Automated Observability Investigation of Analog Electronic Circuits using SPICE

In the present paper, a computer-aided approach to fault observability investigation of linear analog circuits is developed. The method is based on sensitivity investigation of the test characteristics in the frequency domain. The test frequencies are selected maximizing the sensitivity of the magnitude of the test characteristics. Applying postprocessing of the simulation results using macrodefinitions in the graphical analyzer Probe, a fault observability investigation of the circuit is performed. A number of sensitivity measures are defined in Probe for observability investigation of multiple faults using pre-defined macrodefinitions. The sensitivity of S-parameters is obtained in order to investigate the fault observability at RF

Does NETosis Contribute to the Bacterial Pathoadaptation in Cystic Fibrosis?

Significant advances in our understanding of neutrophil biology were made in the past several years. The exciting discovery that neutrophils deploy neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to catch pathogens paved the way for a series of additional studies to define the molecular mechanisms of NET generation and the biological significance of NETosis in acute and chronic pathologic conditions. This review highlights the latest knowledge regarding NET structures, deployment, and function, with an emphasis on current understanding of NET proteomes, their conservation, and significance in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF), a condition characterized by excessive extracellular DNA/NET presence. We also discuss how our understanding of NETosis yields novel therapeutic approaches and their applicability to CF

Norme et usages des démonstratifs en bulgare

Le système des démonstratifs en bulgare moderne a connu des transformations importantes par rapport à ce qu’il était en vieux bulgare. Le changement principal concerne le passage d’un système de trois à deux thèmes. Afin d’examiner les usages des démonstratifs, nous commençons par une brève description du système déictique en bulgare contemporain. Nous proposons ensuite un commentaire des descriptions normatives concernant les démonstratifs de personnes et d’objets. Nous analysons également certaines autres significations sur la base de leur usage en bulgare contemporain qui n’est pas pris en compte par la norme décrite dans les grammaires bulgares. Nous concluons sur les types de système déictique qui peut être défini à partir des critères de distance dans l’espace et le temps, auquel peut être ajouté le point de vue du locuteur.The system of demonstratives in the modern Bulgarian language has undergone important transformations compared to its status in the Old Bulgarian language. The main change consists in the evolution from a three-stem based system to a two-stem based one. In order to examine the uses of the demonstratives, we start by offering a brief description of the modern Bulgarian deictic system. Then we comment on the normative descriptions concerning the semantics the demonstratives for persons and objects. We also analyse some other meanings demonstrated by their usages in contemporary language which are left outside the standard norm described in the Bulgarian grammars. Finally, we give a conclusion about the type of deictic system that can be defined based on distance in space and time to which the point of view of the speaker can be added

Neutrophil L-plastin controls ocular paucibacteriality and susceptibility to keratitis

Why ocular mucosa is paucibacterial is unknown. Many different mechanisms have been suggested but the comprehensive experimental studies are sparse. We found that a deficiency in L-plastin (LCP1), an actin bundling protein, resulted in an ocular commensal overgrowth, characterized with increased presence of conjunctiva

Comparative Real Time EPR Investigation of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants: As Potential Anticancer Agents and Radio-protectors

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the free-radical scavenging activity against DPPH stable radical and protective properties of the natural products SQGD and P. corylifolia and synthetic nitroxyl- free radical containing nitrosoureas SLENU and SLCNUgly against in vivo oxidative toxicity of antitumor drug CCNU. It was found statistically significant increase in the DPPH radical-scavenging capacity of both extracts with increase of radiation. The natural antioxidants were localised mainly in the organs and blood after EPR biodistribution study. All combinations of natural extracts/ synthetics agents exhibited considerably lower levels of Asc. radicals as compared to controls. It should be mentioned that the natural antioxidants possess higher oxidative protection in comparison with the synthetic antioxidants. Considerable decrease in ROS production in livers of mice was found after treatment with SQGD, P. corylifolia and SLENU, alone, compared to controls.In conclusion, because of well-expressed antioxidant activities of natural and synthetic antioxidants they might be used in the combination anticancer chemotherapy for reducing toxicity caused by anticancer drugs and/or low levels radiation therapy

Pregnancy Rates Associated with Oxidative Stress after Estrus Synchronization of Bulgarian Murrah Buffaloes in Breeding and Non-Breeding Season

Background: The current study aims to measure the effect of oxidative stress on the pregnancy rates of Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes during the breeding and non-breeding season. Methods: The study group consisted of 24 mature buffaloes more than 40 days after parturition. The following parameters were measured: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) products, Ascorbate radicals, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NO), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Protein Carbonyl Content (PPC), and total Nitric oxide. The Presynch/Ovsynch protocol was used for estrus synchronization. Results: A statistically significant increase in ROS products were measured in blood serum during the breeding season compared with the non-breeding season. The highest levels measured were in non-pregnant buffaloes during the breeding season. High levels of oxidative stress were registered due to low SOD activity in buffaloes during the breeding season compared to SOD activity during the non-breeding season. The highest SOD activity was observed in non-pregnant buffaloes during the summer season. The lowest GSH-Px levels were observed in non-pregnant buffaloes during both study periods. During the breeding season, concentrations of total NO and PPC were elevated. Conclusion: Comparing the obtained results for oxidative stress and antioxidant activity concerning pregnancy rate depending on the season showed that pregnancy in buffaloes during the breeding season was realized at higher values of NO and SOD. Increased oxidative stress was observed, resulting in a statistically significant increase in serum ROS products, as well as decreased SOD activity in buffaloes during the breeding season