoils for telemetric orthodontic applications is presented. A set of microcoils with overall dimensions of 2 × 2.5 × 0.5 mm3, track widths down to 5 μm and turn numbers up to 35 were fabricated on glass substrates. The coils were electrically characterized and assembled via flip-chip bonding onto a stress-mapping CMOS chip for smart orthodontic brackets. The passive system was successfully read out telemetrically with a reader microcoil for a coil-coil distance of 1 mm at 13.56 MHz. The digital signal representing the measured stress values was extracted telemetrically using a commercially available RFID reader.
Primary Mycotic Aneurysm of the Aorta

aneurysm is an uncommon but serious complication. Although such secondary infections may be caused by various organisms, it is becoming better recognized that such aneurysms are highly susceptible to salmonella infection. ’-’ Primary mycotic aneurysms of major arteries may occur during the course of typhoid fever.5 5 but secondary infection of primary arteriosclerotic aneurysms by salmonella organisms is more common.6 This report presents the first autopsy case of an infected arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the