Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Nonlinear and Quantum Devices Based on Multimode Optical Fibers

In this dissertation, multimode optical fibers (MMFs) have been studied as a robust and practical platform for nonlinear optics and quantum optics applications, where by experimental investigations and theoretical calculations we present the quantum and nonlinear virtue of MMFs as a versatile tool for future applications. Our investigations can be summarized in three parts: At first, we have investigated stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in a long MMF, where more than 20 orders of cascaded Raman peaks have been generated. Observation of beam clean-up despite the highly multimode nature of the fiber and such strong nonlinear interaction despite the large fiber core size are distinguishable results of our work. Next, we have studied four-wave mixing (FWM) via intermodal phase-matching in both step-index and graded-index MMFs (GIMFs). A rigorous and general approach in the theoret-
Effect of Field Spread on Resting-State Magneto Encephalography Functional Network Analysis: A Computational Modeling Study

A popular way to analyze resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) and magneto encephalography (MEG) data is to treat them as a functional network in which sensors are identified with nodes and the interaction between channel time series and the network connections. Although conceptually appealing, the network-theoretical approach to sensor-level EEG and MEG data is challenged by the fact that EEG and MEG time series are mixtures of source activity. It is, therefore, of interest to assess the relationship between functional networks of source activity and the ensuing sensor-level networks. Since these topological features are of high interest in experimental studies, we address the question of to what extent the network topology can be reconstructed from sensor-level functional connectivity (FC) measures in case of MEG data. Simple simulations that consider only a small number of regions do not allow to assess network properties; therefore, we use a diffusion magnetic resonance imaging-constrained whole-brain computational model of resting-state activity. Our motivation lies behind the fact that still many contributions found in the literature perform network analysis at sensor level, and we aim at showing the discrepancies between source- and sensor-level network topologies by using realistic simulations of resting-state cortical activity. Our main findings are that the effect of field spread on network topology depends on the type of interaction (instantaneous or lagged) and leads to an underestimation of lagged FC at sensor level due to instantaneous mixing of cortical signals, instantaneous interaction is more sensitive to field spread than lagged interaction, and discrepancies are reduced when using planar gradiometers rather than axial gradiometers. We, therefore, recommend using lagged interaction measures on planar gradiometer data when investigating network properties of resting-state sensor-level MEG data.
Perception of 3D-printing: analysis of manufacturing use and adoption

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify ways in which five technology adoption theories converge to enhance insight on 3D-printing perceptions and adoption. Design/methodology/approach A total of 63 structured interviews were conducted with top management professionals from a variety of manufacturing organizations throughout the USA. After controlling for top management decision power, total of 35 interviews and non-parametric statistical analyses were used in conjunction with innovation adoption theory to derive four propositions. Findings Results show five adoption theories converge to create a new adoption model specific to 3D-printing. Results also suggests differences specific to users, potential users and non-users. Originality/value Results delineate between current, potential and non-users to better understand adoption. Dissimilar to current qualitative research, quantitative (non-parametric) techniques are used to examine the viability of the propositions. Further, the results use various adoption theories to determine convergences specific to 3D-printing.
Associative Relationships in Human Predictive Learning

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to explore the associations involved in human predictive learning. Experiment 1 found that post-training devaluation of one of the outcomes by instructing participants that one of the attackers was indestructible, led to a significant decrease in participants’ predictive responses to the cue that was initially followed by the devalued outcome, suggesting that cue-outcome associations play a major role in human simple predictive learning. In Experiment 2, immediately after receiving cue-outcome predictive judgment training, participants were instructed to destroy the attackers by using the same responses previously used to give predictive judgments, but they were not informed as to which response should be used on each attacker. During a test in which both attackers were present at the same time, when the cue was present, participants preferentially chose the instrumental response alternative that was previously used as a predictive judgment about the relationship between the present cue and its outcome. In the absence of cues, participants equally chose either response alternative. This transfer of control shows that participants also establish judgment-outcome associations during predictive training.
Social Comparison 2.0: Examining the Effects of Online Profiles on Social-Networking Sites

Through their features--such as profile photographs or the personal vita--online profiles on social-networking sites offer a perfect basis for social comparison processes. By looking at the profile photograph, the user gains an impression of a person's physical attractiveness, and the user's vita shows which career path the person is pursuing. Against the background of Festinger's Social Comparison Theory, the focus of this research is on the effects of online profiles on their recipients. Therefore, qualitative interviews (N = 12) and two online experiments were conducted in which virtual online profiles of either physically attractive or unattractive persons (N = 93) and profiles of users with either high or low occupational attainment (N = 103) were presented to the participants. Although qualitative interviews did not initially give reason to expect online profiles to constitute a basis for comparison processes, results of the experiments proved otherwise. The first study indicates that recipients have a more negative body image after looking at beautiful users than persons who were shown the less attractive profile pictures. Male participants of the second study, who were confronted with profiles of successful males, showed a higher perceived discrepancy between their current career status and an ideal vita than male participants who looked at profiles of less successful persons.
Unraveling the Life History of Successful Invaders

Successful Invaders Invasive species have been integrated into ecosystems worldwide, and in many cases can cause significant ecological and economic damage. Not all non-native species, however, become invasive species; thus there has been much effort put toward understanding what makes a non-native “colonizer” an invader. It has been thought that, in general, successful invaders tend to be those that produce a large amount of offspring over a very short period of time, however, this pattern is absent in many successful invaders. Sol et al. (p. 580) looked at over 2700 invasions by bird species across the world and found no relationship between population growth rate and invasion success, although rapidly reproducing species could have an advantage when the new environment resembled their native environment. Furthermore, in many cases, those species that could prioritize survival, and delay reproduction, were much more successful than those forced to reproduce regardless of environmental conditions. Allocating resources to long-lived adults is one means by which birds succeed in new niches. Despite considerable current interest in biological invasions, the common life-history characteristics of successful invaders remain elusive. The widely held hypothesis that successful invaders have high reproductive rates has received little empirical support; however, alternative possibilities are seldom considered. Combining a global comparative analysis of avian introductions (>2700 events) with demographic models and phylogenetic comparative methods, we show that although rapid population growth may be advantageous during invasions under certain circumstances, more generally successful invaders are characterized by life-history strategies in which they give priority to future rather than current reproduction. High future breeding expectations reduce the costs of reproductive failure under uncertain conditions and increase opportunities to explore the environment and respond to novel ecological pressures.
Biochemical Properties of Gastrokine-1 Purified from Chicken Gizzard Smooth Muscle

The potential role and function of gastrokine-1 (GNK1) in smooth muscle cells is investigated in this work by first establishing a preparative protocol to obtain this native protein from freshly dissected chicken gizzard. Some unexpected biochemical properties of gastrokine-1 were deduced by producing specific polyclonal antibody against the purified protein. We focused on the F-actin interaction with gastrokine-1 and the potential role and function in smooth muscle contractile properties. Background GNK1 is thought to provide mucosal protection in the superficial gastric epithelium. However, the actual role of gastrokine-1 with regards to its known decreased expression in gastric cancer is still unknown. Recently, trefoil factors (TFF) were reported to have important roles in gastric epithelial regeneration and cell turnover, and could be involved in GNK1 interactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and function of GNK1 in smooth muscle cells. Methodology/Principal Findings From fresh chicken gizzard smooth muscle, an original purification procedure was used to purify a heat soluble 20 kDa protein that was sequenced and found to correspond to the gastrokine-1 protein sequence containing one BRICHOS domain and at least two or possibly three transmembrane regions. The purified protein was used to produce polyclonal antibody and highlighted the smooth muscle cell distribution and F-actin association of GNK1 through a few different methods. Conclusion/Significance Altogether our data illustrate a broader distribution of gastrokine-1 in smooth muscle than only in the gastrointestinal epithelium, and the specific interaction with F-actin highlights and suggests a new role and function of GNK1 within smooth muscle cells. A potential role via TFF interaction in cell-cell adhesion and assembly of actin stress fibres is discussed.
U-, B- and r-band luminosity functions of galaxies in the Coma cluster

We present a deep multicolour CCD mosaic of the Coma cluster (Abell 1656), covering 5.2 deg(2) in the B and r bands, and 1.3 deg(2) in the U band. This large, homogeneous data set provides a valuable low-redshift comparison sample for studies of galaxies in distant clusters. In this paper we present our survey, and study the dependence of the galaxy luminosity function (LF) on passband and radial distance from the cluster centre. The U-, B- and r-band LFs of the complete sample cannot be represented by single Schechter functions. For the central area, r <245 h(100)(-1) kpc, we find best-fitting Schechter parameters of M-U* = -18.60(-0.18)(+0.13) and alpha(U) = -1.32(-0.028)(+0.018), M-B* = 19.79(-0.17)(+0.18) and alpha(B) = -1.37(-0.016)(+0.024) and M-r* = -20.87(-0.17)(+0.12) and alpha(r) = -1.16(-0.019)(+0.012). The LF becomes steeper at larger radial distances from the cluster centre. The effect is most pronounced in the U band. This result is consistent with the presence of a star-forming dwarf population at a large distance from the cluster centre, which may be in the process of being accreted by the cluster. The shapes of the Us of the NGC 4839 group support a scenario in which the group has already passed through the centre.
Performance evaluation of asphalt mixtures containing recycled concrete aggregates

Abstract To evaluate the feasibility of using Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) in asphalt mixtures, the coarse RCA and fine RCA were prepared as a partial replacement of the natural aggregates (NA). Different amounts of replacement of NA with RCA were investigated, and the mechanical properties and pavement performance of asphalt mixtures containing different proportions of RCA were analysed based on laboratory tests. The results indicated that with increasing the RCA percentage, the optimum asphalt content increased and the bulk density of mixtures decreased as well. Mixtures containing 40% coarse RCA or 20% fine RCA both showed satisfactory performance. Besides, the mixture containing 40% fine RCA had the highest asphalt content, but gave much better performance compared to the virgin mix except for its bad resistance to permanent deformation. Finally, the pavement performance of mixtures containing 60% coarse RCA and 50% coarse RCA were unacceptable.
A Framework for Assessing Payment Security Mechanisms and Security Information on e-Commerce Web Sites

The enthusiasm of many consumers when selecting products for purchase over the Internet is often dampened at the point of payment largely over security and privacy concerns and financial risks. The levels of confidence that exist among potential and existing online purchasers can be influenced significantly by the extent to which merchants inform and reassure their customers over security features and mechanisms that support their e-payment options. This study sets out to establish how online merchants attempt to engender this trust in the payment instrument options on offer to potential customers by indicating technical competence and ability to meet fiduciary obligations. A preliminary assessment of a selected number of Australian web sites was made to determine the extent to which they realize security solutions and other trust mechanisms in practice, and the level and the quality of information they provide to consumers on the technical security solutions in place.
Mannose-binding lectin polymorphisms are not associated with rheumatoid arthritis--confirmation in two large cohorts.

OBJECTIVES In RA, conflicting results have been described on the association between genotypes of the complement factor mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and disease susceptibility and severity. This might be due to underpowerment of previous research work and the fact that no confirmation cohorts were used. Therefore a different approach is warranted. METHODS MBL2 gene polymorphisms were determined in two RA cohorts (378 and 261 cases) and 648 controls. Considering MBL polymorphisms, cases and controls were categorized in groups of high, intermediate and low MBL production. The total sample size allows detection of a potential association between RA susceptibility and MBL groups with an odds ratio of 1.37 (alpha < 0.05; 1-beta > 0.8). Disease severity as defined by the need for anti-TNF therapy was also analysed for possible associations with MBL groups. RESULTS There was no difference in the frequencies between MBL genotypes of RA cases and controls that are associated with high (cases 54.4%, controls 57.0%), intermediate (cases 28.9%, controls 27.5%) or low (cases 16.7%, controls 15.5%) MBL production. Furthermore, there was no association between MBL groups and disease severity. CONCLUSIONS MBL genotype groups are not associated with RA disease susceptibility or severity in this large study including a confirmation cohort. Compared with previous smaller studies these results add to more definite conclusions.
Effect of benzoyl chloride treatment on the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of plantain peel powder - reinforced polyethylene composites

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical analysis of plantain peel powder (PPP) reinforced polyethylene composites has been investigated. The PPP was treated with benzoyl chloride to reduce potential surface hindrances and bring about adhesion. The percentage fibre loading was varied from 0-25 % (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25) respectively. Ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus and hardness test data showed an improvement in mechanical properties of the treated fibre composites. Water absorption results indicated that benzoyl chloride treated PPP-recycled polyethylene composites have lower rate of water absorption than the untreated samples. Dynamic mechanical properties results showed that the storage modulus (E') of all the composites increase with increase in fibre loading and decrease with increase in temperature; composite containing 25 % (A25) PPP having the maximum E' value of 678 MPa compared to 576 MPa of the control sample. The results indicated that incorporation of plantain peel powder actually improved the thermal stability and the load bearing capacity of the recycled polyethylene composites. Keywords: Dynamic mechanical analysis, plantain peel powder, polyethylene composites, recycled low density polyethylene
Cancer Immunoediting: Integrating Immunity’s Roles in Cancer Suppression and Promotion

Understanding how the immune system affects cancer development and progression has been one of the most challenging questions in immunology. Research over the past two decades has helped explain why the answer to this question has evaded us for so long. We now appreciate that the immune system plays a dual role in cancer: It can not only suppress tumor growth by destroying cancer cells or inhibiting their outgrowth but also promote tumor progression either by selecting for tumor cells that are more fit to survive in an immunocompetent host or by establishing conditions within the tumor microenvironment that facilitate tumor outgrowth. Here, we discuss a unifying conceptual framework called “cancer immunoediting,” which integrates the immune system’s dual host-protective and tumor-promoting roles.
A methodological approach for the construction of a radiation hybrid map of bovine chromosome 5

A bovine 5,000 rad WG-RH panel was used to construct an RH map of bovine chromosome 5 (BTA5). Twenty-one microsatellites and thirteen genes were scored in the panel using PAGE and radioactive labeling. Marker retention ranged from 8.9%-25.8% and averaged 17.8%. Pairwise locus analysis placed all markers in a single syntenic group with a LOD support of 4.0. At a LOD support of 8.0, a centromeric group of 23 syntenic markers was formed. Telomeric groups of 11 and 9 markers were assembled with a LOD support of 6.0 and 8.0, respectively. All markers were ordered by maximum likelihood methods using the program RHMAP. Only 13 markers were ordered with a LOD support of at least 3.0, while 25 and 29 markers were ordered with a support of at least 2.0 and 1.0, respectively. Total length of the comprehensive RH map was 435.9 cR5,000, with an average marker separation of 12.8 cR5,000. The largest gaps in the map were 55.0 and 30.4 cR5,000 in length. The locus orders of markers common to both the RH map and the USDA-MARC linkage map were identical. The relationship between the RH and linkage maps was calculated to be 3.74 cR5,000/cM.
Linearity in Instrumental Variables Estimation: Problems and Solutions

The linear IV estimator, in which the dependent variable is a linear function of a potentially endogenous regressor, is a major workhorse in empirical economics. When this regressor takes on multiple values, the linear specification restricts the marginal effects to be constant across all margins. This paper investigates the problems caused by the linearity restriction in IV estimation, and discusses possible remedies. We first examine the biases due to nonlinearity in the commonly used tests for non-zero treatment effects, selection bias, and instrument validity. Next, we consider three applications where theory suggests a nonlinear relationship, yet previous research has used linear IV estimators. We find that relaxing the linearity restriction in the IV estimation changes the qualitative conclusions about the relevant economic theory and the effectiveness of different policies.
Biallelic SEMA3A defects cause a novel type of syndromic short stature

Chromosomal microarray testing is commonly used to identify disease causing de novo copy number variants in patients with developmental delay and multiple congenital anomalies. In such a patient we now observed an 150 kb deletion on chromosome 7q21.11 affecting the first exon of the axon guidance molecule gene SEMA3A (sema domain, immunoglobulin domain (Ig), short basic domain, secreted, (semaphorin) 3A). This deletion was inherited from the healthy father, but considering the function of SEMA3A and phenotypic similarity to the knock‐out mice, we still assumed a pathogenic relevance and tested for a recessive second defect. Sequencing of SEMA3A in the patient indeed revealed the de novo in‐frame mutation p.Phe316_Lys317delinsThrSerSerAsnGlu. Cloning of the mutated allele in combination with two informative SNPs confirmed compound heterozygosity in the patient. While the altered protein structure was predicted to be benign, aberrant splicing resulting in a premature stop codon was proven by RT‐PCR to occur in about half of the transcripts from this allele. Expression profiling in human fetal and adult cDNA panels, confirmed a high expression of SEMA3A in all brain regions as well as in adult and fetal heart and fetal skeletal muscle. Normal intellectual development in the patient was surprising but may be explained by the remaining 20% of SEMA3A expression level demonstrated by quantitative RT‐PCR. We therefore report a novel autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by postnatal short stature with relative macrocephaly, camptodactyly, septal heart defect and several minor anomalies caused by biallelic mutations in SEMA3A. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comprehensive Survey of Pilot Contamination in Massive MIMO—5G System

Massive MIMO has been recognized as a promising technology to meet the demand for higher data capacity for mobile networks in 2020 and beyond. Although promising, each base station needs accurate estimation of the channel state information (CSI), either through feedback or channel reciprocity schemes in order to achieve the benefits of massive MIMO in practice. Time division duplex (TDD) has been suggested as a better mode to acquire timely CSI in massive MIMO systems. The use of non-orthogonal pilot schemes, proposed for channel estimation in multi-cell TDD networks, is considered as a major source of pilot contamination in the literature due to the limitations of coherence time. Given the importance of pilot contamination in massive MIMO systems, we provide an extensive survey on pilot contamination, and identify other possible sources of pilot contamination, which include hardware impairment and non-reciprocal transceivers. We review established theories that have analyzed the effect of pilot contamination on the performance of massive MIMO systems, particularly on achievable rates. Next, we categorize the different proposed mitigation techniques for pilot contamination using the following taxonomy: pilot-based approach and subspace-based approach. Finally, we highlight the open issues, such as training overhead, deployment scenario, computational complexity, use of channel reciprocity, and conclude with broader perspective and a look at future trends in pilot contamination in massive MIMO systems.