Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uplink scheduling for multi-channel multi-user cognitive radio cellular networks in fading channels

In this paper we investigate the uplink scheduling for secondary users (SUs) in multi-channel cognitive radio cellular networks with fading channels. In the problem under consideration, secondary networks are infrastructure-based with a cognitive base station. We consider the path loss, the lognormal shadowing, Rayleigh fading channels, and their effects on the transmission power constraint and uplink scheduling. We develop two uplink scheduling algorithms for maximum sum rate (MSR) and proportional fairness (PF). The objective of the MSR algorithm is to maximize the sum rates of all SUs, but this algorithm does not consider the fairness among SUs. In contrast, the PF algorithm considers the fairness among SUs. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and show the tradeoff between maximizing the sum rates and achieving fairness.
Changing Teachers’ Negative Attitudes Toward Persons With Intellectual Disabilities

The current study aims at changing teachers’ negative attitudes toward persons with intellectual disabilities. The intervention is based on the argument that providing information is not sufficient to achieve lasting change of attitudes toward people with disabilities, and that contact is required as an additional element to show positive results. A pretest-posttest intervention was conducted using three conditions: (a) cognitive intervention, (b) cognitive and behavioral intervention involving contact with the target group, and (c) no-intervention control. The participants comprised 18 teachers, with 6 teachers in each group. Following baseline assessments of attitudes, attitude change was measured immediately following the intervention and at a follow-up 12 weeks postintervention. The cognitive intervention provided information about intellectual disability and challenged stereotypic conceptions about persons with intellectual disabilities. The behavioral intervention involved being engaged in work with and training persons with intellectual disabilities in sheltered workshops. The results showed that the cognitive intervention alone did not result in significant changes in attitudes toward persons with intellectual disabilities. However, the combined cognitive-behavioral intervention resulted in greater attitude change than the no-intervention condition, both immediately postintervention and at a 12-week follow-up. The findings are discussed with regard to models of attitude change. The study concludes with some recommendations for teacher training programs to be attended to.
The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies

The past decade witnessed an explosion in our understanding of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Since Walton and Nattrass1 introduced this term in their classification of the muscular dystrophies, LGMD had been a wastebasket designation. However, with molecular discoveries in the past decade, LGMD has emerged as an entire field within the inherited myopathies; at least five autosomal dominant and ten autosomal recessive gene defects have been identified. Redefined in 1995, the LGMDs are face-sparing, proximally predominant, progressive muscular dystrophies with elevated creatine kinase levels and dystrophic features on muscle biopsy.2 In the current classification system, LGMDs are divided into autosomal dominant (LGMD1) and autosomal recessive (LGMD2) disorders with a superimposed lettering system denoting the chronologic order of chromosomal linkage (thus far, A through E for autosomal dominant and A through J for autosomal recessive LGMDs). 3 The table outlines key clinical, laboratory, genetic, and diagnostic features of the 15 LGMD subgroups identified to date. View this table: Table Distinguishing features for diagnosis of the limb-girdle muscular dystrophies Accurate diagnosis is now possible for the majority and is important for genetic counseling. Certain LGMDs are characterized by …
Calculating Herman's Orientation Factor

Examination of the treated and untreated cotton, polyester, and wool triblended fabric produced results that confirmed those in our previous study [3]. Burning of the triblend fabric produced chars that were different from chars of fabrics of either of the three fibers alone. The same sorts of polyester and wool flows were found in the triblended fabric upon heating as were seen in the cotton/polyester and cotton/wool fabrics. In addition, we found that in the triblend fabric, heat first affected the polyester fiber structure. After the polyester melted, the wool puffed and ruptured, and then the wool decomposition product flowed. The final char showed the cotton fiber remains, often hollow but still retaining their fiber gross structure, embedded in the fused remains of the polyester and wool. Chars of the THPS-treated fabric were similar except that the fused char retained some of the flame-retardant chemical. The THPS penetrated the cotton and wool, but not the polyester. Thermal analysis data supported the conclusions drawn from the progression of changes found in microscopical analyses of the three fibers.
Sharp linear and bilinear restriction estimates for paraboloids in the cylindrically symmetric case

For cylindrically symmetric functions dyadically supported on the paraboloid, we obtain a family of sharp linear and bilinear adjoint restriction estimates. As corollaries, we first extend the ranges of exponents for the classical \textit{linear or bilinear adjoint restriction conjectures} for such functions and verify the \textit{linear adjoint restriction conjecture} for the paraboloid. We also interpret the restriction estimates in terms of solutions to the Schr\"odinger equation and establish the analogous results when the paraboloid is replaced by the lower third of the sphere.
Flow map and measurement of void fraction and heat transfer coefficient using an image analysis technique for flow boiling of water in a silicon microchannel

The present work focuses on the generation of the flow regime map for two-phase water flow in microchannels of a hydraulic diameter of 140 µm. An image analysis algorithm has been developed and utilized to obtain the local void fraction. The image processing technique is also employed to identify and estimate the percentage of different flow regimes and heat transfer coefficient, as a function of position, heat flux and mass flow rate. Both void fraction and heat transfer coefficient are found to increase monotonically along the length of the microchannel. At low heat flux and low flow rates, bubbly, slug and annular flow regimes are apparent. However, the flow is predominately annular at high heat flux and high flow rate. A breakup of the flow frequency suggests that the flow is bistable in the annular regime, in that at a fixed location, the flow periodically switches from single-phase liquid to annular and vice versa. Otherwise, the occurrence of three regimes—single-phase liquid, bubbly and slug are observed. These results provide several useful insights about two-phase flow in microchannels besides being of fundamental interest.
Extraction, Isolation, Structural Characterization and Anti-Tumor Properties of an Apigalacturonan-Rich Polysaccharide from the Sea Grass Zostera caespitosa Miki

An apigalacturonan (AGA)-rich polysaccharide, ZCMP, was isolated from the sea grass Zostera caespitosa Miki. The depolymerized fragments derived from ZCMP were obtained by either acidic degradation or pectinase degradation, and their structures were characterized by electrospray ionization collision-induced-dissociation mass spectrometry (ESI-CID-MS2) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The average molecular weight of ZCMP was 77.2 kD and it consisted of galacturonic acid (GalA), apiosefuranose (Api), galactose (Gal), rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), and mannose (Man), at a molar ratio of 51.4꞉15.5꞉6.0꞉11.8꞉4.2꞉4.4꞉4.2. There were two regions of AGA (70%) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-Ι, 30%) in ZCMP. AGA was composed of an α-1,4-d-galactopyranosyluronan backbone mainly substituted at the O-3 position by single Api residues. RG-Ι possessed a backbone of repeating disaccharide units of →4GalAα1,2Rhaα1→, with a few α-l-arabinose and β-d-galactose residues as side chains. The anti-angiogenesis assay showed that ZCMP inhibited the migratory activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs), with no influence on endothelial cells growth. ZCMP also promoted macrophage phagocytosis. These findings of the present study demonstrated the potential anti-tumor activity of ZCMP through anti-angiogenic and immunoregulatory pathways.
Bradyrhizobium paxllaeri sp. nov. and Bradyrhizobium icense sp. nov., nitrogen-fixing rhizobial symbionts of Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) in Peru.

A group of strains isolated from root nodules of Phaseolus lunatus (Lima bean) in Peru were characterized by genotypic, genomic and phenotypic methods. All strains possessed identical 16S rRNA gene sequences that were 99.9% identical to that of Bradyrhizobium lablabi CCBAU 23086(T). Despite having identical 16S rRNA gene sequences, the Phaseolus lunatus strains could be divided into two clades by sequence analysis of recA, atpD, glnII, dnaK and gyrB genes. The genome sequence of a representative of each clade was obtained and compared to the genomes of closely related species of the genus Bradyrhizobium. Average nucleotide identity values below the species circumscription threshold were obtained when comparing the two clades to each other (88.6%) and with all type strains of the genus Bradyrhizobium (≤92.9%). Phenotypes distinguishing both clades from all described and closely related species of the genus Bradyrhizobium were found. On the basis of the results obtained, two novel species, Bradyrhizobium paxllaeri sp. nov. (type strain LMTR 21(T) = DSM 18454(T) = HAMBI 2911(T)) and Bradyrhizobium icense sp. nov. (type strain LMTR 13(T) = HAMBI 3584(T) = CECT 8509(T) = CNPSo 2583(T)), are proposed to accommodate the uncovered clades of Phaseolus lunatus bradyrhizobia. These species share highly related but distinct nifH and nodC symbiosis genes.
Influence of sugar type on the bioavailability of cocoa flavanols

The beneficial effects of cocoa on vascular function are mediated by the absorption of monomeric flavanols into the circulation from the small intestine. As such, an understanding of the impact of the food matrix on the delivery of flavanols to the circulation is critical in assessing the potential vascular impact of a food. In the present study, we investigated the impact of carbohydrate type on flavanol absorption and metabolism from chocolate. A randomised, double-blind, three-arm cross-over study was conducted, where fifteen volunteers were randomly assigned to either a high-flavanol (266 mg) chocolate containing maltitol, a high-flavanol (251 mg) chocolate with sucrose or a low-flavanol (48 mg) chocolate with sucrose. Test chocolates were matched for micro- and macronutrients, including the alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, and were similar in taste and appearance. Total flavanol absorption was lower after consumption of the maltitol-containing test chocolate compared with following consumption of its sucrose-containing equivalent (P = 0·002). Although the O-methylation pattern observed for absorbed flavanols was unaffected by sugar type, individual levels of unmethylated ( − )-epicatechin metabolites, 3′-O-methyl-epicatechin and 4′-O-methyl-epicatechin metabolites were lower for the maltitol-containing test chocolate compared with the sucrose-containing equivalent. Despite a reduction in the total plasma pool of flavanols, the maximum time (T max) was unaffected. The present data indicate that full assessment of intervention treatments is vital in future intervention trials with flavanols and that carbohydrate content is an important determinant for the optimal delivery of flavanols to the circulation.
C957T polymorphism of the dopamine D2 receptor gene is associated with motor learning and heart rate

Genetic variants that are related to the dopaminergic system have been frequently found to be associated with various neurological and mental disorders. Here, we studied the relationships between some of these genetic variants and some cognitive and psychophysiological processes that are implicated in such disorders. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms were chosen: one in the dopamine D2 receptor gene (rs6277‐C957T) and one in the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase gene (rs4680‐Val158Met), which is involved in the metabolic degradation of dopamine. The performance of participants on two long‐term memory tasks was assessed: free recall (declarative memory) and mirror drawing (procedural motor learning). Heart rate (HR) was also monitored during the initial trials of the mirror‐drawing task, which is considered to be a laboratory middle‐stress generator (moderate stress), and during a rest period (low stress). Data were collected from 213 healthy Caucasian university students. The C957T C homozygous participants showed more rapid learning than the T allele carriers in the procedural motor learning task and smaller differences in HR between the moderate‐ and the low‐stress conditions. These results provide useful information regarding phenotypic variance in both healthy individuals and patients.
The health information seeking and usage behavior intention of Chinese consumers through mobile phones

Purpose – Although the health information seeking behavior of consumers through the internet has received great attention, limited attempt has been made to integrate both the health information seeking behavior and the usage behavior in a mobile online context. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence consumer mobile health information seeking (MHIS) and usage behavior based on information quality, perceived value, personal health value, and trust. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted to collect data. A two-step approach of structure equation modeling based was used to test the measurement model and hypothesis model. Findings – Information quality, perceived value, and trust were found to have positive effects on both the intention to seek and to use health information, and that the intention to seek affects the intention to use. Among the three components of perceived value, the utilitarian and epistemic values were found to have significant effects on intention .
Consequences of Nigrostriatal Denervation on the Functioning of the Basal Ganglia in Human and Nonhuman Primates: An In Situ Hybridization Study of Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I mRNA

To examine the consequences of nigrostriatal denervation and chronic levodopa (l-DOPA) treatment on functional activity of the basal ganglia, we analyzed, using in situhybridization, the cellular expression of the mRNA encoding for cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI mRNA), a molecular marker for functional neuronal activity, in the basal ganglia. This analysis was performed in monkeys rendered parkinsonian by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxication, some of which had been receiving l-DOPA, and in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In MPTP-intoxicated monkeys compared with control animals, COI mRNA expression was increased in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and in the output nuclei of the basal ganglia, i.e., the internal segment of the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. This increase was partially reversed by l-DOPA treatment. COI mRNA expression remained unchanged in the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe). In PD patients, all of whom had been treated chronically by l-DOPA, COI mRNA expression in the analyzed basal ganglia structures was similar to that in control subjects. These results are in agreement with the accepted model of basal ganglia organization, to the extent that the output nuclei of the basal ganglia are considered to be overactive after nigrostriatal denervation, partly because of increased activity of excitatory afferents from the STN. Yet, our results would also seem to contradict this model, because the overactivity of the STN does not seem to be attributable to a hypoactivation of the GPe.
Nanoelectronics Based on Carbon Nanotubes: Technological Challenges and Recent Developments

Abstract The semiconductor industry is expecting extraordinary technological challenges, so the readiness to integrate exotic materials with superior properties into microelectronic chips is increasing and new concepts are attracting more interest. This paper reviews recent research developments aimed at the design of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based vertical interconnects. We introduce our concept for the integration of CNTs into microelectronic chips that is based on a combination of conventional technology, advanced processing methods (lithography and deposition), and self‐aligned processes.
Jack-and-Master Trait Responses to Elevated CO2 and N: A Comparison of Native and Introduced Phragmites australis

Global change is predicted to promote plant invasions world-wide, reducing biodiversity and ecosystem function. Phenotypic plasticity may influence the ability of introduced plant species to invade and dominate extant communities. However, interpreting differences in plasticity can be confounded by phylogenetic differences in morphology and physiology. Here we present a novel case investigating the role of fitness trait values and phenotypic plasticity to global change factors between conspecific lineages of Phragmites australis. We hypothesized that due to observed differences in the competitive success of North American-native and Eurasian-introduced P. australis genotypes, Eurasian-introduced P. australis would exhibit greater fitness in response to global change factors. Plasticity and plant performance to ambient and predicted levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen pollution were investigated to understand how invasion pressure may change in North America under a realistic global change scenario. We found that the introduced Eurasian genotype expressed greater mean trait values in nearly every ecophysiological trait measured – aboveground and belowground – to elevated CO2 and nitrogen, outperforming the native North American conspecific by a factor of two to three under every global change scenario. This response is consistent with “jack and master” phenotypic plasticity. We suggest that differences in plant nitrogen productivity, specific leaf area, belowground biomass allocation, and inherently higher relative growth rate are the plant traits that may enhance invasion of Eurasian Phragmites in North America. Given the high degree of genotypic variability within this species, and our limited number of genotypes, our results must be interpreted cautiously. Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential importance of jack-and-master phenotypic plasticity in plant invasions when facing imminent global change conditions. We suggest that jack-and-master invasive genotypes and/or species similar to introduced P. australis will have an increased ecological fitness, facilitating their invasion in both stressful and resource rich environments.
MODELING OF ULTRASONIC PROPAGATION IN A COARSE GRAIN STRUCTURE

The metallurgical structure of centrifugally cast stainless steel components makes it difficult to ultrasonically inspect them. The centimeter‐size grains forming the macrostructure strongly affect the transmitted field and thus limit inspection capabilities. Such macrostructures can be computed using an algorithm based on the Voronoi diagrams. This mathematical tool provides good qualitative representations of equiaxed and columnar structures. By combining the Voronoi diagrams with existing CIVA functionalities such as the transmitted field computation in a heterogeneous medium using the so‐called pencil method, it is shown that some important physical phenomena responsible for inspection difficulties may be reproduced. For instance, the field distortions in phase and amplitude due to the velocity fluctuations that are caused by the large grain structures of these materials are properly described thanks to this approach. These distortions represent deviations from quantities that are usually described by.
Online Variational Inference for State-Space Models with Point-Process Observations

We present a variational Bayesian (VB) approach for the state and parameter inference of a state-space model with point-process observations, a physiologically plausible model for signal processing of spike data. We also give the derivation of a variational smoother, as well as an efficient online filtering algorithm, which can also be used to track changes in physiological parameters. The methods are assessed on simulated data, and results are compared to expectation-maximization, as well as Monte Carlo estimation techniques, in order to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed approach. The VB filter is further assessed on a data set of taste-response neural cells, showing that the proposed approach can effectively capture dynamical changes in neural responses in real time.
Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome and the Estrogen Hypothesis: A Quantitative Meta-Analysis

Background Male reproductive tract abnormalities such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer have been proposed to comprise a common syndrome together with impaired spermatogenesis with a common etiology resulting from the disruption of gonadal development during fetal life, the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). The hypothesis that in utero exposure to estrogenic agents could induce these disorders was first proposed in 1993. The only quantitative summary estimate of the association between prenatal exposure to estrogenic agents and testicular cancer was published over 10 years ago, and other systematic reviews of the association between estrogenic compounds, other than the potent pharmaceutical estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), and TDS end points have remained inconclusive. Objectives We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of the association between the end points related to TDS and prenatal exposure to estrogenic agents. Inclusion in this analysis was based on mechanistic criteria, and the plausibility of an estrogen receptor (ER)-α–mediated mode of action was specifically explored. Results We included in this meta-analysis eight studies investigating the etiology of hypospadias and/or cryptorchidism that had not been identified in previous systematic reviews. Four additional studies of pharmaceutical estrogens yielded a statistically significant updated summary estimate for testicular cancer. Conclusions The doubling of the risk ratios for all three end points investigated after DES exposure is consistent with a shared etiology and the TDS hypothesis but does not constitute evidence of an estrogenic mode of action. Results of the subset analyses point to the existence of unidentified sources of heterogeneity between studies or within the study population.