Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Stochastic Geometry Modeling of Cellular Uplink Transmission With Truncated Channel Inversion Power Control

Using stochastic geometry, we develop a tractable uplink modeling paradigm for outage probability and spectral efficiency in both single and multi-tier cellular wireless networks. The analysis accounts for per user equipment (UE) power control as well as the maximum power limitations for UEs. More specifically, for interference mitigation and robust uplink communication, each UE is required to control its transmit power such that the average received signal power at its serving base station (BS) is equal to a certain threshold ρ<sub>o</sub>. Due to the limited transmit power, the UEs employ a truncated channel inversion power control policy with a cutoff threshold of ρ<sub>o</sub>. We show that there exists a transfer point in the uplink system performance that depends on the following tuple: BS intensity λ, maximum transmit power of UEs P<sub>u</sub>}, and ρ<sub>o</sub>. That is, when P<sub>u</sub> is a tight operational constraint with respect to (w.r.t.) λ and ρ<sub>o</sub>, the uplink outage probability and spectral efficiency highly depend on the values of λ and ρ<sub>o</sub>. In this case, there exists an optimal cutoff threshold ρ<sub>o</sub>*, which depends on the system parameters, that minimizes the outage probability. On the other hand, when P<sub>u</sub> is not a binding operational constraint w.r. t. λ and ρ<sub>o</sub>, the uplink outage probability and spectral efficiency become independent of λ and ρ<sub>o</sub>. We obtain approximate yet accurate simple expressions for outage probability and spectral efficiency, which reduce to closed forms in some special cases.
Telomerase abrogates aneuploidy‐induced telomere replication stress, senescence and cell depletion

The causal role of aneuploidy in cancer initiation remains under debate since mutations of euploidy-controlling genes reduce cell fitness but aneuploidy strongly associates with human cancers. Telomerase activation allows immortal growth by stabilizing telomere length, but its role in aneuploidy survival has not been characterized. Here, we analyze the response of primary human cells and murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to aneuploidy induction and the role of telomeres and the telomerase in this process. The study shows that aneuploidy induces replication stress at telomeres leading to telomeric DNA damage and p 53 activation. This results in p 53 /Rb-dependent, premature senescence of human fibroblast, and in the depletion of hematopoietic cells in telomerase-deficient mice. Endogenous telomerase expression in HSCs and enforced expression of telomerase in human fibroblasts are sufficient to abrogate aneuploidy-induced replication stress at telomeres and the consequent induction of premature senescence and hematopoietic cell depletion. Together, these results identify telomerase as an aneuploidy survival factor in mammalian cells based on its capacity to alleviate telomere replication stress in response to aneuploidy induction.
Experiencing Instigations and Trait Aggression Contribute to Harsh Parenting Behaviors

Three studies (total N = 1777 parents) examined whether harsh parenting behaviors would increase when parents experienced an instigation and whether this increase would be especially pronounced for parents who were high in trait aggression. These predictions were tested both when parents’ experience of an instigation was manipulated (Studies 1 and 2) and when parents’ perceptions of their child’s instigating behavior was reported (Study 3). Further, these predictions were tested across a variety of measures of parents’ harsh behaviors: (1) asking parents to report their likelihood of behaving harshly (Study 1), (2) using proxy tasks for parents’ inclinations to behave harshly (Study 2), and (3) having parents report their past child-directed behaviors, some of which were harsh (Study 3). Both child instigations and parents’ trait aggression were consistently associated with parents’ child-directed harsh behaviors. However, parents’ trait aggression only moderated the extent to which the instigation was associated with their harsh parenting for self-reported physical harsh behaviors (Study 1). The results of the current studies demonstrate that both situational factors, such as experiencing an instigation, and individual difference variables, such as trait aggression, affect parents’ likelihood to exhibit harsh behaviors, but found little evidence these factors interact.
Testing Random-Detector-Efficiency Countermeasure in a Commercial System Reveals a Breakable Unrealistic Assumption

In the last decade, efforts have been made to reconcile theoretical security with realistic imperfect implementations of quantum key distribution. Implementable countermeasures are proposed to patch the discovered loopholes. However, certain countermeasures are not as robust as would be expected. In this paper, we present a concrete example of ID Quantique's random-detector-efficiency countermeasure against detector blinding attacks. As a third-party tester, we have found that the first industrial implementation of this countermeasure is effective against the original blinding attack, but not immune to a modified blinding attack. Then, we implement and test a later full version of this countermeasure containing a security proof. We find that it is still vulnerable against the modified blinding attack, because an assumption about hardware characteristics on which the proof relies fails in practice.
String gas cosmology

A critical review and summary of string gas cosmology is presented. A pedagogical derivation of the effective action starting from string theory, emphasizing the necessary approximations that must be invoked, is included. Working in the effective theory, that at late times it is not possible to stabilize the extra dimensions by a gas of massive string winding modes is demonstrated. Additional string gases are considered that contain so-called enhanced symmetry states. These string gases are very heavy initially, but drive the moduli to locations that minimize the energy and pressure of the gas. Both classical and quantum gas dynamics are considered, where in the former the validity of the theory is questionable and some fine-tuning is required, but in the latter a consistent and promising stabilization mechanism that is valid at late times is found. In addition, string gases provide a framework to explore dark matter, presenting alternatives to the cold dark matter model recently considered by Gubser and Peebles. Also quantum trapping with string gases as a method for including dynamics on the string landscape is discussed.
L-Carnosine : multifunctional dipeptide buffer for sustained-duration topical ophthalmic formulations

Objectives The use of L-carnosine as an excipient in topical ophthalmic formulations containing gellan gum, a carbohydrate polymer with in-situ gelling properties upon mixing with mammalian tear fluid, was developed as a novel platform to extend precorneal duration. Specific utilisation of L-carnosine as a buffer in gellan gum carrying vehicles was characterised. Methods Buffer capacity was evaluated using 7.5, 13.3, and 44.2 mM L-carnosine in a pH range of 5.5–7.5. Accelerated chemical stability was determined by HPLC at L-carnosine concentrations of 5–100 mM. Combinations of 7.5 mM L-carnosine with 0.06–0.6% (w/v) gellan gum were characterised rheologically. L-Carnosine-buffered solutions of gellan gum were tested for acute topical ocular tolerance in vivo in pigmented rabbits. A unique formulation combining timolol (which lowers intraocular pressure) in L-carnosine-buffered gellan gum was compared with Timoptic-XE in normotensive dogs. Key findings L-Carnosine exhibited optimal pharmaceutical characteristics for use as a buffer in chronically administered topical ocular formulations. Enhancement trends were observed in solution-to-gel transition of L-carnosine-buffered vehicles containing gellan gum vs comparators. Topical tolerability of L-carnosine-buffered gellan gum formulations and lowering of intraocular pressure were equivalent with timolol and Timoptic-XE. Conclusions Functional synergy between excipients in gellan gum formulations buffered with L-carnosine has potential for topical ocular dosage forms with sustained precorneal residence.
Attenuation of V- or C-Defective Measles Viruses: Infection Control by the Inflammatory and Interferon Responses of Rhesus Monkeys

ABSTRACT Patients recruited in virus-based cancer clinical trials and immunocompromised individuals in need of vaccination would profit from viral strains with defined attenuation mechanisms. We generated measles virus (MV) strains defective for the expression of either the V protein, a modulator of the innate immune response, or the C protein, which has multiple functions. The virulence of these strains was compared with that of the parental wild-type MV in a natural host, Macaca mulatta. Skin rash, viremia, and the strength of the innate and adaptive immune responses were characterized in groups of six animals. Replication of V- or C-protein-defective viruses was short-lived and reached lower levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphatic organs compared to the wild-type virus; none of the mutants reverted to the wild type. The neutralizing antibody titers and MV-specific T-cell responses were equivalent in monkeys infected with the viral strains tested, documenting strong adaptive immune responses. In contrast, the inflammatory response was better controlled by wild-type MV, as revealed by inhibition of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha transcription. The interferon response was also better controlled by the wild-type virus than by the defective viruses. Since V- and C-defective MVs induce strong adaptive immune responses while spreading less efficiently, they may be developed as vaccines for immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, MV unable to interact with single innate immunity proteins may be developed for preferential replication in tumors with specific contexts of vulnerability.
Robust crop resistance to broadleaf and grass herbicides provided by aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase transgenes

Engineered glyphosate resistance is the most widely adopted genetically modified trait in agriculture, gaining widespread acceptance by providing a simple robust weed control system. However, extensive and sustained use of glyphosate as a sole weed control mechanism has led to field selection for glyphosate-resistant weeds and has induced significant population shifts to weeds with inherent tolerance to glyphosate. Additional weed control mechanisms that can complement glyphosate-resistant crops are, therefore, urgently needed. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an effective low-cost, broad-spectrum herbicide that controls many of the weeds developing resistance to glyphosate. We investigated the substrate preferences of bacterial aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase enzymes (AADs) that can effectively degrade 2,4-D and have found that some members of this class can act on other widely used herbicides in addition to their activity on 2,4-D. AAD-1 cleaves the aryloxyphenoxypropionate family of grass-active herbicides, and AAD-12 acts on pyridyloxyacetate auxin herbicides such as triclopyr and fluroxypyr. Maize plants transformed with an AAD-1 gene showed robust crop resistance to aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides over four generations and were also not injured by 2,4-D applications at any growth stage. Arabidopsis plants expressing AAD-12 were resistant to 2,4-D as well as triclopyr and fluroxypyr, and transgenic soybean plants expressing AAD-12 maintained field resistance to 2,4-D over five generations. These results show that single AAD transgenes can provide simultaneous resistance to a broad repertoire of agronomically important classes of herbicides, including 2,4-D, with utility in both monocot and dicot crops. These transgenes can help preserve the productivity and environmental benefits of herbicide-resistant crops.
Undergraduate Prescription Stimulant Misuse: The Impact of Academic Strain

ABSTRACT Background: This study investigated the misuse of prescription stimulants among undergraduates for academic purposes. This research is important as existing literature has indicated that this type of prescription drug misuse is a growing concern, especially among college undergraduates aged 18–25. Objective: This study focused on how various types of academic strain (i.e., academic strain, grade strain, and academic impediments) influenced the misuse of prescription stimulants. Methods: Roughly 900 quantitative surveys were collected at a large Southeastern university in May 2014 that specifically addressed prescription stimulant misuse. Results: Results from regression analyses indicated that college students are at an increased likelihood of misusing prescription stimulants for academic purposes if they experienced academic impediments and/or grade strain during the past academic year. Conclusions/Importance: It is necessary to identify how academic strain impacts undergraduates' likelihood of engaging in the misuse of prescription stimulants as this information may aid in college based educational and prevention programs.
Evaluation of the methoxytriazine herbicide prometon using a short‐term fathead minnow reproduction test and a suite of in vitro bioassays

Prometon is one of the most consistently detected herbicides in the U.S. environment. However, no previous assessment of the potential for prometon or related methoxytriazine herbicides to act as endocrine‐disrupting chemicals has been conducted. This study used an array of in vitro bioassays to assess whether prometon, atraton, terbumeton, or secbumeton might act as potent (ant)agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon, estrogen, androgen, or glucocorticoid receptors or as aromatase inhibitors or inducers in vitro. Potential effects of prometon were also evaluated using a 21‐d fathead minnow reproduction assay. Concentrations of methoxytriazines, as great as 1 mg/L (4.4 μM), did not induce significant dioxin‐like responses in H4IIE‐luc cells, estrogenic responses in MVLN cells, or androgen or glucocorticoid receptor–mediated responses in MDA‐kb2 cells, nor did the methoxytriazines significantly affect aromatase activity in vitro. In the fathead minnow assay, exposure to 20, 200, or 1,000 μg prometon/L significantly reduced the weight of the male fat pad (an androgen‐responsive tissue) relative to body weight. Exposure to 20 μg prometon/L significantly increased female plasma testosterone concentrations, but the effect was not observed at greater concentrations. Overall, prometon did not significantly reduce fecundity over the 21‐d exposure, nor were other endpoints, including plasma vitellogenin and estradiol concentrations, brain and ovary aromatase activity, and male tubercle index, significantly affected. Evidence from our work suggests that prometon may cause subtle endocrine and/or reproductive effects in fathead minnows, but no clear mechanism of action was observed. The relevance of these effects to hazard assessment for the pesticide is uncertain.
Review of magnetostrictive vibration energy harvesters

The field of energy harvesting has grown concurrently with the rapid development of portable and wireless electronics in which reliable and long-lasting power sources are required. Electrochemical batteries have a limited lifespan and require periodic recharging. In contrast, vibration energy harvesters can supply uninterrupted power by scavenging useful electrical energy from ambient structural vibrations. This article reviews the current state of vibration energy harvesters based on magnetostrictive materials, especially Terfenol-D and Galfenol. Existing magnetostrictive harvester designs are compared in terms of various performance metrics. Advanced techniques that can reduce device size and improve performance are presented. Models for magnetostrictive devices are summarized to guide future harvester designs.
Notch1 functions to suppress cone-photoreceptor fate specification in the developing mouse retina

Notch receptor-mediated cell-cell signaling is known to negatively regulate neurogenesis in both vertebrate and invertebrate species, while being implicated in promoting the acquisition of glial fates. We studied Notch1 function directly during retinal neurogenesis by selective Cre/loxP-triggered Notch1 gene inactivation in peripheral retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) prior to the onset of cell differentiation. Consistent with its previously established role, Notch1 inactivation led to dramatic alteration in the expression profile of multiple basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, consequently prompting premature cell-cycle exit and neuronal specification. Surprisingly, however, Notch1 inactivation led to a striking change in retinal cell composition, with cone-photoreceptor precursors expanding at the expense of other early- as well as late-born cell fates. Intriguingly, the Notch1-deficient precursors adhered to the normal chronological sequence of the cone-photoreceptor differentiation program. Together, these findings reveal an unexpected role of Notch signaling in directly controlling neuronal cell-type composition, and suggest a model by which, during normal retinogenesis, Notch1 functions to suppress cone-photoreceptor fate, allowing for the specification of the diversity of retinal cell types.
Isolation and Characterization of 89K Pathogenicity Island-Positive ST-7 Strains of Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 from Healthy Pigs, Northeast China

Streptococcus suis is a swine pathogen which can also cause severe infection, such as meningitis, and streptococcal-like toxic shock syndrome (STSS), in humans. In China, most of the S. suis infections in humans were reported in the southern areas with warm and humid climates, but little attention had been paid to the northern areas. Data presented here showed that the virulent serotypes 1, 2, 7, and 9 of S. suis could be steadily isolated from the healthy pigs in the pig farms in all the three provinces of Northeast China. Notably, a majority of the serotype 2 isolates belonged to the 89K pathogenicity island-positive ST-7 clone that had historically caused the human STSS outbreaks in the Sichuan and Jiangsu provinces of China, although the human STSS case caused by S. suis had never been reported in northern areas of China. Data presented here indicated that the survey of S. suis should be expanded to or reinforced in the northern areas of China.
Seasonal variability of NOx emissions over east China constrained by satellite observations: Implications for combustion and microbial sources

Received 21 May 2000, revised 29 August 2000, accepted 2 November 2000, published 10 March 2007 [i] Observations of tropospheric column densities of NO 2 obtained from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) for a 3-year period (1997, 1998, and 2000) are used to derive average seasonal variations in surface emissions of NO x from east China (100-123°E, 20-42°N). The retrieval allows for zonal variations in the contribution of the stratosphere to the NO 2 column and removes a bias of ±10% on the seasonality of retrieved columns introduced by cloud screening. The top-down inventory is constructed using an inversion approach with a global 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) and combined subsequently with the a priori inventory to develop an a posteriori inventory. The contribution of background NO 2 arising from nonsurface sources (lightning) and long-range transport of emissions originating outside of east China is accounted for in the inversion. The a posteriori estimate of overall emissions for east China, 4.66 Tg N/yr (±30% uncertainty), is 33% higher than the a priori value and is shown to improve agreement with surface measurements of nitrate wet deposition and concentrations of NOy observed in China. On the basis of multiple constraints on the spatial and seasonal variations of combustion and microbial processes, the a posteriori inventory is partitioned among emissions from biomass burning, fuel combustion, and microbial activity (or soil emissions). Emission of NO x from biomass burning in east China is estimated as 0.08 TgN/yr ± 50% in the a posteriori inventory, increased by about a factor of 2 from the a priori estimate. The resulting a posteriori inventory for fuel combustion (3.72 TgN/yr ± 32%) is about 15% higher than the a priori and exhibits a distinct maximum in winter, in contrast to the weak seasonality indicated in the a priori inventory. The a posteriori value for the microbial source of NO x (0.85 TgN/yr ± 40%) is about a factor of 3 higher than the a priori value, amounting to 23% of combustion sources for east China and significantly higher than a priori value of 7%. The microbial source is unimportant in winter. It peaks in summer, accounting for as much as 43% of the combustion source for that season, and is significant also in spring and fall. This seasonality is attributed to the timing of fertilizer application and to the influence of seasonally variable environmental factors including temperature and precipitation.
Data cache management on EPIC architecture: optimizing memory access for image processing

Nowadays, multimedia applications are more and more used, and take a larger place in the workloads of modern computing systems. It appears that the classical 1D spatial locality arrangement in the cache is not adapted to the management of this data type, because its structures exhibit an intrinsic 2D locality.In this article, we study cache behavior and alternative strategies for multimedia, using a JPEG benchmark on an Itanium2#8482; cache system. We demonstrate, through systematic experiments, that performance can be very sensitive to data structure, revealing that cache organization has a major impact on performance. We then present the results of our experiments with suggestions to improve future media processing compiler design.
Compton Observatory OSSE Observations of Supernova 1991T

Abstract : The Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment on the Compton Observatory observed SN 1991T on three occasions in 1991. We find no evidence for 56Co gamma-ray line emission from SN 1991T in any of the three observations. Combining these measurements yields a 99% confidence upper limit of 4.1-6.6 x 10(exp -5) photons cu cm s(exp -1), depending on how the multiple observations are combined, for the 847 keV line flux in the interval 66 to 79 days post-explosion. The distance to SN 1991T is quite uncertain, but these limits are inconsistent with some theoretical models for distances less than or equal 10 Mpc. If we consider Type Ia supernova models at distances at which they would have apparent magnitude B=11.6 at blue maximum, as observed for SN 1991T, then most reasonable models are consistent with our upper limits. However, if we allow for some extinction, as indicated by other observations of SN 1991T, the implied distance for a given model is smaller, the expected gamma-ray flux is higher, and many models are no longer consistent with the gamma-ray limits. Others are only marginally consistent. These conclusions are significantly strengthened by combining published upper limits from the COMPTEL experiment with those reported here. Together these observations indicate that models of SN 1991T that are relatively optically bright and gamma-ray faint, perhaps because of low expansion velocities in part of the ejecta or the presence of an extended envelope, should be investigated further.
Determination of polyolefin film properties from refractive index measurements

A technique is described for determining the density of polyolefin film from refractive index measurements. The procedure involves the measurement of the refractive indexes (nx, ny, and nz) along the three major axes of a film sample and conversion of the arithmetic average refractive index to a density value. The refractive index data are also used to calculate the per cent crystallinity and birefringence in the film.