Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modular Design of Conditional Sum Adders Using Quantum-dot Cellular Automata

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is an emerging technology for electronic circuits. Its promising advantages such as a faster speed and a small size give us a good milestone of future technologies. Nanoscale devices, quantum-dot cells, are key components of QCA technologies as gates, wires, and memories. Its simple and unique structure allows the circuit designer to concentrate on the structural level of the circuit instead of the physical level. Currently the exploitation of the adder characteristics are not sufficient. This paper proposes a modular design of a conditional sum adder (CSA) in QCA for comparisons. Using the QCADesigner, the layouts are simulated with several different operand sizes. Those designs are compared with ripple carry adders and carry lookahead adders on the basis of the complexity, area, and timing. Rather complex designs of CSA give a very good indication of tradeoffs between the speed and complexity. The final design shows a modular and expandable design for CSA.
Volatiles are miscompiled, and what to do about it

C's volatile qualifier is intended to provide a reliable link between operations at the source-code level and operations at the memory-system level. We tested thirteen production-quality C compilers and, for each, found situations in which the compiler generated incorrect code for accessing volatile variables. This result is disturbing because it implies that embedded software and operating systems---both typically coded in C, both being bases for many mission-critical and safety-critical applications, and both relying on the correct translation of volatiles---may be being miscompiled. Our contribution is centered on a novel technique for finding volatile bugs and a novel technique for working around them. First, we present access summary testing: an efficient, practical, and automatic way to detect code-generation errors related to the volatile qualifier. We have found a number of compiler bugs by performing access summary testing on randomly generated C programs. Some of these bugs have been confirmed and fixed by compiler developers. Second, we present and evaluate a workaround for the compiler defects we discovered. In 96% of the cases in which one of our randomly generated programs is miscompiled, we can cause the faulty C compiler to produce correctly behaving code by applying a straightforward source-level transformation to the test program.
Primary sequence of paxillin contains putative SH2 and SH3 domain binding motifs and multiple LIM domains: identification of a vinculin and pp125Fak-binding region.

Paxillin is a cytoskeletal protein involved in actin-membrane attachment at sites of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Extensive tyrosine phosphorylation of this protein occurs during integrin-mediated cell adhesion, embryonic development, fibroblast transformation and following stimulation of cells by mitogens that operate through the family of seven membrane-spanning G-protein-coupled receptors. Paxillin binds in vitro to the focal adhesion protein vinculin as well as to the SH3 domain of c-src and, when tyrosine phosphorylated, to the SH2 domain of v-crk. Here, we report the complementary DNA, and derived amino acid sequence, that codes for approximately 90% of the paxillin protein. We have identified a region in the amino-terminal half of the protein that supports the binding of both vinculin and the focal adhesion tyrosine kinase, pp125Fak. Although there is no significant overall homology with other identified proteins, the carboxyl third of paxillin contains one LIM domain and three LIM-like sequences. The LIM motif is common to a number of transcription factors and to two other focal adhesion proteins, zyxin and cysteine-rich protein. In addition to several potential tyrosine phosphorylation sites there are five tyrosine-containing sequences that conform to SH2-binding motifs. The protein also contains a short proline-rich region indicative of a SH3-binding domain. Taken together, these data suggest that paxillin is a unique cytoskeletal protein capable of interaction with a variety of intracellular signalling, and structural, molecules important in growth control and the regulation of cytoskeletal organization. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Coverage and connectivity of ad hoc networks presence of channel randomness

In this paper, we present an analytical procedure for the computation of the node isolation probability in an ad hoc network in the presence of channel randomness, with applications to shadowing and fading phenomena. Such a probability coincides with the complement of the coverage probability, given that nodes are distributed according to a Poisson point process. These results are used to obtain an estimate of the connectivity features for very dense networks. For the case of superimposed lognormal shadowing and Rayleigh fading, the connectivity improvements achievable by means of diversity schemes are investigated.
Stimulatory effects of Euphorbia cheiradenia on cell mediated immunity and humoral antibody synthesis.

BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated that plant extracts possess various biological characteristics including immunomodulatory activity. OBJECTIVE Euphorbia cheiradenia Boiss et Hohen (Euphorbiaceae), a medicinal herb native to Iran was investigated for its immunomodulatory effects. METHODS The methanolic extract of the plant was prepared and added to mitogen-induced human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures at different concentrations. Effect of E. cheiradenia on in vivo cell-mediated immunity was measured by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. The effect of the extract on humoral antibody synthesis was also measured in immunized mice treated with different extract concentrations. RESULTS The stimulation index (SI) for cultures treated with 0.01 to 200 microg/ml of the extract ranged from 1.3+/-0.04 to 2.4+/-0.06, (p<0.01) showing a significant stimulatory effect of E. cheiradenia on the lymphocytes. IL-2 secreted from lymphocytes treated with the extract was significantly higher than that from the non-treated cells (p<0.001). Cell cycle analysis on mitogen-treated lymphocytes exposed to different concentrations of the extract showed an increase in the percentage of cells at G2M phase with increases in the concentration of the extract, but the results was not significant. In DTH skin test, the mean footpad thickness of all mice groups treated with 1, 50 and 100 mg/kg of the extract at 24 hours after immunization with antigen was 3.5+/-0.6 mm compared to 2.5+/-0.5 mm for the non-treated group (p=0.005). Moreover, an increase in production of specific antibody in mice immunized with different extract concentrations was also demonstrated. CONCLUSION Results of this study showed the ability of the E. cheiradenia extract to induce proliferation of lymphocytes and enhance both cellular and humoral specific immune responses.
PIRF 3D: Online spatial and appearance based loop closure

In this paper, an online spatial and appearance based loop closure algorithm is presented. The approach is based on a graph matching formulation using Position Invariant Robust Features (PIRF), extending previous approaches based on PIRF by incorporating spatial information. The vertices of the graph represent visual words/features and edges represent metric information with uncertainty since the spatial distances observed between visual words are prone to errors. This method is capable of detecting loop closure in urban environments based on visual appearance as well as spatial layout of matched visual features. A vocabulary is built in an online and incremental manner, also storing spatial distances between visual words. The algorithm is capable of assigning loop closure with higher confidence values and a higher recall rate while maintaining precision compared to approaches where only visual appearance methods are used. We evaluate this approach on a publicly available dataset and present experimental results.
Instant Construction and Visualization of Crowded Biological Environments

We present the first approach to integrative structural modeling of the biological mesoscale within an interactive visual environment. These complex models can comprise up to millions of molecules with defined atomic structures, locations, and interactions. Their construction has previously been attempted only within a non-visual and non-interactive environment. Our solution unites the modeling and visualization aspect, enabling interactive construction of atomic resolution mesoscale models of large portions of a cell. We present a novel set of GPU algorithms that build the basis for the rapid construction of complex biological structures. These structures consist of multiple membrane-enclosed compartments including both soluble molecules and fibrous structures. The compartments are defined using volume voxelization of triangulated meshes. For membranes, we present an extension of the Wang Tile concept that populates the bilayer with individual lipids. Soluble molecules are populated within compartments distributed according to a Halton sequence. Fibrous structures, such as RNA or actin filaments, are created by self-avoiding random walks. Resulting overlaps of molecules are resolved by a forced-based system. Our approach opens new possibilities to the world of interactive construction of cellular compartments. We demonstrate its effectiveness by showcasing scenes of different scale and complexity that comprise blood plasma, mycoplasma, and HIV.
Indian Ocean Capacitor Effect on Indo–Western Pacific Climate during the Summer following El Niño

Significant climate anomalies persist through the summer (June-August) after El Nino dissipates in spring over the equatorial Pacific. They include the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) sea surface temperature (SST) warming, increased tropical tropospheric temperature, an anomalous anticyclone over the subtropical northwest Pacific, and increased mei-yu-baiu rainfall over East Asia. The cause of these lingering El Nino effects during summer is investigated using observations and an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM). The results herein indicate that the TIO warming acts like a capacitor anchoring atmospheric anomalies over the Indo-western Pacific Oceans. It causes tropospheric temperature to increase by a moist-adiabatic adjustment in deep convection, emanating a baroclinic Kelvin wave into the Pacific. In the northwest Pacific, this equatorial Kelvin wave induces northeasterly surface wind anomalies, and the resultant divergence in the subtropics triggers suppressed convection and the anomalous anticyclone. The GCM results support this Kelvin wave-induced Ekman divergence mechanism. In response to a prescribed SST increase over the TIO, the model simulates the Kelvin wave with low pressure on the equator as well as suppressed convection and the anomalous anticyclone over the subtropical northwest Pacific. An additional experiment further indicates that the north Indian Ocean warming is most important for the Kelvin wave and northwest Pacific anticyclone, a result corroborated by observations. These results have important implications for the predictability of Indo-western Pacific summer climate: the spatial distribution and magnitude of the TIO warming, rather than simply whether there is an El Nino in the preceding winter, affect summer climate anomalies over the Indo-western Pacific and East Asia.
Modulation of Na/K-ATPase activity by isoproterenol and propranolol in human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells.

PURPOSE The present study investigates whether beta-adrenoreceptor agents such as isoproterenol and propranolol can regulate Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in cultured human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells. METHODS Human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells (ODM2) were grown to confluence. The active ion transport mediated by the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was evaluated by measuring ouabain-sensitive rubidium (Rb+) uptake. In a first set of experiments, cells were exposed to the beta-adrenoreceptor agonist isoproterenol (0.01-10 microM). In a second set of experiments, cells were exposed to isoproterenol (1 microM) in the presence of different concentrations of the beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist propranolol (0.01, 0.1, 1 microM). RESULTS In a concentration-dependent manner, isoproterenol induced an increase in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. The maximal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was observed at a concentration of 1 microM of isoproterenol (283 +/- 58%, P < 0.001). The increase in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity evoked by isoproterenol (1 microM) was inhibited. In a concentration dependent manner, by propranolol (maximum: 659 +/- 39 vs. 141 +/- 42 pM/mg protein/min, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The beta-adrenoreceptor agents isoproterenol and propranolol are apparently able to modulate Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in cultured human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells.
Intravenous angiotensin II does not affect dynamic baroreflex characteristics of the neural or peripheral arc.

Although the elevation of angiotensin II (Ang II) associated with cardiovascular diseases has been considered to suppress the arterial baroreflex function, how Ang II affects dynamic arterial pressure (AP) regulation remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the acute effects of Ang II on dynamic AP regulation by the arterial baroreflex. In seven anesthetized Japanese white rabbits, we randomly perturbed intra-carotid sinus pressure (CSP) according to a binary white noise sequence while recording renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and AP. We estimated the neural arc transfer function from CSP to RSNA and the peripheral arc transfer function from RSNA to AP before and after 30-min intravenous administration of Ang II (100 ng/kg/min). Ang II increased mean AP from 75.7 +/- 3.1 to 95.5 +/- 5.1 mmHg (p < 0.01), while it did not affect mean RSNA (from 5.9 +/- 1.3 to 5.7 +/- 1.2 a.u.). The neural arc transfer functions did not differ before or after Ang II administration (dynamic gain: -0.94 +/- 0.04 vs. -0.94 +/- 0.13, corner frequency: 0.06 +/- 0.01 vs.0.06 +/- 0.01 Hz, pure delay: 0.16 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.17 +/- 0.02 s). The peripheral arc transfer function did not differ before or after Ang II administration (dynamic gain: 1.18 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.06 +/- 0.11, natural frequency: 0.07 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.01 Hz, damping ratio: 1.19 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.24 +/- 0.19, pure delay: 0.83 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.78 +/- 0.05 s). Intravenous Ang II hardly affects the dynamic characteristics of neural and peripheral arc around the physiological operating pressure.
RF-activated surface standing acoustic wave for on-chip controllably aligning of bio-microparticles

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) has emerged as a powerful technique for kinds of application, such as gas sensor, on-chip manipulation of microparticles or biological cells. In this paper, we present a numerical simulation and experimental study of standing surface acoustic wave (SSAW) induced acoustophoresis to assemble the particle samples in a microchannel. The simulation of the SAW is implemented by coupling the Maxwell equation and Newton equation. Once the acoustic wave along the piezosubstrate surface is obtained, the acoustophoresis force induced by surface standing acoustic wave (SSAW) is able to be derived. The SSAW generated by two parallel interdigital transducers (IDTs) which are excited by the radio frequency signal induce the acoustic radiation force to propel particles toward the pressure node. The assembling time also can be tunable by controlling the applied RF power. The numerical model and the experiment result can provide the critical guidance for the design of focusing component by SSAW which can significantly benefit the development of future on-chip flow cytometry.
Mediterranean geographies of protest

This special issue of Euro-commentaries tackles the question of what links unprecedented anti-regime uprisings in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, with the largest protests in decades in several European cities. Beyond the specificities of individual cases, uprisings on both sides of the Mediterranean have highlighted strong and often violent collisions between resistance movements and state security. How are these collisions reshaping urban and political geographies in the Mediterranean? The papers presented here explore different aspects of the 2011 protests, and share the view that these are shaped by concerns for social justice, human rights and democracy, which are not a prerogative of the Arab world, but indicate instead more complex geographies.
Performance Comparisons of III–V and Strained-Si in Planar FETs and Nonplanar FinFETs at Ultrashort Gate Length (12 nm)

The exponential miniaturization of Si complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology has been a key to the electronics revolution. However, the downscaling of the gate length becomes the biggest challenge to maintain higher speed, lower power, and better electrostatic integrity for each following generation. Both industry and academia have been studying new device architectures and materials to address this challenge. In preparation for the 12-nm technology node, this paper assesses the performance of the In0.75Ga0. 25As of III-V semiconductor compounds and strained-Si channel nanoscale transistors with identical dimensions. The impact of the channel material property and the device architecture on the ultimate performance of ballistic transistors is theoretically analyzed. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional real-space ballistic quantum transport models are employed with band structure nonparabolicity. The simulation results indicate three conclusions: 1) the In0.75Ga0. 25As FETs do not outperform strained-Si FETs; 2) triple-gate Fin-shaped Field Effect Transistor (FinFET) surely represent the best architecture for sub-15-nm gate contacts, independently from the material choice; and 3) the simulations results further show that the overall device performance is very strongly influenced by the source and drain resistances.
Developing Mental Toughness: From Research to Practice

This article reviews recent evidence concerning the development of mental toughness in young athletes, from first involvement in sport through to early adulthood. The role and importance of genetics, environmental factors, and psychological-skills training in the development of mental toughness is discussed. In particular, environmental factors that can be manipulated and influenced by coaches and parents are emphasized to aid the transfer of knowledge from scientific research into applied practice. Of central importance is the development of independent problem-solving and personal responsibility through a challenging yet supportive learning environment. We argue that to develop mental toughness, young athletes must be gradually exposed to, rather than shielded from, demanding situations in training and competition in order to learn how to cope. Also, as athletes become more emotionally mature, they should become increasingly involved in making decisions regarding their own development. Athletes should be encouraged and supported in reflecting upon setbacks and failures that occur as a natural part of the developmental process. Negative experiences, as well as the confidence-boosting outcomes of achieving goals, provide opportunities for personal growth, and allow important lessons to be learned. Various practical suggestions are provided.
No Myocardial Vulnerability to Mental Stress in Takotsubo Stress Cardiomyopathy

Objectives Due to the frequent use of coronary angiography the awareness of Takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy (TSC) has increased although the exact pathophysiology of TSC is still largely unknown. Our objective was to investigate the effects of mental stress on myocardial function, heart rate variability (HRV) and salivary cortisol (SC) in TSC patients. Design This study is a case-control study and a sub-study of the Stockholm Myocardial Infarction with Normal Coronaries (SMINC) study. Setting Mental stress test was performed more than 6 months after the acute event in TSC patients and age- and sex-matched controls. Standard echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) - derived time-phases of cardiac cycle were recorded to calculate myocardial performance index (MPI) to assess ventricular function before and during mental stress. Holter-ECG recording was made to estimate HRV before, during and after mental stress. SC was measured at baseline, before and 20 minutes after mental stress. Subjects Twenty-two TSC patients and 22 sex-and age-matched controls were recruited from the SMINC-study and investigated with a mental stress test. All TSC patients had a previous normal cardiovascular magnetic resonance investigation. Results There were no significant differences at rest or during mental stress for left and right ventricular MPI or other standard diastolic variables between TSC patients and controls. HRV did not differ between TSC patients and controls. There was a trend towards less increase in SC after mental stress in TSC patients compared to controls. Conclusion Mental stress did not induce a significant difference in myocardial function or HRV response between TSC and controls. Moreover, no significant difference could be seen in SC response at baseline, during or after mental stress. This study indicates that myocardial vulnerability to mental stress does not persist in TSC patients.
An Empirical Investigation of Optimization in Dynamic Environments Using the Cellular Genetic Algorithm

Many real-world optimisation problems are dynamic. For such problems the goal is to track the progression of optimal solutions across the fluctuating fitness landscape rather than to find an exceptionally good solution for a static instance of the problem. Here we present a novel approach for creating robust solutions for non-stationary problems using the Cellular Genetic Algorithm (CGA). The CGA maps the evolving population of solutions onto a pseudo landscape. Intermediate disturbances (disasters) are introduced that break down the connectivity in the pseudo landscape, leading to isolated subpopulations. The dynamic spatial structure of the CGA helps to maintain population diversity. We investigate the performance of the algorithm using a proposed benchmark problem. Simulation results indicate that the CGA is able to respond and adapt effectively to the dynamic environment.
A cis-encoded sRNA, Hfq and mRNA secondary structure act independently to suppress IS200 transposition

IS200 is found throughout Enterobacteriaceae and transposes at a notoriously low frequency. In addition to the transposase protein (TnpA), IS200 encodes an uncharacterized Hfq-binding sRNA that is encoded opposite to the tnpA 5'UTR. In the current work we asked if this sRNA represses tnpA expression. We show here that the IS200 sRNA (named art200 for antisense regulator of transposase IS200) basepairs with tnpA to inhibit translation initiation. Unexpectedly, art200-tnpA pairing is limited to 40 bp, despite 90 nt of perfect complementarity. Additionally, we show that Hfq and RNA secondary structure in the tnpA 5'UTR each repress tnpA expression in an art200-independent manner. Finally, we show that disrupting translational control of tnpA expression leads to increased IS200 transposition in E. coli. The current work provides new mechanistic insight into why IS200 transposition is so strongly suppressed. The possibility of art200 acting in trans to regulate a yet-unidentified target is discussed as well as potential applications of the IS200 system for designing novel riboregulators.