Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design issues in switched capacitor ladder filters

This paper describes the design of a switched capacitor ladder filter and explores the optimization of the opamps for reducing power consumption. A rough but quick optimization method of the opamp is suggested depending on the settling requirement for a desired accuracy. A method for approximately analyzing the noise in different types of switched capacitor circuits is also presented. The results are compared with simulations and exhibit a close match. A prototype filter has been laid out in a 0.25 /spl mu/m process and has been sent for fabrication.
Physical Layer Authentication Watermarks through Synthetic Channel Emulation

We present an authentication device allowing for the validation of wireless transmissions by means of a watermark signal applied at the physical layer, and demonstrate how the method may be applied to digital broadcast television signals. The novel watermarking approach presented conveys the authentication signal through explicit emulation of innocuous channel responses, further preventing Primary User Emulation attacks in Dynamic Spectrum Access theaters. The undesirable effects of the watermark signal design are removed by the receiver by traditional channel equalization practices, resulting in nearly zero impact to the bit error rate (BER) of the primary signal received. The proposed mechanism may be implemented without modification to existing Digital Television (DTV) transmission equipment using a retrofitting approach, and does not require the modification of existing receivers or protocols. A key benefit of the proposed method is that the authentication signal may be received at a BER much lower than the primary-signal, all within original transmission power and bandwidth constraints. We discuss physical layer details of the new watermarking method, and demonstrate how proven cryptographic authentication measures may be applied to the problem.
The Discriminating Properties of an Optoelectronic Movement Analysis Method in Patients With Parkinsonism

ABSTRACT Several partly overlapping diseases have Parkinsonism as a symptom and tools that may differentiate between these disorders would be helpful. The authors evaluated the discriminating properties of the objective automated posturo-locomotor-manual (PLM) L-DOPA test in regard to health, and the movement disorders Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). A PLM test–retest procedure was performed in healthy controls (n = 37) and results were compared with PLM L-DOPA tests performed by 132 patients with Parkinsonism in intermediate to advanced stages (56 PD, 53 MSA, 23 PSP). The movement time (MT) for the standardized movement and its different components was measured. The discriminating abilities of individual, or combinations of, test variables were determined by forward stepwise multiple logistic regression and evaluated with receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Each PLM variable separated healthy persons from patients with Parkinsonism before administration of L-DOPA (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.94–0.99, p <. 001 for any separate variable). A combination of (MToff – MTon)/MToff and MTon had the highest ability to separate patients with PD from patients with atypical Parkinsonism (area under the curve = 0.91, p <.001). The PLM test discriminates between healthy controls and patients with Parkinsonism, and between patients with Parkinson's disease and patients with atypical Parkinsonism. [Supplementary material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Motor Behavior for the following free supplemental resource: supplementary data. ]
From requirements to statecharts via design refinement

The derivation of statecharts from requirements has been addressed from many perspectives. All of them assume that the derivation process is a linear series of refinements resulting in a single statechart, thereby missing the opportunity to explore alternatives in the design space. We propose a multi-dimensional approach that exploits inherent variability of the design space, where alternative refinements are considered for the same intermediate problem, resulting in multiple solutions (statecharts) from a single initial problem (requirements). In order to accomplish this, we propose an extended form of goal model where architects can incrementally refine the original requirements by considering behavioral alternatives leading to design solutions. The proposed refinement process is illustrated through an example from the literature. Experimentation with randomly generated models suggests that the proposal is scalable.
Modality-Specific Naming Deficit: Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms Implicated in Naming to Definition

Abstract We report the case of an anomic patient who had a significantly greater impairment in naming to definition than in picture naming. His difficulty did not depend on the number of semantic attributes (two vs. four) or type of information (visual vs. non-visual) carried in the definition. When asked to visualize the perceptual characteristics of the stimulus by means of drawing, his performance on the naming to definition task improved significantly. We first discuss this performance pattern in terms of the debate between the modality access deficit hypothesis and the multiple semantics position. The patient's more severe impairment in naming to definition suggests that his dissociation may be due to a more selective involvement of verbal semantics. In line with recent PET findings indicating that top-down semantic-to-visual sensory neural feedback improves the retrieval of semantic information in naming to definition tasks, we hypothesize that the patient's difficulty in retrieving the name was due to his inability to automatically activate this pathway. Picture drawing facilitated his naming because it activated the visual system directly (through the structure description level), implementing the retrieval of semantic information.
NF-kappaB as a molecular target in adjuvant therapy of gastrointestinal carcinomas.

AIM To describe the role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in cancer treatment. METHODS We searched the Pubmed database (until Oct, 2004) with the keywords of gastrointestinal carcinoma, NF-kappaB, inhibitor, cancer treatment molecular target and chemoresistance. We reviewed the literature in the role of NF-kappaB activation in chemoresistance, tumour growth suppression and enhancement of apoptosis in gastrointestinal carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS Several possible strategies for inhibiting NF-kappaB activation are identified. The importance of targeting NF-kappaB as a potential therapeutic approach in clinical medicine was discussed.
Coordination in Large Multiagent Reinforcement Learning Problems

Large distributed systems often require intelligent behavior. Although multiagent reinforcement learning can be applied to such systems, several yet unsolved challenges arise due to the large number of simultaneous learners. Among others, these include exponential growth of state-action spaces and coordination. In this work, we deal with these two issues. Therefore, we consider a subclass of stochastic games called cooperative sequential stage games. With the help of a stateless distributed learning algorithm we solve the problem of growing state-action spaces. Then, we present six different techniques to coordinate action selection during the learning process. We prove a property of the learning algorithm that helps to reduce computational costs of one technique. An experimental analysis in a distributed agent partitioning problem with hundreds of agents reveals that the proposed techniques can lead to higher quality solutions and increase convergence speed compared to the basic approach. Some techniques even outperform a state-of-the-art special purpose approach.
Angiogenic Signalling Pathways Altered in Gliomas: Selection Mechanisms for More Aggressive Neoplastic Subpopulations with Invasive Phenotype

The angiogenesis process is a key event for glioma survival, malignancy and growth. The start of angiogenesis is mediated by a cascade of intratumoural events: alteration of the microvasculature network; a hypoxic microenvironment; adaptation of neoplastic cells and synthesis of pro-angiogenic factors. Due to a chaotic blood flow, a consequence of an aberrant microvasculature, tissue hypoxia phenomena are induced. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 is a major regulator in glioma invasiveness and angiogenesis. Clones of neoplastic cells with stem cell characteristics are selected by HIF-1. These cells, called “glioma stem cells” induce the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor. This factor is a pivotal mediator of angiogenesis. To elucidate the role of these angiogenic mediators during glioma growth, we have used a rat endogenous glioma model. Gliomas induced by prenatal ENU administration allowed us to study angiogenic events from early to advanced tumour stages. Events such as microvascular aberrations, hypoxia, GSC selection and VEGF synthesis may be studied in depth. Our data showed that for the treatment of gliomas, developing anti-angiogenic therapies could be aimed at GSCs, HIF-1 or VEGF. The ENU-glioma model can be considered to be a useful option to check novel designs of these treatment strategies.
Extinction Probabilities for a Distylous Plant Population Modeled by an Inhomogeneous Random Walk on the Positive Quadrant

In this paper, we study a flower population in which self-reproduction is not permitted. Individuals are diploid, that is, each cell contains two sets of chromosomes, and distylous, that is, two alleles, $A$ and $a$, can be found at the considered locus S. Pollen and ovules of flowers with the same genotype at locus S cannot mate. This prevents the pollen of a given flower from fecundating its own stigmata. Only genotypes $AA$ and $Aa$ can be maintained in the population, so that the latter can be described by a random walk in the positive quadrant whose components are the number of individuals of each genotype. This random walk is not homogeneous, and its transitions depend on the location of the process. We are interested in the computation of the extinction probabilities, as extinction happens when one of the axes is reached by the process. These extinction probabilities, which depend on the initial condition, satisfy a doubly indexed recurrence equation that cannot be solved directly. Our contribution.
Dynamics of seated computer work before and after prolonged constrained sitting.

This laboratory study investigated seated computer work before and after prolonged constrained sitting. Discomfort ratings and kinetic and kinematics data were recorded in nine healthy males performing computer work for 5 min before and after 96 min of sitting. The displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions and lumbar curvature (LC) were calculated. The root mean square, standard deviation, and sample entropy values were computed from the CoPs and LC signals to assess the magnitude, amount of variability, and regularity of sitting dynamics, respectively. The discomfort increased for the buttocks (p = .02). The standard deviation and sample entropy values of the CoPs and LC signals, respectively, increased (p < .04) and decreased (p < .004) whereas the root mean square remained unchanged (p > .15) after prolonged constrained sitting compared with before. This present study showed that during seated computer work, prolonged constrained sitting affected the amount of variability and the regularity of sitting postural control, whereas the magnitude was not affected. The importance of the dynamics of sitting control may challenge the idea of a static and ideal seated posture at work.
Estimating neural currents from neuromagnetic measurements

This thesis concerns three new methods for estimating the electrical activity of the human brain from the magnetic fields measured outside the head. The first method models the electrical activity as a combination of focal current dipoles and applies global optimization to estimate their locations without need for an initial solution. The second method is the minimum current estimate that is capable of modeling both focal and distributed electrical activity. The third method measures the movements of the head during the measurements and uses this information for more accurate estimates of the neural currents. The usability of the methods is demonstrated using simulations and measurements. The minimum current estimate is also applied to four experiments of cognitive processes in the human brain: one studying visuomotor interaction, second studying visual attention, third studying integration of auditory and visual representations of letters, and fourth studying observation of sign language in signing and non-signing subjects.
Theoretical links between universal and Bayesian compressed sensing algorithms

Quantized maximum a posteriori (Q-MAP) is a recently-proposed Bayesian compressed sensing algorithm that, given the source distribution, recovers $X^n$ from its linear measurements $Y^m=AX^n$, where $A\in R^{m\times n}$ denotes the known measurement matrix. On the other hand, Lagrangian minimum entropy pursuit (L-MEP) is a universal compressed sensing algorithm that aims at recovering $X^n$ from its linear measurements $Y^m=AX^n$, without having access to the source distribution. Both Q-MAP and L-MEP provably achieve the minimum required sampling rates, in noiseless cases where such fundamental limits are known. L-MEP is based on minimizing a cost function that consists of a linear combination of the conditional empirical entropy of a potential reconstruction vector and its corresponding measurement error. In this paper, using a first-order linear approximation of the conditional empirical entropy function, L-MEP is connected with Q-MAP. The established connection between L-MEP and Q-MAP leads to variants of Q-MAP which have the same asymptotic performance as Q-MAP in terms of their required sampling rates. Moreover, these variants suggest that Q-MAP is robust to small error in estimating the source distribution. This robustness is theoretically proven and the effect of a non-vanishing estimation error on the required sampling rate is characterized.
The selection of protein intake by pigs treated with porcine somatotropin.

The hypothesis that pigs can select a protein intake to meet their lean growth requirement when given a choice of two diets, differing in protein content, was tested in this study. Seventy-two gilts (PIC Camborough x Canabrid), of an average initial body weight of 20 kg, were allotted to one of four pens with half-slatted concrete floors and two electronic feeders. Two pens of pigs were assigned to a choice-feeding system (choice) and two pens to a single-feeding system (single). Half of the pigs in each pen received a daily injection of 100 micrograms/kg BW of porcine somatotropin (ST) and the other half received a daily injection of saline. Feed intake of individual pigs was recorded on a daily basis with the Feed Intake Recording Equipment (FIRE) system. Pigs assigned to the choice-feeding system were given two feeds of different protein content, 10 or 24%, but with similar digestible energy content (13.7 MJ of DE/kg). The single diet contained 16% CP during the grower period and 14% throughout the finisher period. Overall weight gain of pigs was not affected by feeding system or ST injection; however, feed intake was decreased by injection of ST (P = .006) and by choice feeding (P = .005). Choice-fed pigs showed decreased dietary protein intake compared with single-fed pigs. The increased deposition rate of lean and protein with injection of ST did not stimulate an increase in protein consumption. Choice feeding and ST injection lowered the amount of feed or protein required per unit gain, or per unit of lean or protein deposited. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Myf‐6, a new member of the human gene family of myogenic determination factors: evidence for a gene cluster on chromosome 12.

The Myf‐6 gene, a novel member of the human gene family of muscle determination factors has been detected by its highly conserved sequence coding for a putative helix‐loop‐helix domain. This sequence motif is a common feature of all Myf factors and other regulatory proteins. The new Myf gene is located on human chromosome 12, approximately 6.5 Kb upstream of the Myf‐5 locus in a closely linked cluster of myogenic determination genes. Myf‐6 cDNAs were isolated from human and mouse skeletal muscle, the only tissue in which expression of the corresponding mRNA was observed. In contrast to human primary muscle cell cultures which express moderate levels of Myf‐6 mRNA, most established rodent muscle cell lines completely lack this mRNA. Myogenic 10T1/2 cells, however, induced by the expression of either pEMSV‐Myf‐4 or pEMSV‐Myf‐5 activate their endogenous mouse Myf‐6 gene. Constitutive expression of Myf‐6 cDNA in C3H 10T1/2 fibroblasts establishes the muscle phenotype at a similar frequency to the previously characterized myogenic factors. Moreover, muscle‐specific CAT reporter constructs containing either the human myosin light chain (MLC) enhancer or the promoter of the embryonic myosin light chain gene are activated in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts or in CV1 kidney cells by cotransfection of Myf‐6 expression vehicles. This transcriptional activation occurs in the absence of any apparent conversion of the cellular phenotype of the recipient cells. Glutathione‐S‐transferase fusion proteins with Myf‐3, Myf‐4 or Myf‐5 specifically bind to a MEF‐like consensus sequence present in the human MLC enhancer and the MLC1 emb promoter. In contrast, the Myf‐6 hybrid protein interacts weakly with the same sequences showing lower affinity and reduced specificity. Since co‐expressed pEMSV‐Myf‐6, nevertheless, is able to activate transcription of the MLC‐CAT reporter constructs in non‐muscle tissue culture cells, the different DNA binding properties in vitro might suggest that transactivation of gene expression by Myf‐6 involves distinct binding sites and/or additional protein factors.
Eosinophils Sustain Adipose Alternatively Activated Macrophages Associated with Glucose Homeostasis

Regulation of adipose tissue macrophages by eosinophils reveals an unexpected role for eosinophils in metabolic homeostasis. Eosinophils are associated with helminth immunity and allergy, often in conjunction with alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs). Adipose tissue AAMs are necessary to maintain glucose homeostasis and are induced by the cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). Here, we show that eosinophils are the major IL-4–expressing cells in white adipose tissues of mice, and, in their absence, AAMs are greatly attenuated. Eosinophils migrate into adipose tissue by an integrin-dependent process and reconstitute AAMs through an IL-4– or IL-13–dependent process. Mice fed a high-fat diet develop increased body fat, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in the absence of eosinophils, and helminth-induced adipose tissue eosinophilia enhances glucose tolerance. Our results suggest that eosinophils play an unexpected role in metabolic homeostasis through maintenance of adipose AAMs.
Biomechanical procedure to assess sleep restriction on motor control and learning

The analysis of sleep quality during long periods and its impact on motor control and learning performance are crucial aspects for human health. The aim of this study is to analyze effects of chronic sleep restriction on motor performance. It is intended to establish motor control indicators in sleep quality analysis. A wearable actigraphy that records accelerometry, ambient light, and body temperature was used to monitor the sleep habits of 12 healthy subjects for two weeks before performing motor control and learning tests. The day of the motor test, the subjects filled two questionnaires about the quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI) and sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale - ESS). Afterwards they performed a coincident timing task that consisted of hitting a virtual target falling on the screen with the hand. An elbow flexion in the horizontal plane had to be performed on the correct time to reach the real target on a table at the same time as the virtual target on the screen. The subjects performed three sets of acquisition and transfer blocks of the coincident timing task. The subjects were clustered in two groups based on the PSQI and ESS scores. Actigraphy and motor control parameters (L5, correct responses, time variance) were compared between groups and experimental sets. The group with better sleep parameters did show a constant performance across blocks of task acquisition while the bad sleeper group improved from the first to the second acquisition block. Despite of this improvement, their performance is not better than the one of the good sleepers group. Although the number of subjects is low and it should be increased, these results indicate that the subjects with better sleep converged rapidly to a high level of performance, while the worse sleepers needed more trials to learn the task and their performance was not superior to the other group.
Core measures for developmentally supportive care in neonatal intensive care units: theory, precedence and practice

Title Core measures for developmentally supportive care in neonatal intensive care units: theory, precedence and practice. Aim This paper is a discussion of evidence-based core measures for developmental care in neonatal intensive care units. Background Inconsistent definition, application and evaluation of developmental care have resulted in criticism of its scientific merit. The key concept guiding data organization in this paper is the United States of America’s Joint Commission’s concept of ‘core measures’ for evaluating and accrediting healthcare organizations. This concept is applied to five disease- and procedure-independent measures based on the Universe of Developmental Care model. Data sources Electronically accessible, peer reviewed studies on developmental care published in English were culled for data supporting the selected objective core measures between 1978 and 2008. The quality of evidence was based on a structured predetermined format that included three independent reviewers. Systematic reviews and randomized control trials were considered the strongest level of evidence. When unavailable, cohort, case control, consensus statements and qualitative methods were considered the strongest level of evidence for a particular clinical issue. Discussion Five core measure sets for evidence-based developmental care were evaluated: (1) protected sleep, (2) pain and stress assessment and management, (3) developmental activities of daily living, (4) family-centred care, and (5) the healing environment. These five categories reflect recurring themes that emerged from the literature review regarding developmentally supportive care and quality caring practices in neonatal populations. This practice model provides clear metrics for nursing actions having an impact on the hospital experience of infant-family dyads. Conclusion Standardized disease-independent core measures for developmental care establish minimum evidence-based practice expectations and offer an objective basis for cross-institutional comparison of developmental care programmes.