Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Online Approach to D2D Trajectory Utility Maximization Problem

This paper considers the problem of designing the user trajectory in a device-to-device communications setting. We consider a pair of pedestrians connected through a D2D link. The pedestrians seek to reach their respective destinations, while using the D2D link for data exchange applications such as file transfer, video calling, and online gaming. In order to enable better D2D connectivity, the pedestrians are willing to deviate from their respective shortest paths, at the cost of reaching their destinations slightly late. A generic trajectory optimization problem is formulated and solved for the case when full information about the problem in known in advance. Motivated by the D2D user's need to keep their destinations private, we also formulate a regularized variant of the problem that can be used to develop a fully online algorithm. The proposed online algorithm is quite efficient, and is shown to achieve a sublinear offline regret while satisfying the required mobility constraints exactly. The theoretical results are backed by detailed numerical tests that establish the efficacy of the proposed algorithms under various settings.
PAPR reduction of DWT-OFDM using combined hadamard and companding transform with trellis shaping

In this paper Hadamard and companding Transform is combined with trellis shaping (TS) to reduce peak to average power ratio (PAPR) of a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. Here DWT-OFDM is combined with coded modulation to improve reliability. Bit interleaved coded modulation (BICM) is used with DWT-OFDM to gain good error performance. The evaluation of the peak power reduction capability of the proposed method in terms of complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) is done. Then effectiveness of our system is evaluated through the analysis in terms of bit error rate (BER) and frame error rate (FER) over an additive white Gaussian noise channel. A comparison over the performance of DWT and Fast Fourier transform (FFT) based OFDM is discussed. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method offers better improvement in OFDM performance.
Modelling and Simulation of High Step-Up DC / DC Converter for On-Site Generation System

In this paper, to achieve high step-up voltage gain and high efficiency, a novel high step-up ratio using clamp-circuit in addition capacitor and diode along with the boost inductor is proposed. The capacitor gets charged during the switch-off period and discharged during the switch-on period by the energy stored in the inductor which leads to high voltage gain. The leakage-inductor energy of the coupled inductor is recycled with a passive clamp circuit. Thus, the voltage stress on the main switch is reduced. The switch with low resistance RDS is used to reduce the conduction loss which increases the efficiency. The operating principle and steady-state analyses are discussed in detail. Finally, a prototype circuit with 24-V input voltage, 48-V output voltage, is implemented in the laboratory to verify the performance of the proposed converter.
Effect of Choline Supplementation on Neurological, Cognitive, and Behavioral Outcomes in Offspring Arising from Alcohol Exposure During Development: A Quantitative Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies

Prenatal alcohol exposure results in cognitive, behavioral, and neurological deficits in offspring. There is an urgent need for safe and effective treatments to overcome these effects. Maternal choline supplementation has been identified as a potential intervention. Our objective was to review preclinical and clinical studies using choline supplementation in known cases of fetal alcohol exposure to determine its effectiveness in ameliorating deficits in offspring. A systematic search of 6 electronic databases was conducted and studies selected by reviewing titles/abstracts against specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study characteristics, population demographics, alcohol exposure, and intervention methods were tabulated, and quality of reporting was assessed. Data on cognitive, behavioral, and neurological outcomes were extracted and tabulated. Quantitative analysis was performed to determine treatment effects for individual study outcomes. A total of 189 studies were retrieved following duplicate removal. Of these, 22 studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective cohort studies, and 18 preclinical studies) met the full inclusion/exclusion criteria. Choline interventions were administered at different times relative to alcohol exposure, impacting on their success to prevent deficits for specific outcomes. Only 1 clinical study showed significant improvements in information processing in 6-month-old infants from mothers treated with choline during pregnancy. Preclinical studies showed significant amelioration of deficits due to prenatal alcohol exposure across a wide variety of outcomes, including epigenetic/molecular changes, gross motor, memory, and executive function. This review suggests that choline supplementation has the potential to ameliorate specific behavioral, neurological, and cognitive deficits in offspring caused by fetal alcohol exposure, at least in preclinical studies. As only 1 clinical study has shown benefit, we recommend more clinical trials be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of choline in preventing deficits across a wider range of cognitive domains in children.
MS C-00184-2005-Revision 2-20050804 Membrane Cholesterol Extraction decreases Na + Transport in A 6 Renal Epithelia

In this study we investigated the dependence of Na transport regulation on membrane cholesterol content in A6 epithelia. We continuously monitored the shortcircuit current (ISC), the transepithelial conductance (GT) and the transepithelial capacitance (CT) to evaluate the effects of cholesterol extraction from the apical and basolateral membranes in steady-state conditions and during activation with a hypoosmotic shock, oxytocin and adenosine. Cholesterol extraction was achieved by perfusing the epithelia with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (mβCD) for 1h. In steady-state conditions, apical membrane cholesterol extraction did not significantly affect the electrophysiological parameters, in contrast to the marked reductions observed during basolateral mβCD treatment. However, apical mβCD application hampered the responses of ISC and GT to hypotonicity, oxytocin and adenosine. Analysis of the blocker-induced fluctuation in current demonstrated that apical mβCD treatment decreased the epithelial sodium channel open probability in steady-state as well as after activation of Na transport by adenosine, whereas the density of conducting channels was not significantly changed, as confirmed by CT measurements. Na + transport activation by hypotonicity was abolished during basolateral mβCD treatment due to a reduced Na/K pump activity. From this study we conclude that basolateral membrane cholesterol extraction reduces Na/K pump activity, whereas the reduced cholesterol content of the apical membranes affects the activation of Na transport by reducing the sodium channel open probability.
Abietic acid attenuates RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis and inflammation associated osteolysis by inhibiting the NF‐KB and MAPK signaling

Osteoporosis is a major debilitating cause of fractures and decreases the quality of life in elderly patients. Bone homeostasis is maintained by bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorpting osteoclasts. Substantial evidences have shown that targeting osteoclasts using natural products is a promising strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis. In the current study, we investigated the osteoprotective effect of Abietic acid (AA) in in vitro and in vivo models of osteolysis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, AA suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis and F‐actin ring formation in a concentration dependent manner. Mechanistically, AA abrogated RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of IKKα/β (ser 176/180), IkBα (ser 32), and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. We also found that, AA attenuated the RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of MAPKs and decreased the expression of osteoclast specific genes such as TRAP, DC‐STAMP, c‐Fos, and NFATc1. Consistent with in vitro results, in vivo Lipoploysaccharide (LPS)‐induced osteolysis model showed that AA inhibited the LPS‐induced serum surge in cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6. μ‐CT analysis showed that AA prevented the LPS‐induced osteolysis. Furthermore, histopathology and TRAP staining results suggested that AA decreased the number of osteoclasts in LPS‐injected mice. Taken together, we demonstrated that the osteoprotective action of AA is coupled with the inhibition of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling and subsequent inhibition of NFATc1 and c‐Fos activities. Hence, AA may be considered as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Immunosenescence and Immunotherapy in Elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients: Time for a Biology-Driven Approach

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease, which mainly affects the elderly population. Unfortunately, the prognosis of patients aged >65 years is dismal, with 1-year overall survival approaching 10% with conventional therapies. The hypothesis of harnessing the immune system against cancer, including leukemia, has been postulated for a long time, and several clinical attempts have been made in this field. In the last years, we increased our knowledge about the interplay between AML and immune cells, but no major improvement has been translated, up to now, from bench to bedside. However, the outstanding results coming from the modern immuno-oncology trials with new drugs have granted a new interest for immunotherapy in AML. Accordingly, the elderly population represents an ideal target, given the low percentage of patients eligible for allogeneic stem cell transplant. With that in mind, in the era of immunotherapy, we consider immunosenescence as the optimal background to start investigating a biology-driven approach to AML therapy in the elderly. By taking into account the physiological age-related changes of immune response, more personalized and tailored use of the new drugs and strategies harnessing the immune system against AML, has the potential to increase their efficacy and impact on clinical outcomes.
ALGORITHMS FOR INTERVAL NEUTROSOPHIC MULTIPLE ATTRIBUTE DECISION-MAKING BASED ON MABAC, SIMILARITY MEASURE, AND EDAS

In this paper, we define a new axiomatic definition of interval neutrosophic similarity measure, which is presented by interval neutrosophic number (INN). Later, the objective weights of various attributes are determined via Shannon entropy theory; meanwhile, we develop the combined weights, which can show both subjective information and objective information.
Immunological examination of peripheral blood in patients with colorectal cancer compared to healthy controls

ABSTRACT Background: The objective of this study was to investigate serum levels of immunosuppressive cytokines TGF beta 1 and VEGF and count of immune cells in peripheral blood in stage II and III colorectal cancer patients. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 22 colorectal patients and 25 healthy controls before the start of treatment. All patients were examined by a clinical immunologist to exclude patients with immune disorders and autoimmune diseases. TGF beta 1 and VEGF were measured by ELISA, and anti-tumor cellular immunity cells (CD4, CD8, B cells, NK cells) were measured by flow cytometry. Results: TGF beta 1 and VEGF plasma levels were significantly increased in stage II and III colorectal patients compared with control group (both p < 0.0001). A decrease in the cellular immunity was shown in the absolute numbers of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ ; p = 0.0240), helper T lymphocytes (CD4+ ; p = 0.0019), and natural killer cells (CD16 + CD56+; p < 0.0001) in both stage II and stage III patients. On the contrary, B lymphocyte (CD19+) serum levels were increased in colon cancer patients (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group. Conclusions: Our results show peripheral blood levels of TGF beta and VEGF were significantly increased in colorectal patients and changes in cellular anticancer immunity in comparison to control group. These results will be compared with results from Immunoscore.
Response Surface Methodology for Optimization Studies of Microwave-assisted Extraction of Sandalwood Oil

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique was employed to extract the essential oil from sandalwood (Santalum album L.). The optimal conditions for microwave-assisted extraction of sandalwood oil were determined by response surface methodology. A central composite design (CCD) was applied to evaluate the effects of three independent variables (microwave power (A: 400–800 W), plant material to solvent ratio (B: 0.10–0.20 g mL -1 ) and extraction time (C: 40–120 min)) on the extraction yield of sandalwood oil. The correlation analysis of the mathematical-regression model indicated that quadratic polynomial model could be employed to optimize the microwave extraction of sandalwood oil. The optimal extraction conditions of sandalwood oil was microwave power 558.071W, plant material to solvent ratio 0.100274 g mL -1 and extraction time 101.688 min. The maximum sandalwood oil yield was 0.655534 g/100g dry weight under these optimal conditions. Under the extraction condition, the experimental values agreed with the predicted results by analysis of variance. It indicated high fitness of the model used and the success of response surface methodology for optimizing and reflect the expected extraction condition.
Soil Nitrogen Mineralization Influenced by Crop Rotation and Nitrogen Fertilization

An estimate of soil mineralizable N is needed to determine crop needs for N fertilizer. The objective of this research was to estimate soil net N mineralization in soils maintained in continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC), corn-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] (CS), and corn-soybean-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)-alfalfa (CSWA) rotations that have been managed since 1990 with zero N (ON), low N (LN), and high N (HN) fertilization. Soil samples were taken from 0- to 20-cm depth in plots planted to corn in 1998. In order to produce more realistic time-series data of net N mineralization, soils were incubated in filtration units in a variable-temperature incubator (VTI) that mimicked field soil temperatures under a growing corn canopy. Rotation and N fertilization significantly affected net N mineralization in soil samples. Cumulative net N mineralized in a 189-d field temperature incubation averaged 133 ± 6 kg ha -1 in CC, 142 ± 5 kg ha -1 in CS, and 189 ± 5 kg ha -1 in CSWA. Across rotations, average net N mineralized was 166 ± 9 kg ha -1 in ON plots, 147 ± 10 kg ha -1 in LN plots, and 152 ± 10 kg ha -1 in HN plots. Inclusion of a legume, particularly alfalfa, in the rotation increased net N mineralized. Generally, more net N was mineralized from plots receiving no fertilizer N than from soil with a history of N fertilization. Variable-temperature incubation produced realistic time-series data with low sample variability.
Crowd-Empowered Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation for Mobile Crowdsensing

We develop an auction framework for privacy-preserving data aggregation in mobile crowdsensing, where the platform plays the role as an auctioneer to recruit workers for a sensing task. In this framework, the workers are allowed to report privacy-preserving versions of their data to protect their data privacy; and the platform selects workers based on their sensing capabilities, which aims to address the drawbacks of game-theoretic models that cannot ensure the accuracy level of the aggregated result, due to the existence of multiple Nash Equilibria. Observe that in this auction based framework, there exists externalities among workers' data privacy, because the data privacy of each worker depends on both her injected noise and the total noise in the aggregated result that is intimately related to which workers are selected to fulfill the task. To achieve a desirable accuracy level of the data aggregation in a cost-effective manner, we explicitly characterize the externalities, i.e., the impact of the noise added by each worker on both the data privacy and the accuracy of the aggregated result. Further, we explore the problem structure, characterize the hidden monotonicity property of the problem, and determine the critical bid of workers, which makes it possible to design a truthful, individually rational and computationally efficient incentive mechanism. The proposed incentive mechanism can recruit a set of workers to approximately minimize the cost of purchasing private sensing data from workers subject to the accuracy requirement of the aggregated result. We validate the proposed scheme through theoretical analysis as well as extensive simulations.
A Protoplast Transient Expression System to Enable Molecular, Cellular, and Functional Studies in Phalaenopsis orchids

The enigmatic nature of the specialized developmental programs of orchids has fascinated plant biologists for centuries. The recent releases of orchid genomes indicate that orchids possess new gene families and family expansions and contractions to regulate a diverse suite of developmental processes. However, the extremely long orchid life cycle and lack of molecular toolkit have hampered the advancement of orchid biology research. To overcome the technical difficulties and establish a platform for rapid gene regulation studies, in this study, we developed an efficient protoplast isolation and transient expression system for Phalaenopsis aphrodite. This protocol was successfully applied to protein subcellular localization and protein–protein interaction studies. Moreover, it was confirmed to be useful in delineating the PaE2F/PaDP-dependent cell cycle pathway and studying auxin response. In summary, the established orchid protoplast transient expression system provides a means to functionally characterize orchid genes at the molecular level allowing assessment of transcriptome responses to transgene expression and widening the scope of molecular studies in orchids.
Secure Communication in Spectrum-Sharing Massive MIMO Systems With Active Eavesdropping

Secure communication in underlay spectrum sharing multi-user massive multiple-input multiple-output systems with active eavesdropping is investigated. The primary base-station (PBS) shares its licensed spectrum with the secondary base-station (SBS), which constrains its transmit power subject to a primary interference temperature. The active eavesdropper contaminates the uplink pilots in an attempt to intercept the confidential downlink transmissions toward the legitimate primary/secondary user nodes (PUs/SUs). The achievable PU/SU rates, the rates leaked into the active eavesdropper, and the achievable secrecy rates are derived for the finite and infinite PBS/SBS antenna regimes. A power-ratio-based active pilot attack detection scheme is investigated, and thereby, the probability of detection is derived. Our analysis and simulation results reveal that the active pilot attacks severely degrades the achievable secrecy rates even in the asymptotic PBS/SBS antenna regime. Hence, in order to provide guaranteed physical layer security, the active pilot attacks must be detected, and dynamic pilot decontamination techniques need to be employed.
Is Industrialization Conducive to Long-Run Prosperity?

This research explores the long-run effect of industrialization on the process of development. In contrast to conventional wisdom that views industrial development as a catalyst for economic growth, the study establishes that while the adoption of industrial technology was conducive to economic development in the short-run, it has had a detrimental effect on standards of living in the long-run. Exploiting exogenous source of regional variation in the adoption of steam engines during the French industrial revolution, the research establishes that regions in which industrialization was more intensive experienced an increase in literacy rates more swiftly and generated higher income per capita in the subsequent decades. Nevertheless, intensive industrialization has had an adverse effect on income per capita, employment and equality by the turn of the 21st century. This adverse effect reflects neither higher unionization and wage rates nor trade protection, but rather underinvestment in human capital and lower employment in skilled-intensive occupations. These findings suggest that the characteristics that permitted the onset of industrialization, rather than the adoption of industrial technology per se, have been the source of prosperity among the currently developed economies that experienced an early industrialization.
Hyperandrogenism Induces Histo-Architectural Changes in the Rat Uterus

The effects of androgens on the uterus have been poorly studied and they need to be clarified to understand why androgen excess, such as observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a risk factor for the development of endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, and infertility. Thus, uterine histomorphology in a PCOS experimental model was evaluated. Beginning at weaning, female rats were injected daily with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 6 mg/100 g body weight) or vehicle (sesame oil) for 20 consecutive days. On postnatal day 41 (PND41), DHEA-treated animals showed high serum testosterone levels. In addition, uterine histological analysis showed a significant increase in luminal epithelial height and glandular density without changes in cell proliferation. The thickness of the subepithelial stroma and myometrium also increased in these animals. The effect of DHEA on uterine thickness was accompanied by a significant reduction in cell density in both tissue compartments (subepithelial stroma and myometrium). Cell proliferation was not altered in the myometrium, whereas a decrease in the proliferative activity was seen at PND41 in the subepithelial stroma of DHEA animals. The analysis of the extracellular space showed that the changes in the thickness of the subepithelial stroma and myometrium were related to an increase in the organization of collagen fibers and water imbibition. The latter was associated with higher aquaporin 3 and 8 expression. This study provides evidence to further the understanding of PCOS-associated hyperandrogenism effects on uterine architecture. This could have implications for the regulation of uterine function and the development of uterine lesions.
Impact of double Zn and Se biofortification of wheat plants on the element concentrations in the grain.

Optimisation of the concentrations of essential mineral elements in staple grain diet and reduction in non-essential and potentially toxic elements would considerably alleviate mineral malnutrition and improve the health of humans. Here, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants were biofortified with Zn and/or Se to determine the changes across 36 elements in the grain. The element concentrations were determined by multielemental k 0 -instrumental neutron activation analysis (k 0 -INAA). In comparison to grain from non-biofortified plants, Zn fertilisation in creased the grain Zn, Ca, and Mo concentrations, whereas the foliar application of Se only increased the grain Se concentrations. Double biofortification (combined Zn fertilisation and foliar Se) was more effective for the in creased Se concentrations in the grain, in comparison to the Se-only biofortified plants, with the grain Zn, Ca and Mo concentrations remained at the same levels as those for the Zn-only biofortified plants. Except for Ba, Br and Rb, the concentrations of the elements analysed were below the detection limits. Double biofortification might be a feasible strategy to efficiently coordinate the mineral quality of wheat grain, although the considerable concentra tions of other essential and non-essential elements should not be neglected.