Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 12-bit Successive Approximation Analog-to-Digital Converter Modeling

In this paper, we present the modeling of a 12-bit successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC). The implementation consists of a mixed-signal circuit design, at a high level of abstraction, using Simulink® tools (Stateflow and Simscape) and SystemCTM/SystemC-AMS. The modeling process represents the first stage of a project that will end up with an IC prototype and subsequent integration into a SoC (System on Chip). The model offers a better understanding of the SAR architecture, as well as the definition of the blocks that compose the system. The process starts with a Matlab model then SystemC/SystemC-AMS is explored to corroborate the results and also to produce IP (Intellectual Property) modules.
Current opinion on catheter-based hemorrhage control in trauma patients.

Abstract : Surgery has undergone several fundamental paradigm changes during the last 25 years. Laparoscopic and catheter-based interventions have become common, ultrasound is ubiquitous, and robotics and damage-control surgery are commonplace. When combined with ever-advancing imaging technology, all these tools will continue to change the face of trauma surgery. Accordingly, the University of Texas Health Science at Houston, the Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute, and the Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, and Education held a 2-day meeting on February 26 to 27, 2013, to discuss developing new techniques and potential paradigm shifts for catheter-based hemorrhage control including the trauma hybrid operating room (THOR) concept. At this meeting, 60 North American physicians from more than 25 institutions including leaders from the American College of Surgeons and representatives from six specialties (trauma, vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, critical care, general surgery) involved in caring for traumatically injured patients met and discussed relevant clinical problems, the technology needed to improve patient care, patient-centric flow patterns, new treatments, training, credentialing, and competency issues and participated in a catheter-based hemorrhage control skills laboratory for acute care surgeons. The following is a summary of the proceedings.
Mesoderm migration in the Xenopus gastrula.

During Xenopus gastrulation, the mesoderm involutes at the blastopore lip and moves on the inner surface of the BCR toward the animal pole of the embryo. Active cell migration is involved in this mesoderm translocation. In vitro, mesoderm cells migrate non-persistently and intermittently by extending and retracting multiple lamellipodia, which pull the cell body in their direction. Lamellipodia formation is induced by FN. FN fibrils are present on the BCR as part of the in vivo substrate of mesoderm migration. Mesoderm cells can attach to the BCR independently of FN, but interaction with FN is required for lamellipodia extension and cell migration on the BCR. In contrast to preinvolution mesoderm, involuted migrating mesoderm always stays on the surface of the BCR cell layer: migrating mesoderm cells do not mix with BCR cells, and a stable interface between tissues is maintained. A corresponding change in cell sorting behavior occurs during mesoderm involution. In Xenopus, the mesoderm moves as a multilayered coherent cell mass held together by cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. Aggregate formation changes mesoderm cell behavior, rendering it more continuous, persistent and directional, i.e. more efficient. The mesoderm possesses an intrinsic tissue polarity which biases the direction of its movement. In addition, the fibrillar FN matrix of the BCR contains guidance cues which also direct the mesoderm toward the animal pole. Haptotaxis is most likely not involved in this substrate-dependent guidance of the mesoderm, but intact FN fibrils seem to be required. A polarity of the BCR cell layer which underlies this anisotropy of the BCR matrix develops under the influence of the marginal zone in the late blastula. Although in other amphibian species, gastrulation depends critically on mesoderm cell migration, in Xenopus, convergent extension of the axial mesoderm seems to provide the main driving force for gastrulation.
Commentary on Viewpoint: Is left ventricular volume during diastasis the real equilibrium volume, and what is its relationship to diastolic suction?

to the editor: I read with interest the Viewpoint article by Zhang et al. ([5][1]). The authors advocated d PLV (ventricular pressure)/ d VLV (ventricular volume) <0 as the necessary and sufficient condition for definition of diastolic suction. This definition guarantees that suction manifests only
Temporal Relationships of Carbon Cycling and Ocean Circulation at Glacial Boundaries

Evidence from high-sedimentation-rate South Atlantic deep-sea cores indicates that global and Southern Ocean carbon budget shifts preceded thermohaline circulation changes during the last ice age initiation and termination and that these were preceded by ice-sheet growth and retreat, respectively. No consistent lead-lag relationships are observed during abrupt millennial warming events during the last ice age, allowing for the possibility that ocean circulation triggered some millenial climate changes. At the major glacial-interglacial transitions, the global carbon budget and thermohaline ocean circulation responded sequentially to the climate changes that forced the growth and decline of continental ice sheets.
Characterization of the antibody response to type 3 pneumococcal polysaccharide at the cellular level. II. Studies on the relative rate of antibody synthesis and release by antibody-producing cells.

A procedure based on the rate of appearance of plaque-forming cells (PFC) in agarose was used to measure the relative rates of antibody synthesis and release by cells making antibody specific for Type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SSS-III). The rate of antibody synthesis and release by SSS-III-specific PFC was directly related to the immunizing dose employed; maximal values were obtained with mice given an optimally immunogenic dose (0.5 μg) of SSS-III. However, dose-dependent reductions, not only in the magnitude of the antibody response, but also in the rate of antibody synthesis and release by specific PFC, were noted in mice receiving doses greater than 0.5 μg. The latter suggests that a decrease in the rate of antibody synthesis and release by antibody-forming cells may be an initial step in the induction of immunological paralysis by high doses of SSS-III. Increases in the magnitude of the serum antibody and the PFC response were associated with corresponding increases in the rate of antibody synthesis and release by SSS-III-specific PFC following immunization; this suggests that cell differentiation—rather than proliferation—plays a major role in the development of the antibody response to SSS-III. In contrast, the results obtained in similar studies with sheep erythrocytes indicate that cell proliferation influences to a greater degree the magnitude of the antibody response elicited to this antigen.
The primary structure of an acidic protein from 50-S ribosomes of Escherichia coli which is involved in GTP hydrolysis dependent on elongation factors G and T.

The primary structures of the ribosomal proteins A1 (= L7) and A2 (= L12) have been elucidated. Comparison of the two amino acid sequences confirms earlier studies by us (1972) which indicated that the two proteins are identical except that A1 possesses an N-terminal acetyl group. Sequencing of tryptic and chymotryptic peptides was accomplished primarily by automatic solid-phase Edman degradation of 50- to 70-nanomole peptide samples. A large tryptic peptide T1Phe, which could not be sequenced by this method, was fragmented with elastase and its sequence mainly derived by conventional methods. The sequence of the first 51 residues of the nonacetylated A2-protein was obtained by Edman degradation in the Beckman sequencer. A-protein comprises three distinct regions: I (residues 1—55), which is negatively-charged and hydrophobic, II (56—81), which is positively charged, and III (82—120), which is negatively charged and hydrophilic. α-Helix promoting residues are located primarily in regions I and III. ɛ-N-Monomethyllysine, which occurs in 50% of the A1 and A2 chains is located in the more flexible region II at position 81. The distinctive clustering of hydrophobic and charged residues is quite remarkable and suggests that in situ certain of these regions may contain a binding site for components involved in peptide chain elongation.
Quality of life with defibrillator therapy or amiodarone in heart failure.

BACKGROUND Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy significantly prolongs life in patients at increased risk for sudden death from depressed left ventricular function. However, whether this increased longevity is accompanied by deterioration in the quality of life is unclear. METHODS In a randomized trial, we compared ICD therapy or amiodarone with state-of-the-art medical therapy alone in 2521 patients who had stable heart failure with depressed left ventricular function. We prospectively measured quality of life at baseline and at months 3, 12, and 30; data collection was 93 to 98% complete. The Duke Activity Status Index (which measures cardiac physical functioning) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Mental Health Inventory 5 (which measures psychological well-being) were prespecified primary outcomes. Multiple additional quality-of-life outcomes were also examined. RESULTS Psychological well-being in the ICD group, as compared with medical therapy alone, was significantly improved at 3 months (P=0.01) and at 12 months (P=0.003) but not at 30 months. No clinically or statistically significant differences in physical functioning among the study groups were observed. Additional quality-of-life measures were improved in the ICD group at 3 months, 12 months, or both, but there was no significant difference at 30 months. ICD shocks in the month preceding a scheduled assessment were associated with a decreased quality of life in multiple domains. The use of amiodarone had no significant effects on the primary quality-of-life outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In a large primary-prevention population with moderately symptomatic heart failure, single-lead ICD therapy was not associated with any detectable adverse quality-of-life effects during 30 months of follow-up.
Comparison of multi-MW converters considering the determining factors in wind power application

Many power converter configurations have been proposed for the next generation multi-MW wind turbines. However a comprehensive comparison based on the real determining factors in the wind power application is still missing. In fact the existing evaluation criteria and methods for the multi-MW power converters are normally targeted to the industrial drive applications, and they did not take into account the special requirements in the case of wind power. This paper tries to unify and compare several promising wind power converters by a series new model and perspective. The evaluation criteria will mainly focus on the cost-effectiveness of power semiconductors and the converter performances when complying with grid codes - which are more crucial for the wind power converters. It is concluded that the power converters with various voltage levels, topologies, and paralleling structures are possible to be unified for comparison. And the two-level low-voltage converter solution still shows cost advantage regarding power semiconductors, while some multi-level medium-voltage converter solutions can show better performance when complying with the grid codes.
DUGOGODIŠNJE PREŽIVLJAVANJE BOLESNIKA NA LIJEČENJU HEMODIJALIZOM-PRIKAZ SLUČAJA

Liječenje bolesnika s terminalnim kroničnim bubrežnim zatajenjem dijalizom povezano je s kraćim očekivanim trajanjem života i smanjenu kvalitetu u odnosu na opću populaciju. Cilj rada bio je prikazati bolesnika na nadomjesnom liječenju hemodijalizom koji se dijalizira više od 38 godina. Naš bolesnik je 1974. godine, u 28. godini života, započeo liječenje redovitom hemodijalizom zbog terminalnog kroničnog bubrežnog zatajenja uzrokovanog glomerulonefritisom. Prije početka liječenja konstruirana mu je arterio-venska fistula, koja je bila funkcionalna punih 30 godina. Kada je započeo liječenje hemodijalizom dijalizirao se na Killovim dijalizatorima i prve dijalize trajale su po 12 sati dva puta tjedno. Posljednjih petnaest godina je na hemodijafiltraciji. U dva navrat bio je podvrgnut transplantaciji bubrega, ali je transplantat funkcionirao prvi puta mjesec dana, a kod druge transplantacije svega četiri dana. Godine 1983. učinjena mu je paratireidektomija. Tegobe s lokomotornim aparatom javile su se prije 15 godina u vidu bolova i zakočenosti. Godine 2002. zadobio je patološki prijelom kuka od tada je u kolicima. Zbog bolova koristi analgetike, sedative uključujući i opijate. Posljednja komplikacija koju je bolesnik imao je perforacija crijeva, koja je uspješno kirurški sanirana. Liječenje dijalizom može značajno produljiti trajanje života i poboljšati kvalitetu života, ponekad daleko više od očekivanog u toj grupi bolesnika.
Unmet need for services and interventions among adolescents with mental disorders.

Dr. Koran has received research grants from Forest Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Ortho-McNeil, Somaxon, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. He has received honoraria from the Forest Pharmaceuticals Speakers Bureau and the Pfizer Speakers Bureau. He has received consultant fees from Cypress Bioscience. Dr. Hanna reports no competing interests. Dr. Hollander has received research grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Office of Orphan Products Development of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Wyeth, Eli Lilly, Janssen, and Abbott. He has served on advisory boards for Forest Pharmaceuticals, Abbott, and Somaxon. Dr. Nestadt reports no competing interests. Dr. Simpson reports no competing interests. The Executive Committee on Practice Guidelines has reviewed this guideline and found no evidence of influence from these relationships.
Characterization of Prion Susceptibility in Neuro2a Mouse Neuroblastoma Cell Subclones

In this study, we established Neuro2a (N2a) neuroblastoma subclones and characterized their susceptibility to prion infection. The N2a cells were treated with brain homogenates from mice infected with mouse prion strain Chandler. Of 31 N2a subclones, 19 were susceptible to prion as those cells became positive for abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPSc) for up to 9 serial passages, and the remaining 12 subclones were classified as unsusceptible. The susceptible N2a subclones expressed cellular prion protein (PrPC) at levels similar to the parental N2a cells. In contrast, there was a variation in PrPC expression in unsusceptible N2a subclones. For example, subclone N2a‐1 expressed PrPC at the same level as the parental N2a cells and prion‐susceptible subclones, whereas subclone N2a‐24 expressed much lower levels of PrP mRNA and PrPC than the parental N2a cells. There was no difference in the binding of PrPSc to prion‐susceptible and unsusceptible N2a subclones regardless of their PrPC expression level, suggesting that the binding of PrPSc to cells is not a major determinant for prion susceptibility. Stable expression of PrPC did not confer susceptibility to prion in unsusceptible subclones. Furthermore, the existence of prion‐unsusceptible N2a subclones that expressed PrPC at levels similar to prion‐susceptible subclones, indicated that a host factor(s) other than PrPC and/or specific cellular microenvironments are required for the propagation of prion in N2a cells. The prion‐susceptible and ‐unsusceptible N2a subclones established in this study should be useful for identifying the host factor(s) involved in the prion propagation.
Helicobacter pylori-selective Antibacterials Based on Inhibition of Pyrimidine Biosynthesis*

We report the discovery of a class of pyrazole-based compounds that are potent inhibitors of the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase of Helicobacter pylori but that do not inhibit the cognate enzymes from Gram-positive bacteria or humans. In culture these compounds inhibit the growth of H. pylori selectively, showing no effect on other Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria or human cell lines. These compounds represent the first examples of H. pylori-specific antibacterial agents. Cellular activity within this structural class appears to be due to dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibition. Minor structural changes that abrogate in vitro inhibition of the enzyme likewise eliminate cellular activity. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of these compounds increase upon addition of orotate to the culture medium in a concentration-dependent manner, consistent with dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibition as the mechanism of cellular inhibition. The data presented here suggest that targeted inhibition of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis may be a valuable mechanism for the development of antimicrobial agents selective for H. pylori.
In vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects of Methanol Extracts of Vitex negundo, Lantana camara, Bauhinia variegata and Bauhinia racemosa on Human Cancer Cell lines

In current study, the phytochemical, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of methanol extracts of Vitex negundo, Lantana camara, Bauhinia variegata and Bauhinia racemosa were reported. Methanol extract of medicinal plants (V. negundo, L. camara, B. variegata and B. racemosa) were extracted using different extraction methods and then tested for their antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, superoxide scavenging method, chelation of metal ions and cytotoxic potency using MTT assay on human cancer cell lines. In different extraction methods, highest yield was obtained with hot extraction method. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found higher in methanol extract of V. negundo having 173.3±1.54 mg gallic acid equivalent/g DW and 24.41±1.5 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW contents, respectively. Leaves of V. negundo have maximum IC50 value of 73±2.76 µg/ml and 350±1.23 µg/ml in 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl and iron chelating activity compared to all other methanol extracts. B. racemosa leaves have higher superoxide scavenging effect with IC50 value of 223±1.23 µg/ml. V. negundo and L. camara leaves showed pronounced cytotoxic effect against HELA and KB human cancer cell lines with LD50 value of 222±3.35 and 188.69±1.4 µg/ml, respectively. The present study shows that V. negundo and L. camara may be a probable source of natural antioxidant and as an anticancer drugs.
Isoflurane and Sevoflurane Precondition against Neutrophil-induced Contractile Dysfunction in Isolated Rat Hearts

BackgroundThe authors tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with isoflurane or sevoflurane can protect the heart against neutrophil-induced contractile dysfunction. MethodsStudies were conducted in buffer-perfused and paced isolated rat hearts. Left ventricular developed pressure served as an index of contractility. Pretreatment consisted of administration of 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane or sevoflurane for 15 min followed by a 10-min washout and was performed in the absence and presence of the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor glibenclamide (10 &mgr;m). Polymorphonuclear neutrophils and platelet-activating factor were then added to the perfusate for 10 min, followed by 30 min of recovery. Neutrophil retention was assessed from the difference between those administered and collected in coronary effluent and measurements of myeloperoxidase in myocardial samples. Isolated hearts were also used to assess the effect of volatile anesthetic pretreatment on cardiac dysfunction caused by enzymatically generated superoxide. In additional studies, the authors evaluated the effect of volatile anesthetic pretreatment on the adherence of neutrophils to isolated rat aortic segments. ResultsPlatelet-activating factor-stimulated neutrophils caused marked and persistent reductions (> 50%) in left ventricular developed pressure. Pretreatment with either isoflurane or sevoflurane abolished these effects, as well as the associated increases in neutrophil retention. Glibenclamide did not alter these actions of the anesthetics. Pretreatment with either volatile anesthetic attenuated the reductions in left ventricular developed pressure caused by exogenous superoxide and abolished the increases in neutrophil adherence in the aortic segments. ConclusionIsoflurane and sevoflurane preconditioned the heart against neutrophil-induced contractile dysfunction. This action was associated with an inhibition to neutrophil adherence and likely involved an increased resistance of the myocardium to oxidant-induced injury; the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels played no apparent role.
Indications and Limitations in Resorbable P(L70/30DL)LA Osteosyntheses of Displaced Mandibular Fractures in 4.5-Year Follow-Up

Background: This study evaluates prospective 4.5-year follow-up of available poly(l-lactide-co-dl-lactide) [P(L70/30DL)LA] resorbable plate osteosyntheses in displaced traumatic and pathological mandibular fractures. Methods: P(L70/30DL)LA miniplates and screws were used to fixate 50 displaced fractures in 30 patients, aged 1 to 83 years, with their informed consent. There were 15 traumatic paramedian, seven corpus, 11 angle, and 10 condyle fractures, and seven pathological fractures due to atrophy, osteomyelitis, or third molar osteotomy. Double osteosyntheses were preferred, with one monocortical plate at the dentoalveolar basis (6-mm screws) and a second plate at the inferior margin (8-mm screws). Results: The average follow-up was 31 months (range, 6 to 53 months). Fifteen (100 percent) traumatic paramedian, seven (100 percent) corpus, 10 (91 percent) angle, 10 (100 percent) condylar, and three (43 percent) pathological fractures healed primarily. Two mandibular angle fractures, traumatic and pathological, each initially healed, but 6 weeks postoperatively the first fracture re-dislocated on removal of a dental impression by the family dentist, and the second re-dislocated after mastication of hard food. One atrophic corpus fracture developed a rigid fibrous union in an 83-year-old patient; a preexistent osteomyelitis and fracture progressed to further bone loss and finally required preformed fibula reconstruction. Conclusions: Use of the tested resorbable plates can be encouraged in multiple displaced mandibular fractures in children and likewise in highly compliant dentate adolescents and adults with doubled osteosyntheses; traumatic mandibular angle and pathological fractures, however, remain critical for nonunion. These necessitate evaluation with future smaller, more rigid, and, it is hoped, more economical fixations.
Recalculation of the NHANES Database SD Improves T‐Score Agreement and Reduces Osteoporosis Prevalence

In attempt to improve diagnostic agreement between manufacturers, a recent software update incorporated NHANES III data in GE Lunar densitometers. As a result, the femur neck and trochanter T‐scores were lowered, and osteoporosis prevalence was increased. Use of a recalculated young‐normal SD for the GE Lunar‐adjusted NHANES III database improved diagnostic agreement and is recommended.