Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal vacuum test results for Virtex-5 FPGA based multi-core On-Board Computer

Field Programmable Gate Arrays are increasingly used in space missions for their computational capabilities. They allow for miniaturizing complex logic and embedded systems in small sized packages. The power consumption of the miniaturized systems can reach up to 10Watt or more. In this paper we present thermal vacuum test results of an embedded system that consists of four processors encapsulated in one FPGA package. The system is a proposed multi-core implementation of a small satellite On-Board Computer. The Xilinx LX50 Virtex 5 FPGA is used in the implementation. The system design is presented together with the power consumption estimates from the design tools. The test setup in the thermal vacuum chamber and the real test data obtained from the FPGA system during the tests are demonstrated. The data from the tests helps in judging the adequacy of using the 65nm Virtex-5 (commercial grade) FPGA in space applications.
Two-dimensional Fourier analysis of the spongy medullary keratin of structurally coloured feather barbs

We conducted two–dimensional (2D) discrete Fourier analyses of the spatial variation in refractive index of the spongy medullary keratin from four different colours of structurally coloured feather barbs from three species of bird: the rose–faced lovebird, Agapornis roseicollis (Psittacidae), the budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus (Psittacidae), and the Gouldian finch, Poephila guttata (Estrildidae). These results indicate that the spongy medullary keratin is a nanostructured tissue that functions as an array of coherent scatterers. The nanostructure of the medullary keratin is nearly uniform in all directions. The largest Fourier components of spatial variation in refractive index in the tissue are of the appropriate size to produce the observed colours by constructive interference alone. The peaks of the predicted reflectance spectra calculated from the 2D Fourier power spectra are congruent with the reflectance spectra measured by using microspectrophotometry. The alternative physical models for the production of these colours, the Rayleigh and Mie theories, hypothesize that medullary keratin is an incoherent array and that scattered waves are independent in phase. This assumption is falsified by the ring–like Fourier power spectra of these feathers, and the spacing of the scattering air vacuoles in the medullary keratin. Structural colours of avian feather barbs are produced by constructive interference of coherently scattered light waves from the optically heterogeneous matrix of keratin and air in the spongy medullary layer.
Development of a nanorobotic station for electrophysiology under nanomechanical stimulation

In this paper, the development of a nanorobotic station for acquisition of cellular electrical and mechanical information is reported. This station involves the development of a nanomanipulation platform and a planar patch-clamp module. The nanomanipulation platform not only enables the observation of biological cells, but also has the ability to give a precise pico-Newton force stimulus on a certain position of cells. The membrane potential of cells can be recorded by the patch clamp module. The module also has the ability to generate electric stimulus to the biological cells. This station provides a method to research both mechanical and electrical properties of living cells.
Defining survival as an outcome measure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES To examine how respiratory interventions affect survival as an outcome measure and to define survival rate for trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. DESIGN AND SETTING We reviewed the data of 3 phase 3 clinical trials and examined differences in times to death, tracheostomy, and permanent assisted ventilation. We assessed the outcomes with chi(2) and Fisher exact tests for categorical variables and unpaired, 2-tailed t tests for continuous variables. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate the differences in survival times between interventions. A power analysis generated sample size estimates for different end points. PATIENTS In all, 2077 patients in 2 phase 3 trials of xaliproden and 400 patients in a phase 3 trial of pentoxifylline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Death or combined death, tracheostomy, or permanent assisted ventilation. RESULTS Of 745 deaths, 611 (82.0%) were owing to respiratory failure and 134 (18.0%) to other causes. The use of respiratory interventions across centers ranged from 0% to 6.6% (P = .001) of patients for tracheostomy and 11.1% to 23.1% (P = .05) of patients for noninvasive ventilation. Twelve of 55 patients (21.8%) undergoing tracheostomy had a vital capacity of 50% or more. Mean (SD) survival time was 457.9 (3.1) days using a combined end point and 467.2 (2.9) days with death alone as the outcome (P = .02). An estimated sample size to detect a 10% difference at 18 months between groups was 490 patients per arm for the combined end point and 410 patients for death alone. CONCLUSIONS Tracheostomy and permanent assisted ventilation are not equivalent to death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The use of respiratory interventions differs between centers, leading to variability in combined outcome assessments. The time to the end point can differ significantly depending on its definition, and combining outcomes does not reduce the estimated sample size of a trial. The death rate alone is the least variable and most easily identifiable measure of survival rate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Induction of IL-6 by Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Is Associated With Loss of Lean Body and Fat Mass in Tumor-free Female Mice

Cancer patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy experience fatigue and changes in body composition that can impact physical functioning and quality of life during and after treatment. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with fatigue in cancer survivors and plays an important role in the regulation of body composition. The purpose of the present study was to determine the specific role of IL-6 in cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-5-fluorouracil (CAF)-induced changes in fatigue, food intake, and body composition using mice lacking IL-6. Female wild-type (WT) and IL-6 −/− mice were injected with four cycles of CAF or normal saline (NS) administered at 21-day intervals. Daily voluntary wheel-running activity (VWRA), used as a proxy for fatigue, and food intake were monitored daily up to 21 days after the fourth dose. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess treatment-related changes in lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral content (BMC). Patterns of change in fatigue and food intake did not differ between CAF-treated WT and IL-6 −/− mice. However, a Genotype × Drug interaction was observed for LBM (p = 0.047) and FM (p = 0.035) but not BMC (p = .569). Whereas WT mice lost LBM and FM during CAF treatment, IL-6-deficient mice did not. Treatment-related decreases in levels of the anabolic hormone insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may contribute to LBM and FM loss since CAF decreased IGF-1 levels in an IL-6-dependent manner. These findings implicate IL-6 and possibly IGF-1 in the regulation of body composition in breast cancer patients exposed to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Rapid, accurate genotyping of alcohol dehydrogenase-1B and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 based on the use of denaturing HPLC

Abstract The genotypes of alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) are related to alcohol dependence and some human disorders. Rapid, accurate genotyping methodologies for specific polymorphisms of these two genes are needed for molecular screening and testing of alcohol-related problems in populations. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) composed of two separate amplicons was designed to generate sequences containing the polymorphic site of interest in the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes. The PCR amplicons for each sample were subjected to denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), analysis performed under partially denaturing conditions as determined by profiling the mixture of a unique homozygous control and a tested sample amplicon. A total of 150 genomic DNA samples were tested to validate this assay by blind analysis. Direct DNA sequencing was performed on samples randomly selected from each of the genotype groups detected by DHPLC profiling. The results indicate 100% concordance between the sequencing analysis and the DHPLC detection. The method we present provides a reliable and fast genotyping procedure for molecular screening of alcohol-related problems.
Bit-plane image coding algorithms based on compressed sensing

Based on compressed sensing, a new bit-plane image coding method was presented. Due to different important for different image bit-plane, the new method is robust to bit error, and has the advantages of simple structure and easy software and hardware implementation. Because the values of the image bit-plane are 1 or zero, one order difference matrix was chosen as sparse transform matrix, and the simulation show that it has more sparse presentations. For the general 8-bit images, its have 8 Bit-plane, eighth Bit-plane is Most Significant Bit-plane, so we can adopt more measure vectors for reconstruction image precision. At the same time, this kind of image codec scheme can meet many application demands. The method partitioned an image into 8 bit-plane, and made the orthonormal transform using the one order difference matrix for each bit plane, and then formed multiple descriptions after using random measurements of each bit plane. At decoding end, it reconstructed the original image approximately or exactly with the received bit streams by using the OMP algorithms. The proposed method can construct more descriptions with lower complexity because the process of bit plane data measuring is simple and easy to hardware realize. Experiment results show that the proposed method can reconstruction image with different precision and it can easily generate more descriptions.
Detecting Insect Pollinator Declines on Regional and Global Scales

Recently there has been considerable concern about declines in bee communities in agricultural and natural habitats. The value of pollination to agriculture, provided primarily by bees, is >$200 billion/year worldwide, and in natural ecosystems it is thought to be even greater. However, no monitoring program exists to accurately detect declines in abundance of insect pollinators; thus, it is difficult to quantify the status of bee communities or estimate the extent of declines. We used data from 11 multiyear studies of bee communities to devise a program to monitor pollinators at regional, national, or international scales. In these studies, 7 different methods for sampling bees were used and bees were sampled on 3 different continents. We estimated that a monitoring program with 200–250 sampling locations each sampled twice over 5 years would provide sufficient power to detect small (2–5%) annual declines in the number of species and in total abundance and would cost U.S.$2,000,000. To detect declines as small as 1% annually over the same period would require >300 sampling locations. Given the role of pollinators in food security and ecosystem function, we recommend establishment of integrated regional and international monitoring programs to detect changes in pollinator communities.
Nuclear Import and Export Signals Enable Rapid Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of the Atypical Protein Kinase C λ*

The atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes, λ/ι- and ζPKC, play important roles in cellular signaling pathways regulating proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. By using green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins, we found that wild-type λPKC localized predominantly to the cytoplasm, whereas both a kinase-defective mutant and an activation loop mutant accumulated in the nucleus. We have mapped a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS) to the N-terminal part of the zinc finger domain of λPKC. Leptomycin B treatment induced rapid nuclear accumulation of GFP-λ as well as endogenous λPKC suggesting the existence of a CRM1-dependent nuclear export signal (NES). Consequently, we identified a functional leucine-rich NES in the linker region between the zinc finger and the catalytic domain of λPKC. The presence of both the NLS and NES enables a continuous shuttling of λPKC between the cytoplasm and nucleus. Our results suggest that the exposure of the NLS in both λ- and ζPKC is regulated by intramolecular interactions between the N-terminal part, including the pseudosubstrate sequence, and the catalytic domain. Thus, either deletion of the N-terminal region, including the pseudosubstrate sequence, or a point mutation in this sequence leads to nuclear accumulation of λPKC. The ability of the two atypical PKC isoforms to enter the nucleus in HeLa cells upon leptomycin B treatment differs substantially. Although λPKC is able to enter the nucleus very rapidly, ζPKC is much less efficiently imported into the nucleus. This difference can be explained by the different relative strengths of the NLS and NES in λPKC compared with ζPKC.
The MreB and Min cytoskeletal‐like systems play independent roles in prokaryotic polar differentiation

Establishment of an axis of cell polarity and differentiation of the cell poles are fundamental aspects of cellular development in many organisms. We compared the effects of two bacterial cytoskeletal‐like systems, the MreB and MinCDE systems, on these processes in Escherichia coli. We report that the Min proteins are capable of establishing an axis of oscillation that is the initial step in establishment of polarity in spherical cells, in a process that is independent of the MreB cytoskeleton. In contrast, the MreB system is required for establishment of the rod shape of the cell and for polar targeting of other polar constituents, such as the Shigella virulence factor IcsA and the aspartate chemoreceptor Tar, in a process that is independent of the Min system. Thus, the two bacterial cytoskeletal‐like systems act independently on different aspects of cell polarization.
Prostaglandin E2-mediated adenosinergic effects on CD14+ cells: Self-amplifying immunosuppression in cancer

ABSTRACT CD39 and CD73 are surface-expressed ectonucleotidases that hydrolyze ATP in a highly regulated, serial manner into ADP, AMP and adenosine. The end product, adenosine, has both tumor-promoting and immunosuppressive effects. The aim of this study was to determine CD73 expression on immune cells in pleural effusion (PE) in order to have a better understanding of the immune environment in mesothelioma. PE- or blood-derived CD14+ cells of mesothelioma patients and healthy donors were analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of CD39 and CD73. CD73-induction was studied by exposure of CD14+ cells to the soluble fraction of PE (sPE), while the signaling mechanism, responsible for CD73 induction, by phosphoflow cytometry and receptor-inhibition studies. We observed CD73 expression on CD14+ cells in PE but not peripheral blood of mesothelioma patients or healthy donors. CD73 expression was inducible on CD14+ cells with sPE, cyclic-AMP (cAMP)-inducers (forskolin and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2)) and adenosine. Inhibition of PGE2 receptors or adenosine A2 receptors blocked CD73-induction by sPE. sPE treatment triggered protein kinase A and p38 activation. However, signal-transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-blocking led to enhanced CD73 expression, demonstrating a hitherto unknown negative control of purinergic signaling by STAT3 in CD14+ cells. TNFα production by CD73+ CD14+ cells was significantly impaired in the presence of AMP, confirming immunosuppressive function. Taken together, CD73 expression can be induced by PGE2, cAMP or adenosine on human CD14+ cells. We suggest that targeting this autocrine loop is a valid therapeutic approach in mesothelioma that may also enhance immunotherapy.
Fully Implantable Hearing Aids in Patients With Congenital Auricular Atresia

Introduction: Patients with congenital auricular atresia suffer from a conductive hearing loss (HL) with an air‐bone gap of 50 to 60 dB. Conventional bone conducting or bone anchored hearing aids are treatment options with several disadvantages and a biophysical limitation of almost no sound attenuation in the skull bone. Surgical construction of the sound conducting apparatus has been performed by others and modified by us into a three‐step procedure with in vivo prefabrication of the external ear canal and the tympanic membrane. Although the results improved after inauguration of our modifications, there still remains an air‐bone gap that makes air conducting hearing aids necessary in many patients. Implantable hearing aids have been developed for patients with perceptional HL and normal middle ear function but not for patients with middle ear disease or malformation.
Resilient topology design for free space optical cellular backhaul networking

With cellular networks' densification, backhaul solutions tend to go wireless to reduce costs. Free space optic (FSO) links are becoming an appealing, secure and high rate alternative to RF. To ensure a reliable cellular backhaul, redundancy provisions for disjoint paths between the nodes must be made in the network design phase. This paper presents cost-effective solutions, using FSO links and mirrors, that can be employed to upgrade a cellular backhaul with pre-deployed optical fibers. An integer programming model is introduced to approach optimal FSO backhaul design, guaranteeing K-disjoint paths between each node pair. We use realistic scenarios to demonstrate some optimal backhaul topologies by solving the model. We also illustrate the impact of K and the number of optical fibers on optimal solutions.
Sleep deprivation and fatigue in residency training: results of a national survey of first- and second-year residents.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between residents' self-reported sleep hours, work hours, and other empirical correlates. DESIGN Using the American Medical Association's Graduate Medical Education database, a national, random sample of PGY (postgraduate year) 1 and PGY2 residents in the 1998-1999 training year was surveyed by mail. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Residents completed a 5-page survey with 44 questions requiring 144 separate responses about their residency experience. Completed surveys were received from 3,604 of 5,616 residents contacted, a 64.2% response rate. Although work hours and sleep hours were significantly correlated (r = -.39), this relationship was less robust than is generally assumed. Total average sleep hours varied across specialties but also within specialties. Just over 20% of all residents reported sleeping an average of 5 hours or less per night, with 66% averaging 6 hours or less per night. Residents averaging 5 or fewer hours of sleep per night were more likely to report serious accidents or injuries, conflict with other professional staff, use of alcohol, use of medications to stay awake, noticeable weight change, working in an "impaired condition," and having made significant medical errors. CONCLUSIONS Reduced sleep hours were significantly related to a number of work-related, learning, and personal health variables. Capping residents' work hours is unlikely to fully address the sleep deficits and resulting impairments reported by residents.
The epidemiology of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis in children

Most paediatricians regularly see children with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalitis (CFS/ME) in their clinics and yet we know little about how common it is, who is affected, whether there are risk factors and how likely a child is to recover (or what might predict recovery). Recent research suggests that this illness is more complicated than previously thought and that rather than being an illness found in middle class families, it is more common in those who are socially deprived. This article reviews what is currently known about this important but little understood condition.
Esophageal polyps in pediatric patients undergoing routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a multicenter study.

Esophageal polyps are uncommon findings in pediatric patients, and reports have been limited to case reports. Esophageal polyps have been previously ascribed to esophagitis secondary to gastroesophageal reflux, medications, infections and recurrent vomiting. They have been associated with underlying conditions such as hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis and Crohn's disease. Presenting complaints of children with esophageal polyps have included vomiting, dysphagia, hematemesis and abdominal pain. The aim of this paper is to characterize the incidence, clinical presentation and progression, histologic subtypes and associated mucosal abnormalities in children with esophageal polyps. A retrospective multicenter study was performed at four institutions identifying diagnosis of esophageal polyps in pediatric patients (<21 years). Information was obtained from patient charts, endoscopy reports and histopathology reports. Specimens and slides were examined by experienced pediatric pathologists for all included cases. Esophageal polyps were identified in 13 patients (9 M) from 9438 esophagogastroduodenoscopies (0.14%). Mean age of subjects was 9.2 years. Vomiting was the most common indication for endoscopy. Polyp location was at the gastroesophageal junction in 7 of the 13 cases. Most polyps were inflammatory (n = 7). Esophagitis was noted in 69% of those with esophageal polyps. Repeat endoscopies in six patients at a mean interval of 8 months noted persistence of polyps in all six patients. This paper is the first to characterize esophageal polyps in pediatrics. These polyps are rare in children and often are associated with esophagitis. Presenting complaints seem to vary by age. Polyps did not consistently change with either time or acid suppression. The optimal management strategy has yet to be defined and likely depends on the underlying pathophysiologic process.
pH-sensitive interpenetrating polymer network microspheres of poly(vinyl alcohol) and carboxymethyl cellulose for controlled release of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketorolac tromethamine

In this study, we aimed to produce pH-sensitive microspheres for the controlled release of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketorolac tromethamine (KT). For this purpose, an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of microspheres of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) were prepared, based on different formulations using glutaraldehyde (GA) (0.66 M) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) (3%, v/v). The preparation conditions of the microspheres were optimized by considering the percentage of entrapment efficiency and swelling capacity of the microspheres, and their release data. The effects of PVA and NaCMC ratio on the release of KT for over a period of 6 h, at three pH values (1.2, 6.8, and 7.4), have been discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Temperature-Sensitive Polymer End-Functionalized with Porphyrin

End-functionalized poly N-isopropylacrylamide (ZnMHTPP-PAM)with zinc-porphyrin was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A asymmetrical 5-(4-(2-bromopropoxy) 10, 15, 20-phenyl)-21H, 23H-zinc (II)porphyrin (ZnMHTPP-Br) as the initiator, and CuBr/tris (2-dimeoeth-yl)amine (Me6TREN) as the catalyst system were polymerized to obtain ZnMHTPP-PAM. The structures of the target product were characterized using FT-IR and 1H NMR. The poly dispersity index (PDI) was obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The molecular weight distribution was narrow and the polymerization was well controlled. The target polymer exhibited the photo physical property, thermo sensitivity. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) for the aqueous solutions of target polymer showed increased value as compared to that of NIPAM homopolymer with the increment of the molecular weight, which was arose from the incorporation of the hydrophobic porphyrin at the end of the chain.