Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constellation mappings for two-dimensional signaling of nonuniform sources

The design of two-dimensional constellation mappings for the transmission of binary nonuniform memoryless sources over additive white Gaussian noise channels using standard M-ary PSK and QAM modulation schemes is investigated. The main application of this problem is the incorporation of an adaptive mapping assignment in modem devices that employ fixed PSK/QAM modulation schemes for the transmission of heterogenous data (such as multimedia information) containing various levels of nonuniformity. In general, the optimal mapping depends on both the probability distribution of the input signals and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the channel, in addition to the geometry of the signal constellation. We show that constellation mappings which follow the objective of minimizing the average symbol energy and, given this, maximizing the decoding probability of the most likely signals, can yield symbol-error-rate and bit-error-rate performance that is substantially better than Gray encoding maps. Gains as high as 3.5 dB in SNR E/sub b//N/sub 0/ are obtained for highly nonuniform sources. Finally, we note that the mappings techniques result in nonzero mean constellations and briefly consider their performances when they are converted to zero mean constellations by shifting. In this case, we observe that the shifted zero-mean Gray map outperforms our shifted maps for small- to medium-sized constellations (M/spl les/32), but not for larger sizes.
Acclimation of metabolism to light in A rabidopsis thaliana: the glucose 6‐phosphate/phosphate translocator GPT2 directs metabolic acclimation

Abstract Mature leaves of plants transferred from low to high light typically increase their photosynthetic capacity. In A rabidopsis thaliana, this dynamic acclimation requires expression of GPT2, a glucose 6‐phosphate/phosphate translocator. Here, we examine the impact of GPT2 on leaf metabolism and photosynthesis. Plants of wild type and of a GPT2 knockout (gpt2.2) grown under low light achieved the same photosynthetic rate despite having different metabolic and transcriptomic strategies. Immediately upon transfer to high light, gpt2.2 plants showed a higher rate of photosynthesis than wild‐type plants (35%); however, over subsequent days, wild‐type plants acclimated photosynthetic capacity, increasing the photosynthesis rate by 100% after 7 d. Wild‐type plants accumulated more starch than gpt2.2 plants throughout acclimation. We suggest that GPT2 activity results in the net import of glucose 6‐phosphate from cytosol to chloroplast, increasing starch synthesis. There was clear acclimation of metabolism, with short‐term changes typically being reversed as plants acclimated. Distinct responses to light were observed in wild‐type and gpt2.2 leaves. Significantly higher levels of sugar phosphates were observed in gpt2.2. We suggest that GPT2 alters the distribution of metabolites between compartments and that this plays an essential role in allowing the cell to interpret environmental signals.
PRELIMINARY SIMULATION STUDIES OF A NEW FOUR-QUADRANT PROPELLER THRUST CONTROLLER APPLIED TO UNDERWATER VEHICLES

Abstract In this paper a recently reported four-quadrant nonlinear thrust controller for marine propellers is applied to the velocity control of an underwater vehicle. The controller, designed for fixed pitch electrically driven propellers, is based on a shaft speed control and employs an estimate of the propeller torque loss. A simulation study is performed in order to compare the presented approach with the conventional shaft speed and torque propeller controllers.
Co-occurrence of conduct problems and depressive symptoms in early adolescent boys: III. Prediction to young-adult adjustment

The prediction of young-adult adjustment from early adolescent conduct problems and depressive symptoms was examined for an at-risk sample of approximately 200 males. Conduct problems and depressive symptoms were expected to show stability to young adulthood. It was predicted that early adolescent conduct problems would be associated with a broad range of adjustment problems in young adulthood due to cumulative adjustment failures. Early adolescent depressive symptoms were expected particularly to predict poor relationships with parents and peers. Additive and interactive effects of the two predictors were examined. Conduct problems and depressive symptoms showed significant stability to young adulthood. Conduct problems were associated with a broad range of adjustment problems including continuing problems in peer associations, substance use, self-esteem, relationships with parents, and new problems in noncompletion of education, unemployment, driver's license suspensions, and causing pregnancies. Depressive symptoms predicted particularly to problems in social relationships. Higher levels of both conduct problems and depressive symptoms in early adolescence did not predict to increased difficulties for any one outcome over either problem alone, either due to main or interaction effects. Such co-occurrence, however, did result in problem outcomes in multiple areas, thus, the poorest adjustment overall.
Association analysis between interleukin-1 family polymorphisms and generalized aggressive periodontitis in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that aggressive periodontitis (AgP) has a genetic basis, but this theory has not been confirmed. The intent of this investigation was to study whether specific interleukin (IL)-1 genotypes and/or alleles could be used to predict susceptibility to generalized AgP (GAgP) in Chinese. METHODS The GAgP group consisted of 122 patients, and the control group included 95 healthy subjects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms at IL-1A (+4845) and IL-1B (-511, +3954) were analyzed by standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. The polymorphism of a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in intron 2 of IL-1RN was detected by PCR amplification and fragment size analysis. RESULTS There was no significant association of IL-1 polymorphisms with GAgP in the unstratified subjects. However, when cases were stratified by gender, the frequencies of A2+ genotype and allele 2 at IL-1A +4845 were significantly increased in male patients compared to male controls (genotype: odds ratio [OR] 5.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 to 28.68, P = 0.039; allele: OR 4.97, 95% CI: 1.01 to 24.50, P = 0.049; adjusted for age and smoking status). The frequency of IL-1B -511 A1/A2 heterozygote was significantly increased in male GAgP group compared to male controls (adjusted OR 3.16, 95% CI: 1.01 to 9.89, P = 0.048). In females, no significant differences were found between patients and controls in corresponding analyses at all polymorphic loci. A possible combined effect of IL-1B -511 polymorphism and smoking on the elevated risk to GAgP was observed. The OR of GAgP for combined A2+ genotype and smoking was 12.45 (95% CI: 1.43 to 108.06, P = 0.022), and for combined allele 2 and smoking was 18.25 (95% CI: 2.32 to 143.86, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS The polymorphisms of IL-1A +4845 and IL-1B -511 may play an important role in determining GAgP susceptibility in Chinese males. Furthermore, a possible combined effect of the polymorphism of IL-1B -511 and smoking on GAgP susceptibility was suggested.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Allium cepa L. and Allium × cornutum (Clementi ex Visiani 1842) Methanolic Extracts

Here, we report a comparative study of the phytochemical profile and the biological activity of two onion extracts, namely Allium cepa L. and Allium × cornutum (Clementi ex Visiani 1842), members of the family Amaryllidaceae. The identification of flavonoids and anthocyanins, and their individual quantities, was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The potency of both extracts to scavenge free radicals was determined by the DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods. The DNA protective role was further tested by the single-cell gel electrophoresis (COMET) assay and by Fenton’s reagent causing double-strand breaks on the closed circular high copy pUC19 plasmid isolated from Escherichia coli. In the presence of both extracts, a significant decrease in DNA damage was observed, which indicates a protective role of Allium cepa and Allium × cornutum on DNA strand breaks. Additionally, cytotoxicity was tested on glioblastoma and breast cancer cell lines. The results showed that both extracts had antiproliferative effects, but the most prominent decrease in cellular growth was observed in glioblastoma cells.
How convincing is alternative assessment for use in higher education

The current preference for alternative assessment has been partly stimulated by recent evidence on learning which points to the importance of students’ active engagement in the learning process. While alternative assessment may well fulfil the aims of formative assessment, its value in the summative assessment required in higher education is more problematic. If alternative assessment devices are to be used for summative purposes, the validity of alternative assessment has to be considered. The paper argues that task specification and marking consistency in alternative ­assessment can make comparability of performance difficult to effect, thereby leaving alternative assessment a less than convincing form for use in higher education.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Rats Depression-Like Behavior and Expression of p-ERK/ERK and p-P38/P38

We investigate the antidepressant-like effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on a chronic unpredictable mild stress rats depression-like behavior. In our study, depression in rats was induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) and isolation for four weeks. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Normal, Model, EA, and Sham EA. EA treatment was administered for two weeks, once a day for five days a week. Two acupoints, Yintang (EX-HN3) and Baihui (GV20), were selected. For sham EA, acupuncture needles were inserted shallowly into the acupoints: EX-HN3 and GV20. No electrostimulator was connected. The antidepressant-like effect of the electroacupuncture treatment was measured by sucrose intake test, open field test, and forced swimming test in rats. The protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK1/2)/ERK1/2 and p-P38/P38 in the hippocampus (HP) were examined by Western blot analysis. Our data demonstrate that EA treatment decreased the immobility time of forced swimming test and improved the sucrose solution intake in comparison to unpredictable chronic mild stress and placebo sham control. Electroacupuncture may act on depression by enhancing p-ERK1/2 and p-p38 in the hippocampus.
Multifrequency laser with reduced intracavity wave mixing

We demonstrate a ten-channel 100-GHz spacing, waveguide grating router multifrequency laser that has significantly reduced intracavity wave mixing. The mixing products for the improved design are now too small to cause significant laser fluctuations during simultaneous multichannel operation. This was accomplished by reducing the shared waveguide length to 150 /spl mu/m. We provide evidence that a significant portion of the remaining wave mixing occurs in the intracavity waveguide grating arms.
Influence of Pyruvate on Contractile Performance and Ca2+ Cycling in Isolated Failing Human Myocardium

Background—Application of pyruvate was shown to improve contractile function in isolated animal myocardium and hemodynamics in patients with congestive heart failure. We assessed the influence of pyruvate on systolic and diastolic myocardial function and its subcellular mode of action in isolated myocardium from end-stage failing human hearts. Methods and Results—In muscle strip preparations, concentration-dependent effects of pyruvate on developed and diastolic force (n=6), aequorin light emission reflecting intracellular Ca2+ transients (n=6), and rapid cooling contractures reflecting sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content (n=11) were measured. Pyruvate resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in developed force and a decrease in diastolic force, with a maximum effect of 155% and 21%, respectively, at 20 mmol/L pyruvate (P <0.05). This was associated with a dose-dependent prolongation of time to peak tension and relaxation time. Pyruvate increased rapid cooling contractures by 51% and aequorin light signals by 85% (at 15 and 20 mmol/L;P <0.05). This indicates increased SR Ca2+ content and increased intracellular Ca2+ transients. The inotropic effect of pyruvate was still present after elimination of SR Ca2+ storage function with 10 &mgr;mol/L cyclopiazonic acid and 1 &mgr;mol/L ryanodine (n=8). Pyruvate significantly increased intracellular pH from 7.31±0.03 to 7.40±0.04 by BCECF fluorescence (n=6). Conclusions—The present findings indicate that pyruvate improves contractile performance of failing human myocardium by increasing intracellular Ca2+ transients as well as myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. The former seem to result from increased SR Ca2+ accumulation and release, the latter from increased intracellular pH.
ha l00 25 58 41 , v er si on 1-1 4 Fe b 20 08 BOUNDARY CONDITIONS FOR A CAPILLARY FLUID IN CONTACT WITH A

Contact of a fluid with a solid or an elastic wall is investigated. The wall exerts molecular forces on the fluid which is locally strongly nonhomogeneous. The problem is approached with a fluid energy of the second gradient form and a wall surface energy depending on the value of the fluid density at the contact. From the virtual work principle are obtained limit conditions taking into account the fluid density, its normal derivative to the wall and the curvature of the surface.
Metallicities, Relative Ages, and Kinematics of Stellar Populations in ω Centauri

We present results of an extensive spectroscopic survey of subgiant stars in the stellar system ω Cen. Using infrared Ca II triplet lines, we derived metallicities and radial velocities for more than 250 stars belonging to different stellar populations of the system. We find that the most metal-rich component, the anomalous subgiant branch (SGB-a), has a metallicity of [Fe/H] ~ -0.6, fully compatible with that determined along the anomalous red giant branch (RGB-a). Our analysis suggests that the age of this component and of the other metal-intermediate (-1.4 < [Fe/H] < -1.0) stellar populations of the system are all comparable to that of the dominant metal-poor population within 2 Gyr, regardless of the choice of helium abundance. These results impose severe constraints on the timescale of the enrichment process of this stellar system, excluding the possibility of an extended star formation period. The radial velocity analysis of the entire sample demonstrates that only metal-intermediate populations are kinematically cooler than the others.
PTEN Loss Increases PD-L1 Protein Expression and Affects the Correlation between PD-L1 Expression and Clinical Parameters in Colorectal Cancer

Background Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) has been identified as a factor associated with poor prognosis in a range of cancers, and was reported to be mainly induced by PTEN loss in gliomas. However, the clinical effect of PD-L1 and its regulation by PTEN has not yet been determined in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, we verified the regulation of PTEN on PD-L1 and further determined the effect of PTEN on the correlation between PD-L1 expression and clinical parameters in CRC. Methods/Results RNA interference approach was used to down-regulate PTEN expression in SW480, SW620 and HCT116 cells. It was showed that PD-L1 protein, but not mRNA, was significantly increased in cells transfected with siRNA PTEN compared with the negative control. Moreover, the capacity of PTEN to regulate PD-L1 expression was not obviously affected by IFN-γ, the main inducer of PD-L1. Tissue microarray immunohistochemistry was used to detect PD-L1 and PTEN in 404 CRC patient samples. Overexpression of PD-L1 was significantly correlated with distant metastasis (P<0.001), TNM stage (P<0.01), metastatic progression (P<0.01) and PTEN expression (P<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression had a poor overall survival (P<0.001). However, multivariate analysis did not support PD-L1 as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.548). Univariate (P<0.001) and multivariate survival (P<0.001) analysis of 310 located CRC patients revealed that high level of PD-L1 expression was associated with increased risks of metastatic progression. Furthermore, the clinical effect of PD-L1 on CRC was not statistically significant in a subset of 39 patients with no PTEN expression (distant metastasis: P = 0.102; TNM stage: P = 0.634, overall survival: P = 0.482). Conclusions PD-L1 can be used to identify CRC patients with high risk of metastasis and poor prognosis. This clinical manifestation may be partly associated with PTEN expression.
White clinical psychology trainees' views on racial equity within programme selection in South Africa

The issue of diversity in both physical and epistemological access to programmes in higher education is an important concern worldwide. In South Africa, as elsewhere, access to professional clinical psychology training programmes is extremely competitive, and there is an important imperative to diversify the student profile. Perspectives of black students on access to clinical psychology training in South Africa have been extensively studied, but the views of white students are minimally documented. We interviewed four white professional clinical psychology trainees on their views about the role race plays in selection for professional training. Four major themes arose from the participants' responses: uncertainty versus transparency; internal shame versus external blame; race versus socio-economic status and language and relevance versus irrelevance. Participants expressed discomfort with selection procedures, and though there are several limitations to this study, such as the small sample size, the need to open the door to discussions on the frightening topic of race is essential for a socially responsible approach to future equity, diversity and representativeness in professional training in higher education in South Africa.
Dual Mechanism for Inhibition of Calcium‐ Dependent Action Potentials by Acetylcholine in Avian Ventricular Muscle: Relationship to Cyclic AMP

Acetylcholine (ACh) and carbamylcholine (Carb) inhibited Ca-dependent action poten- tials and contractions in ventricular muscle from the avian heart. The inhibition by choUnergic drugs was antagonized by atropine (muscarinic) and occurred by two pathways, "indirect" and "direct. " Before hatching, ACh had no effect per se, but it inhibited Ca-dependent action potentials that had been augmented by isoproterenol (ISO). This "indirect" pathway for inhibition was detected as early as the 7th incubation day. Acetylcholine had no effect on basal cyclic AMP content, but it reduced cyclic AMP when the nucleotide had been increased by ISO. After hatching, ACh inhibited Ca-dependent action potentials and contractions not only "indirectly" but also "directly. " "Direct" inhibition by ACh occurred in preparations treated with 6-hydroxydopamine (or reserpine) and propranolol, so that endogenous cardiac catecholamines probably were not involved. Further, basal levels of cyclic AMP increased after hatching and "direct" inhibition by ACh was associated with a reduction of cyclic AMP. These results are interpreted in a model in which cyclic AMP modulates the permeability of the membrane to Ca2+ and in which GTP regulates the β-adrenergic receptor and adenylate cyclase. It is speculated that "indirect" muscarinic inhibition results from interference with GTP-dependent regu- lation of β-adrenergic receptor/adenylate cyclase interaction and "direct" muscarinic inhibition results from interference with GTP-dependent regulation of adenylate cyclase. Circ Res 46: 353-362, 1980
Couples' Reports of Relationship Problems in a Naturalistic Therapy Setting

Understanding couples' relationship problems is fundamental to couple therapy. Although research has documented common relationship problems, no study has used open-ended questions to explore problems in couples seeking therapy in naturalistic settings. The present study used a reliable coding system to explore the relationship problems reported by 108 couples. The most common problems were related to communication, emotional affection or distance, specific areas of the current relationship, and lack of physical affection or sex. Comparisons of therapeutic mandates revealed that commitment or security problems and infidelity or flirting problems were more common among couples pursuing an ambivalence resolution mandate than among couples pursuing an alleviation of distress mandate. Results demonstrated the importance of identifying distinct therapeutic mandates in couple therapy.
Measuring public perceptions of sex offenders: reimagining the Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders (CATSO) scale

The Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders (CATSO) scale is an 18-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure respondents’ attitudes toward sex offenders. Its original factor structure has been questioned by a number of previous studies, and so this paper sought to reimagine the scale as an outcome measure, as opposed to a scale of attitudes. A face validity analysis produced a provisional three-factor structure underlying the CATSO: ‘punitiveness,’ ‘stereotype endorsement,’ and ‘risk perception. ’ A sample of 400 British members of the public completed a modified version of the CATSO, the Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders scale, the General Punitiveness Scale, and the Rational-Experiential Inventory. A three-factor structure of a 22-item modified CATSO was supported using half of the sample, with factors being labeled ‘sentencing and management,’ ‘stereotype endorsement,’ and ‘risk perception. ’ Confirmatory factor analysis on data from the other half of the sample endorsed the three-factor structure; however, two items were removed in order to improve ratings of model fit. This new 20-item ‘Perceptions of Sex Offenders scale’ has practical utility beyond the measurement of attitudes, and suggestions for its future use are provided.
The self‐presentation and self‐development of serious wildlife tourists

The notion of self-concept and choice of tourism products has yet to be applied to wildlife tourism. The question of how consumers perceive themselves is considered fundamental to understanding purchase and consumption behaviours. This ethnographic study is based upon ‘serious’ wildlife tourism participants, for whom studying fauna and flora is the primary motivation for travel. The findings demonstrate how the ‘culture’ of ‘serious’ wildlife tourism is made up of individuals who differentiate themselves from other tourists in terms of dress, behaviour, development of skills, equipment and intellectual capital, illustrated by their desire to scope, identify and photograph wildlife. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic stream processing in the Cloud

Stream processing is a computing paradigm that has emerged from the necessity of handling high volumes of data in real time. In contrast to traditional databases, stream‐processing systems perform continuous queries and handle data on‐the‐fly. Today, a wide range of application areas relies on efficient pattern detection and queries over streams. The advent of Cloud computing fosters the development of elastic stream‐processing platforms, which are able to dynamically adapt based on different cost–benefit trade‐offs. This article provides an overview of the historical evolution and the key concepts of stream processing, with special focus on adaptivity and Cloud‐based elasticity.