Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transmission mode switching for two-user downlink systems

In this paper, we study adaptive transmission mode switching between statistical and instantaneous channel state information (CSI) aided single-user (SU) and multiuser (MU) precoding for a two-user downlink system, where two transmit antennas are equipped at the base station and each mobile user has one receive antenna. In the case where only statistical CSI (SCSI) is available at the transmitter, a statistical-eigenmode space-division multiple-access (SE-SDMA) scheme is proposed by maximizing a lower bound of the ergodic signal-to-leakage-and-noise ratio. An exact analytical expression of the ergodic achievable rate is derived for the proposed SE-SDMA and compared with SU schemes such as SE transmission (SET) and instantaneous CSI (ICSI)-aided beamforming (BF), as well as the MU schemes such as ICSI-aided zero-forcing BF (ZFBF). Assuming the ICSI obtained at the transmitter is imperfect, the operating regions of these schemes are determined for different signal-to-noise ratio regions, channel correlation levels and ICSI inaccuracy levels.
Thermal and oxidative stability of Atlantic salmon oil (Salmo salar L.) and complexation with β-cyclodextrin

The thermal and oxidative stability of Atlantic salmon oil (Salmo salar L.) as well as its β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complexation ability has been verified for the first time. The main omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, were significantly degraded, even at 50 °C. Their relative concentrations decrease from 6.1% for EPA and 4.1% for DHA to 1.7% and 1.5% after degradation at 150 °C, respectively. On the other hand, the relative concentrations of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids remained constant or slightly increased by a few percent after degradation (e.g., from 10.7% to 12.9% for palmitic acid). Co-crystallization of ASO with β-CD at a host–guest ratio of 1:1 and 3:1 from an ethanol–water mixture and kneading methods has been used for the preparation of β-CD/ASO complexes. The analysis of the complexes by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Karl Fischer titration (KFT) as well as the decrease of the “strongly-retained” water content confirm the formation of the inclusion compound. Furthermore, the DSC parameters correlate well with the KFT kinetic data for β-CD/ASO complexes.
Children’s attitudes towards an atypical member of an ethnic in-group

Given that children have a strong bias towards their in-group, this study examined how children respond to a group member who is revealed to have negative qualities. One hundred and twenty Anglo-Australian children who were 6, 9, or 12 years of age heard a story about an (in-group) Anglo-Australian boy and a (out-group) Chinese boy who were good friends or bad enemies. In addition, the story characters displayed both positive and negative traits, and both enacted a positive and a negative behaviour. The results revealed that, as they increased in age, the children remembered more of the in-group character’s negative versus positive traits, saw themselves as increasingly dissimilar to him, and they liked him less, whereas they remembered more of the out-group character’s positive versus negative traits, saw themselves as increasingly similar to him, and liked him more. Contrary to expectations, the story characters’ relationship did not systematically impact on the children’s responses. The results are discussed in terms of the extent of support provided for social identity development theory.
Experimental validation of nonlinear MPC on an overhead crane using automatic code generation

Recent advances in improving the efficiency of nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) algorithms have made them suited for challenging mechatronic applications that require high sampling rates. We demonstrate this fact by applying a highly efficient nonlinear MPC algorithm to a laboratory-scale overhead crane setup, featuring a fast moving cart and a winch mechanism. The aim is to perform optimized point-to-point motions with varying line length while respecting actuator limits. In order to solve the resulting optimization problems in less than one millisecond, an automatically generated Gauss-Newton real-time iteration algorithm is employed. We show experimental results illustrating the control performance of the closed-loop system as well as the efficiency of the nonlinear MPC algorithm.
Helping Disadvantaged Students: Findings from the Thuthuka Programme

Abstract Drawing on social closure theory, this study achieved a deep understanding of the perceptions and experiences of the first cohort of candidates passing through the Thuthuka support programme. Using semi-structured interviews as part of a qualitative approach, currently prevalent modes of professional closure were considered by taking the backgrounds of these students into account, together with their perceptions of the accounting profession. Their views on whether the Thuthuka programme as an intervention had been successful in removing post-apartheid professional closure were determined by taking into account the Thuthuka students’ readiness to sit for professional examinations and to enter the workplace. The findings of the study suggest features that could be considered in support programmes intended for socio-economically disadvantaged students to facilitate their entry into a restrictive and restricted market.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosing Malignant Pulmonary Nodules/Masses: Comparison with Positron Emission Tomography

Introduction: Recent developments of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) make it possible to image malignant tumors to provide tissue contrast based on difference in the diffusion of water molecules among tissues, which can be measured by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value. The aim of this study is to examine the usefulness of DWI for benign/malignant discrimination of pulmonary nodules/masses compared with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). Methods: PET and DWI were carried out prospectively in 104 patients with 140 pulmonary nodules/masses before surgery. FDG uptake of each lesion was quantitatively measured by a contrast ratio of standard uptake value (SUV-CR) between the lesions and contralateral lung. Diffusion of water molecule in each lesion was quantitatively measured by a minimum ADC (ADC-min). The diagnostic results were compared between the two modalities. Results: The receiver operating characteristics curve showed cutoff values of the ADC-min and the SUV-CR for benign/malignant discrimination to be 1.1 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.37, respectively. DWI and PET showed sensitivities of 0.70 and 0.72 and specificities of 0.97 and 0.79, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in sensitivity between the two methods, DWI showed a significantly higher specificity than PET because of fewer false-positives for active inflammatory lesions (p = 0.03). The ADC-min and SUV-CR values showed a significant reverse correlation (r = −0.504, p < 0.001). Conclusions: DWI may be able to be used in place of FDG-PET to distinguish malignant from benign pulmonary nodules/masses with fewer false-positive results compared with FDG-PET.
Six-minute walk test in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Exercise intolerance is the main characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test are widely used in assessing exercise capacity of PAH patients. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) has been specified as the main clinical outcome in PAH and has been used as the primary end-point in many studies conducted for new PAH treatments. Using 6MWD as the end-point in clinical studies has many advantages. 6MWT is an inexpensive, easily applicable, and repeatable standardized test that is well-tolerated by PAH patients. Moreover, it is a valid measure of symptomatic improvement. It is correlated with variables of maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test as a measure of submaximal exercise capacity and disease severity markers such as functional class and pulmonary hemodynamics. It is widely used in clinical practice together with other invasive and non-invasive disease markers in assessing disease progression and response to treatment. In addition, it has prognostic importance and is a good prognostic marker. On the other hand, there are limitations to the use of 6MWD as the primary end-point in PAH treatment. It has decreased sensitivity in individuals with less severe disease and high 6MWD at baseline and decreased adequacy in assessing the effects of treatment in patients who are still under PAH treatment. Despite the limitations, 6MWD plays a key role in the evaluation and management of PAH patients.
Reducing DC link voltage unbalance in a fault-tolerant inverter

Today, continuous working of power inverter drives is mandatory for several applications. Damages to materials, machines or even risks to human life have to be absolutely avoided. In the literature, fault-tolerant algorithms and architectures to achieve a successful fault handling are investigated. Researchers aim at reducing the number and cost of additional components, improving at the same time the inverter performances under postfault conditions. Cost, post-fault power derating and increasing distortion are usually conflicting requirements. In this paper, a fault-tolerant three phase inverter is presented. A reconfigurable architecture and a novel fault-tolerant algorithm is designed to reduce DC Link Voltages unbalance. The system is modeled in PSIM-MATLAB/Simulink environment. The power stage model is implemented in PSIM environment. The fault-tolerant algorithm is implemented in MATLAB-Simulink environment. The SimCoupler module is used to perform co-simulation of the entire model. Simulation results are shown to test performances of the proposed algorithm.
Comparing In-Class and Out-of-Class Computer-Based Tests to Traditional Paper-and-Pencil Tests in Introductory Psychology Courses

This article describes three experiments comparing paper-and-pencil tests (PPTs) to computer-based tests (CBTs) in terms of test method preferences and student performance. In Experiment 1, students took tests using three methods: PPT in class, CBT in class, and CBT at the time and place of their choosing. Results indicate that test method did not affect performance and students liked the idea of additional CBTs. In Experiment 2, students chose the test time and administration method for four exams. CBT was the preferred method and CBT performance did not differ from a PPT comparison group. In Experiment 3, students chose the test method, but not the time, for three exams. PPT was the preferred method. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Prolonged and Extrasynaptic Excitatory Action of Dopamine Mediated by D1 Receptors in the Rat Striatum In Vivo

The spatiotemporal characteristics of the dopaminergic transmission mediated by D1 receptors were investigated in vivo. For this purpose dopamine (DA) release was evoked in the striatum of anesthetized rats by train electrical stimulations of the medial forebrain bundle (one to four pulses at 15 Hz), which mimicked the spontaneous activity of dopaminergic neurons. The resulting dopamine overflow was electrochemically monitored in real time in the extracellular space. This evoked DA release induced a delayed increase in discharge activity in a subpopulation of single striatal neurons. This excitation was attributable to stimulation of D1 receptors by released DA because it was abolished by acute 6-hydroxydopamine lesion and strongly reduced by the D1 antagonist SCH 23390. Striatal neurons exhibiting this delayed response were also strongly excited by intravenous administration of the D1 agonist SKF 82958. Whereas the DA overflow was closely time-correlated with stimulation, the excitatory response mediated by DA started 200 msec after release and lasted for up to 1 sec. Moreover, functional evidence presented here combined with previous morphological data show that D1 receptors are stimulated by DA diffusing up to 12 μm away from release sites in the extrasynaptic extracellular space. In conclusion, DA released by bursts of action potentials exerts, via D1 receptors, a delayed and prolonged excitatory influence on target neurons. This phasic transmission occurs outside synaptic clefts but still exhibits a high degree of spatial specificity.
One of Us or One of My Friends: How Social Identity and Tie Strength Shape the Creative Generativity of Boundary-Spanning Ties

Social ties to colleagues on other work teams can spur creative ideas and workplace innovation by exposing an individual to diverse knowledge. However, for external knowledge to be recombined into innovation, the knowledge must first be recognized as potentially valuable. Going beyond traditional structural explanations, we predict that the use of diverse knowledge to generate creative ideas and solutions will depend in part on employees’ psychological attachment to the organizational groups to which they belong, i.e., their social identity, and the strength of their social ties. We test our hypotheses in an R&D division of a global high-technology firm, finding that social identity influences the creative generativity of boundary-spanning ties. Specifically, stronger team identity renders interactions with colleagues on other work teams less generative of creative ideas, while identification with an overarching, superordinate group (e.g., a division) enhances creative generativity. We also hypothesize and find that tie strength attenuates the negative effect of team identity.
Sodium hydrosulfide prevents hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in broilers

1. The aim of the study was to determine if H2S is involved in the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in broilers, a condition frequently observed in a variety of cardiac and pulmonary diseases. 2. Two-week-old broilers were reared under normoxic conditions or exposed to normobaric hypoxia (6 h/day) with tissue levels of H2S adjusted by administering sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 10 µmol/kg body weight/day). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricular mass, plasma and tissue H2S levels, the expression of cystathionine-β-synthase (CSE) and vascular remodeling were determined at 35 d of age. 3. Exposure to hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension was characterized by elevated pulmonary pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodeling. This was accompanied by decreased expression of CSE and decreased concentrations of plasma and tissue H2S. 4. Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension was significantly reduced by administration of NaHS but this protective effect was largely abolished by D, L-propargylglycerine, an inhibitor of CSE. 5. The results indicate that H2S is involved in the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Supplementing NaHS or H2S could be a strategy for reducing hypoxia-induced hypertension in broilers.
Validation of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Predicting Outcomes of Antiangiogenic Therapy for Solid Tumors

ObjectivesDynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) has been used in single-center studies to evaluate tumor response to antiangiogenic treatments: the change of area under the perfusion curve (AUC), a criterion linked to blood volume, was consistently correlated with the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors response. The main objective here was to do a multicentric validation of the use of DCE-US to evaluate tumor response in different solid tumor types treated by several antiangiogenic agents. A secondary objective was to evaluate the costs of the procedure. Materials and MethodsThis prospective study included patients from 2007 to 2010 in 19 centers (8 teaching hospitals and 11 comprehensive cancer centers). All patients treated with antiangiogenic therapy were eligible. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations were performed at baseline as well as on days 7, 15, 30, and 60. For each examination, a perfusion curve was recorded during 3 minutes after injection of a contrast agent. Change from baseline at each time point was estimated for each of 7 fitted criteria. The main end point was freedom from progression (FFP). Criterion/time-point combinations with the strongest correlation with FFP were analyzed further to estimate an optimal cutoff point. ResultsA total of 1968 DCE-US examinations in 539 patients were analyzed. The median follow-up was 1.65 years. Variations from baseline were significant at day 30 for several criteria, with AUC having the most significant association with FFP (P = 0.00002). Patients with a greater than 40% decrease in AUC at day 30 had better FFP (P = 0.005) and overall survival (P = 0.05). The mean cost of each DCE-US was 180&OV0556;, which corresponds to $250 using the current exchange rate. ConclusionsDynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a new functional imaging technique that provides a validated criterion, namely, the change of AUC from baseline to day 30, which is predictive of tumor progression in a large multicenter cohort. Because of its low cost, it should be considered in the routine evaluation of solid tumors treated with antiangiogenic therapy.
The relationship of antiphospholipid antibodies to cognitive function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective: To examine the relationship between antiphospholipid antibody positivity (expressed as the lupus anticoagulant) and cognitive dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Cross-sectional comparisons of lupus anticoagulant (LA) positive (N = 39) and negative (N = 79) patients and controls (N = 35) on a cognitive test battery; 22 LA-positive and 53 LA-negative patients who had never experienced neuropsychiatric events (never-NP–SLE) were also compared separately. Results: LA-positive patients were 2 to 3 times more likely than were LA-negative patients to be designated as cognitively impaired. As a group, LA-positive patients, particularly those in the never-NP–SLE group, demonstrated lower performance primarily on tasks of verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, and psychomotor speed. Conclusions: LA positivity is associated with subclinical nervous system compromise, and a pattern of deficits compatible with subcortical involvement, possibly on the basis of ongoing LA-related microthrombotic events or vasculopathy. (JINS, 1997, 3, 377–386.)
Presence and Emotions in Virtual Environments: The Influence of Stereoscopy

This study investigates how stereoscopy (the illusion of depth and 3D imaging) affects the sense of presence and the intensity of the positive mood that users feel in virtual environments (VEs). A between-group design was used, and 40 volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions (stereoscopy vs. no stereoscopy) and to one of two emotional VEs (relaxation or joy). The participants' emotions were assessed before and after the VR experience. Presence was measured with two postexperiment questionnaires (ITC-SOPI and SUS). Results show that there were no differences between stereoscopic and monoscopic presentations in VEs (neither subjective sense of presence nor emotional reactions). Practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed herein.
Sequence impedance measurement of three-phase inverters using a parallel structure

This paper proposes a method of sequence impedance measurement of three-phase inverters by using a parallel structure with another inverter as the measurement unit, in order to apply the impedance-based stability analysis of power converter systems. The paralleled inverter not only injects small-signal perturbations but also creates the desired operating conditions for the inverter under test. The measurement setup is simple, since no additional AC source or load banks are needed. First, the sequence impedance model of three-phase inverters is described. Then the measurement setup and injection method are presented. Zero-sequence circulating current reduction and open-loop control with voltage compensation strategies guarantee the measurement accuracy. The agreement between the theoretical analysis and the measurement results in both simulation and experiments verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase theta and mu genes and susceptibility to myeloid leukemia in Brazilian patients

The null genotype for glutathione S-transferase (GST, EC 2.5.1.18) gene polymorphisms is considered a risk factor for leukemia in different populations. In this work we investigated the GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms using multiplex PCR in 53 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 23 with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and 304 apparently healthy controls. In this association study we found that the GSTT1null genotype was more frequent in our group of APL patients than in the control group [OR = 2.75 (95% CI = 1.10-6.88)], providing evidence that a deletion in the GSTT1 gene could be a risk factor for this type of leukemia.
Comparing tongue positions of vowels in oral and nasal contexts

We studied tongue positions of vowels in oral and nasal contexts. In the previous study [Arai, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. , 115, p.2541 (2004)], formant frequencies were measured and bidirectional formant shifts in F1 frequency were observed: increasing F1 for high vowels and decreasing F1 for low vowels. Then, we tried to answer to the next question, that is, whether or not speakers and/or listeners compensate for the formant shifts. The perceptual experiment by Arai (2004) showed that compensation occurs when an isolated vowel has nasalization and is accompanied by formant transitions. This result agreed with the findings of Krakow et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 83, 1146-1158 (1988)]. The goal of this study is to examine the compensation effect for the formant shifts in production. In the EMMA experiment, the measurement of the positions of the articulators showed almost no compensation except for the lowest vowel /#/.
Natural course of gambling disorders: Forty-month follow-up

The natural course of gambling disorders was examined in 40 active pathological gamblers following a three-and-a-half-year period. The majority who reported intentions to quit or reduce gambling made a serious change attempt; however, at follow-up most were gambling problematically. Emotional and financial factors were important precipitants of attempts to quit as well as reasons for relapse. A substantial number experienced a depressive episode or substance use disorder during the follow-up period. A number reported quitting drinking and smoking concurrent with quitting gambling. Less than half had treatment for their gambling problem during the follow-up interval. The few participants who were currently gambling but no longer experiencing gambling problems reported less serious gambling problems initially. In contrast, the successfully abstinent group reported more gambling problems initially. This study provides important directions for future research. Abstinence may be more feasible for individuals experiencing more serious problems, whereas non-abstinent goals may be realistic for individuals with fewer negative consequences.