Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Ribonucleic Acid of Murine Leukemia Virus

Cells producing the Rauscher strain of murine leukemia virus (MLV) were exposed to 3H-uridine, and labeled virus was collected at hourly intervals. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extracted from virions (vRNA) had a characteristic single peak when analyzed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide-agarose composite gels. Exposure of vRNA to dimethyl sulfoxide, urea, formaldehyde, or heat altered the mobility to a faster moving form (vRNA′). This vRNA′ sedimented more slowly than native vRNA in sucrose gradients. Incubation of labeled virions at 37 C resulted in fragmentation of viral RNA which was detectable only after denaturation. Also, large differences in the temperature required for the change from vRNA to vRNA′ were seen with alterations in NaCl concentration. These experiments demonstrate that the vRNA of MLV is held in a specific conformation by hydrogen bonds distributed over a large part of the molecule. The possibility that an undefined factor is associated with viral RNA is discussed.
Combinatorial rule explosion eliminated by a fuzzy rule configuration

Conventional fuzzy inference methodology relates the relevant subsets of each input universal set to the subsets of the other system inputs through an intersection-rule configuration. This strategy yields an exponential growth in the number of rules as inputs are added to the system, quickly reducing performance to unacceptable levels. A novel rule configuration and matrix design are presented in this paper that do not rely on rule multiplication to insure that antecedent elements are effectively related to their consequent counterparts. This alternative formulation models the entire system problem space with a simplified structure that increases linearly as the inference engine grows, providing significant computational savings to a broad range of commercial and scientific applications.
Malignancy in Endometriosis: Frequency and Comparison of Ovarian and Extraovarian Types

One thousand consecutive cases of surgically proven endometriosis were reviewed to evaluate the frequency and types of pelvic cancers that were associated with ovarian and extraovarian endometriosis. The frequency and types of histologic abnormalities present in the eutopic endometrium when cancers were noted in endometriosis were also evaluated. In the large subset of cases for which the authors were the primary pathologists and all foci of endometriosis were recorded, the frequency of malignancy was 10.8%. In contrast, the frequency was only 3.2% in cases diagnosed by others previously in our institution. Cancers were more commonly found in ovaries when endometriosis was present in that ovary (5%) compared to when endometriosis was present at other sites (1%). Clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas were the malignancies most commonly seen in ovaries containing endometriosis, while clear cell adenocarcinoma and adenosarcoma were most commonly seen in conjunction with extraovarian endometriosis. The association of endometriosis with endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma was much stronger than that of serous and mucinous tumors (p < .01). Concurrent endometrial pathology was commonly seen in cases of malignant transformation of endometriosis (32% of cases).
Processing of Mixed Vegetable Juice from Tomato, Cucumber and Pumpkin

The study was carried out for the preparation of good quality mixed vegetable juice from tomato, cucumber and pumpkin. Three formulations of different percentages of juices of each vegetable were used for the preparation of mixed juice. The products were then analyzed for their chemical analysis, statistical analysis, sensory evaluation, microbiological study and storage studies during 60 days storage period. Negligible change in chemical constituents except vitamin C was observed in the prepared mixed juice throughout the 60 days storage period. The major loss was found in case of vitamin C only. Gradual fading of color and off-flavor were observed during the storage time both at room and refrigeration temperature. The juice was spoiled after 30 days as it produced off-flavor and the color became fade in room temperature. Spoilage of juice was delayed at refrigeration temperature. The microbiological analysis during storage period showed that the total viable count (Bacteria) was less in sample 3 (containing 7% tomato pulp, 5% cucumber pulp, 9% pumpkin pulp and 13% sugar) in comparison to Samples 1 (containing 5% tomato pulp, 9% cucumber pulp, 7% pumpkin pulp and 11% sugar) and Sample 2 (containing 9% tomato pulp, 7% cucumber pulp, 5% pumpkin pulp and 12% sugar) both at room and refrigeration temperature. The prepared mixed juices were evaluated by a taste testing panel and it was found that no significant difference exists among the juice samples in respect of color and overall acceptability. However, considering flavor and texture, there were significant difference among the samples and sample 3 secured the highest score and was the most acceptable in flavor and texture in comparison to other samples and ranked as "like moderately".
On channel estimation method using time domain sequences in MIMO systems

In this paper, we propose an improved channel estimation approach based on time-domain correlation in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. Since orthogonal pseudonoise (PN) sequences are not available, the result of channel estimation contains inter-symbol and co-channel interference. This kind of interference is harmful especially when the channel response is long and/or the number of transmitter antennas is large. We consider the deficiency of aforementioned channel estimation and propose an improved algorithm with interference cancellation, and the relative training sequences are presented as well. It is shown that the new technique can provide better performance and the effectiveness is obvious at high SNR.
Experiences with representations and verification for asynchronous circuits

As asynchronous circuits approaches overcome many critical issues such as clock skew, jitter, noise, and power consumption of synchronous technology, they are used more widely in electronic system. Their correctness should be considered carefully. The two most important issues are system representations, which are very complex due to its asynchronous behavior, and verification methods. While the combination of Petri nets and Data Flow Graph (PN-DFG) is very efficient in representing such systems, the study on verification for PN-DFG just has begun recently, including our previous works on verifying PN-DFG using NuSMV tool. In this paper we develop more this approach and extend it to many cases. Interestingly, the case studies will be provided as a benchmark set that can be used to test verification algorithms for asynchronous circuits.
ENERGY EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS USING COMPRESSIVE DATA GATHERING

In this paper, we propose to use compressed sensing to reduce cost of data transmission in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). We propose to exploit spatial and temporal correlation in sensor data by applying compressed data gathering that is based on compressed sensing. Simulation results show that the communication cost is significantly reduced by the proposed scheme with sufficiently less mean square error in reconstructing the original data at the sink. Keywords— Wireless Sensor Network, Data Gathering, Joint Sparsity, Sparse signal reconstruction, Energy Preservation.
Antimicrobial Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans Biofilms

ABSTRACT Nanoparticle complexes were prepared from chitosans of various molecular weights (MW) and degrees of deacetylation (DD). The antimicrobial effect was assessed by the Live/Dead BacLight technique in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and image analysis. Nanocomplexes prepared from chitosans with high MW showed a low antimicrobial effect (20 to 25% of cells damaged), whereas those prepared from low-MW chitosans showed high antimicrobial effect (>95% of cells damaged).
Phonology and morphology of the Germanic languages. Edited by Wolfgang Kehrein and Richard Wiese. (Linguistische Arbeiten, 386.) Tübingen: Niemeyer, 1998. Pp. viii, 298. Paper. DM 146,00.

This volume brings together a collection of twelve papers originating from a workshop entitled “Phonology and Morphology of the Germanic Languages,” which the editors organized at the Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany, in August 1997. It is divided into three sections: phonology, prosodic morphology, and morphology. A variety of languages and topics are treated, ranging from Icelandic vowel length and Scandinavian accent to Old English, Dutch, and German nominal inflection. There is some treatment of earlier stages of languages and historical topics do come up, but the emphasis is decidedly synchronic. Almost all the papers adopt a constraint-based approach, and a number are developed within the framework of optimality theory (OT; Prince and Smolensky 1993). A brief overview of each of the papers follows.
Combining Both Generic and Disease-Specific Properties: Development of the McGill COPD Quality of Life Questionnaire

Presently, a generic and a disease-specific questionnaire are often co-administered to capture the different domains of quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects. A health-related-quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire in COPD combining both generic and disease-specific properties is needed. Objective: To develop a new, hybrid-HRQL questionnaire, the McGill-COPD-questionnaire, with qualities of both generic and disease-specific instruments. Using pre-defined criteria, we selected items from the SF-36 to complement the items from a COPD-specific-module to create the new hybrid-HRQL-questionnaire. Domains were identified via confirmatory factor analysis. The McGill COPD questionnaire is available in English and French; it assesses three domains: symptoms, physical-function and feelings, has 29 items: 17 from the COPD-specific-module and 12 from the SF-36. The symptom sub-scale has 6 items, all from the COPD-specific-module; the feelings sub-scale has 10 items, 5 each from COPD-specific-module and SF-36 and the physical-function sub-scale has 13 items, 6 from COPD-specific-module and 7 from SF-36. The McGill COPD questionnaire was developed using a novel method of combining items from the SF-36 and a COPD-specific-module. Thus, this new questionnaire has items from a generic-questionnaire and a disease-specific-module and, hence, is promising to be a stand alone quality-of-life questionnaire for COPD subjects.
A classification of semantic conflicts in heterogeneous database systems

Increasingly companies are doing business in an environment replete with heterogeneous information systems which must cooperate. Cooperation between these systems presupposes the resolution of the semantic conflicts that are bound to occur. In this article, we propose a classification of semantic conflicts which can be used as the basis for the incremental discovery and resolution of these conflicts. We classify conflicts along the two dimensions of naming and abstraction which, taken together, capture the semantic mapping of the conflict. We add a third dimension, level of heterogeneity to assist in the schematic mapping between two databases. The classification provides a systematic representation of alternative semantic interpretations of conflicts during the reconciliation process. As a result, the design of query‐directed dynamic reconciliation systems is possible. The classification is shown to be sound and minimal. Completeness is discussed.
Diagnostics of packaged ICs By infrared thermography

Potential applications of different thermography techniques for the fault diagnostic in packaged integrated circuits (ICs) in order to detect, evaluate, and localize latent and hidden defects are discussed. We present the four basic thermography techniques for qualitative and quantitative non-destructive diagnostic of sub-surface defects - passive, pulsed, step-heating, and lock-in. The results and analyses of different diagnostics of packaged ICs are shown. The option to show temperature distribution of the packed ICs in real time enables easy localization of overheating prone areas.
Regulation of erythropoiesis by androgens.

Historically, clinicians have observed increased erytlhroi(l measurement in peripheral blood of males at puberty. While some effect from blood loss may be contributory to lower red cell values in females, the difference in males has been attributed to the normal influence of androgens or the steroid metabolites derived from testosterone. In some patients with virilizing tumors, polycytheinia has been observed and this complication has disappeared after removal of the tumor. Experimentally, castration of male animals has led to an anemia which was corrected by androgen administration.1 Such observations suggested that pharmacologic doses of androgen could increase the total red cell mass above normal. Thereafter, this concept was reinforced by the erythrocythemia observed with testosterone therapy in women with carcinoma of the breast.2 These responses were suggestive (lata to imply that erythrocythemiiia could be induced by pharmacologic doses of the proper androgens in all subjects. At all ages, excess androgen can induce erythrocythemia in both sexes and the response may be, in part, related to dosage.3 Indeed, with bone marrow disorders, for the most part women appear to respond more quickly and completely to androgen therapy.4 5
Primal-Dual RNC Approximation Algorithms for Set Cover and Covering Integer Programs

We build on the classical greedy sequential set cover algorithm, in the spirit of the primal-dual schema, to obtain simple parallel approximation algorithms for the set cover problem and its generalizations. Our algorithms use randomization, and our randomized voting lemmas may be of independent interest. Fast parallel approximation algorithms were known before for set cover, though not for the generalizations considered in this paper.
The clinical use of tumor makers in select cancers: are you confident enough to discuss them with your patients?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To review the clinical use of tumor markers in select cancers and highlight future directions in tumor marker development. DATA SOURCES Guidelines from national and international societies, scientific literature, and Internet resources. DATA SYNTHESIS Tumor markers are important tools in the management of cancer. Sequencing of the human genome has led to new tumor marker development in the fields of proteomics and DNA microarray technologies. CONCLUSIONS Tumor marker technology is expanding rapidly; almost a dozen tumor markers currently are being used in the oncology arena, with many more in development. The use of tumor markers can be controversial, particularly because guidelines have not been established for all of the markers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Oncology nurses need to be well versed in the use of tumor markers to educate and counsel patients with cancer.
A Physiologist's Perspective on Robotic Exoskeletons for Human Locomotion

Technological advances in robotic hardware and software have enabled powered exoskeletons to move from science fiction to the real world. The objective of this article is to emphasize two main points for future research. First, the design of future devices could be improved by exploiting biomechanical principles of animal locomotion. Two goals in exoskeleton research could particularly benefit from additional physiological perspective: 1) reduction in the metabolic energy expenditure of the user while wearing the device, and 2) minimization of the power requirements for actuating the exoskeleton. Second, a reciprocal potential exists for robotic exoskeletons to advance our understanding of human locomotor physiology. Experimental data from humans walking and running with robotic exoskeletons could provide important insight into the metabolic cost of locomotion that is impossible to gain with other methods. Given the mutual benefits of collaboration, it is imperative that engineers and physiologists work together in future studies on robotic exoskeletons for human locomotion.
NHS doctors should be more involved in research, says research institute

The UK’s health research agency has pledged to get more non-academic doctors involved in research. To mark its 10 year anniversary, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has announced an overhaul of its activities, streamlining all its research activities into a single academy. The academy will see the integration of all current academic training and higher career personal awards, and will host all …
On some optimal control problems for the heat radiative transfer equation

This paper is concerned with some optimal control problems for the Stefan-Boltzmann radiative transfer equation. The objective of the optimisation is to obtain a desired temperature profile on part of the domain by controlling the source or the shape of the domain. We present two problems with the same objective functional: an optimal control problem for the intensity and the position of the heat sources and an optimal shape design problem where the top surface is sought as control. The problems are analysed and first order necessity conditions in form of variation inequalities are obtained.
Développement d'un système de détection en milieux gazeux d'espèces à risque pour le contrôle environnemental (application au monoxyde de carbone et à l'hydrogène) : Composants et systèmes micro-acoustiques

La detection de gaz potentiellement dangereux represente une problematique d’actualite pour la protectiondes personnes mais aussi un enjeu d’avenir pour le stockage des energies renouvelables. Les outils desimulations developpes au sein du Departement Temps-Frequence de l’Institut FEMTO-ST, associes aux outilstechnologiques proposes par la centrale MIMENTO ont permis la mise au point de capteurs SAW apportantdes reponses a ces problematiques. Ces derniers fondes sur les proprietes des ondes de Love ont ainsi permis ladetection du monoxyde de carbone dans la gamme du ppm. De meme, la mesure de concentration d’hydrogenede l’ordre du pourcent a pu etre realisee par le biais de dispositifs s’appuyant sur les ondes Rayleigh. Les effortsfournis pour l’optimisation des dispositifs electro-acoustiques ont aboutis a la realisation de lignes a retard surquartz affchant des pertes d’insertion de 16 dB. La limitation de ces pertes, generalement de l’ordre de 25 dB a30 dB sur quartz, augmente les potentialites de nos capteurs en terme d’autonomie et de fonctionnalisation desurface. La connaissance des phenomenes physiques gouvernant leur fonctionnement represente, a notre sens,la base de leur developpement futur. De cette idee decoule notre demarche d’identification et de comprehensionde ces derniers par le biais des differentes techniques de caracterisations et d’analyses disponible au sein denotre l’institut. Des pistes, telles que le recours a un alliage metallique pour la fonctionnalisation des surfacessensibles et la mise en œuvre d’une methode de separation des puces limitant les perturbations du signal directdes dispositifs electro-acoustiques, ont ete explorees et ont permis d’ameliorer la reponse des capteurs. Lepotentiel des composants a ondes elastiques guidee pour la detection de grandeurs chimiques en phase gazeusea pu etre etabli sur la base des resultats experimentaux obtenus au cours de cette these. Dans la continuite decette derniere, deux projets de recherche (P-AIR et SMARTY) visant le controle de la qualite de l’air en milieuurbain ont d’ors et deja ete engages.
Underwater Acoustic Localization and Packet Scheduling

In the beginning of the 21th century, the goal of telecommunications was to connect everyone anytime anywhere in the world. Now, with the tremendous developments in electronics and communications, we are thinking to go beyond our prior goal and connect anything anytime anywhere (Internet of things). This dream would not have been shaped without the recent advances in wireless sensor networks, and the exploding use of this technology in our everyday life. Still to fulfill such a purpose, we have to face physical and technological challenges especially when it comes to outer space or underwater. In this thesis, we study the fundamental problem of underwater sensor node localization as an indispensable task for any network. In the first part of this thesis, the main challenges of underwater acoustic communications are reviewed, and their effects on underwater localization algorithms are discussed. It is shown how these algorithms can be categorized into different groups and how they can be evaluated through several metrics. The second part of the thesis focuses on the development of accurate localization algorithms in an underwater medium with a variable sound speed profile (SSP). The SSP is modeled by linear and piecewise linear functions of the water depth, and optimal localization algorithms are proposed. It is shown that for large network sizes, the performance of the proposed algorithms is much better than traditional approaches. The large propagation delay of acoustic waves plays an important role in the required time to perform node localization. In order to minimize the localization time, two packet scheduling schemes are proposed in the third part of this thesis, collision-free and collision-tolerant schemes. In this part, through a detailed analysis and numerical results, we show how a localization algorithm can benefit from optimal medium access control design.
Association Between Stillbirth and Illicit Drug Use and Smoking During Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To compare illicit drug and smoking use in pregnancies with and without stillbirth. METHODS: The Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network conducted a case–control study from March 2006 to September 2008, covering more than 90% of deliveries to residents of five a priori–defined geographically diverse regions. The study attempted to include all stillbirths and representative liveborn controls. Umbilical cord samples from cases and controls were collected and frozen for subsequent batch analysis. Maternal serum was collected at delivery and batch analyzed for cotinine. RESULTS: For 663 stillbirth deliveries, 418 (63%) had cord homogenate and 579 (87%) had maternal cotinine assays performed. For 1,932 live birth deliveries, 1,050 (54%) had cord homogenate toxicology and 1,545 (80%) had maternal cotinine assays performed. A positive cord homogenate test for any illicit drug was associated with stillbirth (odds ratio [OR] 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–3.27). The most common individual drug was cannabis (OR 2.34 95% CI 1.13–4.81), although the effect was partially confounded by smoking. Both maternal self-reported smoking history and maternal serum cotinine levels were associated in a dose–response relationship with stillbirth. Positive serum cotinine less than 3 ng/mL and no reported history of smoking (proxy for passive smoke exposure) also were associated with stillbirth (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.24–3.41). CONCLUSION: Cannabis use, smoking, illicit drug use, and apparent exposure to second-hand smoke, separately or in combination, during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Because cannabis use may be increasing with increased legalization, the relevance of these findings may increase as well. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
A Construction of Linearly Encodable QC-LDPC Codes by Grouping Cyclic Shift and Block Elimination

In this paper, the girth and rank property based on grouping cyclic shift of a parity-check matrix is proved firstly. Then a quasi-cyclic square matrix with full rank is constructed by grouping cyclic shift and block elimination. By proper matrix extension, we construct a parity-check matrix based on the square matrix whose column weight is close or equal to three, which is suitable for efficient encoding procedure in [3][4][11] with a near linear complexity. Simulation results show a better performance compared to array based LDPC codes and LDPC codes in 802.11n standard.