Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
35.5 GHz Parametric CMOS Upconverter

Parametric circuit techniques are a promising means of applying CMOS to millimeter-wave (mm-wave) and sub-mm-wave front-ends. However, almost no experimental results are available for these circuits in modern silicon technologies. In this letter, a parametric 0.5-to-35.5 GHz upconverter based on an accumulation-mode MOS varactor (AMOSV) is implemented in 0.13 μm CMOS technology. It achieves a maximum conversion gain of 14 dB in the upper sideband (USB) configuration and 13 dB in the lower sideband (LSB) configuration with no dc power consumption. In the design, on-chip slow-wave coplanar waveguide interconnections are used for reducing layout area.
Survey on 3 D Surface Reconstruction

The recent advent of increasingly affordable and powerful 3D scanning devices capable of capturing high resolution range data about real-world objects and environments has fueled research into effective 3D surface reconstruction techniques for rendering the raw point cloud data produced by many of these devices into a form that would make it usable in a variety of application domains. This paper, therefore, provides an overview of the existing literature on surface reconstruction from 3D point clouds. It explains some of the basic surface reconstruction concepts, describes the various factors used to evaluate surface reconstruction methods, highlights some commonly encountered issues in dealing with the raw 3D point cloud data and delineates the tradeoffs between data resolution/accuracy and processing speed. It also categorizes the various techniques for this task and briefly analyzes their empirical evaluation results demarcating their advantages and disadvantages. The paper concludes with a cross-comparison of methods which have been evaluated on the same benchmark data sets along with a discussion of the overall trends reported in the literature. The objective is to provide an overview of the state of the art on surface reconstruction from point cloud data in order to facilitate and inspire further research in this area.
Human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes predict efficacy of halogenated compounds that disobey the Meyer-Overton rule.

BACKGROUND According to the Meyer-Overton rule, anesthetic potency of a substance can be predicted by its lipid solubility, but a group of halogenated volatile compounds predicted to induce anesthesia does not obey this rule. Thus, these compounds are useful tools for studies of molecular targets of anesthetics. Human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (hnAChR) subunits have been recently cloned, which allowed the authors to assess whether these receptors could differentiate among volatile anesthetic and nonimmobilizer compounds. This study provides the first data regarding anesthetic sensitivity of hnAChRs. METHODS alpha2beta4, alpha3beta4, and alphaabeta2 hnAChRs were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and effects of volatile anesthetics isoflurane and F3 (1-chioro-1,2,2-triflurocyclobutane, 1A) and nonimmobilizers F6 (1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane, 2N) and F8 (2,3-dichlorooctafluorobutane) on the peak acetylcholine-gated currents were studied using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. RESULTS Isoflurane and F3 inhibited all the hnAChRs tested in a concentration-dependent manner. Isoflurane at a concentration corresponding to 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) inhibited 83, 69, and 71% of ACh-induced currents in alpha2beta4, alpha3beta4, and alpha4beta2 hnAChRs, respectively, and 1 MAC of F3 inhibited 64, 44, and 61% of currents gated in those receptors. F6 (8-34 microM) did not cause any changes in currents gated by any of the receptors tested. F8 (4-18 microM) did not alter the currents gated in either alpha3beta4 or alpha4beta2 receptors, but caused a small potentiation of alpha2beta4 hnAChRs without a concentration-response relation. CONCLUSION The in vivo potency and effectiveness of volatile anesthetic and nonimmobilizer compounds were consistent with their actions on hnAChRs expressed in a recombinant expression system, suggesting a potential participation of these receptors in the mechanisms of anesthesia.
Practical noise assessment method

Noise assessment is important to image quality evaluation. It is also important to the criteria for terminating an iterative noise reduction process. To make a meaningful assessment among the distracting features throughout the images, we need to find a strategy to separate the pixels in featureless regions from the rest of the image. We proposed a concept of pseudo-standard deviation (PSD). We take the histogram of PSD with fine bins and calculate the moving average of the histogram. The window length of the moving average is obtained from a monotonical function of the maximum histogram peak location (PSD location). The first peak in filtered histogram gives the most representative noise measure as a desired approximation of true standard deviation. The calculated results compare well with the manually measured standard deviation values. Our method is simple and reliable. It is fully automatic, no need for user to specify the regions of interest. It is suited for batch processing or iterative noise reduction processes
The Membrane Proteins, Spt23p and Mga2p, Play Distinct Roles in the Activation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae OLE1 Gene Expression

The Saccharomyces OLE1gene encodes the Δ-9 fatty acid desaturase, an enzyme that converts saturated fatty acyl-CoAs into cis-Δ-9 unsaturated fatty acids. OLE1 gene expression is regulated by unsaturated fatty acids, which repress transcription and destabilize theOLE1 mRNA. Expression of OLE1 is activated by N-terminal proteolytic fragments of two homologous endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins, Spt23p and Mga2p. Disruption of either gene does not significantly affect cell growth or fatty acid metabolism; cells that contain null alleles of both genes, however, are unsaturated fatty acid auxotrophs. An analysis of spt23Δand mga2Δ strains shows that Spt23p and Mga2p differentially activate and regulate OLE1 transcription. In glucose-grown cells, both genes activate transcription to similar levels of activity. Expressed alone, Mga2p induces high levels ofOLE1 transcription in cells exposed to cobalt or grown in glycerol-containing medium. Spt23p expressed alone activatesOLE1 transcription to levels similar to those in wild type cells. OLE1 expression is strongly repressed by unsaturated fatty acids in spt23Δ or mga2Δ cells, under all growth conditions. To test if OLE1 expression is controlled by fatty acids at the level of membrane proteolysis, soluble N-terminal fragments of Spt23p and Mga2p that lack their membrane-spanning regions (Δtm) were expressed under the control of their native promoters in spt23Δ;mga2Δcells. Under those conditions, Mga2pΔtm acts as a powerful transcription activator that is strongly repressed by unsaturated fatty acids. By comparison, the Spt23pΔtm polypeptide weakly activates transcription and shows little regulation by unsaturated fatty acids. Co-expression of the two soluble fragments results in activation to levels observed with the Mga2pΔtm protein alone. The fatty acid repression of transcription under those conditions is attenuated by Spt23Δtm, however, suggesting that the two proteins may interact to modulate OLE1 gene expression.
The Newly Described msrC Gene Is Not Equally Distributed among All Isolates of Enterococcus faecium

Two recent reports have discussed the role of a newly described enterococcal gene, msrC ([3][1], [5][2]). The msrC gene possesses 53 to 62% identity with a staphylococcal gene, msr(A) , encoding an ABC porter for macrolide and streptogramin B antibiotics ([3-5][1]). Portillo et al. ([3][1]) found
Reset control of multi-agent systems with double integrator dynamics

A simple nonlinear leader-following protocol, referred to as reset control, is introduced to improve the transient performance. Reset control laws are developed for multi-agent systems, in which the leader is modeled by a step signal, and the followers are characterized as double integrators. The controller structure is a proportional integrator (PI) plus Clegg integrator (CI) compensator, where the integral term is reset whenever the zero-crossing of the tracking error occurs. Tuning algorithms have been developed to guarantee both the stability and desired transient performance of the tracking error system. Numerical comparison is performed among the static, dynamic, and reset leader-following protocols, which shows favorite to the reset control.
Higher-dimensional self-consistent solution with deformed internal space.

We study a system of gravity and free massless scalar fields minimally coupled to gravity in a 7-dimensional background which is a direct product of a 4-dimensional Minkowski space and a 3-dimensional homogeneously deformed three-sphere. Compactification is caused by the vacuum energy of scalar fields. The effective potential as a function of two parameters (scale and deformation) is calculated numerically after dimensional regularization. We find the effective potential decreases rapidly toward negative infinity in both prolate and oblate directions. The classical curvature, however, can balance the quantum effect and yields three extrema. In addition to the round S/sup 3/ solution in the quantum-corrected field equations, we find two deformed ones. One of the deformed solutions corresponds to the local minimum of the total potential. The round three-sphere solution, however, corresponds to the local maximum of that. More scalar fields can enlarge the scale of the internal space but not affect the shape. This serves as an example of gauge symmetry breaking by deformation of the internal space in multidimensional theories. The stability of these background solutions is discussed but not established conclusively. A discussion of four different analytic-continuation procedures is presented in one of the appendixes.
Hyperlexia and ambient echolalia in a case of cerebral infarction of the left anterior cingulate cortex and corpus callosum

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman with cerebral infarction in the left anterior cingulate cortex and corpus callosum. She showed hyperlexia, which was a distinctive reading phenomenon, as well as ambient echolalia. Clinical features also included complex disorders such as visual groping, compulsive manipulation of tools, and callosal disconnection syndrome. She read words written on the cover of a book and repeated words emanating from unrelated conversations around her or from hospital announcements. The combination of these two features due to a focal lesion has never been reported previously. The supplementary motor area may control the execution of established subroutines according to external and internal inputs. Hyperlexia as well as the compulsive manipulation of tools could be interpreted as faulty inhibition of preexisting essentially intact motor subroutines by damage to the anterior cingulate cortex reciprocally interconnected with the supplementary motor area.
Early changes in synaptic connectivity following progressive photoreceptor degeneration in RCS rats

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat has a retinal pigment epithelial cell defect that causes progressive loss of photoreceptors. Although it is extensively used in retinal degeneration and repair studies, how photoreceptor degeneration affects retinal circuitry has not been fully explored. This study examined the changes in synaptic connectivity between photoreceptors and their target cells using immunocytochemistry and correlated these changes with retinal function using the electroretinogram (ERG). Immunostaining with bassoon and synaptophysin (as presynaptic markers) and metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR6, a postsynaptic marker for ON‐bipolar dendrites) was already impaired at postnatal day (P) 21 and progressively lost with infrequent pairing of presynaptic and postsynaptic elements at P60. By P90 to P120, staining became increasingly patchy and was eventually restricted to sparsely and irregularly distributed foci in which the normal pairing of presynaptic and postsynaptic markers was lost. ERG results showed that mixed scotopic a‐waves and b‐waves were already reduced by P21 but not oscillatory potentials. While cone‐driven responses (photopic b‐wave) reached normal levels at P30, they were impaired by P60 but could still be recorded at P120, although with reduced amplitude; rod responses never reached normal amplitudes. Thus, only cone‐driven activity attained normal levels, but declined rapidly thereafter. In conclusion, the synaptic markers associated with photoreceptors and processes of bipolar and horizontal cells show abnormalities prior to significant photoreceptor loss. These changes are paralleled with the deterioration of specific aspects of ERG responsiveness with age. Besides providing information on the effects of photoreceptor dysfunction and loss on connection patterns in the retina, the work addresses the more general issue of how disorder of input neurons affects downstream circuitry.
Estrogen Receptor and Natural Course of Breast Cancer

The tumors from approximately 50% of patients with breast cancer contained estrogen receptor (ER). ER appeared more often and at higher levels in the tumors of postmenopausal women. Eleven out of 12 patients who had multiple ER assays from various metastatic sites showed no significant discrepancies in ER values. ER level appears to decrease as the duration of metastatic cancer increase. Patients with ER in the tumor more frequently have bone metastases than those without ER. Visceral metastases occurred more often with ER negative patients and appeared to have a more malignant course with significant shorter survival.
Influence of short-term endurance exercise training on heart rate variability.

PURPOSE To examine the influence of 2 wk (eight sessions) of endurance training on cardiac autonomic modulation, as measured by heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS Twenty-four males (mean age: 23.1 yr) were randomized to an exercise (EX; N = 12) or control group (CT; N = 12). EX trained for eight sessions (4x wk-1, 40 min, 80-85% HRreserve) on a cycle ergometer. ECG tracings were collected during 5 min of paced breathing (12 breaths x min-1 (PB)), 5 min of spontaneous breathing (SB1), 5 min of 70 degrees head-up tilt (TILT), and a second 5-min period of spontaneous breathing (SB2). Data were collected before (test 1), during (tests 2-4), and 48 h after (test 5) the 2-wk period. HRV was reported as the standard deviation of RR intervals, and as natural logarithm of the normalized units (NU) of high- and low-frequency power (lnHF and lnLF). RESULTS EX exhibited a significant increase in peak oxygen consumption (8%). During PB and TILT conditions, ANOVA revealed a group x time interaction such that EX exhibited lower lnLFNU and lnLF/lnHF during test 5 compared with test 1. CONCLUSION These data suggest that eight endurance exercise-training sessions performed over 2 wk enhance the relative vagal modulation of the heart during PB and TILT, but not during SB.
Dictionary of Computer Vision and Image Processing

Written by leading researchers, the 2nd Edition of the Dictionary of Computer Vision & Image Processing is a comprehensive and reliable resource which now provides explanations of over 3500 of the most commonly used terms across image processing, computer vision and related fields including machine vision. It offers clear and concise definitions with short examples or mathematical precision where necessary for clarity that ultimately makes it a very usable reference for new entrants to these fields at senior undergraduate and graduate level, through to early career researchers to help build up knowledge of key concepts. As the book is a useful source for recent terminology and concepts, experienced professionals will also find it a valuable resource for keeping up to date with the latest advances. New features of the 2nd Edition:Contains more than 1000 new terms, notably an increased focus on image processing and machine vision terms;Includes the addition of reference links across the majority of terms pointing readers to further information about the concept under discussion so that they can continue to expand their understanding;Now available as an eBook with enhanced content: approximately 50 videos to further illustrate specific terms; active cross-linking between terms so that readers can easily navigate from one related term to another and build up a full picture of the topic in question; and hyperlinked references to fully embed the text in the current literature.
Sampled-data H∞ filter for delayed neural network subject to sensor saturation

This paper is concerned with the problem of sampled-data filtering for delayed neural network subject to sensor saturation. Rather than the continuous measurements, the neural network measurements are sampled and then transmitted to the filter simultaneously considering sensor saturation constraints. By using the input delay approach, the sampling period is converted into a bounded time-vary delay in the filter error system. Sensor saturation function is decomposed into a linear part and a dead-zone nonlinear remainder term. By utilizing Lyapunov-functional approach, sufficient conditions have been obtained to ensure that the filter error dynamics is exponentially stable. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the superiority and usefulness of the proposed filter approach.
The Experience of Self‐Management in Adolescent Women with Spina Bifida

&NA; It is essential for youth with chronic health conditions like spina bifida (SB) to develop self‐management skills to combat vulnerability, achieve self‐sufficiency, and transition to adulthood. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of self‐management in 31 adolescent women with SB. Three themes emerged from this study: (1) opportunities to engage in self‐management activities—knowledge, skills, and aspirations; (2) dance of individuation—parental impact on self‐management; and (3) advocacy within self‐management—confronting discrimination and stigma. The findings indicate that assessment and interventions to enhance self‐management in adolescent women with SB are critical for supporting the range of condition‐related and life skills needed for a transition to adulthood and independent living.
Insights into the Ontogeny and Activation of T Cells

T lymphocytes recognize antigen peptides and major histocompatibility complex products through their T-cell antigen receptors (TcR), consisting of a and /3 chains. The interaction between T cells and their target cells or antigen-presenting cells is also assisted by a series of other cell-surface polypeptides, most notably CD4 and CD8, which are selectively expressed on mature helper/inducer and killer/suppressor T cells, respectively. Upon engagement of their ligands, a series of signals is transduced intracytoplasmically via some of these molecules and their associated proteins. Perhaps the most important enzyme in this signal transduction process is the lymphocyte-specific tyrosine kinase Ick. Another important component is the cell-surface tyrosine phosphatase CD45. This molecule is alternatively spliced and the different isoforms are expressed on the various hematopoietic and lymphopoietic cells. Signaling through the TcR-CD4/ CD8-lck-CD45 complex is thought to be insufficient to activate T lymphocytes. A costimulatory signal is believed to be essential, and many investigators have suggested that CD28, a ligand for B7/BB1, is such a signal. Immune responses are also controlled by a number of cytokines and soluble factors. Signaling through the tumor necrosis factor receptor p55 is required for clearance of intracellular pathogens. Transcriptional factors involved in controlling interferon production are also important in T-celI development and immune responses. In an attempt to gain a better understanding of the roles of these molecules in T-lymphocyte functions and ontogeny, we generated a series of mutant mice with disruptions in the genes coding for these molecules. We are analyzing the mutant mice to evaluate the importance of these genes in T-cell development.
Inducing the liver: Understanding the signals that promote murine liver budding

The endoderm emerges as an epithelial sheet that covers the surface of the developing murine embryo. This tissue will produce the entire gut tube as well as associated digestive and respiratory organs including the thyroid, thymus, lung, liver, and pancreas. The emergence of each endodermal organ occurs in a temporally distinct manner that is dependant upon reciprocal inductive interactions between the endoderm and the underlying mesoderm. The emergence of the hepatic endoderm, which occurs using a morphological process termed liver budding, initiates during early somitogenesis in the mouse at approximately 8.25 days post‐coitum (dpc). Explant and transplant studies performed in chicken and mouse have demonstrated that secreted signals from adjacent mesodermal tissues initiate the hepatic gene program from ventral‐fated endoderm. Here, we review the data in support of the roles of members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and Wnt signaling pathways in liver budding and discover that little is known about the precise endogenous signals involved in the molecular and morphological induction of liver budding in the mouse. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 1727–1731, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Awake craniotomy for glioblastoma in a 9‐year‐old child

We report the pre‐operative preparation and anaesthetic management for resection of an intracerebral tumour during awake craniotomy in a 9‐year‐old boy. We believe this is the youngest patient reported to have undergone this procedure. The challenges of sedation and psychological care throughout the procedure are discussed. We conclude that the procedure can be performed safely and that it seems unacceptable to uphold an age restriction. We believe that it is the individual level of development of the child that determines suitability for this type of surgery.
Business Process Maturity's Effect on Performance

Recent adoption of the Business Process Maturity Model (BPMM) by the Object Management Group (OMG) provides a means for managers to benchmark and monitor business processes as well as a roadmap for process improvement. The expectation is that as maturity increases, the result is a positive impact on performance; however, little empirical research has examined to what extent, if any process maturity has on performance. We conduct a survey of manufacturing firms to study the effects of process maturity on performance for two boundary spanning processes: purchasing and order fulfillment. Our results indicate that organizations with more mature purchasing processes appear to have higher relative levels of efficiency process outcomes than those with less mature purchasing processes. Similarly more mature order fulfillment processes do appear to have higher relative levels of quality process outcomes than those with less mature order fulfillment processes.
RESPONSE LATENCY OF EXTERNAL AND CENTRAL NUCLEI IN THE AWAKE MARMOSET INFERIOR COLLICULUS

II ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . III INTRODUCTION . 1 A SOPHISTICATED SYSTEM . 2 A PRINCIPLE HUBTHE INFERIOR COLLICULUS . 5 TIME MATTERSTEMPORAL CODE . 8 MOTIVATION . 12 METHODS . 13 SUBJECTS . 13 PROCEDURES . 14 DATA ANALYSIS . 15 Response map . 16 Best frequency . 17 First spike latency . 17 Spontaneous rate . 19 Bandwidth of the tuning curve . 22 Q values . 23 RESULTS . 24 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION . 47 REFERENCES . 52 CURRICULUM VITAE . 56