Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Low Complexity User Selection Algorithm for Full-Duplex MU-MISO Systems

In this paper, we propose a new user selection algorithm for full-duplex (FD) multiuser multiple-input single-output (MU-MISO) systems, where an FD base station (BS) communicates with multiple half-duplex users in both downlink and uplink channels simultaneously. Due to self-interference at the BS and co-channel interference among users, a joint downlink and uplink user selection to maximize system performance incurs high search complexity. To reduce the complexity, we introduce a two-step user selection algorithm, which successively chooses downlink users followed by uplink users based on the decomposed sum rate of the FD systems. In addition, we analyze the average sum rate performance of our proposed user selection algorithm for FD MU-MISO systems and derive a tight approximation of the performance. From the numerical results, we confirm that our analysis matches well with simulation results, and the proposed user selection algorithm for the FD MU-MISO systems exhibits a small performance loss compared with the optimal user selection algorithm with much reduced complexity.
Characterization of the fluoroacetate detoxication enzymes of rat liver cytosol

Two forms of fluoroacetate-specific defluorinase (FSD) were purified from rat hepatic cytosol. The first form, FSD1 (molecular weight 38 kDa), contained 81% of the total cytosolic fluoroacetate defluorination activity and did not bind to the glutathione-affinity, orange A or mono P columns used in the purification procedures. The second form, FSD2 (molecular weight 27 kDa), contained only 13% of the fluoroacetate defluorination activity, had a pI = 7.8, and exhibited a high glutathione S-transferase (GST)-like activity towards dichloroacetic acid. The FSD1 proteins were identified from peptide mass data and best matched with rat sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) (short form), although pure sheep liver SDH enzyme did not possess defluorination activity when subsequently investigated. The FSD2 protein was identified from peptide mass data and best matched with the amino acid sequence of mouse and human Zeta 1 of glutathione S-transferase (GSTZ1) and showed a high GSTZ1 specific activity. This study suggests that the major FSD component (FSD1) represents a new and unique dehalogenating or dehydrogenating enzyme present in rat liver cytosol. The minor FSD component (FSD2) is due to the GSTZ1 present in rat liver cytosol. However, it is not yet clear that FSD1 is indeed SDH and FSD2 is indeed GSTZ1, due to sequence homology being less than 60 and 45%, respectively.
Manipulating gene activity in Wnt1‐expressing precursors of neural epithelial and neural crest cells

Targeted gene disruption or expression often encounters lethality. Conditional approaches, permitting manipulation at desired stages, are required to overcome this problem in order to analyze gene function in later developmental processes. Wnt1 has been shown to be expressed in neural crest precursors at the dorsal midline region. However, its expression was not detected in emigrated neural crest cells, the descendants of Wnt1‐expressing precursors. We have developed mouse transgenic systems to manipulate gene activity in the Wnt1‐expressing precursors and their derivatives by integrating the tetracycline‐dependent activation and Cre‐mediated recombination methods. A new Wnt1‐rtTA strain, carrying rtTA under control of Wnt1 regulatory elements, has been created for gene manipulation in a spatiotemporal‐specific fashion. Together with our previously developed Wnt1‐Cre;R26STOPrtTA model, these systems permit conditional gene expression and ablation in pre‐migratory and/or post‐migratory neural crest cells. This study demonstrated the versatility of our mouse models to achieve gene manipulation in early neural development. Developmental Dynamics 239:338–345, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional and temporal changes in the acoustic properties of fracture callus in secondary bone healing

Controlled fractures were created in the right femora of 17 male Sprague‐Dawley rats. The fractured limbs were harvested at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after fracture, fixed, and embedded in polymethylmethacrylate. Midsagittal sections from each animal were evaluated with a scanning acoustic microscope, a device that generates an acoustic impedance map of the scanned material. The impedance of the fracture callus was measured in six regions on each specimen. These regions were chosen in an effort to distinguish between the impedance of the callus formed through intramembranous or endochondral ossification, and we found that the time course of increasing impedance differed for the fracture callus formed through the two pathways. Additionally, we found a significant difference in the mean impedance of the callus at each time period (p ≤ 0.0013 for all comparisons), which resulted in an extremely linear relationship (r2 = 0.999) between mean callus impedance and healing time. This experimental model has become a popular choice for the investigation of fracture healing. As such, an accurate determination of the mechanical properties of the fracture callus is often sought. We propose that the implementation of scanning acoustic microscopy in the study of fracture healing may determine the changes in the material properties more accurately than conventional testing methods.
New Variants of Lepidoptericidal Toxin Genes Encoding Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa Proteins

Bacillus thuringiensis is an entomopathogenic bacterium characterized by producing parasporal proteinaceous insecticidal crystal inclusions during sporulation. Many strains are capable of also expressing other insecticidal proteins called Vip during the vegetative growing phase. Particularly, Vip3A proteins have activity against certain Lepidoptera species through a unique mechanism of action which emphasized their possible use in resistance management strategies against resistant pests. The aim of the work was to develop a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method that can distinguish between vip3A genes from B. thuringiensis strains. In addition, 4 novel vip3Aa genes were cloned and sequenced. The method was originally based on amplification of a single PCR amplicon and the use of 2 restriction enzymes with recognition sites that facilitate simultaneous detection. Subsequently, a third restriction enzyme was used to distinguish between vip3A variants. Thirteen vip3Aa genes were identified in strains belonging to 10 different B. thuringiensis serovars. Three intra-subclass variants of vip3Aa genes could be differentiated. The presented method can serve as an invaluable tool for the investigation of known and novel vip3A genes in B. thuringiensis strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report where variants of a same subclass of insecticidal genes could be distinguished following PCR-RFLP.
Adaptive impedance control of a variable stiffness actuator

This paper proposes an optimal impedance control method for a variable stiffness actuator (VSA), in which a variable stiffness mechanism and an actuator are aligned in series. First, we introduce a circuit expression of the robotic system and provide a unified framework to determine an optimal index of robots driven by VSAs, irrespective of the presence or absence of the environment. Next, we design a torque controller for a one-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot and find the optimal condition of the stiffness in the VSA for a given task. Then, we design a stiffness control law for the VSA exploiting the intrinsic indivisible property between motion and passive impedance. This stiffness control law adaptively tunes the passive stiffness to minimize the energy consumption without defining any explicit desired impedance, which is usually required in impedance controllers. The stability of the closed loop system is proved using Lyapunov’s analysis. Simulations and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method and the robustness in response to parameter changes. Graphical Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid induces the secretion of MUC5AC by activating NADPH oxidase/ROS/TACE/TGF-α/EGFR pathway in human nasal epithelial cells

Aims: The present study is to investigate the effect of Lipoteichoic Acid (LTA) on the secretion of MUC5AC by nasal mucosa cells, as well as the underlying mechanism. Methods: Human nasal epithelial cell line HNEpC was incubated with 10, 20 or 30 μg/ml LTA for 0-24 h. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the concentrations of secreted MUC5AC and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-α. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expression of MUC5AC mRNA. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis was carried out to detect the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the enzymatic activity of tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). Western blotting was used to identify the cell membrane localization of p47phox and p67phox subunits of Duox1 and the phosphorylation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). The effect of Duox1/ROS/TACE/TGF-α/EGFR signaling pathway on MUC5AC secretion was examined by treating the cells with siRNA of Duox1, ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-cysteine, siRNA of TACE, TGF-α neutralizing antibody, or EGFR inhibitor AG-1478. Results: LTA increased the expression and secretion of MUC5AC in dose- and time- dependent manners, possibly via Duox1 and ROS. In addition, LTA promoted the enzymatic activity of TACE via ROS. Moreover, LTA induced the secretion of MUC5AC by promoting the secretion of TGF-α via TACE and by the activation of EGFR that was dependent on binding with TGF-α. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that LTA induces the expression and secretion of MUC5AC via Duox1/ROS/TACE/TGF-α/EGFR signaling pathway in HNEpC cells.
Minimum Map of Social Institutional Network: a multidimensional strategy for research in Nursing.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the use of methodological strategies in qualitative research - Minimum Maps of Social Institutional Network, as proposed to understand the phenomena in the multidimensional perspective. METHOD Methodological theoretical essay in which we aimed to reflect on the use of innovative methodological strategies in nursing research, supported in Complex Paradigm fundamentals. RESULTS The minimum map of Social Institutional External Network aims to identify institutional linkages and gaps for the intervention work of the surveyed institutions. The use of these maps provided important advances in know-how qualitative research in Health and Nursing. CONCLUSIONS In this perspective, the use of minimum Social Intitutional Network maps can be stimulated and enhanced to meet the current demands of the contemporary world, particularly for its flexibility in adapting to various research subjects; breadth and depth of discussion; and possibilities with health services. OBJETIVO Analisar o uso de estratégias metodológicas em pesquisas qualitativas - Mapa mínimo da Rede Social Institucional, como proposta para compreender os fenômenos na perspectiva multidimensional. MÉTODO Ensaio teórico metodológico em que buscou-se refletir sobre o uso de estratégias metodológicas inovadoras de pesquisa na enfermagem, sustentada nos fundamentos do Pensamento Complexo. RESULTADOS O mapa mínimo da Rede Social Institucional Externa tem o objetivo de identificar os vínculos institucionais e lacunas para o trabalho de intervenção das instituições pesquisadas. O uso destes mapas proporcionou avanços importantes no saber-fazer pesquisa qualitativa em Saúde e Enfermagem. CONCLUSÃO Nessa perspectiva, o uso de mapas mínimos da Rede Social Institucional pode ser estimulado e potencializado para responder às atuais demandas da contemporaneidade, em especial pela sua flexibilidade na adequação a diversos objetos de pesquisa; amplitude e profundidade de discussão; e possibilidades de articulação com a prática dos serviços.
Adaptive subsample delay estimation using windowed correlation

An on-line delay estimation algorithm based upon the windowed average magnitude difference function (AMDF) that is suitable for determining the subsample delay between two noisy signals is introduced. The new estimator uses the AMDF to directly update the delay estimate, which is in turn used to adapt the coefficients of a fractional delay filter (FDF). The new estimator consists predominately of addition and subtraction operations and outperforms conventional FDF based estimators in low signal-to-noise ratio situations
Adherence to guidelines to prevent cardiovascular diseases: The LifeLines cohort study.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. While there is indisputable evidence that statin treatment reduces the burden of CVD, undertreatment remains a concern for primary and secondary prevention. The aim of this study was to assess the use of lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) among 70,292 individuals in the Netherlands as a proxy of adherence to the national guideline for prevention and treatment of CVD. METHODS LifeLines is a population-based prospective cohort study in the three Northern provinces of the Netherlands. At baseline, all participants completed questionnaires, and underwent a physical examination and lab testing. The national guidelines were used to assess how many participants were eligible for LLD prescription and we analysed how many indeed reported LLD use. RESULTS For primary prevention, 77% (2515 of 3268) of those eligible for LLD treatment did not report using these drugs, while for secondary prevention this was 31% (403 of 1302). Patients with diabetes mellitus were treated best (67%) for primary prevention. Notably, of the patients with stroke, only 47% (182 of 386) reported LLD treatment. CONCLUSION Despite clear guidelines and multiple national initiatives to improve CVD risk management, adherence to guidelines for the treatment of CVD in the Netherlands remains a major challenge. This study calls out for improving public awareness of CVD and to improve primary and secondary prevention to prevent unnecessary CVD-related morbidity and mortality.
Purification and biosynthesis of cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.) catalase.

As part of our research on peroxisome biogenesis, catalase was purified from cotyledons of dark-grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings and monospecific antibodies were raised in rabbits. Purified catalase appeared as three distinct electrophoretic forms in non-denaturing gels and as a single protein band (with a subunit Mr of 57,000) on silver-stained SDS/polyacrylamide gels. Western blots of crude extracts and isolated peroxisomes from cotton revealed one immunoreactive polypeptide with the same Mr (57,000) as the purified enzyme, indicating that catalase did not undergo any detectable change in Mr during purification. Synthesis in vitro, directed by polyadenylated RNA isolated from either maturing seeds or cotyledons of dark-grown cotton seedlings, revealed a predominant immunoreactive translation product with a subunit Mr of 57,000 and an additional minor immunoreactive product with a subunit Mr of 64000. Labelling studies in vivo revealed newly synthesized monomers of both the 64000- and 57,000-Mr proteins present in the cytosol and incorporation of both proteins into the peroxisome without proteolytic processing. Within the peroxisome, the 57,000-Mr catalase was found as an 11S tetramer; whereas the 64,000-Mr protein was found as a relatively long-lived 20S aggregate (native Mr approx. 600,000-800,000). The results strongly indicate that the 64,000-Mr protein (catalase? ) is not a precursor to the 57,000-Mr catalase and that cotton catalase is translated on cytosolic ribosomes without a cleavable transit or signal sequence.
Health services utilization after fractures: evidence from Medicare.

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis-related fractures impose a large and growing societal burden, including adverse health effects and direct medical costs. Postfracture utilization of health care services represents an alternative measure of the resource costs associated with these fractures. METHODS We use a 5% random sample of Medicare claims data to construct annual cohorts (2000-2004) of beneficiaries diagnosed with incident fractures at one of seven sites--clinical vertebral, hip pelvis, femur, tibia/fibula, humerus, and distal radius/ulna. We use person-specific changes in health services utilization (eg, inpatient acute/postacute days, home health visits, physical, and occupational therapy) before/after fractures and probabilities of entry into (long-term) nursing home residency to estimate the utilization burden associated with fractures. RESULTS Relative to the prior 6-month period, rates of acute hospitalization are between 19.5 (distal radius/ulna) and 72.4 (hip) percentage points higher in the 6 months after fractures. Average acute inpatient days are 1.9 (distal radius/ulna) to 8.7 (hip) higher in the postfracture period. Fractures are associated with large increases in all forms of postacute care, including postacute hospitalizations (13.1-71.5 percentage points), postacute inpatient days (6.1-31.4), home health care hours (3.4-8.4), and hours of physical (5.2-23.6) and occupational (4.3-14.0) therapy. Among patients who were community dwelling at the time of the initial fracture, 0.9%-1.1% (2.4%-4.0%) were living in a nursing home 6 months (1 year) after the fracture. CONCLUSIONS Fractures are associated with significant increases in health services utilization relative to prefracture levels. Additional research is needed to assess the determinants and effectiveness of alternative forms of fracture care.
Quantitative aspects of the matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry of complex oligosaccharides.

Comparative studies of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization of complex oligosaccharides were made using a range of mono, di- and tri-substituted benzoic acids, substituted coumarins and cinnamic acids. The best results were obtained with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB). Detection limits using this matrix were in the range of 100 fmol for complex and high mannose sugars, some 2-fold better than those obtained with alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and 10-fold better than with an earlier oligosaccharide matrix, 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The strongest signals were achieved with a matrix-to-sample ratio of about 5000:1. Little correlation was found between the measured peak height and sample loading when 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid was used as the matrix and the signal appeared to saturate at a sample level of around 30 pmol. However, good correlation was found between the amount of sample loaded onto the target and the response when an analogous compound was used as an internal standard and peak ratios were measured. In contrast to this, the use of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as the matrix enabled the oligosaccharide to be measured over the range 100 fmol to at least 100 pmol with an excellent linear correlation between sample quantity and response and without the need of a standard. No evidence of saturation was found with this matrix. With 2,5-DHB (other matrices were not tested), the oligosaccharide signal strength was found to fall with increasing molecular weight in a linear manner and similar to that found previously with proteins. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Decomposing Vietnamese Gender Equality in Terms of Wage Distribution

We decompose the gender wage gap in terms of wage distribution in Vietnam during 2002–2014 using two methods. The first method uses two estimated counterfactual distributions; the second uses an estimated recentred influence function. We focus on the formal sector and find evidence for a consistent gender wage gap, with the price of skills being the main contributor. In contrast, labour market discrimination does not have a crucial influence. Some gender equality gained by the distribution of skills can be explained by the rise in women's education and women's participation in specific industries, occupations and the growing private sector.
Chinese Fertility: Past, Present And Future

China has witnessed profound socioeconomic changes over the past four decades. This dissertation is comprised of three papers that investigate the demographic, social, and economic determinants of fertility trends in China. In Chapter 1, I discuss how birth control policies, which have been implemented since 1980, are related to Chinese women’s timing of giving first birth during a period with substantial socioeconomic development. The results suggest that such birth control policies still influence women’s childbearing behavior, even after controlling for the urban/rural distinction and provincial variation; however, this influence has diminished over time. In Chapter 2, I examine the relationship between different motherhood stages and urban women’s economic positions in the labor market between 1991 and 2011, and how this relationship has changed with the development of local economies. The analysis shows that very young children have an inhibiting effect on mothers’ labor force activities, and this effect is exaggerated with the development of local economies. On the other hand, women’s income is positively correlated with the presence of school-aged children, but this positive relationship is eroded with local economic development. In Chapter 3, I propose that the legacies from state socialism, the reduction in educational gender inequality, and the marketization process lead to a modern-traditional mosaic that shapes a curvilinear relationship between gender-role ideology and fertility intentions in China. Capitalizing on three waves of data from the Chinese General Social Survey, I empirically explore the relationship between women’s fertility intentions of having two or more children and different gender-role attitudes by using structural equation modeling. The results suggest that both the ‘modern’ (with more egalitarian gender-role ideology) and ‘traditional’ (with less egalitarian gender-role ideology) women show higher fertility intentions. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Demography First Advisor Hans-Peter Kohler Subject Categories Asian Studies | Demography, Population, and Ecology This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/3210 CHINESE FERTILITY: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Menghan Zhao A DISSERTATION in Demography Presented to the Faculties of the University of Pennsylvania in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2018 Supervisor of Dissertation ______________________ Hans-Peter Kohler Frederick J. Warren Professor of Demography Graduate Group Chairperson _________________________ Michel Guillot, Professor of Sociology Dissertation Committee Emily Hannum, Professor of Sociology and Education Paul D. Allison, Professor of Sociology CHINESE FERTILITY: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE COPYRIGHT 2018 Menghan Zhao This work is licensed under the Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/