Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Near-far resistant ultra-wideband communications in multiple-access environments

LI, LIPING. Near-Far Resistant Ultra-Wideband Communicat ions in Multiple-Access Environments. (Under the direction of Dr. J. Keith Townsend ). Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems promise high data rate and acc ur te localization capabilities for communications, imaging, sensor networks, an d vehicular systems. The simple UWB receiver structure is especially attractive to applica tions which require low cost and low power consumption. However, the envisioned simple rece iv r designs are also fraught with challenges ranging from estimation of highly frequenc y-selective multipath channels to synchronization of received signals consisting of very n arrow pulses. In this context, transmitted reference (TR) UWB systems have been proposed i n the literature as one way to avoid computationally intensive channel estimation whi le still maintaining a relatively simple receiver structure. In this dissertation, we investigate the performance of TR U WB communication systems in multiple-access environments. We remove the common ly invoked assumption of perfect power control and include in our analysis an additio nal group of users which have power levels much higher than the desired user. The detrimen tal ffects of high-power users are suppressed by chip discrimination in this dissert ation. To yield a straightforward mapping between the number of equal-power users and the vari ance of the resulting MAI, we incorporate the power delay profile (PDP) of the channel in the analysis, which makes the theoretical analysis tractable. This analytical techn ique of using PDP is also applied to analyze the MAI in frequency-shifted reference (FSR) UWB sy stems. The near-far problem also arises for synchronization when h igh-power users are included in the network. In this dissertation, we propose and i nvestigate a synchronization procedure which is near-far resistant. By exploiting the st ructure of interfering power levels, we devise an efficient suppression technique which only requires the knowledge of the spreading code of the desired user. Complex matrix operatio ns required by other techniques found in the CDMA literature are not required in our suppress ion process. We also propose a new dimension-based technique for the detection of the cod phase based on the suppressed signal. Simulation results validate our proposed n ear-far resistant synchronization technique and the superior performance is shown when compar ed to the current literature. Near-Far Resistant Ultra-Wideband Communications in Mult iple-Access Environments by Liping Li A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fullfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Electrical Engineering Raleigh, North Carolina 2009
Grand Challenge Competition: A Parametric Numerical Model to Predict In Vivo Medial and Lateral Knee Forces in Walking Gaits

Numerical models are necessary to estimate forces through the knee joint during activities of daily living. However, the numerous muscles and soft tissues crossing the knee joint result in a computationally indeterminate problem. The recent availability of measured contact force data from telemeterized total knee replacements (TKRs) has given researchers the chance to validate models, but telemeterized TKRs represent only a few patients with a specific implant type. Computational models remain necessary to bridge the gap between the small instrumented patient population with a particular implant and larger patient populations executing various activities. Abstracted gait data from another lab tests the versatility of any model to accurately predict forces of TKR patients performing a variety of gaits with disparate implant types. In this study, we calculate and examine the differences between medial and lateral contact forces in level walking and medial thrust gait trials from a freely provided dataset1. © 2012 ASME
ORR_A_348726 59..70

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears have been diagnosed with increased frequency due to heightened awareness and an improvement in diagnostic modalities. When >50% of the tendon thickness has ruptured, intra-tendinous strain of the residual tendon increases. Surgery is generally confined to patients who have failed non-operative measures and have persistent symptoms. The rationale for repairing partial thickness tears lies in their limited self-healing capacity, and propensity to enlarge over time and progress to a full thickness defect. Although tear debridement and acromioplasty can improve pain and function, tear progression can occur, in addition to worse results being noted in bursal-sided defects. Several surgical strategies have been recommended but there is a lack of evidence to advocate one form of treatment over another. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the treatment options for partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff.
Intraspecific Hybridization, Growth Performance and Survival of Purebreds and Reciprocal Hybrids of two Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Strains in the Mount Cameroon Region

Reduced fish growth and survival may result from artificial propagation when broodstock that are successive filial generations of a limited number of parents are used. To solve this problem, hybridization can be employed to obtain strains with improved performance, which can then be reared as broodstock. Purebreds and reciprocal hybrids from a cultured strain and a Cameroonian grassland strain of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) were produced artificially and grown for 63 days to assess their growth performance and survival. Stripped fecundity was higher in the Cultured females (P<0.05). Fertilization and hatching rates were highest in the Grassland purebred (79±4.6 and 75.0±6.2 %, respectively), intermediate in the reciprocal crosses, and lowest in the Cultured purebred (P<0.05). Mean weight gain was highest in the Cultured female x Grassland male hybrid (1.2187±0.0173g) with heterosis value of 70.85%, and lowest in the Grassland purebred (0.2845±0.0076g) (P<0.05). Predicted weight increase followed the same trend. Fry survival was higher in the reciprocal hybrids (3.25±1.76 and 2.67±1.84 %) than the purebreds (P<0.05). While the Cultured female x Grassland male hybrid is recommended for use as broodstock, its further hybridization with the Grassland female could maximise the number of hatchlings, growth and survival in one strain.
Creative Mind Model of Assessment with Technology: A Digital Vista for Nigerian Senior Secondary School Students’ Classroom Tests

: This study examined creative mind model of assessment with technology (CREMMAT). CREMMAT is a novel evaluation type that, more efficiently and more inclusively, assesses students’ development and achievement in knowledge, ability and skill. It is a digital vista for Nigerian secondary school students which would put them ahead of their counterparts in the global village. Quasi experimental design was used to actualize the purpose of this research. 2000 students were selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure from 85 Senior Secondary Schools in Anambra State. 208 students (C = 104, E = 104) were randomly sampled from the selected 2000 for a possible effect-experiment on the studied intelligences with technology (Bodily-Kinaesthetic, Logical-Mathematics, Musical and Verbal-Linguistic Intels). The researchers developed two instruments termed creative mind model of assessment with technology (CREMMAT) and training for performance assessment (TPA). Observations and tests were also used. The result showed that there was significant mean score difference between participants’ TPA pre-test and post-test (F (1,205) = 953.56; p = . 0005; patial eta 2 = . 244). The output revealed that pre-existing ability had no impact on the treatment result of the students (p=.34 preTPA ). Also, it was found that gender had no part to play in the performance on the studied Intels. However, female students showed greater active participation in verbal-linguistic and musical Intels, while the male students showed greater active participation in logical-mathematical Intel. Gender difference did not show in bodily-kinaesthetic Intel. The researchers recommend that government would do better not to constrain teachers to use only subject-matter and analogue methods of assessment in the classrooms. Also the researchers recommend that government include CREMMAT in the assessment of students in order to enhance other digital intelligences inherent in Nigerian students.
Dichotomy and measures on limit sets of Anosov groups

Let $G$ be a connected semisimple real algebraic group. For any Zariski dense Anosov subgroup $\Gamma<G$, we show that a $\Gamma$-conformal measure is supported on the limit set of $\Gamma$ if and only if its"dimension"is $\Gamma$-critical. This implies the uniqueness of a $\Gamma$-conformal measure for each critical dimension. We deduce this from a higher rank analogue of the Hopf-Tsuji-Sullivan dichotomy for the maximal diagonal action. Other applications include an analogue of the Ahlfors measure conjecture for Anosov subgroups.
Deficiencia de vitamina D y patologías ginecológicas de la mujer en edad reproductiva Vitamin D deficiency and gynecological pathologies in women of reproductive age

RESUMEN La vitamina D está actualmente en el ámbito de la investigación en muchos campos de la medicina. Es conocido que tiene funciones fundamentales en el metabolismo del calcio y modelado óseo. La deficiencia de vitamina definida como la concentración de 25-hidroxicalciferol < 20 ng/mL es observada con frecuencia en pacientes con patologías ginecológicas. En las últimas dos décadas existe evidencia sobre la asociación de concentraciones séricas bajas de vitamina D con trastornos como diabetes mellitus y síndrome metabólico. Cada vez hay más informes que plantean el impacto del metabolismo de esta vitamina en el desarrollo de trastornos del sistema reproductor femenino. El receptor de vitamina D y la 1α-hidroxilasa están presentes en los órganos reproductivos, lo que sugiere que la vitamina D puede tener algún efecto en la modulación de las funciones celulares. Se ha comunicado los efectos perjudiciales de la deficiencia en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome de ovarios poliquísticos, endometriosis y leiomiomatosis. La suplementación de vitamina D debería agregarse a los esquemas de tratamiento de la mayoría de las patologías ginecológicas en pacientes con deficiencia, tanto por la mejora de la insulinorresistencia de Palabras clave. Vitamina D, Síndrome de ovarios poliquísticos, Leiomiomatosis uterina, in vitro . ABSTRACT Vitamin D is currently under investigation in many fields of medicine. It is known to have fundamental functions in calcium metabolism and bone modeling. Vitamin D deficiency defined as 25-hydroxychalciferol concentration < 20 ng/mL and is frequently observed in patients with gynecological pathologies. In the last two decades there is evidence on the association of low serum vitamin D concentrations with disorders such as diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. There are increasing reports of the impact of vitamin D metabolism on the development of disorders of the female reproductive system. Vitamin D receptor and 1α-hydroxylase are present in the reproductive organs, suggesting that vitamin D may have some effect in modulating cellular functions. The detrimental effects of deficiency have been shown in patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and leiomyomatosis. Vitamin D supplementation should be added to the treatment schemes of most gynecologic pathologies in patients with deficiency, both for the improvement of insulin resistance (as in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome) and for the outcomes of infertility treatment. The aim of this review was to establish effects of vitamin D deficiency on pathologies in women of reproductive age.
GGT5 Is an Independent Prognostic Biomarker in Stomach Adenocarcinoma

Gastric cancer is one of the cancers with the highest incidence in the world. Gamma-glutamyltransferase 5 (GGT5) is expressed in different cancers and its role in cancers remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the value of GGT5 in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). In TCGA, patients with high GGT5 expression had poor overall survival (P=0.006). Based on GSE62254, high expression of GGT5 was associated with poor OS (P=0.014) and PFS (P=0.042). The same result was observed in GSE14210. We further discovered that GGT5 expression was associated with stage, grade, and T stage. Further prognostic analysis of GGT5 showed that GGT5 was associated with prognosis in both univariate analysis (P=0.032) and multivariate analysis (P=0.029). We used gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to explore the possible mechanism of GGT5. GSEA suggests that overexpression of GGT5 may be involved in leukocyte transendothelial migration, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and melanoma. The high-expression GGT5 group had higher concentrations of M2 macrophages, T cell regulators, and monocytes, but the contents of plasma cells and M1 macrophages were higher in the low-expression GGT5 group. The results showed that the ESTIMATEScore, ImmuneScore, and StromalScore of the high-expression GGT5 group were higher than those of the low-expression GGT5 group. PD1 and CTLA4 expression levels were higher in the high-expression GGT5 group. The high-expression GGT5 group may be more effective for immunotherapy. These results suggested that GGT5 could be a potential prognostic molecular predictor in STAD.
Self-Efficacy and Job Performance of Librarians in University Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and job performance of librarian’s in university libraries in Nigeria. There seems to be a gap in literature on the actual level of self-efficacy of librarians and job performance. The survey research design of the correlational type was adopted for the study. Total enumeration method was used to cover all the 364 librarians in university librarians in south-west, Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire titled: Self-efficacy and Job Performance of Librarian’s Scale (SEJPLS). The instruments were validated using construct and face validity. Cronbach’s alpha test was used to determine the reliability of the main constructs. Level of self-efficacy α = 0.668 and level of job performance α = 0.973. A total of 277 copies of the questionnaire (76.1%) were returned. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for analyzed. The findings showed that self-efficacy of librarians was rated high (68.4%) while verbal/social persuasion was the most exhibited source of self-efficacy among librarians (mean = 11.5). finally, there was no significant relationship between self-efficacy and job performance (r = 0.04, p › .05). the study, concluded that even though there is a positive relationship between self-efficacy (r = .039) and job performance of librarians. There was no significant association of librarians’ self-efficacy and their job performance. It is, therefore, recommended that institutional support is critical for effective job performance among librarians.
α-Mangostin Treats Early-Stage Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis of Rat by Regulating the CAP-SIRT1 Pathway in Macrophages

Background Studies have found that α-mangostin (MG) can relieve experimental arthritis by activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). It affects the polarization of macrophages and the balance of related immune cell subpopulations, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. It has been found that silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is closely related to macrophage activity. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of MG intervening in macrophage polarization during treatment of early adjuvant-induced (AIA) rats through the CAP-SIRT1 pathway. Methods We investigated the polarization of M1 macrophages and the differentiation of Th1 in AIA rats by flow cytometry. Activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the level of nicotinic adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in serum were also detected, and immunohistochemical was used to detect the levels of α7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor (α7nAChR) and SIRT1. Then in macrophages, the molecular mechanism of MG regulating the abnormal activation of macrophages in rats with early AIA through the CAP-SIRT1 pathway was studied. Results MG can significantly inhibit the polarization of M1 macrophages and the differentiation of Th1 in AIA rats in the acute phase of inflammation. MG can significantly inhibit the activity of AChE and increase the level of NAD+, thereby further up-regulated the expression levels of α7nAChR and SIRT1. Meanwhile, MG inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation by activating the CAP-SIRT1 pathway in macrophages. Conclusion In summary, the stimulation of MG induced CAP activation, which up-regulated SIRT1 signal, and thereby inhibited M1 polarization through the NF-κB pathway, and improved the pathological immune environment of early-stage AIA rats.
Evaluation of the Levels of Pain, Discomfort, Functional Impairments and Satisfaction With the Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) When Leveling and Aligning Crowded Teeth: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background Only a few studies have reported levels of pain, discomfort, functional impairments, and patients' satisfaction after undergoing periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO). Therefore, the objectives were to evaluate postoperative pain, discomfort, functional impairments, and satisfaction following this surgical intervention. Methods A prospective cohort study was undertaken at the Department of Orthodontics, University of Damascus Dental School, between August 2018 and November 2020. The sample consisted of 16 patients (4 males, 12 females, mean age: 21±3.05 years) with moderately crowded lower anterior teeth who underwent full-thickness vestibular flap elevation followed by cortical cuts using piezosurgery. Then a bovine xenograft was applied before reflecting the flap and suturing. Fixed orthodontic therapy was then initiated. Questionnaires were administered to assess the levels of pain, discomfort, and oral functional problems using a visual analog scale (VAS) at one day, seven days, 14 days, and 28 days after surgery. The level of satisfaction was also assessed at 28 days postoperatively. Friedman's test was employed, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for post-hoc tests with an adjusted alpha level. Results On the first day following the PAOO, the mean values of perceived pain, discomfort, swelling, mastication difficulties, swallowing problems, limitation in jaw movements were 80.00, 80.63, 68.13, 78.13, 55.00, and 64.38, respectively. These mean values dropped significantly in the following assessment times (P<0.001). At 28 days following the PAOO, the mean satisfaction score was 84.94±22.46. All patients mentioned that they took painkillers after the surgical intervention. Conclusions On the first day following surgery, patients perceived high levels of pain and discomfort, moderate to severe levels of swelling and chewing difficulties, and suffered from restricted jaw movement. These levels decreased significantly in the following assessment times. Patients' satisfaction with the PAOO procedure was high.
Cotesia anthelae (Wilkinson, 1928) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) a natural parasitoid of Cirrochroa thais (Fabricius, 1787) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), first report from the Oriental region

Field surveys conducted during 2020–2021 in Nedumpura, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur district of Kerala yielded Cotesia anthelae (Wilkinson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a gregarious larval parasitoid of a nymphalid butterfly Cirrochroa thais (Fabricius) (Tamil Yeoman) along with its hyperparasitoid Mesochorus sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). This is the first report of C. anthelae parasitizing a nymphalid butterfly, earlier reports were from a host belonging to Anthelidae (Lepidoptera: Bomycoidea). Also, this is the first report of C. anthelae from the Oriental region, earlier reports are confined to Australia. The present study provides morphological identification of C. anthelae and biological details of its host.
Repair Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Demyelination of Trigeminal Ganglion in Rats with Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective The current study investigated the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on pain behavior in rats with trigeminal neuralgia induced by infraorbital nerve chronic constriction injury (ION-CCI), and the repair effects of BMSCs on pathological changes in trigeminal ganglion demyelination. Methods BMSCs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone were injected around trigeminal ganglion in ION-CCI rats via a rat brain stereotaxic apparatus. Mechanical pain threshold (von Frey test) and face grooming behavior were measured in each group. Recovery of demyelination of trigeminal ganglion was observed via electron microscopy 2 weeks later, and BMSC differentiation was observed via immunofluorescence. Results Rats in the BMSC group exhibited significant improvements in mechanical pain threshold and face grooming behavior compared with the PBS group. BMSCs could repair demyelinating changes in trigeminal ganglion in ION-CCI rats. Only cells expressing GFAP, S-100, and p75 were observed via immunofluorescence, and no PKH67-labeled BMSCs were observed in the trigeminal ganglion. No BMSC differentiation was observed in the trigeminal ganglion. Conclusion Injection of BMSCs around the trigeminal ganglion could relieve trigeminal neuralgia effectively and repair trigeminal ganglion demyelination. No differentiation of BMSCs injected around the trigeminal ganglion into Schwann cells was observed. The mechanism of trigeminal neuralgia demyelination repair requires further investigation.
Reduced Soil Gross N2O Emission Driven by Substrates Rather Than Denitrification Gene Abundance in Cropland Agroforestry and Monoculture

Conversion of monoculture to agroforestry (integrating trees with crops) is promoted as a promising management in reducing N2O emissions from croplands. How agroforestry influences gross N2O emission (N2O + N2 from N2O reduction) and uptake (N2O reduced to N2) compared to monoculture is unknown. We used the 15N2O pool dilution technique to quantify these processes using soil cores (top 5 cm) incubated in the field with monthly measurements over two growing seasons (2018–2019) at two sites (each with paired agroforestry and monoculture) and one site with monoculture only. The unfertilized tree rows showed the lowest gross N2O emissions (P ≤ 0.002). Although tree rows occupied only 20% in agroforestry, gross N2O emissions tended to decrease by 6–36% in agroforestry (0.98–1.02 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1) compared to monoculture (1.04–1.59 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1). Gross N2O emissions were influenced by soil mineral N, soil respiration, and moisture content rather than by denitrification gene abundance. Soil gross N2O uptake was highest in the tree row and decreased with distance into crop rows (P = 0.012). The agroforestry tended to increase gross N2O uptake by 27–42% (0.38–0.44 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1) compared to monoculture (0.30–0.31 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1). In tree rows, soil gross N2O uptake correlated with nirK gene abundance which was indirectly influenced by the low mineral N‐to‐soil CO2‐C ratio. Adjusting the tree and crop areal coverages of agroforestry and optimizing fertilization can further augment the benefits of agroforestry in reducing emission and increasing uptake of N2O in soils.