Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Test path generation and test scheduling for self-testable designs

The high cost of chip testing makes testability an important aspect of any chip design. Early inclusion of test considerations into the design process can reduce test time and area overhead. We have developed an algorithm which defines built-in self-testing (BIST) tests for an RTL datapath. Datapath registers are chosen to be upgraded to testable registers to execute the define tests. Test time of an individual test is reduced by considering pattern randomness and error masking transparency properties of modules involved in the test. Parallelism between different tests is increased by reducing the number of conflicts between tests. Intertwining the creation of tests with the selection of testable registers in the datapath guides the choice of testable registers to a minimal area solution. The use of these metrics provides our system with an accurate estimate of test time, and therefore facilitates the definition of tests which reduce test application time. Experimental results show that our algorithm defines tests which require low test time. <<ETX>>
The use of halophytic plants for salt phytoremediation in constructed wetlands

ABSTRACT This research studied the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) to reduce water salinity. For this purpose, three halophytic species of the Chenopodiaceae family (Salicornia europaea, Salsola crassa, and Bienertia cycloptera) that are resistant to saline conditions were planted in the CWs, and experiments were conducted at three different salinity levels [electrical conductivity (EC)∼2, 6, 10 dS/m]. EC and concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) were measured before and after phytoremediation with a retention time of 1 week. The results suggested that these plants were able to grow well and complete their life cycles at all the salinity levels within this study. Moreover, these plants reduced the measured parameters to acceptable levels. Therefore, these plants can be considered good options for salt phytoremediation.
Quality-monitoring program for bar-code-assisted medication administration.

PURPOSE The implementation of a quality-monitoring program that identifies and corrects problems associated with using a bar-code-assisted medication administration (BCMA) system is described. SUMMARY In November 2004, the Bar Code Resource Office assembled a work group to develop a quality program to improve machine-readable, bar-coded medications. The project scope involved the development of a pharmacy-based quality program for unit-dose packaging and bar-code labeling to improve the scanning success rate of bar-coded medications at the point-of-care. Data were collected from facility-based BCMA coordinators at each medical center regarding specific reasons for bedside scanning circumvention, as well as successful scan rates in the pharmacy and at the bedside. The pharmacy and bedside scanning data were aggregated and the baseline of successful scans was determined to be 95%. The reported reasons for scanning circumvention were grouped into six categories: bar-code labeling, missing doses, labels not scanning, error messages, mispackaged medications, and mislabeled medications. The work group developed strategies to mitigate problems in each of the areas. As a result of this effort, the Department of Veterans Affairs created a directive that outlined the best practices for unit-dose packaging and labeling, as well as requirements for ongoing data collection and reporting. CONCLUSION A quality-monitoring program that identified and provided best-practice recommendations corrected problems associated with using a BCMA system and improved bar-code labeling processes.
Post‐translational hydroxylation at the N‐terminus of the prion protein reveals presence of PPII structure in vivo

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are characterized by conversion of a host protein, PrPC (cellular prion protein), to a protease‐resistant isoform, PrPSc (prion protein scrapie isoform). The importance of the highly flexible, N‐terminal region of PrP has recently become more widely appreciated, particularly the biological activities associated with its metal ion‐binding domain and its potential to form a poly(L‐proline) II (PPII) helix. Circular dichroism spectroscopy of an N‐terminal peptide, PrP37–53, showed that the PPII helix is formed in aqueous buffer; as it also contains an Xaa–Pro–Gly consensus sequence, it may act as a substrate for the collagen‐modifying enzyme prolyl 4‐hydroxylase. Direct evidence for this modification was obtained by mass spectrometry and Edman sequencing in recombinant mouse PrP secreted from stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. Almost complete conversion of proline to 4‐hydroxyproline occurs specifically at residue Pro44 of this murine protein; the same hydroxylated residue was detected, at lower levels, in PrPSc from the brains of scrapie‐infected mice. Cation binding and/or post‐translational hydroxylation of this region of PrP may regulate its role in the physiology and pathobiology of the cell.
Asymptotic distribution of the numbers of vertices and arcs of the giant strong component in sparse random digraphs

Two models of a random digraph on n vertices, D(n,Prob(arc)=p) and D(n,number of arcs =m) are studied. In 1990, Karp for D(n, p) and independently T. Łuczak for D(n,m = cn) proved that for c > 1, with probability tending to 1, there is an unique strong component of size of order n. Karp showed, in fact, that the giant component has likely size asymptotic to nθ2, where θ = θ(c) is the unique positive root of 1−θ=e−cθ . In this paper we prove that, for both random digraphs, the joint distribution of the number of vertices and number of arcs in the giant strong component is asymptotically Gaussian with the same mean vector |V1| , n(θ2,(c−1)θ2) and two distinct 2 × 2 covariance matrices, nB(c) and n[B(c)+c(μ'(c))T(μ'(c)))] . To this end, we introduce and analyze a randomized deletion process which terminates at the directed (1, 1)‐core, the maximal digraph with minimum in‐degree and out‐degree at least 1. This (1, 1)‐core contains all non‐trivial strong components. However, we show that the likely numbers of peripheral vertices and arcs in the (1, 1)‐core, those outside the largest strong component, are of polylog order, thus dwarfed by anticipated fluctuations, on the scale of n1/2, of the giant component parameters. By approximating the likely realization of the deletion algorithm with a deterministic trajectory, we obtain our main result via exponential supermartingales and Fourier‐based techniques. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 49, 3–64, 2016
Tremor response to polarity, voltage, pulsewidth and frequency of thalamic stimulation

Background: Thalamic deep brain stimulation ameliorates essential and parkinsonian tremors refractory to medications. Stimulus voltage, polarity configuration, frequency, and pulsewidth can each be adjusted in order to optimize tremor control and maximize battery life. The relative impacts of these programmable variables have not previously been quantified. Methods: The thalamus of 11 patients (bilaterally in 2) was studied 4 to 59 months postoperatively. The stimulator was inactivated and medications withheld for 12 hours, and optimal electrode contacts were selected. Stimulation followed at a range of voltages (0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 V), pulsewidths (60, 90, or 120 μs), and frequencies (130, 160, or 185 Hz) for both monopolar and bipolar configurations. Seventy-eight combinations of variables were programmed in random sequence. Postural and action tremors were measured with an electromagnetic tracker, tremor was subjectively graded, and side effects were noted. Results: Voltage was consistently predictive of tremor response. Mean postural tremor amplitude in PD fell from 6.4 cm at 0 V to 2.6, 1.0, 0.3, and 0 cm at 1 through 4 V (bipolar configuration). The voltage response curve for essential tremor was flatter. The monopolar configuration was 10 to 25% more effective than bipolar. The longest pulsewidth tested was up to 30% more effective than the shortest, but frequency changes had little effect on tremor amplitude. Side effects occurred only with monopolar stimulation, and the only setting that was intolerable for the majority was 4 V, 120 μs, and 185 Hz. Conclusion: Bipolar deep brain stimulation at 90 μs, 130 Hz, adjusting the voltage up to 3 V, tends to be effective and well tolerated. Monopolar provides similar benefits for lower voltage, but side effects become common at 3 or 4 V.
Neuropathic pain and diabetes

Neuropathic pain is a common phenomenon resulting from injury to the central or peripheral nervous system. The means by which diabetes results in nerve injury is unclear but the effect is to cause injury at all levels of the nervous system from the level of the peripheral nerves to the brain. Nerve injury causes pain through a cascade of mechanisms resulting in altered processing of sensory input into the nervous system. This alteration occurs through chemical and anatomical changes in the nervous system that are similar to some of the processes seen in central sensitisation following acute pain. Following nerve injury, neuropathic pain occurs not only when these mechanisms are activated but also when sensitisation is maintained. Other processes occurring in neuropathic pain appear to be a loss of normal inhibitory controls as seen by a reduction in local GABA‐ergic and descending monoaminergic influences. There are also important changes mediated via glial cells that can maintain neuropathic pain. Diabetes affects all areas of the nervous system and the contribution of higher levels of the nervous system is often overlooked. Neurophysiological and MRI evidence strongly suggest that these may contribute to the pain of diabetic neuropathy. Psychological dysfunction in diabetic patients is an important factor in increasing the suffering associated with all aspects of the disease, but treatment and control of pain can greatly improve the quality of life. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Application of an Annealing Recurrent Neural Network for Extremum Seeking Algorithm to Optimize UAV Tight Formation Flight

To solve the problem of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tight formation flight, a new autopilot for UAV tight formation flight is designed by sliding mode control. If the pitch angle thetavw of the wingman induced by aerodynamic interference is considered as a seeking object, the minimum power demand of the wingman can be gained by an annealing recurrent neural network for extremum seeking algorithm (ESA) presented in the paper. In tight formation flight, the wingman motion is affected by the aerodynamic interference of the adjacent lead UAV. The forces produced by the aerodynamic interference are complex functions of the relative positions of the UAVs. The maximum forces can be gained by minimizing the pitch angle of the wingman, at the same time, the optimal configuration of UAV tight flight formation and minimum power demand of the wingman are also attained by the algorithm proposed. The algorithm of an annealing recurrent neural network for ESA can be realized by combining the annealing recurrent neural network with ESA, which can solve the "chatter" problem of the output and the switching of the control law of the general ESA and improve the dynamic performance of the system greatly and simplify the stability analysis of ESA
Probabilistic methods for renewable energy sources and associated electrical loads for Southern African distribution systems

Significant socio-political pressure is being exerted on utilities throughout the world to expand their production and delivery of electrical energy by including renewable energy sources. To conduct meaningful analyses so that decisions may be taken in the procedures of planning, design, economics and technology, appropriate models must be derived for both loads and energy sources. The most difficult and the most important aspect in this type of modeling is the inclusion of uncertainty.
A Strategy to Promote the Electrocatalytic Activity of Spinels for Oxygen Reduction by Structure Reversal.

The electrocatalytic performance of a spinel for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) can be significantly promoted by reversing its crystalline structure from the normal to the inverse. As the spinel structure reversed, the activation and cleavage of O-O bonds are accelerated owing to a dissimilarity effect of the distinct metal atoms co-occupying octahedral sites. The Co(II)Fe(III)Co(III)O4 spinel with the Fe and Co co-occupying inverse structure exhibits an excellent ORR activity, which even exceeds that of the state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C by 42 mV in alkaline medium.
Assessing guideline impact on referral patterns of post-prostatectomy patients to radiation oncologists.

INTRODUCTION Adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) can improve biochemical progression-free survival in patients with high-risk features (HRF) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Guidelines from Alberta and the Genitourinary Radiation Oncologists of Canada (GUROC) recommend that patients with HRF be referred to radiation oncologists (RO) based on the findings from three randomized, controlled trials (RCT). Our study examines the impact of these recommendations both pre- (2005) and post- (2012) publication of RCT and GUROC guideline establishment. METHODS Patients undergoing RP during 2005 and 2012 were identified from the provincial cancer registry. Charts were retrospectively reviewed and variables of interest were linked to the registry data. RO referral patterns for each year were determined and variables influencing referral (extracapsular extension, positive margin, seminal vesicle invasion, and post-RP prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) were compared. RESULTS Median time to referral was 26.4 months in 2005 compared to 3.7 months 2012 (p<0.001). Among patients referred post-RP, a higher proportion was referred within six months in 2012 (21%) as compared to 2005 (13%) (p=0.003). Among eligible patients in 2012, 30% were referred for discussion of aRT compared to 24% in 2005 (p=0.003). There was a marked drop in patients referred for salvage radiation therapy beyond six months and a rise in the number of patients who are never referred. CONCLUSIONS Despite an increase in referral rates to RO post-RP from 2005-2012, more than 50% of those patients with HRF did not receive a referral. Initiatives aimed at improving multidisciplinary care and guideline adherence should be undertaken.
Power economic dispatch using particle swarm optimization

Current market environment, ever growing difference between depleting energy resources and increasing power demand and increased expectations of customers from utility companies has made it necessary to adopt some good operational policies by electric utility companies. So the focus of utility companies has shifted towards increased customer focus, enhanced performance and to provide reliable supply at low cost. The electric power system must be operated in a way to schedule generations economically of generation facilities. In last two decades many evolutionary techniques has been developed to solve the optimization problems. Particle swarm optimization has acquired much recognition due to less memory requirement and its inherent simplicity. Particle swarm optimization technique proved to be having strong potential for solving complex and high dimensional optimization problem. PSO is free from local minimum solution convergence which is often encountered while solving nonlinear and non-convex optimization problem through conventional techniques. This paper presents a summarized view of application of PSO for solving power economic dispatch problem.
Hybrid recommendation model based on incremental collaborative filtering and content-based algorithms

In the past decade, online news consumption has been steadily growing. New articles are published every few minutes, and user preferences are also constantly changing. Traditional recommender systems update model at regular intervals, which cannot adjust recommendation list dynamically according to the changes of user preferences. In this paper, we propose a hybrid recommendation model which contains two key components: incremental update item-based collaborative filtering (CF) and latent semantic analysis based relative term frequency algorithms. The hybrid recommendation model adjusts recommendation list dynamically by updating similarity table of items incrementally in incremental update item-based CF module, moreover, combining collaborative filtering and content-based algorithm ensures the relevance of recommendation articles. Results show that our proposed hybrid recommendation model outperforms traditional recommender approaches.
Congenital agastria.

Congenital agastria has never before been reported. Congenital microgastria is rare but is well documented. We have cared for a Melanesian child in whom there was no radiological, anatomical, or physiological evidence of either a rudimentary stomach or a pylorus. The esophagus joined the first part of the duodenum directly. At this esophago-duodenal junction there was microscopic evidence of fundic-type gastric mucosa. The intestine was normally rotated and there was a functioning spleen. The child also had a severe micrognathia and a cleft soft palate and required a tracheostomy to relieve upper airway obstruction. The combination of micrognathia and agastria presented a difficult nutritional delivery problem. A jejunal pouch was constructed and placed between the esophagus and duodenum to provide some storage capacity. The child grew and developed well for almost 3 years. He suffered three episodes of severe acute enteritis, probably related to lack of the protective acid-pepsin barrier against ingested microorganisms. Unfortunately, the third episode of acute enteritis caused his death 3 months after returning home to his own country.
Characterization of alkaline lignins for use in phenol-formaldehyde and epoxy resins

Besides polyurethanes and polyesters, phenolic and epoxy resins are the most prominent applications for technical lignins in thermosetting materials. To evaluate the potential application of lignin raw materials in phenol formaldehyde and epoxy resins, three types of alkaline lignins were characterized in terms of their structures and thermal properties. The lignin samples analyzed were kraft lignin (LIG-1), soda–rice straw lignin (LIG-2), and soda-wheat straw lignin (LIG-3). FTIR and 1H-NMR methods were used to determine their structure. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to determine the molecular weight distribution (MWD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure the glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine the thermal stability of lignin samples. Results showed that kraft lignin (LIG-1) has moderate hydroxyl-group content, is rich in G-type units, and has good thermal stability. These properties make it more suitable for direct use in phenol formaldehyde resins, and it is therefore a good raw material for this purpose. The alkaline soda-rice straw lignin (LIG-2) with a high hydroxyl-group content and excellent thermal stability is most suited to preparing lignin-based epoxy resins.
Expanding Use of Palliative Care in the Oncology Setting

The use of palliative care for patients with serious disease improves quality of life, reduces symptoms, and saves money. Unfortunately, too many patients endure needless suffering. Expanding awareness about palliative care among patients, providers, and policymakers will hopefully generate momentum for use of such services, thus benefitting patients with cancer and other advanced diseases.
Analysis of Insertion Sequences in Thermophilic Cyanobacteria: Exploring the Mechanisms of Establishing, Maintaining, and Withstanding High Insertion Sequence Abundance

ABSTRACT Insertion sequences (ISs) are simple mobile genetic elements capable of relocating within a genome. Through this transposition activity, they are known to create mutations which are mostly deleterious to the cell, although occasionally they are beneficial. Two closely related isolates of thermophilic Synechococcus species from hot spring microbial mats are known to harbor a large number of diverse ISs. To explore the mechanism of IS acquisition within natural populations and survival in the face of high IS abundance, we examined IS content and location in natural populations of Synechococcus by comparing metagenomic data to the genomes of fully sequenced cultured isolates. The observed IS distribution in the metagenome was equivalent to the distribution in the isolates, indicating that the cultured isolates are appropriate models for the environmental population. High sequence conservation between IS families shared between the two isolates suggests that ISs are able to move between individuals within populations and between species via lateral gene transfer, consistent with models for IS family accumulation. Most IS families show evidence of recent activity, and interruption of critical genes in some individuals was observed, demonstrating that transposition is an ongoing mutational force in the populations.
The control strategy of the nine-switch converter for dual stator doubly salient electro-magnet driving system

This paper proposes a novel nine-switch converter for the dual stator Doubly Salient Electro-magnet Motor (DSEM) in the compact driving system. The dual stator windings are connected to the dual output ports of the proposed converter, and both the operation principle and normal commutation method for the proposed system are analyzed. The interaction of the coupled outputs of the nine-switch converter is analyzed and the advanced angle control (AAC) method is adopted to weaken the impact caused by the interaction. Finally, the simulation and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed driving system.
Effects of Repeated Rifabutin Administration on the Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral Ciprofloxacin in Mice

Abstract The combination of rifabutin and ciprofloxacin is potentially useful for the treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC) diseases in HIV-infected patients. Rifabutin is a metabolic enzyme inducer structurally similar to its predecessor, rifampin. Using a mouse model, the effects of repeated exposure of rifabutin on the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin after intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) dosing were investigated in the present study. Results showed that repeated exposure of rifabutin, relative to control, caused a 16% increase in the plasma clearance (CL) of ciprofloxacin after i.v. dosing (4.19 vs. 4.87 L/h/kg). Estimates of elimination half-life (T1/2) were not affected by rifabutin (control: 0.81 vs. rifabutin pretreated: 1.18 h). The data obtained after oral dosing showed that repeated rifabutin dosing caused a significant reduction in the maximal plasma concentration (Cmax: 1.34 vs. 0.91 μg/mL) and a longer time to Cmax (Tmax: 0.17 vs. 0.33 h). These changes might be in part attributable to the increase in oral clearance (CL/F) by 18%. With or without rifabutin pretreatment, the T1/2 estimates of ciprofloxacin for p.o. dosing were similar (2.37-2.58 h) and were approximately twice as long as those obtained after i.v. dosing. Since the changes in systemic exposure as a result of rifabutin pretreatment were similar after i.v. and p.o. dosing, the oral bioavailability (F) of ciprofloxacin remained unaffected by rifabutin at approximately 38%. The effects of rifabutin on the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin appear to be moderate in the mouse model which might be attributable to the absorption and distribution behavior of the quinolone antibiotic. The therapeutic implications of this interaction, if any, remain to be defined.