Starter Kit Research Articles

FPGA Implementation of a Fuzzy Control Surface

This paper presents a design methodology of a dual-input single-output fuzzy logic controller where synthesizing the classical three stages, fuzzification, inference engine, and defuzzification, are replaced by the outcome control surface obtained from these stages which is treated as a tow dimensional table called fuzzy control table FCT. With this proposed approach, (8x8), (16x16), (32x32), and (64x64) FCTs were investigated each having 64, 256, 1024, and 2048 values respectively. To make this system adaptable to different operating states a supervisor fuzzy controller is designed to continuously adjust, on line, the output factor of the basic fuzzy controller based on the error and change in error signals. The proposed architecture is implemented in XC3S200 FPGA, Spartan-3 starter kit to control the position of a D.C. servo motor with unknown parameters in real time. Keywords: control table, FPGA, fuzzy control surface, supervisor controller.

Abstract 194: MicroRNA-1 induces apoptosis by targeting prothymosin alpha in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Abstract MiR-1 (microRNA-1) can be used as a positive control and for optimizing transfection conditions in microRNA experiments (e.g., Ambion Pre-miR miRNA Starter Kit, QIAGEN Syn-hsa-miR-1 miScript miRNA mimic positive control). We noticed that transfection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with miR-1 reveals a typical apoptotic process when observed by time-lapse microscopy. Annexin V and TUNEL staining and caspase assay confirm that miR-1 induces nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell apoptosis. MiR-1 transfection of HeLa, Cal-27, KYSE30 and NPC-TW06 cell lines which express low levels of endogenous miR-1 also induces apoptosis. However, miR-1 transfection of cell lines such as SW620, HepG2, HEK-293T, SAS and PC-13 which express high levels of endogenous miR-1 does not induce apoptosis. To determine miR-1 target genes that are involved in apoptosis, we analyzed microRNA and pathway databases, and cDNA expression microarrays from miR-1 transfected cells. Using qRT-PCR analysis and luciferase reporter vector assays, we found that miR-1 directly targets PTMA (prothymosin alpha). We used PTMA siRNA to down regulate PTMA mRNA levels and observed whether PTMA siRNA could induce apoptosis. Knocking down PTMA expression alone did not induce apoptosis but could accelerate apoptotic progression in cells treated with apoptosis inducers. We also found that transfection of miR-1 could up regulated some pro-apoptotic proteins (HTRA, SMAC, p53, TNF-R1, TNF-R2, TRAILR-1, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta). They are not miR-1 directly target genes but involve in miR-1 inducing apoptosis. We conclude that miR-1 can induced apoptosis in low levels of endogenous miR-1 cell lines. This is a novel model of microRNA-induced cell apoptosis. The apoptotic inducers including actinomycin D, camptothecin and etoposide are also the chemotherapeutic drugs in clinical cancer therapy and PTMA siRNA can accelerate apoptotic progression in cells treated with those apoptosis inducers. Therefore PTMA siRNA may have potential applications as an adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 194. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-194

Consulting the stakeholders on pro-poor market segmentation of maize seed in Kenya

Market segmentation, while popular in the pharmaceutical industry to reach the poor in developingcountries markets, have so far not been successful in delivering agricultural technology to poor farmers. In this paper, their potential use in Kenya is analyzed, based on information gathered through an extensive stakeholder consultation. Results show that some market segmentation methods are used. Seed companies, some non-governmental and public extension organizations sell smaller seed packages and starter kits, and provide discounts for low-income clients. Stakeholders expressed a strong interest in larger-scale market segmentation mechanisms for maize seed and fertilizers, in areas where levels of maize production and densities of the rural populace are high. Several challenges remain: direct price discounts to low-income clients were not appreciated, stakeholders preferred mechanisms that allow farmers’ to choose their preferred inputs such as maize varieties, and segmentation based on geography or technology were considered impractical since the poor and nonpoor live in the same areas and use similar technology. A voucher-based approach was generally preferred, with a discount of about 50% on quantities of about 8 kg per farmer, with beneficiary targeting through direct identification or tiered pricing. A pilot study was proposed to study costs and benefits of the two market segmentation approaches in distributing maize seed, and to determine optimal discount values and quantities.

Control of NI SbRIO-9631 prototype robot on the basis of hand movement

Abstract The NI SbRIO-9631 prototype robot is mobile electro-mechanic system with onboard FPGA-based reconfigurable digital control and signal processing. Its special hardware structure allows fast interfacing with sound- and image processing interface units for complex applications such as processing from advanced man-machine interfaces. This paper presents a new controlling mode of the NI LabVIEW Robotics Starter Kit by arm movement and gestures.

Development of an in-house protocol for the OFFGEL fractionation of plant proteins

Protein sample prefractionation using off-gel technology coupled to mass spectrometry-based proteomics has proven very efficient in identifying novel proteins of low abundance in various biological systems with the exception of plant tissues. In this study, we have prefractionated protein samples from wheat leaves and apoplastic fluid using the Agilent 3100 OFFGEL fractionator along 3-10 pH range into 24 fractions. Two methods were compared: 1/ the Agilent method based on the use of a proprietary starter kit which comprises all the necessary consumables, and 2/ an in-house method in which focusing solutions were made using electrophoresis grade chemicals, and immobilised pH gradient (IPG) strips and electrode pads were acquired elsewhere. Method comparisons and quality of focusing were assessed using pH distributions, one- and two-dimensional patterns. Both methods produced excellent electrophoretic patterns, with generally more better-resolved bands/spots observed with the in-house method. This study will allow other laboratories using OFFGEL device to consider in-house solutions.

An Efficient FPGA Implemenation of MRI Image Filtering and Tumour Characterization Using XILINX System Generator

This paper presents an efficient architecture for various image filtering algorithms and tumor characterization using Xilinx System Generator (XSG). This architecture offers an alternative through a graphical user interface that combines MATLAB, Simulink and XSG and explores important aspects concerned to hardware implementation. Performance of this architecture implemented in SPARTAN-3E Starter kit (XC3S500E-FG320) exceeds those of similar or greater resources architectures. The proposed architecture reduces the resources available on target device by 50%.

A starter kit for point-localization super-resolution imaging

Super-resolution fluorescence imaging can be achieved through the localization of single molecules. By using suitable dyes, optical configurations, and software, it is possible to study a wide variety of biological systems. Here, we summarize the different approaches to labeling proteins. We review proven imaging modalities, and the features of freely available software. Finally, we give an overview of some biological applications. We conclude by synthesizing these different technical aspects into recommendations for standards that the field might apply to ensure quality of images and comparability of algorithms and dyes.

A Spartan3E-based low-cost system for gamma-ray detection in small single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission tomography systems

The development and assessment of a readout system based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) for dedicated nuclear medicine cameras is presented. We have used Xilinx Spartan3E starter kit, which is one of the simplest FPGA evaluation boards. The aim of this work is to offer a simple, open source, data acquisition tool, which provides accurate results for nuclear imaging applications. The system has been evaluated using three different experimental setups: pulses from two position-sensitive photo-multipliers (PSPMTs) and a silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM) were recorded, using 99mTc sources. Two dual channel, external, 12 bit analog to digital converters with a sampling rate of 1 Msps per channel were used. The tool was designed using Xilinx's embedded development kit and was based in Xilinx's Microblaze soft-core processor. A reference multiparameter-based data acquisition system using nuclear instrumentation modules was used for the evaluation of the proposed system. A number of tests were carried out to assess different algorithms for pulse maximum estimation and Gaussian fitting provided optimal results. The results have shown that the FPGA data acquisition system (i) provides accurate digitization of the PSPMT anode signals under various conditions and (ii) gives similar energy spectra when SiPMs are used.

A ‘Starter Kit’ For Better Health Care DeliveryReengineering Health Care: A Manifesto For Radically Rethinking Health Care Delivery by Champy Jim Greenspun Harry Upper Saddle River (NJ) : Pearson Education, publishing as FT Press , 2010 227 pp.; $26.99

A ‘Starter Kit’ For Better Health Care DeliveryReengineering Health Care: A Manifesto For Radically Rethinking Health Care Delivery by Champy Jim Greenspun Harry Upper Saddle River (NJ) : Pearson Education, publishing as FT Press , 2010 227 pp.; $26.99

Curriculum Development of an Audio Processing Laboratory Course

This paper describes the development of an audio processing laboratory curriculum at the graduate level. A real-time speech and audio signal-processing laboratory is set up to enhance speech and multi-media signal processing courses to conduct design projects. The recent fixed-point TMS320C5510 DSP Starter Kit (DSK) from Texas Instruments (TI) is used; a set of courseware is developed. In addition, this paper discusses the instructor's and students' assessments and recommendations in this real-time signal-processing laboratory course.

Impact of an oral health intervention on pre‐school children <3 years of age in a rural setting in Australia

Australian pre-school children living in rural areas experience higher levels of dental caries than those in metropolitan areas. This may be because of a lack of community water fluoridation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based intervention to improve the oral health of children in non-fluoridated rural Victoria, Australia. The study was conducted across three local government areas in Victoria, with two receiving the intervention and one remaining with standard care. Although multifaceted, the primary strategy of the intervention was the promotion of early exposure to fluoridated toothpaste, including the distribution, by maternal and child health nurses (MCHNs), of an oral health starter kit including toothpaste, toothbrush and information to parents at their child's 7-8-month health check. Children were followed up annually to the age of three. Infants in the intervention arm experienced less caries (cavitated and pre-cavitated lesions included) than infants in the control arm at the first and second examinations (3.1% with caries in the intervention vs. 6.9% in the control group at exam 1 (adjusted P= 0.07) and 10.8% vs. 19.5% at exam 2 (adjusted P= 0.11), respectively). However potential benefits disappeared at the third examination (29.5% vs. 28.9%, adjusted P= 0.67). This study suggests that an oral health promotion intervention delivered via local MCHNs promoting early exposure to fluoride may be successful in reducing caries in the second year of life but less so in older children when participants have less contact with MCHNs.

FPGA Based Implementation of Convolutional Encoder- Viterbi Decoder Using Multiple Booting Technique

Convolutional encoding is considered one of the forward error correction schemes. It is an essential component of wireless communication systems such as the third generation (3G) mobile systems, which utilize some formulation of Convolutional encoding usually decoded via Viterbi decoders. There are different structures of Convolutional encoding which impart different requirements on the decoder. The Viterbi decoder segments with slight modifications can be used on systems with different constraint lengths, frame size and code rates. In this research, the design and implementation of Convolutional encoder with constraint length 3 and rate 1/2, and Viterbi decoder on Spartan 3E FPGA Starter kit (supported with XC3S500E) using multiple booting technique has been presented. VHDL language is used as a design entry. In the starter kit mentioned above, two designs are implemented on the flash memory using the multiple booting technique: the Convolutional encoder and the Viterbi decoder. The FPGA is configured with the specified design depending on the loaded program from the Intel flash memory. With this way of configuration, the FPGA itself can operate as a Convolutional encoder or Viterbi decoder that gain benefit through the reuse of the same hardware. Key words : Convolutional encoder, Viterbi decoder, multiple booting technique and FPGA.

Optimizing latency in Xilinx FPGA implementations of the GBT

The GigaBit Transceiver (GBT) [1] system has been developed to replace the Timing, Trigger and Control (TTC) system [2], currently used by LHC, as well as to provide data transmission between on-detector and off-detector components in future sLHC detectors. A VHDL version of the GBT-SERDES, designed for FPGAs, was released in March 2010 as a GBT-FPGA Starter Kit for future GBT users and for off-detector GBT implementation [3]. This code was optimized for resource utilization [4], as the GBT protocol is very demanding. It was not, however, optimized for latency — which will be a critical parameter when used in the trigger path. The GBT-FPGA Starter Kit firmware was first analyzed in terms of latency by looking at the separate components of the VHDL version. Once the parts which contribute most to the latency were identified and modified, two possible optimizations were chosen, resulting in a latency reduced by a factor of three. The modifications were also analyzed in terms of logic utilization. The latency optimization results were compared with measurement results from a Virtex 6 ML605 development board [5] equipped with a XC6VLX240T with speedgrade-1 and the package FF1156. Bit error rate tests were also performed to ensure an error free operation. The two final optimizations were analyzed for utilization and compared with the original code, distributed in the Starter Kit.

Ubiquitin-independent Proteasomal Degradation of Endoplasmic Reticulum-localized Connexin43 Mediated by CIP75

Connexin43 (Cx43) is a transmembrane protein that forms gap junction channels. Regulation of Cx43 turnover is one mechanism to control the level of intercellular communication that occurs through gap junction channels. Proteasomal degradation of Cx43 is regulated in part through CIP75, a ubiquitin-like and ubiquitin-associated domain containing protein. CIP75 interacts with endoplasmic reticulum-localized Cx43, as demonstrated through co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence microscopy experiments. CIP75 also binds to free monoubiquitin and lysine 48-linked tetraubiquitin chains in vitro and binds to ubiquitinated proteins in cellular lysates. However, analysis of Cx43 that immunoprecipitated with CIP75 demonstrated that the Cx43 associated with CIP75 was not ubiquitinated, and a mutant form of Cx43 that lacked lysines capable of ubiquitination retained the capacity to interact with CIP75. These results suggest that although CIP75 can interact with ubiquitinated cellular proteins, its interaction with Cx43 and stimulation of Cx43 proteasomal degradation does not require the ubiquitination of Cx43.

Nucleolar Follistatin Promotes Cancer Cell Survival under Glucose-deprived Conditions through Inhibiting Cellular rRNA Synthesis

Solid tumor development is frequently accompanied by energy-deficient conditions such as glucose deprivation and hypoxia. Follistatin (FST), a secretory protein originally identified from ovarian follicular fluid, has been suggested to be involved in tumor development. However, whether it plays a role in cancer cell survival under energy-deprived conditions remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that glucose deprivation markedly enhanced the expression and nucleolar localization of FST in HeLa cells. The nucleolar localization of FST relied on its nuclear localization signal (NLS) comprising the residues 64-87. Localization of FST to the nucleolus attenuated rRNA synthesis, a key process for cellular energy homeostasis and cell survival. Overexpression of FST delayed glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis, whereas down-regulation of FST exerted the opposite effect. These functions depended on the presence of an intact NLS because the NLS-deleted mutant of FST lost the rRNA inhibition effect and the cell protective effect. Altogether, we identified a novel nucleolar function of FST, which is of importance in the modulation of cancer cell survival in response to glucose deprivation.

Morphometrical analysis of cleaning capacity of a hybrid instrumentation in mesial flattened root canals

The cleaning capacity of hybrid and rotary instrumentation techniques in mesial flattened canals of mandibular first molars was evaluated by morphometrical analysis in this study. Twenty human mandibular first molars were randomly assigned into two groups, according to instrumentation technique, as follows: group 1, instrumentation with ProTaper Starter Kit (Dentsply/Maillefer) rotary system; group 2, manual instrumentation using K files (Dentsply/Maillefer) by crown-down technique in middle and apical thirds, cervical preparation with Gates-Glidden #1 and #2 (Dentsply/Maillefer) burs, and to finalise the preparation, ProTaper F2 and F3 rotary files. Serial transverse cross-sections (5 µm) of the apical third, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, were analysed at 100× original magnification. The images were submitted to morphometrical analysis with an integration grid to determine the percentage of root canal area with debris. Statiscal analysis (t-Student, P < 0.05) showed significant difference between the techniques (P < 0.05), although neither completely cleaned the root canal.

The Selection of Tangible Symbols by Educators of Students with Visual Impairments and Additional Disabilities

Tangible symbols are objects or partial objects that can be physically manipulated and that share a perceptual relationship with what they represent, known as the referent (Trief, 2007; Westling & Fox, 2009). They make fewer demands on memory and representational ability, making them an appropriate expressive form of communication for individuals with visual impairments and additional disabilities who communicate at the presymbolic level (Rowland & Schweigert, 2000). Although other communication forms, such as sign language, braille, and line drawings, have been standardized, little has been done to establish a standardized set of tangible symbols (Trief, Bruce, Cascella, & Ivy, 2009). Tangible symbols may be individualized or standardized. Individualized tangible symbols represent an experience of an object, person, or activity that is highly idiosyncratic to one child. Standardized tangible symbols often represent a dominant feature of an object, person, or activity that could be recognized by many children. It is possible to use the same tangible symbol for multiple children if they interact with the referent in the same way (Downing, 2005), making standardized symbol systems particularly relevant for experiences that are similar to a number of individuals. This article discusses the tangible symbols that special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and speech-language therapists (collectively referred to as educators) selected (from a standardized set of commercially produced symbols), the characteristics of the symbols that were selected, and implications for the development of a starter kit of standardized tangible symbols for use in schools. The selection of tangible symbols by educators is important to investigate because it highlights the topics that educators regard as important to the classroom context, giving insights into the kinds of communications that are expected from children at different ages. METHOD Participants The participants were 29 educators in four urban public schools in one large city on the East Coast that serve children who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) aged 3-21. At the four schools, parental permission and approval from the institutional review board at Hunter College was obtained for 51 children to participate in a larger field-based study in which tangible object symbols were introduced over a seven-month period. The educators in this study were the persons who were directly responsible for communication-based programming for the 51 children, including the selection of which symbols to introduce throughout the school year. These children had both intellectual disabilities (severe and profound) and visual impairments with normal or aided hearing that allowed them to access auditory information for learning. They communicated at the preintentional to early symbolic level (that is, five or fewer words, signs, or pictures). Procedure The participants were given a commercially produced standardized set of 48 tangible symbols, manufactured by the Adaptive Design Association in New York City. These 48 whole-and partial-object symbols were developed on the basis of data from a survey of 29 special education teachers and speech-language therapists, coupled with input from a focus group of 14 advisory board members (school directors, speech-language therapists, the designer and manufacturer of the symbols, a representative of the Perkins School for the Blind, 3 college professors, and a graduate research assistant) (Trief et al., 2009). These commercially produced tangible symbols were designed to be representations for commonly occurring words in school vocabularies. In addition, this team of professionals assigned each tangible symbol to one or more of the following categories: transition (T), location (L), choice making (Ch), and conceptual skills (C). It is critical to note that these standardized symbols were not intended to replace existing individualized symbols but, rather, to augment individualized symbols that were already in use or would be needed in the future. …

Detection and Correction of Saturated Current Transformer Measurements Using Decaying DC Components

When fault currents contain decaying dc components, current transformers (CTs) face the risk of becoming saturated. Traditionally, fault current waveform or CT model analyses were used to detect CT saturation. This paper analyzes the decaying dc components in fault currents to detect CT saturation. The decaying dc component in fault currents is first estimated using phasor-based computations. Such a component is then used to define a detection index. The proposed detection index can be easily used to detect CT saturation because its value in an unsaturated period is within a pre-known range. After CT saturation has been detected, the current samples and phasors in the latest unsaturated period are used to correct the saturated current samples. The proposed algorithm was tested using MATLAB/SIMULINK simulator and realized on a DSP Starter Kit to demonstrate its effectiveness and applicability.

Commentary: Wanted: A formative assessment starter kit

Commentary: Wanted: A formative assessment starter kit

DSP implementation of underwater communication using SSB modulation with random carrier frequencies

Underwater acoustic communication is a rapidly growing field of research and applied engineering. It is especially necessary for submarine-ship, submarine-submarine and ship-submarine communications. Recent years have seen rapid advances in DSP (Digital signal processor) architecture technologies, which advances have made it possible for DSP's to be used for applications previously considered unsuitable such as underwater communication. Underwater acoustic communication applications had been performed in an analog environment several times before; however, in this work, it is performed digitally by using DSP. Alternative solutions for underwater communication are presented as well. The presented solution is a more reliable prototype design of underwater acoustic communication that was developed via the transmitter and receiver sides on two identical DSK (DSP Starter Kit) boards by using upper sideband - suppressed carrier (SSB - SC) and random carrier frequencies (8 - 16 kHz). Key words: Underwater acoustic communication, underwater telephone (uwt), digital signal processor.