Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evolved EDGE PHY ASIC supporting soft-output equalization and Rx diversity

In this paper the first complete Evolved EDGE transceiver physical layer ASIC supporting receive diversity and soft-output Viterbi equalization is presented. It comprises transmitter and receiver with detector and a decoder with an autonomous incremental redundancy implementation. The ASIC reaches a measured sensitivity of -111.8dBm for single antenna GSM voice channels and achieves the reference interference performance for adjacent channels 12 dB above 3GPP requirements. It occupies 6mm2 in 130nm CMOS with a power consumption between 5 and 39mW.
Calculation of a First-In-Man Dose of 7-O-Succinyl Macrolactin A Based on Allometric Scaling of Data from Mice, Rats, and Dogs

7-O-Succinyl macrolactin A (SMA) exerts several pharmacological effects including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer activities. Recently, SMA has been extensively evaluated as an anti-cancer drug. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to characterise the pharmacokinetics of SMA via both non-compartmental and compartmental analysis in mice, rats, and dogs, and to derive an appropriate first-in-man dose based on allometric scaling of the animal data. The time courses of plasma SMA concentrations after intravenous administration to rats and dogs were analysed retrospectively, as were data collected after intraperitoneal SMA injection in mice. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated via both noncompartmental and compartmental analysis, and were correlated with body weight and/or the potential maximum life-span. The clearance and distribution volume of SMA in humans were predicted, and a first-in-man dose proposed. A two-compartment model best described the time courses of SMA plasma concentrations after a saturation elimination process was applied to fit the dataset obtained from rats. Incorporation of the maximum potential life-span during allometric scaling was required to improve the estimation of human clearance. The SMA clearance and the distribution volume in the steady state, in a 70-kg adult male, were estimated to be 30.6 L/h and 19.5 L, respectively. To meet the area under the curve (AUC) required for anti-tumour activity, a dose of 100 mg (∼1.5 mg/kg) was finally proposed as the first dose for a 70-kg human. Although toxicological profiles derived from non-clinical studies must be considered before any final decision is made, our work will facilitate clinical studies on SMA.
Site of antigen delivery can influence T cell priming: pulmonary environment promotes preferential Th2‐type differentiation

Delivery of foreign antigens to mucosal surfaces, such as the pulmonary airways, has been shown to preferentially induce Th2‐mediated responses in humans and in mice. What is not clear from these studies is whether this preferential skewing in responses is the result of the limited types of antigen being administered and / or a bias towards using particular genetic strains of mice, or whether the lung environment in itself provides a favored site for the priming of Th2‐type cells. We have addressed this issue using an antigen / mouse strain combination that, under typical conditions of immunization, is strongly biased towards priming for Th1 CD4+ T cells. We show that Leishmania major parasites delivered to C57BL / 6 mice via an intranasal route fail to induce the expected Th1‐dominated responses and instead preferentially prime for Th2 responses. These included an influx in lymphocytes and eosinophils into alveoli, as well as the induction of Th2‐type foci of inflammation around pulmonary blood vessels and airways. Moreover, high levels of Th2‐associated cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐5) were generated when lung‐draining lymph node and tissue cells were restimulated with L. major lysate. These data suggest that the lung environment per se favors Th differentiation towards the Th2 phenotype.
Human Development Index and Federal System

In the present paper an empirical analysis will point out that a Federal System, Political Stability as well as Research and Development expenditure (% of GDP) improve Human Development Index. Our sample covers many advanced economies during the period 2005-2011. The elaboration of these panel data is made feasible by means of the Eviews software package.
Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 5 in sporadic ovarian carcinoma is a late event and is not associated with mutations in APC at 5q21–22

Frequent loss of heterozygosity in ovarian carcinoma (OC) has been reported on several different chromosomes. We have studied 27 OCs and corresponding normal tissue for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) using 10 markers detecting polymorphisms on chromosome 5 (two on 5p and eight on 5q). Three tumours showed extra copies, rather than loss, of one homologue. Twelve of 24 remaining tumours showed LOH on 5q (50%), and 8 of 21 on 5p (38%). Of the 12 showing LOH on 5q, 7 showed reduction to homozygosity at all informative markers over the chromosome. The remaining 5 showed LOH over all of 5q. These data are consistent with the localisation of a tumour suppressor gene on 5q involved in OC. A good candidate is the APC gene, which is mutated in a number of adenocarcinomas derived from several tissues and is located at 5q21–22. The APC gene was studied in 40 ovarian tumours, including all the OCs showing LOH, by single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Analysis of all the exons containing published mutations (∼4.7 kb of the cDNA) did not reveal any band shifts that could be attributed to mutations. However, a new polymorphism was detected, as well as 7 known polymorphisms. Together, these data indicate that (1) LOH is common on chromosome 5 in OC, (2) APC is not mutated in OC, and (3) another gene (or genes) on chromosome 5q is responsible for the LOH seen. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of Monolithic Microwave Integrated Amplifiers as Readout for Detectors at 4.2 K

Readout amplifiers with high bandwidth and extremely low power dissipation at liquid helium temperature for various superconducting detectors (e.g. SNSPD, HEB and MKID) are necessary to increase the small detector output signals. Different types of cryogenic amplifiers were developed for these applications. The required combination of low noise, large bandwidth, high voltage gain and low power consumption is a driving force for an on-going process of improvements. In this paper, the developments of cryogenic low power hybrid amplifiers, which are based on commercial p-HEMT transistors, will be reported and discussed. In addition, simulation and measurement results of the first developed monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifier for low power operation will be presented. The MMICs are based on a metamorphic HEMT technology and are realized on a 3×1.5 mm2 area. First measurements at room temperature showed a bandwidth of 0.3 GHz up to 9 GHz with a gain of 23 dB at 90 mW and 1.3 GHz up to 8 GHz with 20 dB of gain at 42 mW, respectively. The power consumption could be reduced by cooling the devices down to 7.2 K. At almost identical bandwidths, the measured gain decreased to 10 dB at 22 mW and 15 dB at 9.5 mW.
Dopaminergic modulation of short-term synaptic plasticity at striatal inhibitory synapses

Circuit properties, such as the selection of motor synergies, have been posited as relevant tasks for the recurrent inhibitory synapses between spiny projection neurons of the neostriatum, a nucleus of the basal ganglia participating in procedural learning and voluntary motor control. Here we show how the dopaminergic system regulates short-term plasticity (STP) in these synapses. STP is thought to endow neuronal circuits with computational powers such as gain control, filtering, and the emergence of transitory net states. But little is known about STP regulation. Employing unitary and population synaptic recordings, we observed that activation of dopamine receptors can modulate STP between spiny neurons. A D1-class agonist enhances, whereas a D2-class agonist decreases, short-term depression most probably by synaptic redistribution. Presynaptic receptors appear to be responsible for this modulation. In contrast, STP between fast-spiking interneurons and spiny projection neurons is largely unregulated despite expressing presynaptic receptors. Thus, the present experiments provide an explanation for dopamine actions at the circuit level: the control of STP between lateral connections of output neurons and the reorganization of the balance between different forms of inhibitory transmission. Theoretically, D1 receptors would promote a sensitive, responsive state for temporal precision (dynamic component), whereas D2 receptors would sense background activity (static component).
Effects of prolonged controlled mechanical ventilation on diaphragmatic function in healthy adult baboons.

OBJECTIVE To study diaphragmatic strength and endurance after a prolonged period of mechanical ventilation. DESIGN Prospective animal study. SETTING Animal research laboratory. SUBJECTS Seven uninjured adult baboons (Papio cynocephalus) were anesthetized with ketamine, sedated, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated. Animals were monitored with pulmonary arterial and peripheral arterial catheters. INTERVENTIONS Mechanical ventilation was provided for 11 days with an FIO2 of 0.21 and tidal volume of 15 mL/kg. Pulmonary function tests, including lung volumes, arterial blood gases, and chest radiographs were also monitored. Nursing care procedures included frequent turning, chest physiotherapy, and endotracheal suction. Antacids and prophylactic antibiotics (intravenous penicillin, topical polymyxin B, and gentamicin sulfate) were administered. In three animals, fishhook electrodes were surgically placed around both phrenic nerves on both day 0 and after 11 days of mechanical ventilation for diaphragmatic stimulation. On day 0, the electrodes were removed after phrenic nerve stimulation studies were performed. After 11 days of mechanical ventilation, animals were electively killed and full autopsy performed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Hemodynamic and pulmonary function parameters were measured at baseline and every day during the 11 days of mechanical ventilation. Diaphragmatic strength and endurance were measured on days 0 and 11. Diaphragmatic endurance was determined by an inspiratory resistive loading protocol. There were no significant changes in hemodynamics, lung volumes, or gas exchange during the period of mechanical ventilation. On day 7, the chest radiographs showed patchy lobar atelectasis in six animals, which cleared by day 11 in all but two of the animals. Lung pathology showed mild, focal pneumonitis. By day 11, maximum transdiaphragmatic pressure had decreased by 25% from day 0 and diaphragmatic endurance had decreased by 36%. CONCLUSIONS Eleven days of mechanical ventilation and neuromuscular blockade in healthy baboons resulted in nonsignificant changes in hemodynamics, oxygenation, and/or lung function. However, significant impairment in diaphragmatic endurance and strength were seen. Based on these results, it is likely that prolonged mechanical ventilation by itself impairs diaphragmatic function independent of underlying lung disease.
Consumer-directed community care: race/ethnicity and individual differences in preferences for control.

PURPOSE Even though consumer-directed care models are being advocated for use among elder populations, there are few data on the extent of elder interest in participating in the management of community long-term-care services, who they want involved in making these decisions, or their perceptions regarding the relative importance of different service choices. In addition, little is known about how elder preferences for consumer direction may vary by race/ethnicity. DESIGN AND METHODS With use of a cross-sectional research design, a sample of 731 elders including 200 African American, 200 Chinese, 131 Latino, and 200 White Western European American elders was investigated. New measures were created to assess level of control desired by elders in different areas of community long-term-care service delivery and preference for consumer direction. RESULTS Multivariate analyses found significant differences between and within race/ethnic groups for preferences for levels of consumer-directed care. IMPLICATIONS Study findings suggest that consumer direction occurs along a continuum, with elders desiring control over some service areas but not others, and the importance of recognizing heterogeneity within racial/ethnic groups regarding consumer-directed care.
EWS/FLI-1 Induces Rapid Onset of Myeloid/Erythroid Leukemia in Mice

ABSTRACT EWS/FLI-1 is a chimeric oncogene generated by chromosomal translocation in Ewing tumors, a family of poorly differentiated pediatric tumors arising predominantly in bone but also in soft tissue. The fusion gene combines sequences encoding a strong transactivating domain from the EWS protein with the DNA binding domain of FLI-1, an ETS transcription factor. A related fusion, TLS/ERG, has been found in myeloid leukemia. To determine EWS/FLI-1 function in vivo, we engineered mice with Cre-inducible expression of EWS/FLI-1 from the ubiquitous Rosa26 locus. When crossed with Mx1-cre mice, Cre-mediated activation of EWS/FLI-1 resulted in the rapid development of myeloid/erythroid leukemia characterized by expansion of primitive mononuclear cells causing hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, severe anemia, and death. The disease could be transplanted serially into naïve recipients. Gene expression profiles of primary and transplanted animals were highly similar, suggesting that activation of EWS/FLI-1 was the primary event leading to disease in this model. The Cre-inducible EWS/FLI-1 mouse provides a novel model system to study the contribution of this oncogene to malignant disease in vivo.
Optimal vector method for image reconstruction of the uniplanar multi-electrode system

Aiming at the detection of damages in composite components on aircraft, a uniplanar multi-electrode system is introduced. Electric potential distribution in the detection area is solved by finite element analysis, and the sensitivity matrix is calculated. To reconstruct the images with damage information, which is known as an ill-posed inverse problem, the application of optimal vector method is studied. A numerical minimizing gray level vector sequence that remains on an invariant manifold is built and then regularization parameter is optimally computed at each iteration by minimizing a merit function. The simulation results show that the optimal vector method can reconstruct the image with better accuracy at a higher speed than classic methods.
Pool Strategy of a Producer With Endogenous Formation of Locational Marginal Prices

This paper considers a strategic power producer that trades electric energy in an electricity pool. It provides a procedure to derive the optimal offering strategy of this producer. A multiperiod network-constrained market-clearing algorithm is considered. Uncertainty on demand bids and offering strategies of rival producers is also modeled. The proposed procedure to derive strategic offers relies on a bilevel programming model whose upper-level problem represents the profit maximization of the strategic producer while the lower-level one represents the market clearing and the corresponding price formation. This bilevel model is reduced to a mixed-integer linear programming problem using the duality theory and the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions. Results from an illustrative example and a case study are reported and discussed. Finally, some relevant conclusions are duly drawn.
DBNCF: Personalized Courses Recommendation System Based on DBN in MOOC Environment

With the rapid development of MOOC platform, MOOC resource recommendation technology is emerging to improve the learner's learning efficiency. The traditional collaborative filtering resource recommendation technique is ineffective when dealing with sparse data and cannot accurately handle the high dimension attributes of online learning users, which result in low efficiency of resource recommendation. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a personalized recommendation system based on DBN in MOOC environment, which utilizes the high performance of DBN in function approximation, feature extraction, prediction classification and other aspects. It combines MOOC platform user - course feature vector to mine the user's course interests. Meanwhile, it uses the score of courses as the class label of DBN supervised learning. Through unsupervised pre-training and supervised feedback fine-tuning, the DBN recommendation model training can be achieved. The experiment was carried out in the real MOOC platform "starc", and was compared with several traditional recommendation methods. The experimental results show that the DBNCF is more efficient than the traditional cooperative filtering method.
Iterative histogram matching algorithm for chromosome image enhancement based on statistical moments

Vivid banding pattern of the chromosome image is a crucial part for diagnosis in karyotype medical test. Furthermore, thriving computer aided segmentation and classification depend on the initial image quality. In this paper, we propose an adaptive and iterative histogram matching algorithm for chromosome contrast enhancement especially in banding patterns which is one of the most important information laid in chromosome image. Objective histogram, with which the initial image needs to be matched, is created based on processes on the initial image histogram. Calculation of statistical moments of image histogram and determination of parameters in each step of iteration based on these moments form the algorithm structure. In order to assess the performance of the proposed algorithm, Density Profile (DP) and the contrast improvement ratio (CIR), are utilized. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method shows better results in both quantitative gauges of CIR and DP, and visual perception.
Inertia-based ICR kinematic model for tracked skid-steer robots

Kinematic models for skid-steer vehicles based on the locations of instantaneous centers of rotation (ICRs) of treads have been useful for motion control and dead reckoning. These models have typically assumed constant track ICRs because actual ICRs remain in bounded regions. However, this assumption neglects tread ICR variations during motion caused by dynamics. This paper analyzes the effect of inertial forces on track ICR positions. The study is based on dynamic simulations of a tracked mobile robot moving on hard horizontal terrain. Furthermore, a new kinematic model is defined in terms of three indices for sliding, eccentricity and steering efficiency. The proposed model allows to estimate actual track ICR positions as a function of inertia measurements and track speeds.
Automated and Scalable Mutation Testing

Symbolic execution and mutation testing have been demonstrated to be effective in revealing program defects. Despite their potential, their application cost, scalability and robust operation are obstacles to their practical use. Symbolic execution has the problem of path explosion, which results from the vast number of program paths, while mutation testing involves a large number of program variants to be analysed and executed. Both these problems result in scalability issues when applied in real world programs. These problems are to by addressed by the present research. The key point to be addressed is the design of few but effective mutations. These will be selected based on symbolic execution. The present research will 1) evaluate the level of con? dence or the guarantees that can be established by mutation testing, 2) design a technique to effectively detect useful mutants, 3) automate the whole mutation testing process.
QUADERNI DEL DIPARTIMENTO DI ECONOMIA POLITICA E STATISTICA

The paper provides an empirical characterisation of the value effect detected on the Italian Stock Market in the sample period 2000-2018 based on the value premium offered for the acquisition of a value stock. A bid on a value stock generates a large and statistically significant average return on the holding of the target in the deal window, as opposed to bids on growth stocks. Returns on stocks which are the target of a bid accounts for up to two thirds of the average return on the long side of the Fama and French (1993) HML portfolio. The other significant component of the average return of HML is due to the short selling of small growth stocks, which, as evidenced in previous literature, is often difficult to implement from a practical point of view.
Hybrid molecular dynamics‐quantum mechanics simulations of solute spectral properties in the condensed phase: Evaluation of simulation parameters

We have explored the impact of a number of basic simulation parameters on the results of a recently developed hybrid molecular dynamics‐quantum mechanics (MD‐QM) method (Mercer et al., J Phys Chem B 1999, 103, 7720). The method utilizes MD simulations to explore the ground‐state configuration space of the system and QM evaluation of those structures to yield the time‐dependent electronic transition energy, which is transformed into the optical line‐broadening function using the second‐order cumulant expansion. Both linear and nonlinear optical spectra can then be generated for comparison to experiment. The dependence of the resulting spectra on the length of the MD trajectory, the QM sampling rate, and the QM model chemistry have all been examined. In particular, for the system of oxazine‐4 in methanol studied here, at least 20 ps of MD trajectory are needed for qualitative convergence of linear spectral properties, and > 100 ps is needed for quantitative convergence. Surprisingly, little difference is found between the 3‐21G and 6‐31G(d) basis sets, and the CIS and TD‐B3LYP methods yield remarkably similar spectra. The semiempirical INDO/s method yields the most accurate results, reproducing the experimental Stokes shift to within 5% and the FWHM to within 20%. Nonlinear 3‐pulse photon echo peak shift (3PEPS) decays have also been simulated. Decays are generally poorly reproduced, though the initial peak shift which depends on the overall coupling of motions to the solute transition energy is within 15% of experiment for all model chemistries other than those using the STO‐3G basis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Unique phenotype of opaque cells in the white-opaque transition of Candida albicans

Select strains of Candida albicans switch reversibly and at extremely high frequency between a white and an opaque colony-forming phenotype, which has been referred to as the white-opaque transition. Cells in the white phase exhibit a cellular phenotype indistinguishable from that of most standard strains of C. albicans, but cells in the opaque phase exhibit an unusually large, elongate cellular shape. In comparing the white and opaque cellular phenotypes, the following findings are demonstrated. (i) The surface of the cell wall of maturing opaque cells when viewed by scanning electron microscopy exhibits a unique pimpled, or punctate, pattern not observed in white cells or standard strains of C. albicans. (ii) The dynamics of actin localization which accompanies opaque-cell growth first follows the pattern of budding cells during early opaque-bud growth and then the pattern of hypha-forming cells during late opaque-bud growth. (iii) A hypha-specific cell surface antigen is also expressed on the surface of opaque budding cells. (iv) An opaque-specific surface antigen is distributed in a punctate pattern.