Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low power unsigned integer multiplier for digital signal processors

Computational architectures for signal processing applications involve extensive use of multipliers. Operations in image processing like image sharpening, smoothing, feature extraction, segmentation etc involve large number of multiplications. Embedded computational architectures for such systems require low power design with minimal trade off in speed and area. Multiplier architectures proposed in literature seek to reduce power dissipation by reduction of effective switching activity or reduction in effective switched capacitance. Some of the architectures seek pre-computation as an area trade off for power. We propose a architecture for unsigned integer multiplication intended to be used in implementation of data path for real time image processing. The multiplier is based on divide and conquers approach, which provides significant reduction in power dissipation if the inputs are from a source of correlated data as compared to regular array based multipliers. Such inputs are common in signal processing where the inputs are samples of real world signals from a sensor. We characterize a family of unsigned integer multiplier architectures by considering three multipliers for each of the 8, 16 and 32 bit word length cases and compare their performance against the Array and Wallace multiplier architectures used for similar class of applications. It has been observed in our experiments that the proposed multiplier can have a power advantage of up to 34.92% as compared to Array multiplier when subjected to image data, with equal area characteristic and a very marginal trade off in speed.
Comparison between radial and femoral approach for percutaneous coronary intervention in patients aged 80 years or older.

OBJECTIVE To compare safety and efficacy between the radial and femoral approach for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients aged 80 years and older. METHOD Two hundred sixty-eight elderly patients (80-97 years old, 176 men) who underwent elective PCI between May 2003 and May 2007 were included in this study: the femoral (hereinafter referred to as the Femoral Approach Group) approach was used on 156 patients and radial (Radial Approach Group) on 112 patients. Clinical and procedural characteristics and the incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization) were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS Procedural success rate was similar and >95% for both approaches. The radial approach was associated with longer cannulation (3.0 ± 2.8 minutes vs. 2.0 ± 1.9 minutes, P < 0.001), fluoroscopy time (23 ± 15 minutes vs. 19 ± 12 minutes, P = 0.03) and higher rate of crossover to an alternative access site (9.8% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.02) compared with the femoral approach, while ambulation time (5 ± 2 hours vs. 20 ± 4 hours, P < 0.001), and rates of access site bleeding (2.7% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.004), hematoma (4.5% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.006), or any vascular complication (7.1% vs. 23.7%, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced with the radial approach as opposed to femoral. Multivariate regression identifies the radial approach (OR = 0.25, CI = 0.09-0.75) as an independent negative predictor of postprocedural vascular complications. CONCLUSION When compared to the femoral approach, PCI with the radial approach significantly reduces rates of vascular complications in high-risk populations of patients aged 80 years and older. However, efficacy and procedural success rates were similar for both groups whereas cannulation and fluoroscopy time longer and puncture failure rate higher with the radial approach than femoral.
The role of VosA/VelB-activated developmental gene vadA in Aspergillus nidulans

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans primarily reproduces by forming asexual spores called conidia, the integrity of which is governed by the NF-κB type velvet regulators VosA and VelB. The VosA-VelB hetero-complex regulates the expression of spore-specific structural and regulatory genes during conidiogenesis. Here, we characterize one of the VosA/VelB-activated developmental genes, called vadA, the expression of which in conidia requires activity of both VosA and VelB. VadA (AN5709) is predicted to be a 532-amino acid length fungal-specific protein with a highly conserved domain of unknown function (DUF) at the N-terminus. This DUF was found to be conserved in many Ascomycota and some Glomeromycota species, suggesting a potential evolutionarily conserved function of this domain in fungi. Deletion studies of vadA indicate that VadA is required for proper downregulation of brlA, fksA, and rodA, and for proper expression of tpsA and orlA during sporogenesis. Moreover, vadA null mutant conidia exhibit decreased trehalose content, but increased β(1,3)-glucan levels, lower viability, and reduced tolerance to oxidative stress. We further demonstrate that the vadA null mutant shows increased production of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin. In summary, VadA is a dual-function novel regulator that controls development and secondary metabolism, and participates in bridging differentiation and viability of newly formed conidia in A. nidulans.
Adverse drug reaction monitoring in a secondary care hospital in South India.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT The benefits of adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring are well-known. Poor awareness and nonavailability of a central co-ordinating body resulted in lack of ADR monitoring in India. The National Pharmacovigilance Programme was recently initiated, encouraging ADR monitoring in selected centres, including our centre. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS This is the first study of its kind at GHQH, Ootacamund that has provided insight into the burden of ADRs here. The incidence and severity of ADRs documented in our study is lower than those reported in comparable populations in Western studies but more than those reported in India. AIMS To ascertain the current burden of ADRs at a Government hospital in Ooty and to assess the severity of reported ADRs and the additional financial burden associated with ADRs. METHODS A prospective, spontaneous reporting study was conducted over a period of 9 months of inpatient admissions to the medical wards, co-ordinated by clinical pharmacists. The WHO definition of an ADR was adopted. The Naranjo algorithm scale was used for causality assessment. Confirmed ADRs were classified according to the Wills & Brown method and assessed for severity and patient outcomes. The average cost incurred in treating the ADRs was calculated. RESULTS Of the total of 187 adverse drug events (ADEs) reported, 164 reports from 121 patients were confirmed as ADRs, giving an overall incidence of 9.8%. This included 58 (3.4%) ADR related admissions and 63 (3.7%) ADRs occurring during the hospital stay. About two thirds of the reactions (102, 62.2%) were classified as probable. The majority of the reactions (88, 53.7%) were mild. Most patients (119, 72.6%) recovered from the incidence. The majority of the reactions were of type H (100, 61%) which indicates that they were not predictable and not potentially preventable. An average cost of 481 rupees ( pound 6) was spent on each patient to manage ADRs. CONCLUSIONS The incidence and severity of ADRs documented in our study are lower than those reported in comparable populations in Western studies but more than those reported in India.
Progesterone vaginal gel for the reduction of recurrent preterm birth: primary results from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Treatment of preterm labor with tocolysis has not been successful in improving infant outcome. The administration of progesterone and related compounds has been proposed as a strategy to prevent preterm birth. The objective of this trial was to determine whether prophylactic administration of vaginal progesterone reduces the risk of preterm birth in women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth.
Expression of ATRAP in Adipocytes and Negative Regulation by β-Adrenergic Stimulation of JAK/STAT

Sympatho-adrenergic activity and the renin-angiotensin system are considered critical regulators of obesity and hypertension. The novel angiotensin II type 1 receptor-associated protein (ATRAP) has been demonstrated to modulate angiotensin II signalling in smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. Adipose tissue expresses important renin angiotensin system components and contributes to cardiometabolic disease. However, ATRAP expression and regulation in adipocytes are unknown. We investigated expression of this novel modulator of angiotensin signalling and its regulation by beta-adrenergic receptors. We found ATRAP to be expressed in differentiated brown and white adipocytes. Stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors strongly suppressed ATRAP expression. We hypothesised a role for JAK/STAT signalling elements. Indeed, beta3-adrenergic stimulation robustly stimulated both STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This effect was abrogated by inhibition of PKA and JAK2 signalling. Moreover, inhibition of JAK/STAT and PKA signalling reversed the beta3-adrenergic suppression of ATRAP expression. This study provides the first evidence for expression and adrenergic regulation of the angiotensin II signalling modulator ATRAP in adipocytes. Further, it indicates a novel regulatory link between beta-adrenergic and JAK/STAT signalling.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INWARD FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, DOMESTIC INVESTMENT, FORMAL AND INFORMAL INSTITUTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA

This study examines relationship between Inward FDI and domestic investment in China, using co-integration and Granger causality analysis (Including bivariate and multivariate Granger causality models). We have used auto-regressive distributed lags(ARDL) econometric methodology technique to define relationship between inward FDI and domestic investment using time series data for China. Our study examines long run effects of FDI inflows on domestic investment over time span 1990-2014 for China using informal, formal institutions and key macroeconomic variables as control variables in the model. The results suggest that conclusions drawn from bivariate model may not be valid because of omission of important control variables. Our results of multivariate model show that there is positive unidirectional causality running from IFDI to DI in the long run. In the short run, both inward FDI and domestic investment do not allow Granger causality.
Asthma patients with low perceived burden of illness: a challenge for guideline adherence.

RATIONALE AND AIMS The reason why many patients seem to tolerate suffering from sub-optimal treated asthma remains unclear. The aim was to evaluate the guideline adherence combined with quality of life of patients with moderate to severe asthma. METHODS 256 asthma patients from 43 primary care practices in Saxony-Anhalt filled in a questionnaire including the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D) and questions evaluating the asthma severity, medication and self-management. RESULTS 43.4% suffered from moderate to severe asthma. Drug treatment accorded with guidelines in 36.9%, drug dosage of inhaled steroids was too low in 34.3%, and 21.5% were not treated according to guidelines. A total of 7.3% of the patients received end-of-dose therapy. AQLQ declined and depression rose with asthma severity and guideline non-adherence (P < 0.001). Only 29.1% received asthma education. However, 64.5% of the patients without education did not want to receive education. They had a higher quality of life, lower depression (P < 0.001) and lower use of steroids (P = 0.016). Higher depression scores where related with hospital admission (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.57-6.87 for each quartile of PHQ-D) and unscheduled home visits or ambulatory care (OR 1.58; 1.07-2.33). CONCLUSION There is a large variation of asthma severity which can partly be explained by the guideline adherence of medication and deficits of patients' management. The perceived burden of illness plays a more important role for education and self-management than the real severity of disease. Therefore, target-oriented interventions are needed to identify and motivate patients at risk.
Microscopic Derivation of Multichannel Hubbard Models for Ultracold Nonreactive Molecules in an Optical Lattice

Recent experimental advances in the cooling and manipulation of bialkali dimer molecules have enabled the production of gases of ultracold molecules that are not chemically reactive. It has been presumed in the literature that in the absence of an electric field the low-energy scattering of such nonreactive molecules (NRMs) will be similar to atoms, in which a single $s$-wave scattering length governs the collisional physics. However, in Ref. [1], it was argued that the short-range collisional physics of NRMs is much more complex than for atoms, and that this leads to a many-body description in terms of a multi-channel Hubbard model. In this work, we show that this multi-channel Hubbard model description of NRMs in an optical lattice is robust against the approximations employed in Ref. [1] to estimate its parameters. We do so via an exact, albeit formal, derivation of a multi-channel resonance model for two NRMs from an ab initio description of the molecules in terms of their constituent atoms. We discuss the regularization of this two-body multi-channel resonance model in the presence of a harmonic trap, and how its solutions form the basis for the many-body model of Ref. [1]. We also generalize the derivation of the effective lattice model to include multiple internal states (e.g., rotational or hyperfine). We end with an outlook to future research.
UAV synthetic aperture radar system for control of vegetation and soil moisture

The scope of application of imaging radars is constantly growing and now starts to cover agricultural field. Hence, there is a growing demand for mobile system that can deliver all of the advantages of a radar remote sensing system. The main goal of the system described in this article is to provide farmers with tools for all-weather monitoring of natural and anthropogenic objects: control of vegetation, control of soil moisture etc. Authors is currently taking part in ongoing research into creation of such system. This article describes general setup of the system and algorithms based on which such system will work.
An Electromagnetic Micro Power Generator for Low-Frequency Environmental Vibrations Based on the Frequency Upconversion Technique

This paper presents a microelectromechanical-system-based electromagnetic vibration-to-electrical power generator that can harvest energy from low-frequency external vibrations. The efficiency of vibration-based harvesters is proportional to excitation frequency, so the proposed generator is designed to convert low-frequency environmental vibrations to a higher frequency by employing the frequency upconversion (FupC) technique. It has been shown that the generator can effectively harvest energy from environmental vibrations of 70-150 Hz and generates 0.57-mV voltage with 0.25-nW power from a single cantilever by upconverting the input vibration frequency of 95 Hz-2 kHz. The fabricated generator size is 8.5×7×2.5 mm3, and a total of 20 serially connected cantilevers have been used to multiply the generated voltage and power. The generator demonstrated in this paper is designed for the proof of concept, and the power and voltage levels can further be increased by increasing the number of cantilevers or coil turns. The performance of the generator is also compared with that of a same sized custom-made traditional magnet-coil-type generator and with that of a traditional generator from the literature to prove its effectiveness.
Recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor fusion protein as treatment for steroid refractory graft‐versus‐host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Etanercept is a recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) receptor fusion protein that inhibits TNF‐α, a major mediator in the pathogenesis of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of etanercept therapy in 21 patients with steroid‐refractory acute GVHD (aGVHD) (n = 13) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) (n = 8). Etanercept 25 mg was given subcutaneously twice weekly for 4 weeks followed by 25 mg weekly for 4 weeks. At the time of initiation of etanercept, 14 patients had skin, 13 had gastro‐intestinal, 5 had liver, 5 had pulmonary, and 4 had oral involvement. Twelve patients (57%) completed 12 doses of therapy. Overall, 11 of 21 patients (52%) responded to the treatment with etanercept, including 6 patients (46%) with aGVHD [n = 4 complete response (CR), n = 2 partial response (PR)] and 5 patients (62%) with cGVHD (n = 1 CR, n = 4 PR). Clinical responses were most commonly seen in patients with refractory gut aGVHD with 55% of the patients having a CR and 9% having a PR. CMV reactivation occurred in 48% of patients, bacterial infections in 14% of patients, and fungal infections in 19% of patients. Fourteen patients (67%) were alive after a median follow‐up of 429 days (range 71–1007 days) since initiation of etanercept. Seven patients died, 3 of infections, 2 of refractory aGVHD, and 2 of disease progression. In conclusion, our preliminary data indicate that etanercept is well tolerated and can induce a high response rate in patients with steroid‐refractory aGVHD and cGVHD, particularly in the setting of GI involvement. Am. J. Hematol. , 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Miniaturization of NMR systems: desktop spectrometers, microcoil spectroscopy, and "NMR on a chip" for chemistry, biochemistry, and industry.

Spectroscopy, and “NMR on a Chip” for Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Industry Sergey S. Zalesskiy,† Ernesto Danieli,‡ Bernhard Blümich,*,‡ and Valentine P. Ananikov*,†,§ †Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia ‡Institut für Technische Chemie und Makromolekulare Chemie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany Department of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, Stary Petergof, 198504, Russia
Human immunodeficiency virus and liver disease: A comprehensive update

Among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, liver disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. While the etiologies are varied and often overlapping in the individual patient, the underlying mechanisms, including oxidative stress, direct activation of stellate cells, HIV interaction with hepatocytes, and bacterial translocation with systemic immune activation, seem to be unifying characteristics. Early and fully suppressive HIV antiretroviral therapy is a mainstay of management either before or concurrent with treatment of etiologic cofactors, including hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Significant barriers to care that still exist include liver disease recognition, appropriate linkage to care, ongoing substance abuse, and psychiatric comorbidities in the HIV‐infected population. Emerging issues in these patients include acute and chronic hepatitis E, underreported hepatitis D, and a rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:987–1001)
Fight against pneumonia.

Recently, WHO has decided to launch an annual “World Pneumonia Day” on November 2, 2009(1). The day will mobilize efforts to fight pneumonia, rightly called a ‘neglected’ or a ‘forgotten’ disease, that kills more than two million children under the age of five each year worldwide(2). The sudden shift of focus on pneumonia has raised many eyebrows and brought forward few issues that need clarification:
Stochastic adaptive control for exponentially convergent time-varying systems

This paper shows that the standard stochastic adaptive control algorithms for time-invariant systems have an inherent robustness property which renders them applicable, without modification, to time-varying systems whose parameters converge exponentially. One class of systems satisfying this requirement is those having non-steady-state Kalman Filter or innovations representations. This allows the usual assumption of a stationary ARMAX representation to be replaced by a more general state space model.
An assessment of axial loading on a five-turbine array

A structure that supports five turbines with a power coefficient of 0·40 (efficiency of 68%) has been studied using computational fluid dynamics to assess the power extracted and the flow field in a 3 m/s (6 knot) tidal flow. Peak axial sliding forces were assessed to determine anchorage requirements. While it is recognised that the turbines will most likely be positioned in relatively deep water in areas of steep tidal velocity gradients, this study considers the worst-case scenario for the axial sliding forces – that is, a uniform 3 m/s tidal velocity profile. The analysis shows that the fluid velocity increases around the structure, which could possibly be used advantageously in the placing of multiple turbine arrays. There is minimal interference between the wakes of the individual turbines, but there is interference between the wakes of some turbines and the bracing that forms part of the structure. The axial sliding force was found to be highest when the frame apex is head into the flow, and it is estimated that the coefficient of friction between the seabed and the array frame must be lower than 0·43 for sliding to occur with no additional ballast or anchorage.
EPIDEMIC IN FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE OF CANADA

Bilal B. Ayach, MSc, PhD; Holly Korda, MA, PhD Diabetes is a chronic condition that results in the body’s inability to either produce or respond to insulin. Abnormal insulin production and sensitivity lead to improper blood glucose levels and energy storage required for homeostatic organ maintenance. Over 151 million people worldwide, including 7% of the US and 5% of Canadian populations have been diagnosed with diabetes, and the prevalence varies greatly by race and ethnicity. However, since the end of World War II, the people with the greatest risk include First Nations people, including Canada’s aboriginal, Inuit and Native Indian populations with up to a 5-fold greater prevalence than the general population. Prevalence can vary from 8% to 48% among the sexes and tribes. Understanding the prevalence and causes of this epidemic is immediately needed as diabetes precedes various other endocrine and cardiovascular diseases. Here we review the current understanding of diabetes risk in Canada’s First Nations people in the hope to bring greater awareness among healthcare professionals and implementation of measures to prevent spread of this disease. (Ethn Dis. 2010;20:300–303)
Clonogenic Colony-Forming Ability of Flow Cytometrically Isolated Hepatic Progenitor Cells in the Murine Fetal Liver

Stem cells are defined as cells having multilineage differentiation potential and self-renewal capability. Hepatic stem cells have aroused considerable interest not only because of their developmental importance but also for their therapeutic potential. However, their presence in the liver has not yet been demonstrated. With the use of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) and monoclonal antibodies, we attempted to ascertain whether hepatic stem cells are present in the murine fetal liver. For this purpose, we optimized a cell isolation technique for FACS sorting of fetal liver cells. When isolated CD45–TER119– cells (the non-blood cell fraction in the fetal liver) were tested for their clonogenic colony-forming ability, mechanical dissociation (pipetting) was the most suitable cell isolation technique for FACS sorting. We confirmed that these colonies contained not only cells expressing hepatocyte markers but also cells expressing cholangiocyte markers. To identify hepatic stem cells, studies must focus on CD45–TER119– cells in the murine fetal liver.