Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diseño e implementación de un amplificador híbrido lineal–conmutado con amplio margen de salida

El presente trabajo presenta una tecnica de diseno alternativa a los clasicos amplificadores de potencia en clase D. Como es sabido, estos estan basados en estructuras convertidoras continua–continua (DC/DC) con control PWM, en los que la senal de referencia que fija el ciclo de trabajo de los interruptores del amplificador es la propia senal de audio a amplificar. En la tecnica mostrada, se hace uso de un amplificador en clase AB auxiliar, cuyo objetivo es obtener una senal de salida proporcional a la de entrada (senal a amplificar), libre de rizados espureos y transitorios. Ademas, un convertidor conmutado, en paralelo con el amplificador en clase AB, permite proporcionar practicamente la totalidad de la corriente demandada por la carga. La finalidad del conjunto es la de obtener altos rendimientos, propios de los amplificadores en clase D, pero aprovechando las excelentes caracteristicas de inexistencia de rizados y elevada velocidad que poseen los amplificadores en clase AB.
Limited P-glycoprotein mediated efflux for anti-epileptic drugs

A variety of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) were tested for their ability to be transported by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) through Caco-2 monolayers using bi-directional (apical (Ap) to basolateral (Bas), and Bas to Ap) studies. Transport rates were equivalent in both directions for vigabatrin, gabapentin, phenobarbitone, lamotrigine and carbamazepine, being 0.7 × 10− 6, 0.1 × 10− 6, 34 × 10− 6, 36 × 10− 6 and 55 × 10− 6 cm/s, respectively. Phenytoin displayed a 20% increase in Ap to Bas transport, while topiramate and ethosuximide each had greater transport in the uptake direction, with both drugs showing no efflux. None of the transport rates for these drugs were affected by P-gp inhibitors. However, the efflux rate for acetazolamide was 3-fold higher than its uptake and this was significantly reduced by P-gp inhibitors. Thus, only one anti-epileptic, acetazolamide, was shown to be weak P-gp substrate, suggesting that P-gp efflux may not be a factor in relation to the development of resistance of epilepsy therapy.
Spectrum Allocation in Two-Tier Heterogeneous Network: A Bilateral Negotiation Framework

A two-tier heterogeneous network, comprised of a macrocell underlaid with flexible and uncoordinated femtocell network, provides an economically viable way to improve indoor coverage, users' QoS and the capacity of the whole cellular network. However, mutual interference between macrocell and femtocell limits capacity and leads to the problem of coexistence. This paper proposes a game theoretical and decentralized spectrum negotiation framework to solve the above-mentioned problem. Macrocell and femtocell users have to reach a mutual satisfactory agreement on the partition of spectrum by making alternating offers to each other. By modeling the bargaining process as multi-stage dynamic game, we are able to obtain the equilibrium outcome. Theoretical and numerical analysis on negotiation results show that macrocell and femtocell can achieve a fair, efficient, and incentive compatible spectrum allocation via the proposed bilateral negotiation interactions.
Socio-economic disparities in heart disease in the Republic of Lebanon: findings from a population-based study

Background Socio-economic inequalities in the incidence of heart disease exist in developed countries. No data are available on the relation between heart disease and socio-economic status in Arab countries. This study examined the relation between heart disease and socio-economic status (income and education) among adults in Lebanon. Methods The study examined data from 7879 respondents aged 40 years or more in the 2004 Lebanese Survey of Family Health. The dependent variable was reported heart disease. The main independent variables were education and household income. The analysis adjusted for the classic risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD), namely smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, age, sex and other socio-demographic variables. Bivariate associations were calculated using χ2 tests. Adjusted ORs for heart disease were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models. Results 7.5% of respondents reported cardiac disease, 15.2% hypertension, 10.1% diabetes, 3.2% hypercholesterolaemia and 47.5% smoked at the time or previously. After adjustment for the classic risk factors of CHD, reported heart disease was inversely associated with education (OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.04, for those with less than elementary and OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.80, for those with elementary education). Reported heart disease was also inversely associated with income (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.80, for those in the lowest income bracket). Past smoking, hypertension, age, male sex, marriage and residence in Beirut were all significantly associated with reported cardiac disease. Conclusions In Lebanon, adults with lower income and educational levels had a higher prevalence of heart disease independent of the risk factors of CHD.
Spatially-discriminating trap characterization methods for HEMTs and their application to RF-stressed AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

New constant drain-current deep level optical/transient spectroscopy (CID-DLTS/DLOS) methods to quantify trap energies and concentrations in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are described. These methods are applied to RF stressed HEMTs to characterize the impact of stressing on traps and identified a significant increase in virtual gate related levels.
Degradation of Enkephalins by Rat Lymphocyte and Purified Rat Natural Killer Cell Surface Aminopeptidases

Enkephalins have been reported to induce an elevation in natural killer (NK) cell cytolytic function. In the central nervous system, the short-lasting biological activity of the enkephalins may be attributable to their rapid hydrolysis at the cell surface. In a similar manner, a potential mechanism for regulating the effects of enkephalins on NK cells is through their degradation at the cell surface. The purpose of this study was to determine if NK cells were capable of enzymatically degrading Met- and Leu-enkephalin and to determine the type(s) of enzymes responsible. We report that rat nylon wool enriched splenocytes, purified NK cells, and interleukin-2 activated NK (A-NK) cells were capable of hydrolyzing the N-terminal Tyr residue from Met- and Leu-enkephalin as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The rate of Tyr cleavage from Met-enkephalin was approximately twice that of Leu-enkephalin for both splenocytes, NK, and A-NK cells. On a cellular basis, enkephalin degradation was four to five times greater with A-NK cells than with splenocytes. Only a Tyr cleavage product was detected, which suggested the possibility of an aminopeptidase activity. This was confirmed by the ability of bestatin, a specific inhibitor of cell surface aminopeptidases, to almost completely inhibit enkephalin degradation by splenocytes (85%) and A-NK cells (96%). A-NK cells were more sensitive to bestatin inhibition as indicated by their IC50 values (0.01 mM for splenocytes and 0.001 mM for A-NK cells). In addition, the chelator 1,10-phenanthroline was also capable of effectively inhibiting enkephalin degradation, suggesting that the enzyme responsible has the characteristics of a metalloprotease. In contrast to the effects of bestatin or phenanthroline, typical inhibitors of serine and thiol proteases were without effect.
Mechanics of pseudo-haptics with computer mouse

The haptic illusion based force feedback, known as pseudo-haptics, is used to simulate haptic explorations, such as stiffness, without using a force feedback device. There are many computer mouse based pseudo-haptics work reported in the literature. However, none has explored the mechanics of the pseudohaptics. The objective of this paper is to derive an analytical relation between the displacement of the mouse to that of a virtual spring assuming equal work done in both cases (mouse and virtual spring displacement) and experimentally validate their relation. A psychophysical experiment was conducted on eight subjects to discriminate the stiffness of two virtual springs using 2 Alternative Force Choice (AFC) discrimination task, Constant Stimuli method to measure Just Noticeable Difference (JND) for pseudo-stiffness. The mean pseudo-stiffness JND and average Weber fraction were calculated to be 14% and 9.54% respectively. The resulting JND and the Weber fraction from the experiment were comparable to that of the psychophysical parameters in the literature. Currently, this study simulates the haptic illusion for 1 DOF, however, it can be extended to 6 DOF.
Non-absorbed Antibiotics for IBS

Abstract : A recent manuscript [1] described two multi-center, prospective double blind trials of the non-absorbed antibiotic rifaximin for nonconstipated irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This effort adds to the body of literature from other, smaller studies that have demonstrated clinical efficacy for IBS with rifaximin. Non-absorbed antibiotics have been endorsed by the American College of Gastroenterology IBS Task Force as potentially useful therapy for IBS [2]. Interest in this approach stems from the increasing recognition of enteric bacterial imbalances in some patients with IBS compared to non-IBS controls [3-4]. An early study of antibiotics for IBS involved 87 patients with IBS randomized to rifaximin 400 mg three times daily for 10 days or placebo. During the initial 2 weeks of therapy and the subsequent 10 weeks of follow-up rifaximin resulted in statistically significantly greater improvement in IBS symptoms than placebo [5]. The report by Pimentel et al. represents a significant advance in our knowledge and understanding of the effects of rifaximin for IBS.
Adhesion, autoaggregation and hydrophobicity of 13 strains of Bifidobacterium longum

To identify bacterial traits related to adhesion ability in human bifidobacteria, 13 strains of Bifidobacterium longum isolated from human gastric juice and intestine were studied. Strains were tested for their capability to adhere to Caco‐2 cells and classified as adhesive (Adh+) or non‐adhesive (Adh–). Adh+ and Adh– strains were then investigated for their autoaggregation ability and surface hydrophobicity. Comparing the properties of Adh+ and Adh–, we observed that strains were able to adhere to cell monolayers if they autoaggregate and manifest a good degree of hydrophobicity as determined by microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons. These two traits could be used for preliminary screening to identify potentially adherent isolates.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration of ampicillin and brobactam following oral administration of 2085P

Eight healthy volunteers received a 1,000-mg single oral dose of 2085P which consisted of 800 mg of pivampicillin and 200 mg of brobactam. Concentrations of ampicillin and brobactam in plasma, inflammatory fluid, and urine were measured over the subsequent 24 h. Pivampicillin and brobactam were moderately rapidly absorbed. The mean (standard deviation) maximum concentration in plasma (Cmax) of ampicillin was 8.2 (1.9) micrograms/ml, and that of brobactam was 2.1 (2.0) micrograms/ml at mean times of 1.9 (0.5) and 2.3 (0.8) h, respectively. The elimination half-lives in plasma were 1.8 (0.5) and 1.6 (2.0) h, respectively. Both agents penetrated the experimentally induced inflammatory fluid, reaching a mean maximum at 3 h. The Cmax of ampicillin was 6.8 (2.3) micrograms/ml, and that of brobactam was 1.0 (0.4) micrograms/ml. The penetration (derived by comparing the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity for inflammatory fluid with that for plasma) was 97.3% (26.0%) for ampicillin and 81% (22.3%) for brobactam. The 24-h urinary recovery was 54.2% (16.6%) of the administered dose for ampicillin and 40.2% (11.4%) for brobactam. These data suggest that this combination of beta-lactam and inhibitor should be efficacious in treating infections caused by ampicillin-resistant pathogens.
A multi‐stage multi‐design strategy provides strong evidence that the BAI3 locus is associated with early‐onset venous thromboembolism

Summary. Background: Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are two known quantitative risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Objectives: To identify new loci that could contribute to VTE susceptibility and to modulating FVIII and/or VWF levels. Patients/Methods: A pedigree linkage analysis was first performed in five extended French‐Canadian families, including 253 individuals, to identify genomic regions linked to FVIII or VWF levels. Identified regions were further explored using ‘in silico’ genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) data on VTE (419 patients and 1228 controls), and two independent case‐control studies (MARTHA and FARIVE) for VTE, gathering 1166 early‐onset patients and 1408 healthy individuals. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with VTE risk were further investigated in relation to plasma levels of FVIII and VWF in a cohort of 108 healthy nuclear families. Results: Four main linkage regions were identified, among which the well‐characterized ABO locus, the recently identified STAB 2 gene, and a third one, on chromosome 6q13‐14, harbouring four non‐redundant SNPs, associated with VTE at P < 10−4 in the GWAS dataset. The association of one of these SNPs, rs9363864, with VTE was further replicated in the MARTHA and FARIVE studies. The rs9363864‐AA genotype was associated with a lower risk for VTE (OR = 0.58 [0.42–0.80], P = 0.0005) but mainly in non‐carriers of the FV Leiden mutation. This genotype was further found to be associated with the lowest levels of FVIII (P = 0.006) and VWF (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The BAI3 locus where the rs9363864 maps is a new candidate for VTE risk.
The use of fault-tolerant clock synchronization algorithms for time scales

Clock ensembles are at the core of many applications in which precise time or frequency is required. The widely used time scale algorithms need cumbersome modifications when clocks can be potentially faulty. Fault-tolerant clock synchronization algorithms from distributed systems allow to build time scales without the need of special detection systems for anomalous behavior of the clocks. We present a short overview of the general principles underlying these algorithms and their advantages and disadvantages when being used for time scales.
Impact of symbol rate and roll-off factor on rectifier RF-DC conversion efficiency for WiCoPT system

Wireless Communication and Power Transmission (WiCoPT) is a technology that enables to transfer data and power simultaneously. This paper analyzes and clarifies the impact of input modulated signals on the RF-DC power conversion behavior of the rectifier. The RF-DC power conversion efficiency (PCE) was characterized by input power, symbol rate, and roll-off factor of the modulated input signal. On the low symbol rate signal, the impact of the peak to average power ratio (PAPR) value on the PCE is low, while the impact of PAPR value on the PCE is high on the high symbol rate signal. In addition, the optimal combination of the symbol rate and the roll-off factor greatly improves the RF-DC PCE. Finally, the paper proposes the channel bandwidth as an index of the PCE.
Two-patch dispersal-linked compensatory-overcompensatory spatially discrete population models

We study the role of asynchronous and synchronous dispersals on discrete-time two-patch dispersal-linked population models, where the pre-dispersal local patch dynamics are of mixed compensatory and overcompensatory types. Single-species dispersal-linked models behave as single-species single-patch models whenever all pre-dispersal local patch dynamics are compensatory and dispersal is synchronous. However, the dynamics of the corresponding two-patch population model connected by asynchronous dispersal depends on the dispersal rates. The species goes extinct on at least one patch when the asynchronous dispersal rates are high, while it persists when the rates are low. We use numerical simulations to show that in both synchronous and asynchronous mixed compensatory and overcompensatory systems, symmetric and asymmetric dispersals can control and impede the onset of cyclic population oscillations via period-doubling reversal bifurcations. Also, we show that in mixed systems both asynchronous and synchronous dispersals are capable of altering the pre-dispersal local patch dynamics from overcompensatory to compensatory dynamics. Dispersal-linked population models with ‘unstructured’ overcompensatory pre-dispersal local dynamics connected by synchronous dispersal can generate multiple attractors with fractal basin boundaries. However, mixed compensatory and overcompensatory systems appear to exhibit single attractors and not coexisting (multiple) attractors.
SIMULAÇÃO COMPUTACIONAL PARA PRODUÇÃO DE PASTA DIAMANTADA

O presente trabalho objetiva analisar o processo de producao de Pasta Diamantada, avaliando o numero de operadores e maquinas, tempos de producao, alocacao de atividades, dentre outros parâmetros importantes para avaliar a dinâmica do sistema e suas regras operacionais. O metodo utilizado tem por base a tecnica de Simulacao Computacional Estocastica de Eventos Discretos em virtude das variadas fontes de incertezas e da complexidade operacional relacionada ao processo de producao de Pasta Diamantada. O modelo conceitual deste sistema foi construido a partir da tecnica IDEF-SIM e traduzido para o software Arena ® 12 Rockwell Automation. O modelo de Simulacao elaborado permitiu representar diversos cenarios com consideravel rapidez e flexibilidade, necessarios a implantacao da empresa ABRASDI. Este metodo permitiu identificar problemas e oportunidades de melhoria no processo, antes do inicio das linhas de producao. As principais medidas de desempenho avaliadas foram a taxa de utilizacao de operadores e o lead time do processo, considerando como restricoes o custo da Pasta Diamantada, a qualidade do produto e o tempo total de producao. Os resultados obtidos a partir das analises demonstram que alguns cenarios podem ser considerados ideais, dependendo das necessidades da empresa, tendo em vista que consideraveis ganhos podem ser obtidos com algumas mudancas de parâmetros. Palavras-chave: Simulacao; Pasta Diamantada; Diamante.
Pruebas de aliento basadas en hidrógeno

Resumen: las pruebas de aliento proporcionan una valiosa estrategia para evaluar in vivo una amplia variedad de actividades enzimaticas, las funciones de organos y procesos de transporte. Las pruebas de aliento, tanto las que se basan en la medicion de hidrogeno y metano, como las que utilizan isotopos estables como trazador son seguras, sin ninguna contraindicacion, utilizables tanto en ninos como en adultos, hombres y mujeres, aun estando embarazadas. En este modulo se describen los aspectos mas importantes desde la clinica y del laboratorio clinico y su aplicacion en la practica medica como las pruebas de eleccion en el estudio de enfermedades digestivas relacionas con la malabsorcion e intolerancia a carbohidratos, como la lactosa y la fructuosa, y el estudio del sobrecimiento bacteriano, sindrome intimamente relacionado con un sinnumero de situaciones clinicas subyacentes. El conocimiento de las limitaciones de la prueba y los factores que influyen en los resultados son importantes para la correcta interpretacion de los resultados de la prueba de aliento basadas en hidrogeno antes de sacar conclusiones clinicas. Palabras clave: prueba de aliento, hidrogeno, metano, malabsorcion de lactosa, malabsorcion de fructuosa, intolerancia a lactosa, intolerancia a fructuosa, sobrecimiento bacteriano, lactulosa.
Design and Analysis of Linear Stator Permanent Magnet Vernier Machines

This paper presents a new class of linear permanent magnet (PM) vernier machines which is suitable for low speed and high thrust force applications. The machine is composed of a tubular stator and a tubular translator. The stator consists of an iron core with salient teeth wound with 3-phase armature windings and PMs mounted on the surface of stator teeth. The translator is designed as a simple tubular iron core with salient teeth so that it is very robust to transmit high thrust force. By using the finite element method, the characteristics and performances of the proposed machine are analyzed and verified.
Translation of Chloroplast psbA mRNA Is Modulated in the Light by Counteracting Oxidizing and Reducing Activities

ABSTRACT Light has been proposed to stimulate the translation ofChlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast psbA mRNA by activating a protein complex associated with the 5′ untranslated region of this mRNA. The protein complex contains a redox-active regulatory site responsive to thioredoxin. We identified RB60, a protein disulfide isomerase-like member of the protein complex, as carrying the redox-active regulatory site composed of vicinal dithiol. We assayed in parallel the redox state of RB60 and translation of psbA mRNA in intact chloroplasts. Light activated the specific oxidation of RB60, on the one hand, and reduced RB60, probably via the ferredoxin-thioredoxin system, on the other. Higher light intensities increased the pool of reduced RB60 and the rate of psbA mRNA translation, suggesting that a counterbalanced action of reducing and oxidizing activities modulates the translation of psbA mRNA in parallel with fluctuating light intensities. In the dark, chemical reduction of the vicinal dithiol site did not activate translation. These results suggest a mechanism by which light primes redox-regulated translation by an unknown mechanism and then the rate of translation is determined by the reduction-oxidation of a sensor protein located in a complex bound to the 5′ untranslated region of the chloroplast mRNA.
S1 and N Gene Analysis of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Viruses in Taiwan

Abstract The disease caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) produces great economic loss for the poultry industry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular epidemiology of IBV in Taiwan. An old IBV strain isolated in 1964 and another 31 strains isolated from 1991 to 2003 were selected for N-terminal S1 gene analysis. Based on their phylogenetic tree, 13 strains were selected for sequencing the entire S1 and partial nucleocapsid (N) genes. The results indicated that Taiwanese IBV strains could be divided into two distinct lineages, Taiwan Group I and Taiwan Group II, with one Massachusetts strain and one Chinese strain. No recombination was found between H120 and the Taiwanese strains in the S1 gene. However, the S1 gene showed a noticeably higher divergence than the N gene. The phylogenetic trees constructed from the S1 and N genes indicate that intergenic recombination has occurred. Since most local strains are in Taiwanese clusters, developing vaccines from local strains is necessary for IBV control in Taiwan.
MEASUREMENTS OF FOREST BIOMASS CHANGE USING L-BAND SAR BACKSCATTER

Three-year forest above-ground biomass change is to be measured using L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) backscatter. Measurements are also made using P-band backscatter for comparison. The radar data were collected in the airborne BioSAR 2007 and BioSAR 2010 campaigns over the hemiboreal Remningstorp test site in southern Sweden. Regression models for biomass will be developed using reference biomass maps created using airborne laser scanning data and field measurements also collected in the campaigns. A previous study estimated biomass change using P-band data from the same campaigns, and reported root-mean-square errors of about 15% (corresponding to 20 t/ha). Errors for L-band based estimations are expected to be somewhat larger than P-band, due to weaker penetration of the signal into the forest canopy, and the dataset available presents a unique opportunity for thorough comparison of the capability to estimate forest biomass change between the two bands.