Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fast Subcarrier, Bit, and Power Allocation Algorithm for Multiuser OFDM-Based Systems

In this paper, we propose a real-time subcarrier, bit, and power allocation algorithm for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing-based multiuser communication systems in downlink transmission. Assuming that base stations know the channel gains of all subcarriers of all users, the proposed loading algorithm tries to minimize the required transmit power while satisfying the rate requirement and data error rate constraint of each user. The novel algorithm simultaneously determines subcarrier, bit, and power allocation by enhancing the suboptimal algorithm by Wong while having the same computational complexity. The proposed scheme offers better performance in terms of transmit power than that of Wong , as demonstrated in the simulation results, whereas the performance of the scheme in Wong was close to that of the optimal solution.
Standardization of the Korean Version of the Geriatric Depression Scale: Reliability, Validity, and Factor Structure

Objective We developed a Revised Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-KR) and examined its reliability, validity, and factor structures. We also estimated its optimal cutoff scores for major depressive disorder (MDD) and minor depressive disorder (MnDD) stratified by age and education. Methods The GDS-KR was administered to 888 subjects (61 MDD patients, 45 MnDD patients, and 782 normal elders). Its internal consistency and test-retest reliability were examined. Its concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients with the Korean version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-K) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). The mean GDS-KR scores of the MDD patients, MnDD patients and normal elders were compared to evaluate its discriminant validity. To evaluate its construct validity, a principal component analysis with varimax rotation was performed. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to evaluate its diagnostic ability. Results Chronbach's coefficient alpha for the GDS-KR was 0.90 and the test-retest reliability was 0.91 (p<0.01). The Pearson correlation coefficients of the GDS-KR scores with the CES-D-K and HAM-D scores were 0.63 (p<0.01) and 0.56 (p<0.01), respectively. The GDS-KR consisted of 5 factors. The optimal cut-off scores of the GDS-KR were 16/17 for MDD only and 15/16 for both MDD and MnDD. The optimal cutoff scores of the GDS-KR were higher in the less educated and younger subjects. The diagnostic accuracy for MDD of the GDS-KR was higher than that of the CES-D. Conclusion The GDS-KR was found to be a reliable and valid questionnaire for screening MDD and MnDD in late life.
Immune Exhaustion Occurs Concomitantly With Immune Activation and Decrease in Regulatory T Cells in Viremic Chronically HIV-1–Infected Patients

Background:Chronic HIV-1 infection is associated with excessive immune activation and immune exhaustion. We investigated the relationship of these 2 phenotypes and frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in controlled and uncontrolled chronic HIV-1 infection. Methods:Immune exhaustion marker PD-1, its ligand PD-L1, CD4+CD25bright FoxP3+ Tregs, HLA-DR, and CD38 coexpression as activation markers were investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 44 HIV-1-infected patients and 11 HIV-1-uninfected controls by multicolor flow cytometry. Results:Activated and PD-1 expressing T cells were increased, and Tregs were decreased in HIV-1-infected patients as compared with controls, and alterations were greatest in viremic patients. The proportion of activated CD8+ T cells exceeded activated CD4+ T cells. Tregs had an inverse correlation with activated T cells and PD-1 expressing T cells. PD-L1 was highly expressed on monocytes and to a lesser extent on T lymphocytes of patients. These abnormalities partially reversed with virologic control after potent antiretroviral therapy. Conclusions:Immune exhaustion is a component of aberrant immune activation in chronic HIV-1 infection and is associated with loss of Tregs and ongoing virus replication. These defects are corrected partially with effective virologic control by potent antiretroviral therapy.
Effects of Shear‐Transverse Coupling and Plasticity in the Formulation of an Elementary Ply Composites Damage Model, Part II: Material Characterisation

Abstract: In this two‐part study, we examine the effects of neglecting plasticity and shear‐transverse coupling in a continuum damage mechanics model for composites. In part I, two models were formulated: one in which plasticity was neglected, and one in which both plasticity and shear‐transverse damage coupling were neglected, and the predictive capabilities for both models were examined. In this second part of the paper, the procedure and results of the experimental test series carried out to determine input parameters for the above two models are presented. Two materials were tested: one a carbon fibre‐reinforced plastic, the other an S2‐glass fibre‐reinforced plastic. Both material systems are currently used in the aerospace industry so the experimental results should be of interest to that community. Both materials exhibited non‐linear intralaminar shear behaviour, whereas the S2‐glass fibre‐reinforced plastic also exhibited a significantly non‐linear transverse response. Tests on ±45º and 10º off‐axis coupons indicated that a reasonable estimate of shear strength could be obtained from the ±45º test specimens. Some further insight is provided into the model predictions that were presented in part I.
Nuclear jasmonate and salicylate signaling and crosstalk in defense against pathogens

An extraordinary progress has been made over the last two decades on understanding the components and mechanisms governing plant innate immunity. After detection of a pathogen, effective plant resistance depends on the activation of a complex signaling network integrated by small signaling molecules and hormonal pathways, and the balance of these hormone systems determines resistance to particular pathogens. The discovery of new components of hormonal signaling pathways, including plant nuclear hormone receptors, is providing a picture of complex crosstalk and induced hormonal changes that modulate disease and resistance through several protein families that perceive hormones within the nucleus and lead to massive gene induction responses often achieved by de-repression. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of positive and negative regulators of these hormones signaling pathways that are crucial regulatory targets of hormonal crosstalk in disease and defense. We focus on the most recent discoveries on the jasmonate and salicylate pathway components that explain their crosstalk with other hormonal pathways in the nucleus. We discuss how these components fine-tune defense responses to build a robust plant immune system against a great number of different microbes and, finally, we summarize recent discoveries on specific nuclear hormonal manipulation by microbes which exemplify the ingenious ways by which pathogens can take control over the plant’s hormone signaling network to promote disease.
Expression of SCF splice variants in human melanocytes and melanoma cell lines: potential prognostic implications

Stem cell factor (SCF), the ligand for c-Kit, is known to regulate developmental and functional processes of haematopoietic stem cells, mast cells and melanocytes. Two different splice variants form predominantly soluble (sSCF or SCF-1) and in addition some membrane-bound SCF (mSCF or SCF-2). In order to explore the prognostic significance of these molecules in melanoma, total SCF, SCF splice variants and c-Kit expression were studied in normal skin melanocytes and in 11 different melanoma cell lines, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nine of the 11 melanoma cell lines expressed SCF-1 mRNA, only two of them SCF-2, and these two also SCF-1. Coexpression of both SCF-1 and c-Kit was noted in five cell lines, and only one cell line as well as normal melanocytes expressed both SCF-1 and SCF-2 as well as c-Kit. Corresponding results were obtained on immunocytochemical staining. Of three exemplary melanoma cell lines studied, two expressing SCF mRNA also released SCF spontaneously and on stimulation, whereas the line lacking SCF and c-kit mRNA (SK-Mel-23) failed to do so. These data demonstrate thus that melanoma cell lines, particularly those known to metastasize in vivo, lose the ability to express SCF-2 mRNA, suggesting that this molecule may serve, next to c-Kit, as a prognostic marker for malignant melanoma. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
Interplay Between Delayed CSIT and Network Topology for Secure MISO BC

We study the problem of secure transmission over a Gaussian two-user multi-input single-output (MISO) broadcast channel under the assumption that links connecting the transmitter to the two receivers may have unequal strength statistically. In addition to this, the state of the channel to each receiver is conveyed in a strictly causal manner to the transmitter. We focus on a two state topological setting of strong v.s. weak links. Under these assumptions, we first consider the MISO wiretap channel and establish bounds on generalized secure degrees of freedom (GSDoF). Next, we extend this model to the two-user MISO broadcast channel and establish inner and outer bounds on GSDoF region with different topology states. The encoding scheme sheds light on the usage of both resources, i.e., topology of the model and strictly causal channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT); and, allows digitization and multi-casting of overheard side information, while transmitting confidential message over the stronger link. Furthermore, for a special class of channels, we show that the established bounds agree and so we characterize the sum GSDoF.
Regenerative protein thymosin β‐4 is a novel regulator of purinergic signaling

By an unknown mechanism, β‐thymosins are extracellular modulators of angiogenesis, inflammation, wound healing, and development. We were interested in identifying β‐thymosin interactors and determining their importance in β‐thymosins signaling in human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We performed pulldown experiments with biotinylated thymosin β‐4 (Tβ4) in comparison to neutravidin beads alone and used mass spectrometric analysis to identify differentially interacting proteins. By this method, we identified F1‐F0 ATP synthase, a known target of antiangiogenic angiostatin. By surface plasmon resonance, we determined for Tβ4 binding to the β subunit of ATP synthase a KD of 12 nM. Blocking antibodies and antagonists (oligomycin, IC50 ~1.8 µM;piceatannol, IC50–1.05 µM;and angiostatin, IC50 ~2.9 µg/ml) of ATP synthase inhibited the Tβ4‐induced increase in cell surface ATP levels, as measured by luciferase assay, and the Tβ 4‐induced increase in HUVEC migration, as measured by transwell migration assay. Silencing of the ATP‐responsive purinergic receptor P2X4 with siRNA also blocked Tβ4‐induced HUVEC migration in a trans‐well assay. Furthermore, in silico we identified common amphiphilic α‐helical structural similarities between β‐thymosins and the inhibitory factor 1 (IF1), an inhibitor of ATP synthase hydrolysis. In summary, we have identified an extracellular signaling pathway where Tβ4 increases cell surface ATP levels via ATP synthase and have shown further that ATP‐responsive P2X4 receptor is required for Tβ4‐induced HUVEC migration. —Freeman, K. W. , Bowman, B. R. , Zetter, B. R. Regenerative protein thymosin β‐4 is a novel regulator of purinergic signaling. FASEB J. 25, 907–915 (2011). www.fasebj. org
Rational Pricing of Internet Companies Revisited

In this article we expand and improve the Internet company valuation model of Schwartz and Moon (2000) in numerous ways. By using techniques from real options theory and modern capital budgeting, the earlier paper demonstrated that uncertainty about key variables plays a major role in the valuation of high growth Internet companies. Presently, we make the model more realistic by providing for stochastic costs and future financing, and also by including capital expenditures and depreciation in the analysis. Perhaps more importantly, we offer insights into the practical implementation of the model. An important challenge to implementing the original model was estimating the various parameters of the model. Here, we improve the procedure by setting the speed of adjustment parameters equal to one another, by tying the implied half-life of the revenue growth process to analyst forecasts, and by inferring the risk-adjustment parameter from the observed beta of the company's stock price. We illustrate these extensions in a valuation of the company eBay. Copyright 2001 by MIT Press.
Reagent Migration and the Performance of Durable-Press Fabrics

In order to delineate the effects on reagent migration on the textile-performance properties of durable-press fabrics, dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and N-methylolpolyethyleneurea, degree of polymerization = 2, were applied to cotton printcloth under slow and rapid drying conditions, which effected uniform and nonuniform crosslink distributions through the fabric thickness. These reagents are representative of conventional and network polymer forming cross-linking reagents, respectively. The crosslink uniformity (or nonuniformity) was measured in the DMDHEU series with a negative Direct Red 81 staining technique. Fabrics with a uniform distribution of crosslinks throughout the fabric thickness were the point of reference. The concentration of crosslinks on fabric surfaces effected by reagent migration during rapid drying resulted in a) comparable development of resilience, b) slightly better retentions of breaking strength, tearing strength, and elongation, c) greater weight losses in Accelerotor abrasion, and d) comparable retention of Stoll-flex abrasion resistance. These trends occurred with both reagent systems and were detected at both the low and high levels of reagent incorporation. The results are discussed in relation to the distribution of crosslinks.
Investigation of Habitat Effects on the Spatial Distribution of Lutzomyia shannoni Across Heterogeneous Environments, with Note of Respective Mosquito Species Compositions

ABSTRACT Sand flies are small blood feeding dipterans that are primary vectors of numerous human and livestock pathogens. Control efforts are often complex and multidimensional. A fundamental step in the development and implementation of any integrated pest management (IPM) program is the refining of effective surveillance and identification techniques. Before this study, the presence of two species, Lutzomyia shannoni (Dyar) and Lutzomyia vexator (Coquillett) became known in Kentucky and surrounding states. To understand the spatial distribution of these species across heterogeneous landscapes in this region, trapping was conducted at random locations in previously designated habitats. Although a lack of clear data prevented any conclusions to be drawn for the preferences of L. vexator, the species of greater medical and veterinary importance, L. shannoni, was documented to show a strong preference for habitats along the wooded edges of pasture lands. In the region of study, these lands are frequently used in the production of beef cattle and other livestock, reinforcing the veterinary significance of the findings. Because of their familiarity to vector control officials and operators, mosquito species compositions were compared with the recorded abundance of L. shannoni across the varied habitats. The linking of this information should prove useful to management plans for the phlebotomine, if warranted in the future.
Action Potentials in Chick Atria: INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO BLOCKADE BY TETRODOTOXIN DURING EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) at a concentration of 1.6 × 10−7M blocked intracellularly recorded action potentials in 12- and 18-day-old embryonic chick atria. However, TTX, 1 × 10−5M, did not abolish action potentials recorded from cells in 6-day-old atria. TTX-sensitive receptor sites were present in 6-day-old atrial membranes because the toxin depressed the early Na+ conductance that generated the rapid depolarization phase and the maximum rate of rise of the action potential. TTX at 0.9 × 10−8M reduced the maximum rate of rise by 50% in 6-day-old atria, and TTX at 2 × 10−8M had the same effect in 12- and 18-day-old preparations. Action potential overshoot changed about 10−20 mv/tenfold variation in external Na+ concentration in 6-day-old atria in contrast to the change of about 60 mv/decade observed in 18-day-old atria. Moreover, the TTX-resistant action potentials in 6-day-old atria depended primarily on an inward Ca2+ current because overshoot changed 24 mv/decade variation in external Ca2+ concentration. The improvement in sodium-electrode properties that occurred during maturation was accompanied by an increase in the maximum rate of rise of the action potential, which averaged 64 v/sec in 6-day-old atria and 94 v/sec in 18-day-old atria. These findings suggested that the early Na+ conductance mechanism became more critical in generating the action potential in older embryonic atria. These data were consistent with the hypothesis that the membrane density of early conductance sites increased with embryonic age. The TTX resistance of 6-day-old atria depended on an inward Ca2+ current that generated action potentials after the early Na+ conductance sites had been blocked by the toxin.
Effect of Ramadan fasting in Saudi Arabia on serum bone profile and immunoglobulins

Background: Each year Muslims fast from dawn to sunset for 1 month (Ramadan). In Saudi Arabia, the sleep–wake cycle during Ramadan is severely disturbed and is associated with abolition of the circadian cortisol rhythm, exposing Saudis to continuously increased cortisol levels, which may influence the immune response. In addition to cortisol, sleep and fasting affect the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hence bone metabolism. Methods: Our objective was to investigate the effect of Ramadan type fasting on secretory patterns of PTH, markers of bone metabolism, and serum immunoglobulins. Blood samples from healthy young volunteers were collected at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (± 1 hour) before (Shaban) and 2 weeks into Ramadan. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, 25-OH vitamin D, intact PTH (iPTH), and immunoglobulin (Ig) A, M and G were measured. Results: During Ramadan, evening-adjusted calcium was higher (p = 0.036) and phosphate lower (p < 0.001) than the corresponding morning value. Moreover, the Ramadan mean morning phosphate was higher and the evening level lower was than Shabaan values (p = 0.010 and p <0.001, respectively), while mean iPTH level was decreased compared with the morning value (p = 0.001), and the evening mean during Shabaan (p = 0.029). Mean IgG concentration was significantly lower during Ramadan (p = 0.003 and p = 0.021 for morning and evening, respectively). Conclusions: Changes in dietary practices during Ramadan modulated PTH secretion to a pattern which might be beneficial to bone health. Combined effects of fasting and disturbed sleep led to a noted decrease in IgG level. Therefore, a possible beneficial effect of fasting on bone turnover is combined with decreased immune response.
A new approach to hierarchical clustering for the analysis of genomic data

Clustering algorithms in biomedical disciplines are usually selected between two main families, k-means and agglomerative hierarchical clustering. These methods are well studied and well established. However, both categories have some drawbacks related to data dimensionality (for partitional algorithms) and to the bottom-up structure (for hierarchical algorithms). To overcome these limitations, we present a hierarchical clustering algorithm based on a completely different principle, which is the analysis of shared farthest neighbors. The principle of operation and the rationale are illustrated, and experimental results on different data sets are presented.
Wake on wireless: an event driven energy saving strategy for battery operated devices

The demand for an all-in-one phone with integrated personal information management and data access capabilities is beginning to accelerate. While personal digital assistants (PDAs) with built-in cellular, WiFi, and Voice-Over-IP technologies have the ability to serve these needs in a single package, the rate at which energy is consumed by PDA-based phones is very high. Thus, these devices can quickly drain their own batteries and become useless to their owner.In this paper, we introduce a technique to increase the battery lifetime of a PDA-based phone by reducing its idle power, the power a device consumes in a "standby" state. To reduce the idle power, we essentially shut down the device and its wireless network card when the device is not being used---the device is powered only when an incoming call is received. Using this technique, we can increase the battery lifetime by up to 115%. In this paper, we describe the design of our "wake-on-wireless" energy-saving strategy and the prototype device we implemented. To evaluate our technique, we compare it with alternative approaches. Our results show that our technique can provide a significant lifetime improvement over other technologies.