Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Max-Min QoS Power Control in Generalized Cell-Free Massive MIMO-NOMA With Optimal Backhaul Combining

This paper studies the uplink (UL) transmission of a generalized cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO) system in which multiple base stations (or access points), each equipped with a multiple-antenna array and connected to a central processing unit (CPU) over a backhaul network, simultaneously serve multiple users in a cell-free service area. The paper focuses on the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) approach for sharing pilot sequences among users. Unlike the conventional cell-free massive MIMO-NOMA systems in which the UL signals from different access points are equally combined over the backhaul network, this paper first develops an optimal backhaul combining (OBC) method to maximize the UL signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). It is shown that, by using OBC, the correlated interference can be effectively mitigated if the number of users assigned to each pilot sequence is less than or equal to the number of base stations (BSs). As a result, the cell-free massive MIMO-NOMA system with OBC can enjoy unlimited performance when the number of antennas at each BS tends to infinity. A closed-form SINR expression is derived under Rayleigh fading and used to formulate a max-min quality-of-service (QoS) power control problem to further enhance the system performance. To deal with the NP-hardness of the concerned optimization problem, a successive inner approximation technique is applied to convert the original problem into a series of convex optimizations, which can be solved iteratively. In addition, a user grouping algorithm is also developed and shown to be better than random user grouping and a grouping method recently proposed in the literature. Numerical results are presented to corroborate the analysis and demonstrate the superiority of the proposed optimal backhaul combining over both equal-gain backhaul combining and zero-forcing backhaul combining.
Full-Duplex Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access Cooperative Spectrum-Sharing Networks With Non-Linear Energy Harvesting

In this paper, we analyze the performance of a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) cognitive relay system, where a multi-antenna full-duplex cognitive transmitter employs NOMA concept to assist the transmission from a wireless-powered primary transmitter to its corresponding receiver, while simultaneously communicating with a cognitive receiver. A practical non-linear energy harvesting (EH) model, which taking into account harvester's sensitivity and saturation effects is considered. We propose an optimum beamforming design at the cognitive transmitter such that the rate of cognitive network is maximized, under a constraint that the rate of the primary network is above a certain threshold. Results show that proposed optimization framework can substantially enlarge the rate region toward both primary and secondary networks. Furthermore, in order to characterize the network delay-constrained throughput, tractable outage probability expressions for primary and secondary networks assuming sub-optimum zero-forcing based beamforming scheme are derived. Our results reveal that due to required minimum power for harvesting operation as well as saturation of the harvested power at high transmit power levels, conventional linear EH model may lead to performance mismatches for practical non-linear EH circuits in both low and high transmit power regimes.
Analysis of Unwinding Stator Module Combined Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

The large permanent magnet synchronous machine(PMSM) usually adopts modularity technique to facilitate the manufacture and maintenance. In order to avoid the contact of adjacent coils between modules, a novel unwinding stator module combined permanent magnet synchronous machine (SMCPMSM) is proposed, in which each modular can operate independently. The number of input modules can be flexibly selected according to the torque requirement in the SMCPMSM of mill wrapping around to realize the optimal control of mill system efficiency. In this paper, the unwinding block method and its mathematical model of the SMCPMSM are described. The electromagnetic performance of the SMCPMSM and the operation performance of different power supply modules (PSMs) are analyzed, the radial force and electromagnetic vibration of the PSM in asymmetric operation is studied, which provides a reasonable basis for the part of PSM operation of the SMCPMSM in accordance with torque requirements.
Fully Digital Rail-to-Rail OTA With Sub-1000-μm² Area, 250-mV Minimum Supply, and nW Power at 150-pF Load in 180 nm

A fully digital operational transconductance amplifier (DIGOTA) architecture for tightly energy-constrained low-cost systems is presented. A 180-nm DIGOTA testchip exhibits an area below the 1000-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> wall, and 2.4-nW power under 150-pF load, and a minimum supply voltage <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V} _{\min }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of 0.25 V. In the 0.3–0.5-V supply range, DIGOTA improves the area-normalized small (large) signal energy FoM by at least <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$836\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$267\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) over prior sub-500-mV OTAs, while reducing area by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$27\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$85\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The low-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V} _{\min }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and nW-power features are shown to enable direct harvesting at the mm-scale.
Machine Learning Threatens 5G Security

Machine learning (ML) is expected to solve many challenges in the fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks. However, ML will also open the network to several serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Most of the learning in ML happens through data gathered from the environment. Un-scrutinized data will have serious consequences on machines absorbing the data to produce actionable intelligence for the network. Scrutinizing the data, on the other hand, opens privacy challenges. Unfortunately, most of the ML systems are borrowed from other disciplines that provide excellent results in small closed environments. The resulting deployment of such ML systems in 5G can inadvertently open the network to serious security challenges such as unfair use of resources, denial of service, as well as leakage of private and confidential information. Therefore, in this article we dig into the weaknesses of the most prominent ML systems that are currently vigorously researched for deployment in 5G. We further classify and survey solutions for avoiding such pitfalls of ML in 5G systems.
Planar 2-D Beam Steering Antenna Using Liquid Metal Parasitics

We demonstrate a single-feed planar antenna capable of 2-D beam-steering using pumped liquid metal (LM) parasitics. Instead of relying on phase shifters for beam-steering, the proposed antenna employs LM plugs acting as parasitic elements to achieve up to ±48° steering in the H-plane and ±54° steering in the E-plane. The antenna can also steer in diagonal and OFF-diagonal planes using a combination of the E and H plane steering techniques. Simultaneously, the antenna maintains a 2:1 VSWR for all the states. By creating a composite realized gain plot for all these states, it is seen that the antenna can cover as much as 23% of the spherical area with at least 5 dBi of realized gain, compared to 4.5% in the absence of LM parasitic elements for beam-steering. We also quantify the pattern diversity (PD) and illustrate that the antenna achieves a greater PD than an electrically scanned <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2 \times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> phased array occupying an equivalent aperture (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.55\lambda _{0} \times 0.66\lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>).
Patterns of forest dynamics in a secondary old-growth beech-dominated forest in the Jizera Mountains Beech Forest Reserve, Czech Republic

Abstract: Restoring the structural characteristics of secondary old-growth forests that were previously managed is increasingly debated to help increase the area of more complex forests which provide a broader array of forest services and functions. The paucity of long-term data sets in Central Europe has limited our ability to understand the ongoing ecological processes required for effective restoration programs for old-growth forests. To address this, we used repeated census data from eight permanent plots to evaluate forest structural dynamics over a 12-year period in the largest complex of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests in the Czech Highlands without intensive forestry intervention for almost 50 years. Our results showed that previously managed forests can exhibit structural qualities typically associated with old-growth forests after management has ceased for a period. The stand structural characteristics (e.g., density of large and old trees) is comparable with protected reserves of old-growth European beech-dominated forests. The average stand age was 196 years, but the oldest tree was 289 years old. The annual mortality rate was 0.43% for all species, and the U-shaped distribution indicating size-dependent mortality is likely an important process that is balanced by the turnover of new tree recruitment. During the study period, we detected that the diameter distribution tended towards a rotated sigmoid distribution. The lasting effects of the most recent forest management are evident in the scarcity of dead wood, and a prolonged process of dead wood accumulation has begun. Thus, the abandonment of all management activities in near-natural forest reserves, including dead wood removal, will ensure that the forests will develop characteristics typical of old-growth forests.
Dv/Dt-Control of 1200-V Normally-off SiC-JFET/GaN-HEMT Cascode Device

A normally-<sc>off</sc> SiC-JFET/GaN-HEMT cascode device is recently proposed, featuring a cascode configuration that incorporates a high-voltage (i.e., 1200 V) SiC junction field effect transistor (JFET) and a low-voltage GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). This cascode device exhibits superior thermal stability and switching performance compared to the SiC MOSFETs, but also inevitably presents challenge in <italic>dv/dt</italic>-control as the input gate does not directly control the high-voltage JFET. Since <italic>dv/dt</italic>-control is of great importance to the management and suppression of electromagnetic interference in power electronics systems, methods of controlling the <italic>dv/dt</italic> rates of SiC/GaN cascode devices need to be developed. In this article, we conduct systematic investigation on different <italic>dv/dt</italic> control schemes with theoretical analysis and experimental evaluation. A <italic>dv/dt</italic>-control method based on diode-clamped external JFET gate resistor is proposed and evaluated by comparing it with other more conventional methods. The proposed <italic>dv/dt</italic>-control method is verified to provide a balanced <italic>dv/dt</italic>-control on the device turn-<sc>on</sc> and turn-<sc>off</sc>.
Quantification of alterations in diffusion measures of white matter integrity associated with healthy aging

This study aimed to evaluate the linear association of age with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures of white matter such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD). We assessed patterns of overlap between linear correlations of age with FA with RD, MD and AD to characterize the process of white matter degeneration observed with ageing. 79 healthy adults aged between 18 and 75 took part in the study. The DTI data were based on 61 directions acquired with a b-value of 2000. There was a statistically significant negative linear correlation of age with FA and AD and a positive linear correlation with RD and MD, and AD. The forceps minor tract showed largest percentage of voxels with an association of age with FA, RD and AD, and the anterior thalamic radiation with MD. We found 5 main patterns of overlap: FA alone (15.95%); FA and RD (31.90%); FA and AD (12.99%); FA, RD and AD (27.37%); FA RD, and MD (6.94%). Patterns of overlap between diffusion measures may reflect underlying biological changes with healthy ageing such as loss of myelination, axonal damage, as well as mild microstructural and chronic white matter impairments. This study may provide information about causes of degeneration in specific regions of the brain, and how this may affect healthy brain functioning in older adults.
Heptad repeat regions of coiled-coil domains of Mfn1 are crucial for Mfn1 mediated mitochondrial fusion

Mitofusin mediate fusion of outer mitochondrial membranes (OMM). Recent studies have explained the role of GTPase domain for Mfn1 dimerization and outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) fusion. Coiled-coiled domains [namely, coiled-coil/Middle domains (CC1MD) and coiled-coil-2 GTPase effector domain (CC2/GED)] form helical bundles that mediate open-to-close conformations of Mfn1 upon GTP binding and have been previously reported to be important for OMM tethering and OMM fusion. To further decipher the significance of helical structure of MD, we functionally characterized the heptad repeat regions of MD. Consistent with previous studies, we show that MD consists of two heptad repeats (HR1, namely HR1a and HR1b) and both of these are crucial for Mfn1 mediated OMM fusion. HIGHLIGHTS Coiled-coil1 (also known as Middle domain, MD) contains two heptad repeat regions. Heptad repeats of MD (namely HR1a and HR1b) are crucial for fusogenic property of Mfn1 Mutations disrupting of helical structure of HR1b lead to loss of fusogenic activity of Mfn1
Cherry and Fresh Market Tomatoes: Differences in Chemical, Morphological, and Sensory Traits and Their Implications for Consumer Acceptance

The tomato commercial groups cherry and fresh market, mainly classified by fruit size, have clearly segregated markets. We aimed to estimate the variation within and between these groups and to analyze factors that impact consumer acceptance. To this end, we studied the chemical profile (dry matter, sugars, acids) and fruit morphology (Tomato Analyzer) of 63 accessions grown in 2 environments (open air/soil culture; greenhouse/soilless culture). To identify traits underlying consumer preferences, we used a trained panel for quantitative descriptive sensory analyses and consumer surveys on a subset of genotypes. Our results confirm the higher content of reducing sugars (fructose, glucose), soluble solids, dry matter, and glutamic acid in the cherry group and the important effects of environment and genotype-by-environment interactions on fruit quality traits. The diversity within cherry for chemical composition is 1.4-fold to 2.1-fold that of fresh market. Differences in fruit morphological traits (weight, shoulder height, height/width relation) were highly related to fruit size, but no differences between groups were found for the internal structure of the fruit (locular relative content). Consumers value sweetness, glutamic acid, titratable acidity, and juiciness in cherry, and sweetness and taste intensity in the fresh market group. The implications for plant breeding are discussed.
Wide-field choroidal vascular analysis in central serous chorioretinopathy

Purpose: To report the wide-field choroidal vessel analysis in central serous chrorioretinopathy (CSCR) and their fellow eyes. Methods: Wide-field optical coherence tomography (WF-OCT) images (55°) were obtained using Spectralis HRA + OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) in extremes of gazes in all quadrants and manual montages were created to obtain wide field images up to equator. Choroidal thickness (CT), large choroidal vessel layer thickness (LCVT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were calculated in macular segment (twice the disc to fovea distance) and all four quadrants. Regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing CVI. Results: Thirty-one patients of CSCR including 39 eyes of CSCR (32 chronic, 7 acute) and 23 fellow eyes were analyzed. CT and LCVT were significantly higher in submacular choroid than all extramacular segments in both CSCR and fellow eyes (all p values <0.01). CVI varied significantly in different segments in horizontal (p < 0.01 in both) and vertical meridian (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01 respectively) in CSCR and fellow eyes. Both CSCR and fellow eyes had highest CVI in nasal segment with minimum CVI in macular segment. Age (p = 0.85), gender (p = 0.39), chronicity of the disease (acute vs chronic, p = 0.57), axial length (p = 0.67), SBP (p = 0.81), and DBP (p = 0.94) were not significantly correlated to CVI. Conclusion: CVI shows significant regional variation with macular segment showing the lowest CVI whereas nasal segments have highest CVI in both CSCR and their fellow eyes. On the contrary, submacular segment has highest CT and LCVT with taper towards periphery in both CSCR and fellow eyes.
Challenging the dogma: severely angulated neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal must be treated surgically

Cadaveric studies suggest that the acceptable deformity in fifth metacarpal neck fractures is maximally 30° palmar angulation. This systematic review verifies the validity of these threshold values. Eighteen prospective comparative studies on operative and/or conservative treatment options in adults were included. None of the studies demonstrated any correlation between the residual or initial angulation and the clinical results despite accepting more severe angular deformities. Closed reduction and immobilization without internal fixation improved the palmar angle by 5° to 9° in three studies and 29° in a fourth. Operative treatments compared with non-reducing conservative treatments showed no benefit of the surgery other than aesthetic issues. The synthesis of this review indicates that 90% of fractures of the metacarpal neck with apex angulation up to 70° can be treated successfully with a functional metacarpal brace without reduction. Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores <10 are uniformly reported. I modified my own practice accordingly a decade ago to treating these fractures conservatively regardless of the palmar angulation, except in patients with exceptional demands or other fracture deformities.
Characterization of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata

Ecdysteroids, as the key growth hormones, regulate moulting, metamorphosis and reproduction in arthropods. Ecdysteroid biosynthesis is catalysed by a series of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) encoded by Halloween genes, including spook (spo), phantom (phm), disembodied (dib), shadow (sad) and shade (shd). The ecdysteroid biosynthesis in insects is clear with 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) as the main ecdysteroid. However, the information on the major ecdysteroids in arachnids is limited. In this study, Halloween genes spo, dib, sad and shd, but not phm, were identified in the pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata. Phylogenetic analysis grouped arachnid and insect Halloween gene products into two CYP450 clades, the CYP2 clan (spo and phm) and the mitochondrial clan (dib, sad, and shd). In P. pseudoannulata, the temporal expression profile of the four Halloween genes in concurrence with spiderling moulting with steady increase in the course of the 2nd instar followed by a rapid dropdown once moulting was completed. Spatially, the four Halloween genes were highly expressed in spiderling abdomen and in the ovaries of female adults. In parallel, ponasterone A (PA), but not 20E, was detected by LC–MS/MS analysis in P. pseudoannulata, and it was demonstrated as a functional ecdysteroid in the spider by accelerating of moulting with PA addition. The present study revealed the different ecdysteroid biosynthesis pathways in spiders and insects.
Assessment of blood pressure measurement skills in second-year medical students after ongoing simulation-based education and practice

ABSTRACT Background Simulation-Based Education (SBE) simulates specific physiological characteristics of a patient, allowing student practice in developing clinical skills and assessment of skill competency. Literature is limited regarding SBE’s effectiveness in curriculum enrichment. This study investigated Blood Pressure (BP) measuring proficiency of second-year medical students with first-year SBE training and a second-year review, by comparing data from Simulation-Based assessments in 2017 and 2019. Methods Second-year medical students measured BP on three manikin arms, associated with distinct clinical contexts (healthy young male, young female experiencing hypotension, and older male suffering hypertension and diabetes). All manikins’ BP settings were independent of clinical context. In January 2019, 108 second-year medical students who received traditional training, as well as SBE in 2017 and Simulation-Based practice in 2018, were divided into four groups (n = 32, 24, 24, and 28), with two groups each assessed on consecutive days. The proportions of correct BP values in each of three contexts were compared between experiments in 2017 and 2019. Additionally, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure results were stratified into three groups: lower than setting value, correct, and higher than setting vgalue, with proportions for each group compared for the 2017 and 2019 studies using Fisher’s Exact Tests. Results In Case Two and Three, the proportion of correct BP values significantly increased from 2017 (Case Two: 51%; Case Three: 55%) to 2019 (Case Two: 73%; Case Three: 75%). Additionally, proportions of students who reported lower SBP values than setting values were significantly decreased in Case One and Two, with five failing all contexts. Conclusions Second-year student BP measurement skills were improved, not only due to repeated Simulation-Based practice but advancing basic science knowledge and mastery experience in ongoing curriculum. Simulation-Based assessment provided an effective tool for evaluating skill retention and proficiency in medical training.