Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LSPR and Interferometric Sensor Modalities Combined Using a Double-Clad Optical Fiber

We report on characterization of an optical fiber-based multi-parameter sensor concept combining localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) signal and interferometric sensing using a double-clad optical fiber. The sensor consists of a micro-Fabry-Perot in the form of a hemispherical stimuli-responsive hydrogel with immobilized gold nanorods on the facet of a cleaved double-clad optical fiber. The swelling degree of the hydrogel is measured interferometrically using the single-mode inner core, while the LSPR signal is measured using the multi-mode inner cladding. The quality of the interferometric signal is comparable to previous work on hydrogel micro-Fabry-Perot sensors despite having gold nanorods immobilized in the hydrogel. We characterize the effect of hydrogel swelling and variation of bulk solution refractive index on the LSPR peak wavelength. The results show that pH-induced hydrogel swelling causes only weak redshifts of the longitudinal LSPR mode, while increased bulk refractive index using glycerol and sucrose causes large blueshifts. The redshifts are likely due to reduced plasmon coupling of the side-by-side configuration as the interparticle distance increases with increasing swelling. The blueshifts with increasing bulk refractive index are likely due to alteration of the surface electronic structure of the gold nanorods donated by the anionic polymer network and glycerol or sucrose solutions. The recombination of biotin-streptavidin on gold nanorods in hydrogel showed a 7.6 nm redshift of the longitudinal LSPR. The LSPR response of biotin-streptavidin recombination is due to the change in local refractive index (RI), which is possible to discriminate from the LSPR response due to changes in bulk RI. In spite of the large LSPR shifts due to bulk refractive index, we show, using biotin-functionalized gold nanorods binding to streptavidin, that LSPR signal from gold nanorods embedded in the anionic hydrogel can be used for label-free biosensing. These results demonstrate the utility of immobilizing gold nanorods in a hydrogel on a double-clad optical fiber-end facet to obtain multi-parameter sensing.
FPGA implementation of viterbi decoder for software defined radio applications

Software defined radio adapts various modulation schemes, encoding techniques by changing its configuration. It has earned great attention in the recent years for its flexibility to adapt various techniques without the need of replacement of the existing hardware. SDR reduces the cost complexity and provides the flexible communication system. This paper presents the viterbi decoder architecture with improved trace back unit for a code rate of 1/2 and a constraint length of k = 3. This decoder finds advantages in software defined radio applications due to its area efficiency and speed. The proposed decoder is simulated in Xilinx 14.1 and implemented in a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Association between body size, weight change and depression: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The association between body size, weight change and depression has not been systematically summarised, especially for individuals who are underweight. Aims To conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis to examine the association between indices of body size, weight change and depression. Method A total of 183 studies were selected. Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) were extracted. A total of 76 studies contributed to data synthesis with a random-effect model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of potential moderators. Results In cohort studies, underweight at baseline increased the risk of subsequent depression (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.24). Overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) showed no statistically significant relationship with depression overall; however, the subgroup analyses found different results according to gender (men: OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.97, women: OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.25). In cross-sectional designs, obesity with BMI >40kg/m2 showed a greater pooled odds ratio than obesity with BMI >30kg/m2. Conclusions Both underweight and obesity increase the risk of depression. The association between overweight and depression differs by gender.
DARTS: Deceiving Autonomous Cars with Toxic Signs

Sign recognition is an integral part of autonomous cars. Any misclassification of traffic signs can potentially lead to a multitude of disastrous consequences, ranging from a life-threatening accident to a large-scale interruption of transportation services relying on autonomous cars. In this paper, we propose and examine realistic security attacks against sign recognition systems for Deceiving Autonomous caRs with Toxic Signs (we call the proposed attacks DARTS). Leveraging the concept of adversarial examples, we modify innocuous signs/advertisements in the environment in such a way that they seem normal to human observers but are interpreted as the adversary's desired traffic sign by autonomous cars. Further, we pursue a fundamentally different perspective to attacking autonomous cars, motivated by the observation that the driver and vehicle-mounted camera see the environment from different angles (the camera commonly sees the road with a higher angle, e.g., from top of the car). We propose a novel attack against vehicular sign recognition systems: we create signs that change as they are viewed from different angles, and thus, can be interpreted differently by the driver and sign recognition. We extensively evaluate the proposed attacks under various conditions: different distances, lighting conditions, and camera angles. We first examine our attacks virtually, i.e., we check if the digital images of toxic signs can deceive the sign recognition system. Further, we investigate the effectiveness of attacks in real-world settings: we print toxic signs, install them in the environment, capture videos using a vehicle-mounted camera, and process them using our sign recognition pipeline.
Compositional Obverter Communication Learning From Raw Visual Input

One of the distinguishing aspects of human language is its compositionality, which allows us to describe complex environments with limited vocabulary. Previously, it has been shown that neural network agents can learn to communicate in a highly structured, possibly compositional language based on disentangled input (e.g. hand- engineered features). Humans, however, do not learn to communicate based on well-summarized features. In this work, we train neural agents to simultaneously develop visual perception from raw image pixels, and learn to communicate with a sequence of discrete symbols. The agents play an image description game where the image contains factors such as colors and shapes. We train the agents using the obverter technique where an agent introspects to generate messages that maximize its own understanding. Through qualitative analysis, visualization and a zero-shot test, we show that the agents can develop, out of raw image pixels, a language with compositional properties, given a proper pressure from the environment.
Evaluation of a modified thrombelastography assay initiated with recombinant human tissue factor in clinically healthy horses.

BACKGROUND Thrombelastography (TEG) is used to evaluate the viscoelastic properties of blood during clotting and provides a global assessment of hemostasis and clot lysis. TEG analysis initiated with recombinant human tissue factor (TF) has not been evaluated in clinically healthy horses. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether TEG results are affected by the time elapsed between sampling and analysis (storage time) of equine blood samples and to establish a preliminary equine reference interval for a modified TEG assay, using recombinant human TF to initiate coagulation. METHODS Citrated blood samples were obtained from 20 clinically healthy adult horses. Thirteen samples were stored for 30, 60, and 120 minutes at room temperature before TEG analysis. Coagulation was initiated by adding 20 microL of CaCl(2) to 330 microL of blood and 10 microL of diluted recombinant TF for a final dilution of 1:3600. Reaction (R) and clotting (K) times, angle (alpha), and maximum amplitude (MA) were compared between time points. A preliminary reference interval (minimum-maximum values) was determined using data from all 20 horses after 30 minutes of sample storage. RESULTS There was a significant effect of storage time on R, K, and alpha but not MA. Reference intervals were: R, 3.65-6.4 minutes; K, 1.8-5.45 minutes; alpha, 33.4-66.2 degrees ; MA, 41.2-64.1 mm; lysis at 30 minutes post-MA (LY30), <2.75%; and lysis at 60 minutes post-MA (LY60), 1.55-9.5%. CONCLUSIONS TEG can be performed on equine citrated blood samples using recombinant human TF to activate clot formation. TEG parameters were significantly affected by storage time, suggesting an incomplete inhibition of coagulation in citrated blood.
Examination of MMPI–2–RF Substantive Scales as Indicators of Acute Suicidal Affective Disturbance Components

ABSTRACT A new suicide-specific diagnostic entity, acute suicidal affective disturbance (ASAD), was recently proposed to fill a void in the nomenclature. Although several studies have examined the reliability, validity, and potential clinical utility of ASAD, no studies have examined personality indicators of ASAD. This study sought to examine the association between personality and psychopathology factors, as assessed by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Revised Form (MMPI–2–RF), and constructs that comprise ASAD in a sample of 554 psychiatric outpatients who completed all measures prior to their intake appointments. A smaller subset of patients (N = 58) also completed a measure designed to assess lifetime ASAD symptoms. Results indicated that ASAD symptoms were associated with traits characterized by emotional turmoil and atypical cognitive processes. Further, suicide-related criteria that comprise ASAD were related to low positive emotionality and hopelessness, whereas the overarousal criteria were associated with somatic symptoms and an inability to tolerate frustration and stress. These findings expand on previous research that examines the convergent and discriminant validity of ASAD and could inform clinical treatment by providing insight into personality traits that might be associated with acute suicide risk.
CRACK GROWTH BEHAVIOUR OF FATIGUE MICROCRACKS IN LOW CARBON STEELS

The behaviour of low carbon steels has been studied, in particular the initiation and growth of the major crack which led to final fracture of smooth specimens, via surface replica and photomicrograph techniques. From this study, the fracture process and fatigue life prediction characterized by the growth of surface microcracks have been analysed by a new approach unifying the conventional approaches based on the final fracture of materials with the fracture mechanics approach. Knowledge of fracture parameters is critical for non-destructive inspection during service life and the application of fracture mechanics to life prediction and assessment.
Constructions on 2D Wavelength-Time Codes for CDMA Fiber-Optic Systems

In this paper, we study a new class of two-dimensional codes, here called multi-level prime codes, with expanded code cardinality by relaxing the maximum cross-correlation function to any arbitrary positive integer n. Besides having asymptotically optimal cardinality and zero autocorrelation sidelobes, these multi-level prime codes can be partitioned into n levels, such that the cross-correlation function between any two code matrices in level l is at most l, where l ∈ [1, n]. The performance of the new codes in an optical code-division multiple-access system with hard-limiting detection is analyzed. Our results show that the unique partition property of the multi-level prime codes allows the trade-off between code cardinality and performance for meeting different system requirements, such as capacity and throughput.
No association between telomere length-related loci and number of cutaneous nevi

Background Longer telomeres have been associated both with increased melanoma risk and increased nevus counts. Nevus count is one of the strongest risk factors for melanoma. Recent data showed that a genetic score derived by telomere length-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was strongly associated with melanoma risk; however, the relationships between these SNPs and number of cutaneous nevi have not been investigated. Methods We evaluated the associations between telomere length-related SNPs reported by previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) and nevus counts among 15,955 participants of European Ancestry in the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Results None of the SNPs was associated with nevus counts, nor was the genetic score combining the dosage of alleles related to increased telomere length. Conclusions The telomere length-related SNPs identified by published GWAS do not appear to play an important role in nevus formation. Genetic determinants of telomere length reported by GWAS do not explain the observed epidemiologic association between telomere length and nevus counts.
Joint Variable Width Spectrum Allocation and Link Scheduling for Wireless Mesh Networks

In wireless mesh networks with frequency-agile radios, an algorithm of dynamically combining consecutive channels has recently been proposed. However, the available channel widths are limited in the algorithm. In order to further improve the fairness or the throughput under given fairness, we propose a joint variable width spectrum allocation and link scheduling optimization algorithm. Our algorithm is composed of time division multiple access for no interface conflict and frequency division multiple access for no signal interference. In the first phase, we use as few time slots as possible to assign at least one time slots to each radio link with Max-Min fairness. In the second phase, our design jointly allocates the lengths of time slots as well as the spectral widths and center frequencies of radio links in each time slot. Numerical results indicate that compared to the existing algorithm, our algorithm significantly increases the fairness or the throughput under given fairness.
Another two graphs with no planar covers

A graph H is a cover of a graph G if there exists a mapping Φ from V(H) onto V(G) such that Φ maps the neighbors of every vertex ν in H bijectively to the neighbors of Φ(ν) in G. Negami conjectured in 1986 that a connected graph has a finite planar cover if and only if it embeds in the projective plane. It follows from the results of Archdeacon, Fellows, Negami, and the author that the conjecture holds as long as K1,2,2,2 has no finite planar cover. However, this is still an open question, and K1,2,2,2 is not the only minor-minimal graph in doubt. Let 𝒞4 (𝓔2) denote the graph obtained from K1,2,2,2 by replacing two vertex-disjoint triangles (four edge-disjoint triangles) not incident with the vertex of degree 6 with cubic vertices. We prove that the graphs 𝒞4 and 𝓔2 have no planar covers. This fact is used in [P. Hlinĕný, R. Thomas, On possible counterexamples to Negami's planar cover conjecture, 1999 (submitted)] to show that there are, up to obvious constructions, at most 16 possible counterexamples to Negami's conjecture. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 37: 227242, 2001
The proteome of spore surface layers in food spoiling bacteria

Endospores are dormant, multilayered, highly resistant cellular structures formed in response to stress by certain bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Clostridium and other related organisms. In presence of nutrients and favorable conditions spores germinate and grow out as normal vegetative cells. Since certain species of Bacilli and Clostridia are pathogenic as well as potential food spoilers the detailed study of spore resistance mechanisms is of high relevance. The surface layes of spores - coat and exosporium - are made of proteins that in part contribute to the resistance behaviour of spores. About 30% of the proteins make up an insoluble fraction, characterized by interprotein cross-links, which is resistant to alkalis, chemicals and proteolytic enzymes. In this thesis a method allowing the study of the insoluble protein fractrion is presented. Effect of deletion of only certain protein genes on the resistive nature of spores is discussed. Importantly the role of interprotein cross-linking in the maturation of spores, their resistant nature and likely in germination behaviour is studied. A detailed bioinformatic analysis of surface layer proteins indicates the importance of the protein sequence, structure and other physical properties to the integrity of spores. The identification and quantification of proteins involved in spore maturation has contributed to new insights with respect to their functions, abundances and nature of inter-protein cross-links. Further research on spores is required to gain more detailed molecular information on sporulation of bacteria, spore layer assembling and spore maturation as well as spore germination.
Inflated Uncertainty in Multimodel‐Based Regional Climate Projections

Multimodel ensembles are widely analyzed to estimate the range of future regional climate change projections. For an ensemble of climate models, the result is often portrayed by showing maps of the geographical distribution of the multimodel mean results and associated uncertainties represented by model spread at the grid point scale. Here we use a set of CMIP5 models to show that presenting statistics this way results in an overestimation of the projected range leading to physically implausible patterns of change on global but also on regional scales. We point out that similar inconsistencies occur in impact analyses relying on multimodel information extracted using statistics at the regional scale, for example, when a subset of CMIP models is selected to represent regional model spread. Consequently, the risk of unwanted impacts may be overestimated at larger scales as climate change impacts will never be realized as the worst (or best) case everywhere.
Effect of molecular weight and crystallinity on poly(lactic acid) mechanical properties

Several samples of poly(lactic acid) with different molecular weights and tacticity have been prepared, and some PLLA injection moulded specimens have been annealed to promote their crystallization. From the characterization data, poly(L-lactide) showed more interesting mechanical properties than poly(D, L-lactide), and its behavior significantly improves with crystallization. In fact, annealed specimens possess higher values of tensional and flexural modulus of elasticity, Izod impact strength, and heat resistance. The plateau region of flexural strength as a function of molecular weights appears around Mv = 35,000 for PDLLA and amorphous PLLA and at higher molecular weight, around Mv = 55,000, for crystalline PLLA. The study of temperature effect shows that at 56°C only crystalline PLLA still exhibits useful mechanical properties. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparing mentorship and sponsorship in clinical neuropsychology

Abstract Objective: Mentoring is a well-known concept that is widely regarded as beneficial for personal and professional development. The concept of sponsoring is less recognized although it is considered critical by some for career advancement. The purpose of this study was to provide an initial exploration of differences between mentoring and sponsoring within neuropsychology and to learn what sponsors look for in protégés. Method: Twenty neuropsychologists with experience in mentorship and sponsorship were interviewed. Topics covered included the number of protégés they had mentored/sponsored, training received in mentoring/sponsoring, characteristics they look for in protégés, expectations of protégés, reasons they mentor/sponsor, and benefits of mentoring/sponsoring. Results: On average, neuropsychologists interviewed had mentored 58 protégés and sponsored 40. None had ever received formal training in mentoring or sponsoring. Key characteristics needed for neuropsychologists to feel comfortable mentoring/sponsoring protégés were similar while those characteristics valued differed slightly with sponsored protégés valued for competence and getting things done and mentored protégés valued for interpersonal qualities. Reasons for and benefits of mentorship/sponsorship were similar, with rewarding feelings, satisfaction, and pride in the protégé’s successes at the top of the list. Conclusions: Neuropsychologists who provide training are in the position to mentor and sponsor individuals; mentoring relationships often entail sponsorship and vice versa such that the two constructs may be considered part of a continuum. Improving knowledge and skills in mentorship and sponsorship will not only advance personal and professional development of protégés but will also positively impact mentors/sponsors and help shape the field of neuropsychology in deliberate ways.
HIV viraemia and mother‐to‐child transmission risk after antiretroviral therapy initiation in pregnancy in Cape Town, South Africa

Maternal HIV viral load (VL) drives mother‐to‐child HIV transmission (MTCT) risk but there are few data from sub‐Saharan Africa, where most MTCT occurs. We investigated VL changes during pregnancy and MTCT following antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in Cape Town, South Africa.
Chemical Characterization of Biobinder from Swine Manure: Sustainable Modifier for Asphalt Binder

This paper presents the production, modification, and characterization of biobinder from swine manure. A hydrothermal process was used to convert swine manure to a bio-oil. The bio-oil was fractionated to extract water, solid residue, and some of the organic compounds. The sticky residue after fractionation was used as a replacement for asphalt binder. This paper presents production and chemical and rheological characterization of the biobinder as compared with petroleum-asphalt binder. Biobinder from swine manure was found to be a promising candidate for partial replacement for petroleum-asphalt binder. Considering the limitations imposed on growth of swine farms by manure management practices and environmental regulations and the increasing demand for asphalt binder for infrastructure rehabilitation, this sustainable development will result in major improvements in environmental and economical impacts in both the agricultural and construction sectors. Hence, this study offers a unique approach that simu.