Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximate Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Rician K-Factor and Investigation of Urban Wireless Measurements

We consider the problem of estimating the K-factor of a Rician fading wireless channel based on observations of the envelope only, i.e., without phase-information. An approximate Rician power density function (pdf) is introduced to overcome the complexity of the exact pdf. A closed-form maximum-likelihood estimator is derived based on this approximate Rician pdf, while a maximum-likelihood estimator based on the exact Rician pdf appears to be infeasible. An improved estimator is also proposed that features less bias and less variance than the first estimator. The performance of the latter estimator is compared to moment-based estimators that were previously proposed in the literature and is found to have superior performance to closed-form moment estimators, especially for low sample numbers and/or large K-values. The estimator is applied to real wireless macro-cell urban-area measurements. The results show generally low K-factors (below 3dB), with occasional higher values in particular circumstances.
A recombinant peptide model of the first nucleotide‐binding fold of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator: Comparison of wild‐type and ΔF508 mutant forms

A series of recombinant peptides, each including the sequence proposed to be the first nucleotide‐binding fold of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), has been produced in an attempt to find a model peptide that would autologously fold into a soluble structure with native‐like properties. The peptide NBD1F, which contains the 267‐amino acid sequence of CFTR from 384 to 650, meets these requirements. The peptide was produced with a high expression bacterial plasmid pRSET, purified from inclusion bodies following solubilization with 6 M guanidine‐HCl and refolded from 8 M urea. Competitive displacement of trinitrophenol‐ATP by nucleotides reveals binding of ATP and related nucleotides with KDs in the low micromolar range; the KD for ATP‐γS is 1.0 ± 0.4 μM and for ADP 8.8 ± 3.1 μM. The native‐like character of the model peptide's structure is further supported by the findings that the KD for the ATP analog, 5′‐adenylimidodiphosphate, is fourfold lower than the KD for the methylene analog, 5′‐adenylmethylenediphosphonate, and that ATP binding slows the trypsin proteolysis of NBD1F. The CD spectra of NBD1F and the parallel peptide containing the most common cystic fibrosis mutation, deletion of Phe 508, are essentially indistinguishable, both spectra indicating 28% α‐helix and 23% β‐sheet, with insignificant differences in the amounts of β‐turns and random structure. Extensive investigation using multiple conditions with highly purified preparations of the model peptides demonstrates that they do not support ATP hydrolysis. These large recombinant peptides offer practical models for the investigation of the first nucleotide‐binding domain of CFTR.
Investigating Teachers' Views of Student-Centred Learning Approach.

Conventional learning is based on low levels of students’ participation where students are rarely expected to ask questions or to challenge the theories of the academic. A paradigm shift in curriculum has resulted in implementing student-centred learning (SCL) approach, putting students as the centre of the learning process. This mode of presentation has been implemented in the Malaysian classroom context. However, the shift in focus on learning from the conventional to the SCL has presented Malaysian educators with some challenges especially to move away from the ‘chalk and talk’ method of teaching used for decades in most classrooms in secondary schools. This study explores teachers’ views of SCL approach through individual in-depth interviews. Various themes emerged from the interviews. The findings provides evidence that teachers who exposed students to some elements of SCL, saw students actively engaged in the learning process, aware of their own responsibilities, sense of autonomy inlearning and learned from their experiences. However, there were some challenges and constraints faced by teachers in implementing SCL approach.
Senescence in Wound Repair: Emerging Strategies to Target Chronic Healing Wounds

Cellular senescence is a fundamental stress response that restrains tumour formation. Yet, senescence cells are also present in non-cancerous states, accumulating exponentially with chronological age and contributing to age- and diabetes-related cellular dysfunction. The identification of hypersecretory and phagocytic behaviours in cells that were once believed to be non-functional has led to a recent explosion of senescence research. Here we discuss the profound, and often opposing, roles identified for short-lived vs. chronic tissue senescence. Transiently induced senescence is required for development, regeneration and acute wound repair, while chronic senescence is widely implicated in tissue pathology. We recently demonstrated that sustained senescence contributes to impaired diabetic healing via the CXCR2 receptor, which when blocked promotes repair. Further studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of targeting a range of senescence-linked processes to fight disease. Collectively, these findings hold promise for developing clinically viable strategies to tackle senescence in chronic wounds and other cutaneous pathologies.
The effect of ketamine on 0.25% and 0.125% bupivacaine for caudal epidural blockade in children

Forty boys aged from one to five years undergoing orchidopexy were randomly allocated to receive one of two solutions for caudal epidural injection. Group A received 1 ml? kg−1 of 0.125% bupivacaine with ketamine 0.5 mg? kg−1 and Group B received 1 ml? kg−1 of bupivacaine 0.25% with ketamine 0.5 mg? kg−1. Postoperative pain was assessed by means of a modified Objective Pain Score and analgesia was administered if this score exceeded four. The median duration of caudal analgesia was 8 h in Group A compared with 9.5 h in Group B (P<0.05). The time taken to recover the ability to walk was a median of two h in Group A and three h in Group B (P<0.05). There were no differences between the groups in the incidence of urinary retention or postoperative sedation.
Loss of β2‐laminin alters calcium sensitivity and voltage‐gated calcium channel maturation of neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction

Neuromuscular junctions from β2‐laminin‐deficient mice exhibit lower levels of calcium sensitivity. Loss of β2‐laminin leads to a failure in switching from N‐ to P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel (VGCC)‐mediated transmitter release that normally occurs with neuromuscular junction maturation. The motor nerve terminals from β2‐laminin‐deficient mice fail to up‐regulate the expression of P/Q‐type VGCCs clusters and down‐regulate N‐type VGCCs clusters, as they mature. There is decreased co‐localisation of presynaptic specialisations in β2‐laminin‐deficient neuromuscular junctions as a consequence of lesser P/Q‐type VGCC expression. These findings support the idea that β2‐laminin is critical in the organisation and maintenance of active zones at the neuromuscular junction via its interaction with P/Q‐type VGCCs, which aid in stabilisation of the synapse.
Hodge theory and the topology of compact Kähler and complex projective manifolds

1 Hodge structures 3 1.1 The Hodge decomposition . 3 1.1.1 The Frölicher spectral sequence . 3 1.1.2 Hodge filtration and Hodge decomposition . 6 1.1.3 Hodge structures . 7 1.2 Morphisms of Hodge structures . 10 1.2. 1 Functoriality . 10 1.2. 2 Hodge classes . 11 1.2. 3 Cohomology ring . 12 1.3 Polarizations . 13 1.3. 1 The hard Lefschetz theorem . 13 1.3. 2 Hodge-Riemann bilinear relations . 14 1.3. 3 Rational polarizations . 17
Complexation behavior in aqueous edta sol-gel systems for the synthesis of YBa2Cu3O7-x high-temperature superconductors

Two water-based YBa2Cu3O7-x precursor solutions using edta (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) as complexing agent are presented. These precursors were employed to deposit thin layers of high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) materials. The influence of the complexation behavior on the formation of transparent and homogeneous solutions and gels after the combination of metal acetates and other modifiers was studied, compared and interpreted using metal-ligand equilibria. The occurrence of different chemical species at different pH values appears to be related to stable gel formation conditions. It is found that both acetic acid and edta play an important role in controlling the condensation reaction to form a continuous network polymer. The precursors were used to deposit textured superconducting thin films on SrTiO3 (STO) substrates by dip coating. Analysis by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) indicated that a single YBCO (yttrium barium copper oxide) phase was obtained. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to determine the carbon residue level in the YBCO final materials, which was lower than 0.01%.
Are Chinese Teams Like Western Teams? Indigenous Management Theory to Leapfrog Essentialist Team Myths

Our study analyzes a gap in research on Chinese and Western management teams, based on a broad literature review. We claim that prevalent theoretical perspectives in the management team literature might be biased toward a Western-centric view of team dynamics. This obscures alternative ways of understanding top teams encompassing Chinese cultural traditions. We outline how an essentialist team conceptualization leads to a paradox consisting of three mutually contradicting myths. Myth 1 implies that Western groups of managers comply with theoretically “ideal” team processes and characteristics. Myth 2 derives from research literature on Chinese teams claiming that team features are assumed absent or weak in China due to cultural particularities. Paradoxically, the same research tradition constructs another third myth by reporting that Chinese teams successfully comply with the Western ideal team model. The three coexisting myths point to a theoretical confounding of contextual mediators in team processes. We discuss how indigenous Chinese leadership theory and Chinese systems of philosophy give Chinese teams access to distinct and effective team processes to reach high-performance outcomes. This paper aims to open the rich possibilities of Chinese management and team practices to the cross-cultural context, and on return to novel understanding of Western teams beyond traditional essentialist theory anchors.
Treatment of peri-implant defects with guided bone regeneration: a comparative clinical study with various membranes and bone grafts.

In this clinical study, a bioabsorbable membrane (Biofix) and two augmentation membranes made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) were tested for their osteopromotive potential. Forty-six implants were augmented with Gore-Tex membranes, 45 implants with titanium-reinforced Gore-Tex membranes, and 38 peri-implant defects with a resorbable polyglycolid membrane (Biofix). Autogenous bone (n = 85) and bovine bone matrix (Bio-Oss, n = 16) were used as filling materials beneath membranes. The results showed that bone repair is significantly improved by the use of membrane techniques. The average rate of bone regeneration with non-resorbable membranes was 84% (GTAM) and 81% (TR-GTAM). The use of Biofix membranes resulted in an average bone gain of 60%. The differences in efficacy established for the three types of membranes were found to be statistically significant (P < .001). Barrier membranes represent a valid technique for the treatment of peri-implant defects. Clinical and histologic results showed that Bio-Oss is an osteoconductive scaffold that promotes new bone formation.
Intervention of Bro1 in pH-Responsive Rim20 Localization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Yeast cells contain two Bro1 domain proteins: Bro1, which is required for endosomal trafficking, and Rim20, which is required for the response to the external pH via the Rim101 pathway. Rim20 associates with endosomal structures under alkaline growth conditions, when it promotes activation of Rim101 through proteolytic cleavage. We report here that the pH-dependent localization of Rim20 is contingent on the amount of Bro1 in the cell. Cells that lack Bro1 have increased endosomal Rim20-green fluorescent protein (GFP) under acidic conditions; cells that overexpress Bro1 have reduced endosomal Rim20-GFP under acidic or alkaline conditions. The novel endosomal association of Rim20-GFP in the absence of Bro1 requires ESCRT components including Vps27 but not specific Rim101 pathway components such as Dfg16. Vps27 influences the localization of Bro1 but is not required for RIM101 pathway activation in wild-type cells, thus suggesting that Rim20 enters the Bro1 localization pathway when a vacancy exists. Despite altered localization of Rim20, the lack of Bro1 does not bypass the need for signaling protein Dfg16 to activate Rim101, as evidenced by the expression levels of the Rim101 target genes RIM8 and SMP1. Therefore, endosomal association of Rim20 is not sufficient to promote Rim101 activation.
Comparison of thermal spread after ureteral ligation with the Laparo-Sonic ultrasonic shears and the Ligasure system.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The extent of lateral spread of tissue injury is important in the success of a primary anastomosis. We compared the injury produced by the Laparo-sonic Coagulation Shears and the Ligasure system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ureters were harvested from domestic farm pigs and ligated with the Laparo-sonic (N = 13) or Ligasure (N = 9) system. The tissues were then fixed, stained, and examined by two pathologists without knowledge of the type of treatment. RESULTS The mean length of thermal damage from the Ligasure was 2.11 mm (range 1.0-4.0 mm) whereas it was 1.92 (range 0.5-4.25 mm) from the Laparo-sonic system. The difference is not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Debridement of as much as 5 mm of each cut end produced by the Laparo-sonic or Ligasure system may be beneficial in reducing stricture and leak.
A survey of the economic impact of subclinical Eimeria infections in broiler chickens in Norway

The objective of this work was to examine the impact of subclinical coccidial infection on commercial performance, expressed as a modified European Production Index, in broilers. Performance data, and litter and faecal samples, were collected from two independent observational surveys of Norwegian broilers receiving in-feed narasin during 2000 to 2004. Numbers of oocysts per gram (OPG) of litter collected during rearing (Study 1) or faecal samples collected at slaughter (both studies), and relative frequencies of Eimeria species categories (both studies) were calculated. Polymerase chain reaction-based identification of Eimeria species was performed in Study 2. A definition of flocks at risk of impaired performance associated with coccidia (“risk flock”), using the predominant species and OPG level as criteria, was tested. Coccidia had a significant effect on performance in the first, but not the second study. In Study 1 the following coccidia variables were found to be associated with impaired performance in multivariate models: OPG at slaughter (ordinal), mean OPG during rearing (ordinal) and “risk flock” (binomial). The European Production Index was ∼9% lower in flocks with infection levels >50 000 OPG at slaughter in Study 1. The composition of coccidial populations shifted between Study 1 and Study 2, from a dominance of medium and large oocysts to a dominance of small oocysts. There was a substantial increase in prevalence of coccidial infection from Study 1 to Study 2, but mean infection levels were similar in the two surveys. The “risk flock” definition was useful as an indicator of coccidia-associated performance loss in Study 1, where subclinical coccidiosis was an important factor. The results suggest that the economic importance of subclinical coccidiosis may vary substantially with time, and they emphasize the need for population studies on the importance and dynamics of specific coccidial infections under different field conditions.
Influence of Customer Identification on Online Usage and Purchasing Behaviors in Social Commerce

The emergence and increasing popularity of social networking sites (SNSs) have dramatically changed how people interact with one another and have paved the way for social commerce. Extant literature that examines Internet consumer behavior relies largely on cognitive-based models and thus examines the phenomenon only partially. This study offers an affective perspective to examine usage and purchasing behaviors and their relationships in a social commerce context. Extending customer identification literature, the study proposes that SNS members develop identification with the SNS. This identification further influences their usage and purchasing behaviors through customer loyalty and intention, respectively. The empirical test confirms that customer identification is an effective predictor to both behaviors and usage behavior affects purchasing behavior. Hence, it provides supportive evidence to the validity of affective perspective model and the popular “free and fee” business model in both electronic and social commerce. Theoretical and managerial implications, limitations, and future studies are also discussed.
Peanut Allergy Diagnosis in the Context of Grass Pollen Sensitization for 125 Patients: Roles of Peanut and Cross-Reactive Carbohydrate Determinants Specific IgE

Background: In vitro testing for food allergy may yield clinically irrelevant results due to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) induced by pollen exposure. The performances of 2 in vitro methods were evaluated for peanut sIgE measurement in patients allergic to grass pollen with or without subsequent allergy to peanuts. The correlation between clinically irrelevant peanut sIgE and the presence of CCD sIgE was investigated. Methods: In vitro measurement of peanut sIgE was performed using the Pharmacia ImmunoCap™ system Radio Immuno Assay (RIA) and the Immulite ® 2000 3gAllergy™ system. Discrepancies between in vitro results and peanut allergy diagnosis were evaluated by measurement of CCD sIgE using bromelain and ascorbic acid oxydase (AAO). Results: The sensitivity was 100% with both systems for the diagnosis of allergy to peanut (58 patients), nevertheless the specificity obtained with Immulite (73%) was better than that obtained using ImmunoCap (46%) in patients who were not allergic to peanuts, but who had a grass pollen allergy (n = 41). In 22 out of 41 patients who presented clinically irrelevant peanut sIgE results using ImmunoCAP, CCD sIgE was detected in 72% of the cases by bromelain and in 86% by AAO. In 11 patients out of 41 who presented irrelevant peanut sIgE results using Immulite, CCD sIgE was detected in 81% of the cases by bromelain and in 100% by AAO. Conclusion: The Immulite 2000 system had better specificity than the ImmunoCap system for accurate diagnosis of peanut allergy in patients allergic to grass pollen. CCD sIgE was identified in most of the false-positive peanut sIgE results.
Systemic Absorption of Mepivacaine in Commonly Used Regional Block Procedures

Arterial plasma level-versus-time profiles of mepivacaine were determined for 70 surgical patients undergoing epidural, caudal, intercostalnerve, brachial-plexus, and sciatic/femoral-nerve blocks. A single dose of 500 mg of mepivacaine HCl was used. The conditions studied were route of injection, concentration of drug solution (1 and 2 per cent), and presence or absence of epinephrine, 1:200,000, in the injected solution. Each condition tested resulted in significant changes in maximum plasma levels (Cpmax), time to occurrence of Cpmax (tmax), and areas under plasma level-versus-time curves (∫Cp.dt). The highest plasma concentrations (5–10 µg base/ml) were seen after intercostal-nerve blocks using plain solutions, but addition of epinephrine caused these to become comparable to peak levels after the other blocks (2–5 µg base/ml). For those blocks studied at both concentrations, use of the 2 per cent solution was always associated with the higher Cpmax and ∫Cp.dt values. Mean values of tmax using plain solutions ranged from 9 min (intercostal block) to 30 min (sciatic/femoral) and were increased two-to-threefold by the addition of epinephrine. No systemic toxic reactions were encountered, indicating the safety of the dosage used under the conditions of the study. Addition of epinephrine, 1:200,000, to mepivacaine solutions is recommended for the nerve blocks investigated, especially for intercostal-nerve block.
Australian evidence for interprofessional education contributing to effective teamwork preparation and interest in rural practice

A pilot interprofessional education (IPE) placement for undergraduate health care professional students was undertaken in rural Victoria, Australia from 2001 to 2003. Medical, nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy students were involved, and the project is ongoing. This paper briefly outlines the educational model, then focuses on the evaluation methods and results obtained from student evaluations. The placement experience improved self-reported teamwork skills and knowledge, and supported participating students' belief in the value of interprofessional practice. Placements strengthened nursing and allied health students' intention to work in rural health settings after graduation. The rural interprofessional educational experience improved interprofessional abilities in a group of students who have the potential to influence change towards collaborative practices in their future workplaces. The results obtained provide sufficiently strong evidence to justify the continuation and expansion of this educational model in the Australian setting. Pedagogical and evaluation modifications are discussed that may benefit future IPE programs.
Hematological alterations in protein malnutrition

Protein malnutrition is one of the most serious nutritional problems worldwide, affecting 794 million people and costing up to $3.5 trillion annually in the global economy. Protein malnutrition primarily affects children, the elderly, and hospitalized patients. Different degrees of protein deficiency lead to a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms of protein malnutrition, especially in organs in which the hematopoietic system is characterized by a high rate of protein turnover and, consequently, a high rate of protein renewal and cellular proliferation. Here, the current scientific information about protein malnutrition and its effects on the hematopoietic process is reviewed. The production of hematopoietic cells is described, with special attention given to the hematopoietic microenvironment and the development of stem cells. Advances in the study of hematopoiesis in protein malnutrition are also summarized. Studies of protein malnutrition in vitro, in animal models, and in humans demonstrate several alterations that impair hematopoiesis, such as structural changes in the extracellular matrix, the hematopoietic stem cell niche, the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow stromal cells; changes in mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells; increased autophagy; G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest of progenitor hematopoietic cells; and functional alterations in leukocytes. Structural and cellular changes of the hematopoietic microenvironment in protein malnutrition contribute to bone marrow atrophy and nonestablishment of hematopoietic stem cells, resulting in impaired homeostasis and an impaired immune response.