Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of LTE-A and 5G kernel algorithms on SIMD vector processor

With the wide spread of wireless technology, the time for 4G has arrived, and 5G will appear not so far in the future. However, no matter whether it is 4G or 5G, low latency is a mandatory requirement for baseband processing at base stations for modern cellular standards. In particular, in a future 5G wireless system, with massive MIMO and ultra-dense cells, the demand for low round trip latency between the mobile device and the base station requires a baseband processing delay of 1 ms. This is 10 percentage of today’s LTE-A round trip latency, while at the same time massive MIMO requires large-scale matrix computations. This is especially true for channel estimation and MIMO detection at the base station. Therefore, it is essential to ensure low latency for the user data traffic.In this master’s thesis, LTE/LTE-A uplink physical layer processing is examined, especially the process of channel estimation and MIMO detection. In order to analyze this processing we compare two conventional algorithms’ performance and complexity for channel estimation and MIMO detection. The key aspect which affects the algorithms’ speed is identified as the need for “massive complex matrix inversion”. A parallel coding scheme is proposed to implement a matrix inversion kernel algorithm on a single instruction multiple data stream (SIMD) vector processor.The major contribution of this thesis is implementation and evaluation of a parallel massive complex matrix inversion algorithm. Two aspects have been addressed: the selection of the algorithm to perform this matrix computation and the implementation of a highly parallel version of this algorithm.
Weak Decoupling, Polynomial Folds and Approximate Optimization over the Sphere

We consider the following basic problem: given an n-variate degree-d homogeneous polynomial f with real coefficients, compute a unit vector x in R{\string^}n that maximizes abs(f(x)). Besides its fundamental nature, this problem arises in diverse contexts ranging from tensor and operator norms to graph expansion to quantum information theory. The homogeneous degree-2 case is efficiently solvable as it corresponds to computing the spectral norm of an associated matrix, but the higher degree case is NP-hard.We give approximation algorithms for this problem that offer a trade-off between the approximation ratio and running time: in n{\string^}O(q) time, we get an approximation within factor (O(n)\,/\,q){\string^}(d/2-1) for arbitrary polynomials, (O(n)\,/\,q){\string^}(d/4-1/2) for polynomials with non-negative coefficients, and (m\,/\,q){\string^}(1/2) for sparse polynomials with m monomials. The approximation guarantees are with respect to the optimum of the level-q sum-of-squares (SoS) SDP relaxation of the problem (though our algorithms do not rely on actually solving the SDP). Known polynomial time algorithms for this problem rely on decoupling lemmas. Such tools are not capable of offering a trade-off like our results as they blow up the number of variables by a factor equal to the degree. We develop new decoupling tools that are more efficient in the number of variables at the expense of less structure in the output polynomials. This enables us to harness the benefits of higher level SoS relaxations. Our decoupling methods also work with folded polynomials, which are polynomials with polynomials as coefficients. This allows us to exploit easy substructures (such as quadratics) by considering them as coefficients in our algorithms. %We complement our algorithmic results with some polynomially large integrality gaps for d-levels of the SoS relaxation. For general polynomials this follows from known results for random polynomials, which yield a gap of &#x03A9;(n){\string^}(d/4-1/2). For polynomials with non-negative coefficients, we prove an &#x03A9;(n{\string^}(1/6)\,/\, polylogs) gap for the degree-4 case, based on a novel distribution of 4-uniform hypergraphs. We establish an n{\string^}&#x03A9;(d) gap for general degree-d, albeit for a slightly weaker (but still very natural) relaxation. Toward this, we give a method to lift a level-4 solution matrix M to a higher level solution, under a mild technical condition on M.From a structural perspective, our work yields worst-case convergence results on the performance of the sum-of-squares hierarchy for polynomial optimization. Despite the popularity of SoS in this context, such results were previously only known for the case of q = Omega(n).
Compact wideband bandpass filter

Designing wideband bandpass filters (BPF) with parallel-coupled microstrip lines requires tight coupling resulting in close separation between the lines and difficulty of fabrication. Here, it is shown that the etched slots in the ground plane of the parallel coupled lines can significantly increase the coupling. This technique has been extended to realize ultra-wideband BPFs having 3-dB fractional bandwidth greater than 100% and low insertion loss in the passband
Market orientation, innovation and competitive strategies in industrial firms

Market orientation promotes the satisfaction of market needs with a higher degree of excellence than competitors. However, its potential effects on the companies' innovation strategy are discussed. The question is whether or not market orientation, due to an excessive customer focus, leads mainly to the development of incremental innovations and, consequently, to reactive innovation strategies. To obtain further insight into this topic, a market orientation measurement scale is first developed, taking into account the instrument proposed in the last decade. Then, the scale psychometric properties are evaluated. Once it proves to be a solid instrument of measurement, the relationship between market orientation and the following variables is analysed: firms' commitment to the innovation activities, effective innovation rates, degree of innovativeness of the new products developed, firms' competitive strategy and companies' performance. The study supports the beneficial effects of market orientation on the innovation strategy, providing empirical evidence in a research field where contributions of this nature are very scarce.In addition, the convenience of incorporating market orientation into industrial firms' management is reinforced.
Adaptive Mutations in RNA Polymerase and the Transcriptional Terminator Rho Have Similar Effects on Escherichia coli Gene Expression

Modifications to transcriptional regulators play a major role in adaptation. Here we compared the effects of multiple beneficial mutations within and between Escherichia coli rpoB, the gene encoding the RNA polymerase β subunit, and rho, which encodes a transcriptional terminator. These two genes have harbored adaptive mutations in numerous E. coli evolution experiments but particularly in our previous large-scale thermal stress experiment, where the two genes characterized two alternative adaptive pathways. To compare the effects of beneficial mutations, we engineered four advantageous mutations into each of the two genes and measured their effects on fitness, growth, gene expression and transcriptional termination at 42.2°C. Among the eight mutations, two rho mutations had no detectable effect on relative fitness, suggesting they were beneficial only in the context of epistatic interactions. The remaining six mutations had an average relative fitness benefit of ∼20%. The rpoB mutations altered the expression of ∼1700 genes; rho mutations altered the expression of fewer genes, most of which were a subset of the genes altered by rpoB. Across our eight mutants, relative fitness correlated with the degree to which a mutation restored gene expression back to the unstressed, 37.0°C state. The rho mutations do not enhance transcriptional termination in known rho-terminated regions, but the genome-wide effects of mutations in both genes was to enhance termination. Although beneficial mutations in the two genes did not have identical effects on fitness, growth or gene expression, they acted predominantly through parallel phenotypic effects on gene expression and transcriptional termination.
Auditory Hallucinations in Dissociative Identity Disorder and Schizophrenia With and Without a Childhood Trauma History: Similarities and Differences

Little is known about similarities and differences in voice hearing in schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder (DID) and the role of child maltreatment and dissociation. This study examined various aspects of voice hearing, along with childhood maltreatment and pathological dissociation in 3 samples: schizophrenia without child maltreatment (n = 18), schizophrenia with child maltreatment (n = 16), and DID (n = 29). Compared with the schizophrenia groups, the DID sample was more likely to have voices starting before 18, hear more than 2 voices, have both child and adult voices and experience tactile and visual hallucinations. The 3 groups were similar in that voice content was incongruent with mood and the location was more likely internal than external. Pathological dissociation predicted several aspects of voice hearing and appears an important variable in voice hearing, at least where maltreatment is present.
The horseshoe estimator for sparse signals

This paper proposes a new approach to sparsity, called the horseshoe estimator, which arises from a prior based on multivariate-normal scale mixtures. We describe the estimator's advantages over existing approaches, including its robustness, adaptivity to different sparsity patterns and analytical tractability. We prove two theorems: one that characterizes the horseshoe estimator's tail robustness and the other that demonstrates a super-efficient rate of convergence to the correct estimate of the sampling density in sparse situations. Finally, using both real and simulated data, we show that the horseshoe estimator corresponds quite closely to the answers obtained by Bayesian model averaging under a point-mass mixture prior. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.
PerspectiveParathyroid hormone—a drug for orthopedic surgery?

Whereas continuous exposure to PTH results in bone resorption, administration at intermittent doses results in bone formation by increasing osteoblast number and activity. The anabolic action of PTH has also been demonstrated in clinical trials, in which PTH increased the bone mass and reduced fracture rate in patients with osteoporosis. In animal models of fracture healing and fixation of orthopedic implants, PTH increases the bone density in a dose-dependent manner, leading to faster repair and better fixation. The effect appears to be stronger on the new forming bone than on pre-existing bone. Based on these preclinical studies, we suggest that intermittent PTH treatment may also benefit fracture healing and implant fixation in patients.
Loop Scheduling Optimization with Data Prefetching Based on Multi-dimensional Retiming

In this paper, we propose a novel loop scheduling technique based on multi-dimensional retiming in a balanced fashion, which considers the computation schedule and memory access schedule simultaneously. Experiments show that the proposed technique which combines the data prefetching and retiming is successful in hiding memory la-tency and improving the overall performance. Comparing with the traditional list scheduling algorithm, the average improvement is 28%.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Virtual Reality-Graded Exposure Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Active Duty Service Members with Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract Virtual reality (VR)-based therapy has emerged as a potentially useful means to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but randomized studies have been lacking for Service Members from Iraq or Afghanistan. This study documents a small, randomized, controlled trial of VR-graded exposure therapy (VR-GET) versus treatment as usual (TAU) for PTSD in Active Duty military personnel with combat-related PTSD. Success was gauged according to whether treatment resulted in a 30 percent or greater improvement in the PTSD symptom severity as assessed by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) after 10 weeks of treatment. Seven of 10 participants improved by 30 percent or greater while in VR-GET, whereas only 1 of the 9 returning participants in TAU showed similar improvement. This is a clinically and statistically significant result (χ(2) = 6.74, p < 0.01, relative risk 3.2). Participants in VR-GET improved an average of 35 points on the CAPS, whereas those in TAU averaged a 9-point improvement (p < 0.05). The results are limited by small size, lack of blinding, a single therapist, and comparison to a relatively uncontrolled usual care condition, but did show VR-GET to be a safe and effective treatment for combat-related PTSD.
Role of paliperidone extended-release in treatment of schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by the presence of symptoms of both schizophrenia and a major mood disorder. The coexistence of these symptoms can be difficult to manage, and these patients are generally treated with antipsychotics as well as mood stabilizers and/or antidepressants. Additionally, no established treatment guidelines exist for this disorder. This review describes the combined results of two international, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies of paliperidone extended-release (ER), an atypical antipsychotic recently approved in the US for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder. Subjects in these six-week trials were aged 18–65 years, had a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder based on the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) Disorders, and were experiencing an acute exacerbation. The subjects from these studies had significant symptomatology as evidenced by a mean (standard deviation) baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score of 92.8 (13.0). Based on Young Mania Rating Scale and/or a 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of ≥16 at baseline, 79.5% and 66.9% of subjects presented with prominent manic and depressive symptoms, respectively, and 46.4% presented with mixed symptoms. Approximately half (45%) of subjects were taking adjunctive mood stabilizers and/or antidepressants. Paliperidone ER was found to be effective in improving psychotic and mood symptoms in these subjects. Paliperidone ER was also effective as monotherapy or adjunctive to mood stabilizers and/or antidepressants for subjects with prominent manic, depressive, or mixed symptoms at baseline. No new tolerability signals were observed in this population. To the best of our awareness, these pooled data provide the largest data set of patients with schizoaffective disorder, and extend our knowledge of disease characteristics and treatment response.
A Preliminary Investigation into the Emotion Self-Confidence Model of Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents

This study explored implications of the emotion self-confidence model of suicidal ideation (ESC-SI Model; Deeley & Love, 2012) in adolescents. Referencing stress-coping principles, the model implies that high levels of negative emotionality coupled with low expectations for coping with, or changing, this experience (low emotion self-confidence) would predispose towards thoughts of suicide. The hypothesis was examined in 136 community adolescents using questionnaire methodology in a cross-sectional, correlational design. Regression analysis showed the model of best fit was a direct-effects (cumulative) model in which negative emotionality and emotion self-confidence each contributed to suicidal ideation through both shared and unique variance. Results supported the ESC-SI Model's validity, though its generalizability will only be confirmed through replication and further empirical research.
Bioinformatics in otolaryngology research. Part one: concepts in DNA sequencing and gene expression analysis

Abstract Background: Advances in high-throughput molecular biology, genomics and epigenetics, coupled with exponential increases in computing power and data storage, have led to a new era in biological research and information. Bioinformatics, the discipline devoted to storing, analysing and interpreting large volumes of biological data, has become a crucial component of modern biomedical research. Research in otolaryngology has evolved along with these advances. Objectives: This review highlights several modern high-throughput research methods, and focuses on the bioinformatics principles necessary to carry out such studies. Several examples from recent literature pertinent to otolaryngology are provided. The review is divided into two parts; this first part discusses the bioinformatics approaches applied in nucleotide sequencing and gene expression analysis. Conclusion: This paper demonstrates how high-throughput nucleotide sequencing and transcriptomics are changing biology and medicine, and describes how these changes are affecting otorhinolaryngology. Sound bioinformatics approaches are required to obtain useful information from the vast new sources of data.
Brain damage in dogs immediately following pulsatile and non-pulsatile blood flows in extracorporeal circulation

The brains of dogs subjected to total cardiac bypass were examined for early signs of ischaemic nerve cell changes. Diffuse nerve cell changes were found immediately following two- and three-hour non-pulsatile perfusions but not following pulsatile perfusions of the same durations. The nerve cell changes found in the brains were acute cell swelling and early ischaemic cell change. Acute cell swelling was found only in the cerebellar Purkinje cells. Ischaemic cell change was found in several regions of the brain but the cerebral cortex and cerebellar Purkinje cells were most frequently affected. Diffuse nerve cell changes are attributed to non-pulsatile blood flow but some complicating factors are recognized. Focal lesions found in three brains may have been due to embolism by blood cell aggregates and/or gas microbubbles.
Hippocampal place cell assemblies are speed-controlled oscillators

The phase of spikes of hippocampal pyramidal cells relative to the local field θ oscillation shifts forward (“phase precession”) over a full θ cycle as the animal crosses the cell's receptive field (“place field”). The linear relationship between the phase of the spikes and the travel distance within the place field is independent of the animal's running speed. This invariance of the phase–distance relationship is likely to be important for coordinated activity of hippocampal cells and space coding, yet the mechanism responsible for it is not known. Here we show that at faster running speeds place cells are active for fewer θ cycles but oscillate at a higher frequency and emit more spikes per cycle. As a result, the phase shift of spikes from cycle to cycle (i.e., temporal precession slope) is faster, yet spatial-phase precession stays unchanged. Interneurons can also show transient-phase precession and contribute to the formation of coherently precessing assemblies. We hypothesize that the speed-correlated acceleration of place cell assembly oscillation is responsible for the phase–distance invariance of hippocampal place cells.
The impact of the thread design compared to the impact of the surface topography on the primary stability of implants inserted into fresh pig ribs

The aim of this investigation was to compare the effect of the thread pitch, thread profile and the surface morphology on the primary stability of implants of a different diameter. Eighty test specimens of dental im­plants were inserted into 16 untreated pig ribs, as the maximum insertion torque (MIT), periotest values (PTV) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured. Considering the results, we concluded that the higher thread profile, even with a wider thread pitch, affects the primary stability more than the rougher surface of the implants.
Round Complexity of Authenticated Broadcast with a Dishonest Majority

Broadcast among n parties in the presence of t ges n/3 malicious parties is possible only with some additional setup. The most common setup considered is the existence of a PKI and secure, digital signatures, where so-called authenticated broadcast is achievable for any t < n. It is known that t + 1 rounds are necessary and sufficient for deterministic protocols achieving authenticated broadcast. Recently, however, randomized protocols running in expected constant rounds have been shown for the case of t < n/2. It has remained open whether randomization can improve the round complexity when an honest majority is not present. We address this question and show upper/lower bounds on how much randomization can help: ldr For t les n/2 + k, we. show a randomized broadcast protocol that runs in expected O(k2) rounds. In particular, we obtain expected constant-round pivtocols for t = n/2 + O(1). ldr On the negative side, we show that even randomized protocols require Omega(2n/(n-t)) rounds. This in particular rules out expected constant-round protocols when the fraction of honest parties is sub-constant.
Hydrological tracers for assessing transport and dissipation
processes of pesticides in a model constructed wetland system

Abstract. Hydrological tracers have been recently used as a low-cost approach to study the fate and transport of pesticides in constructed wetlands. Yet, internal temporal and spatial mechanisms that dominate their transport and dissipation in such environments are still not fully understood. We have applied three tracers with different sorptive and reactive properties: bromide (Br), uranine (UR) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) to investigate dominant temporal and spatial transport and dissipation processes of three selected pesticides: boscalid, penconazole and metazachlor in a model constructed wetland system designed to perform high vertical-resolution sampling and monitoring on a long-term basis. The experimental observations revealed that two different preferential flow paths developed, one due to the constructional design of the inflow and the other one due to the influence of the free water at the surface along with the plants. Transport of solutes was driven by the injections and dominated for Br, UR and metazachlor. The final mass balance highlighted that the main dissipation pathways were sorption, transformation and plant uptake. Sorption was detected immediately after the injection of solutes, while transformation was enhanced by the presence of plants and the promotion of aerobic conditions. The detection of metazachlor transformation products confirmed the contribution of transformation to metazachlor dissipation, whereas boscalid and penconazole mainly experienced sorption processes. The use of hydrological tracers together with selected pesticides and coupled with high vertical-resolution sampling and monitoring proved to provide valuable information about transport vectors and dissipation processes of pesticides in a vegetated redox-dynamic environment on a long-term basis and detailed spatial scale.