Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Power Optimization for Parallel OFDM Relaying Networks under Hybrid Power Constraints

This paper investigates the power control problem for parallel amplify-and-forward OFDM relaying networks under hybrid power constraints across relays. Based on the concavity of the objective function, an iterative algorithm, which definitely converges to the optimal solution, is firstly proposed for the special case where the aggregate constraint could be ignored. Then, for the general case where the multiple constraints simultaneously act, the optimal solution is obtained by solving a group of similar optimization problems and the complexity is exponential with the number of relays. Comparing with that, a linear-complexity algorithm is finally provided to construct a suboptimal solution, and the numerical results show its performance is very close to that of the optimal solution.
Essays in taxation : capacity, compliance and complexity

This dissertation consists of three independent essays in the field of taxation. The first essay explores the incentives of a government to invest in the "capacity" to raise tax revenue within a political economy model that includes public debt. The second essay experimentally examines the effects of a permanent tax amnesty on tax compliance. The third essay empirically investigates the impact of tax complexity on foreign direct investment.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Thirteen Isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi

ABSTRACT Borrelia burgdorferi is a causative agent of Lyme disease in North America and Eurasia. The first complete genome sequence of B. burgdorferi strain 31, available for more than a decade, has assisted research on the pathogenesis of Lyme disease. Because a single genome sequence is not sufficient to understand the relationship between genotypic and geographic variation and disease phenotype, we determined the whole-genome sequences of 13 additional B. burgdorferi isolates that span the range of natural variation. These sequences should allow improved understanding of pathogenesis and provide a foundation for novel detection, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.
Fibroblast contraction of collagen lattices in vitro: Inhibition by chronic inflammatory cell mediators

Fibroblast‐populated collagen lattices (FPCL), prepared in petri dishes with serum‐containing culture medium and incubated at 37°C, undergo progressive and symmetric contraction (reduction in size) over a period of days. The in vitro contraction process requires viable cells with intact cytoskeletal elements, is associated with cell elongation, and is believed to represent a fibroblast function which also occurs in vivo during wound healing and tissue fibrosis. We report that soluble mediators elaborated by chronic inflammatory cells cultured in vitro, when added to FPCL, inhibit lattice contraction. Granulomas, isolated from the liver of Schistosoma mansoni‐infected mice, secrete a factor(s) with an estimated molecular weight between 13,700 and 43,000 daltons (gel filtration: Sephadex G‐200) and pl = 6 (preparative isoelectrofocusing in granular gel) which inhibits lattice contraction but is not toxic to fibroblasts. Supernatants (cell‐free conditioned culture medium) of cultured macrophages isolated from these granulomas also contain this activity. The contraction inhibitory activity present in granuloma culture supernatants is abrogated by the addition of indomethacin to the lattices, while the addition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) alone to lattices inhibits contraction. Furthermore, culture supernatants interfere with fibroblast elongation in lattices. We propose that the ability of fibroblasts to contract collagen lattices in vitro and a fibrotic mass in vivo may be regulated by soluble products of chronic inflammatory cells, including macrophages. This process may be mediated by fibroblast‐derived prostaglandins which alter cytoskeletal functions and has implications for understanding regulation of tissue fibrogenesis in a variety of diseases.
Duodenal biopsy may be avoided when high transglutaminase antibody titers are present.

AIM To evaluate the predictive value of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies for villous atrophy in adult and pediatric populations to determine if duodenal biopsy can be avoided. METHODS A total of 324 patients with celiac disease (CD; 97 children and 227 adults) were recruited prospectively at two tertiary centers. Human IgA class anti-tTG antibody measurement and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed at diagnosis. A second biopsy was performed in 40 asymptomatic adults on a gluten-free diet (GFD) and with normal tTG levels. RESULTS Adults showed less severe histopathology (26% vs 63%, P < 0.0001) and lower tTG antibody titers than children. Levels of tTG antibody correlated with Marsh type in both populations (r = 0.661, P < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression revealed that only tTG antibody was an independent predictor for Marsh type 3 lesions, but clinical presentation type and age were not. A cut-off point of 30 U tTG antibody yielded the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.854). Based on the predictive value of this cut-off point, up to 95% of children and 53% of adults would be correctly diagnosed without biopsy. Despite GFDs and decreased tTG antibody levels, 25% of the adults did not recover from villous atrophy during the second year after diagnosis. CONCLUSION Strongly positive tTG antibody titers might be sufficient for CD diagnosis in children. However, duodenal biopsy cannot be avoided in adults because disease presentation and monitoring are different.
Formalisation of the Rules of the Road for embedding into an Autonomous Vehicle Agent

We propose a description language for formalising the “Rules of the Road” (e.g., the UK Highway Code). By way of example, we represent the subset of the Highway Code responsible for road junctions and represent these Rules of the Road using linear temporal logic, LTL. Our aim is to “extract” from this generic representation a set of beliefs, goals and plans that can be used by a BDI agent to augment its universal autonomous vehicle control (e.g., route planning, and obstacle avoidance capabilities) with region-specific rules for road use. We intend to target the GWENDOLEN agent programming language as a prototype for this system, which provides formal verification possibilities.
Regulation of FE65 Nuclear Translocation and Function by Amyloid β-Protein Precursor in Osmotically Stressed Cells*

FE65, a neural adaptor protein, interacts with amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) and is known to regulate amyloid β generation from APP. FE65 also associates with nuclear proteins; however, its physiological function in the nucleus remains unclear. A fixed population of cytoplasmic FE65 is tethered to membranes by binding APP. This membrane-tethered FE65 is liberated from membranes by APP phosphorylation, which is facilitated by a stress-activated protein kinase in sorbitol-treated cells. Here we show that liberated FE65, which is distinct from “virgin” FE65 in the cytoplasm, translocates into the nucleus and accumulates in the nuclear matrix forming a patched structure. Targeting of FE65 into the nuclear matrix was suppressed by the APP intracellular domain fragment, which is generated by consecutive cleavages of APP. Thus, nuclear translocation of FE65 is under the regulation of APP. In the nucleus, FE65 induced γH2AX, which plays an important role in DNA repair as a cellular response by stress-damaged cells. These observations suggest that APP-regulated FE65 plays an important role in the early stress response of cells and that FE65 deregulated from APP induces apoptosis.
[Characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates of two intensive care units].

BACKGROUND Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- producing Klebsiella pneumonia is more the frequently implied bacterium infections nosocomiales in the Neonatal High Risk Unit (NHRU), and adult intensive care unit (aICU) in the The Andes University Hospital Autonomy Institute. AIM To determine the microbiological and molecular characteristics associated with infections caused by this bacterium. MATERIAL AND METHODS 17 strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from neonates from NHRU with nosocomial infections and 11 isolates from patients hospitalized in the aICU between June to November 2009 were characterized by in vitro agar diffusion test and MIC, the production of β-lactamase, the presence of blaTEM blaSHV y blaCTX-M genes and genotyping. RESULTS A high percentage of resistance to β-lactams and the presence of ESβL TEM, SHV and CTX-M in 41.2 y 82% of strains obtained at HRNU and at aICU respectively were detected. BLEE (+) phenotype was detected in 17,6% of HRNU strains and 91% of aICU strains. Genotypic analysis by REP-PCR detected several clones suggesting that resistant clones of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae are endemic not only specific circulation and transmission of a single common among patients. CONCLUSION K. pneumoniae strains that produce β-lactamases circulate in these critical units studied representing a therapeutic challenge that is necessary to fight against.
MARTe: A Multiplatform Real-Time Framework

Development of real-time applications is usually associated with nonportable code targeted at specific real-time operating systems. The boundary between hardware drivers, system services, and user code is commonly not well defined, making the development in the target host significantly difficult. The Multithreaded Application Real-Time executor (MARTe) is a framework built over a multiplatform library that allows the execution of the same code in different operating systems. The framework provides the high-level interfaces with hardware, external configuration programs, and user interfaces, assuring at the same time hard real-time performances. End-users of the framework are required to define and implement algorithms inside a well-defined block of software, named Generic Application Module (GAM), that is executed by the real-time scheduler. Each GAM is reconfigurable with a set of predefined configuration meta-parameters and interchanges information using a set of data pipes that are provided as inputs and required as output. Using these connections, different GAMs can be chained either in series or parallel. GAMs can be developed and debugged in a non-real-time system and, only once the robustness of the code and correctness of the algorithm are verified, deployed to the real-time system. The software also supplies a large set of utilities that greatly ease the interaction and debugging of a running system. Among the most useful are a highly efficient real-time logger, HTTP introspection of real-time objects, and HTTP remote configuration. MARTe is currently being used to successfully drive the plasma vertical stabilization controller on the largest magnetic confinement fusion device in the world, with a control loop cycle of 50 ? s and a jitter under 1 ? s. In this particular project, MARTe is used with the Real-Time Application Interface (RTAI)/Linux operating system exploiting the new ? 86 multicore processors technology.
Molecular cloning of the structural gene for alkaline elastase YaB, a new subtilisin produced by an alkalophilic Bacillus strain

Alkaline elastase YaB is an extracellular serine protease of the alkalophilic Bacillus strain YaB. We cloned the structural gene, ale, and determined the nucleotide sequence. The mature enzyme (268 amino acids) was preceded by a putative signal sequence and a prosequence (27 and 83 amino acids, respectively). The mature enzyme was 55% homologous to subtilisin BPN'. Almost all the positively charged residues are predicted to be on the surface of the molecule, which would facilitate binding to elastin. The P1 substrate site-related sequences differed between alkaline elastase YaB and subtilisin BPN'.
Nearest Comoment Estimation with Unobserved Factors

We propose a minimum distance estimator for the higher-order comoments of a multivariate distribution exhibiting a lower dimensional latent factor structure. We derive the influence function of the proposed estimator and prove its consistency and asymptotic normality. The simulation study confirms the large gains in accuracy compared to the traditional sample comoments. The empirical usefulness of the novel framework is shown in applications to portfolio allocation under non-Gaussian objective functions and to the extraction of factor loadings in a dataset with mental ability scores.
SDF-1 α induces chemotaxis and enhances Sonic hedgehog-induced proliferation of cerebellar granule cells

The factors that control cell number and position in the developing central nervous system (CNS) are complex and incompletely understood, but can be readily examined in the cerebellum. During the first two postnatal weeks in the mouse cerebellum, granule precursor cells proliferate in a specialized zone known as the external granule cell layer (EGL). Postmitotic granule cells then migrate to form the internal granule cell layer (IGL) composed of mature granule neurons (Miale and Sidman, 1961; Altman, 1972; Burgoyne and Cabray-Deakin, 1988; Hatten, 1993; Altman and Bayer, 1996). Sonic hedgehog (SHH), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 have all been shown to promote granule cell proliferation (Gao et al., 1991; Tao et al., 1996; Ye et al., 1996; Lin and Bulleit, 1997; Dahmane and Ruiz-i-Altaba, 1999; Traiffort et al., 1999; Wallace, 1999; Wechsler-Reya and Scott, 1999; Kenney and Rowitch, 2000). SHH, which is produced by Purkinje neurons, is the single most potent in vitro mitogen, capable of inducing 100-fold granule cell proliferation, but only at high concentrations (Dahmane and Ruiz-i-Altaba, 1999; Wallace, 1999; Wechsler-Reya and Scott, 1999). Lower concentrations of SHH (nanomolar) induce a 2to 4-fold increase in granule cell proliferation in vitro (Dahmane and Ruiz-i-Altaba, 1999; Wechsler-Reya and Scott, 1999). In vivo, SHH may be present at these lower concentrations and thus may act in concert with other factors to promote substantial granule cell proliferation. Inhibition of SHH responses are well known to result from increases in cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) activity (Hynes et al., 1995; Concordet et al., 1996; Epstein et al., 1996; Ungar and Moon, 1996), but enhancers of SHH actions have not yet been identified. Factors that localize granule cell precursors to the proliferative environment of the EGL would be expected to enhance their proliferation. The chemokine, stromal-cellderived factor (SDF)-1αhas been identified as one such factor, as targeted deletion of the gene encoding SDF-1 α or its receptor, CXCR4, resulted in the premature migration of granule cell precursors out of the EGL (Ma et al., 1998; Zou et al., 1998). SDF-1 α has been shown to be expressed in the pia mater during embryonic development and its receptor CXCR4 is expressed in the EGL during the same period (McGrath et al., 1999). Together these data suggest that SDF1α and CXCR4 play a role in retaining granule cells in the EGL. 1971 Development 128, 1971-1981 (2001) Printed in Great Britain © The Company of Biologists Limited 2001 DEV4539
Group-delay ripple reduction in step-chirped fiber Bragg gratings by using laser-beam written step-chirped phase masks

Step-chirped phase masks for step-chirped fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) were fabricated by employing a new writing strategy, in which the beam is able to scan a step-chirped pattern all at once or continuously. This new writing strategy was realized by using a raster scan-type laser-beam writing system. Linearly and nonlinearly step-chirped FBGs, fabricated by using these masks, show very low group-delay ripple characteristics, which means that the masks have fewer stitching errors than conventional step-chirped masks.
Management of Osteoporosis

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess Israeli dietitians' knowledge and attitudes regarding osteoporosis. Participants were 320 dietitians responding to a mail survey. Israeli dietitians scored highly on the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz FOOQ. Israeli dietitians' dietary knowledge regarding calcium (recommended dietary allowance, content in food and in supplements) was fairly high; unlike knowledge regarding vitamin D. Israeli dietitians had a firm positive opinion of their role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Effects of water nanodroplets on skin moisture and viscoelasticity during air‐conditioning

In air‐conditioned rooms, dry air exacerbates some skin diseases, for example, senile xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and surface roughness. Humidifiers are used to improve air dryness, which often induces excess humidity and thermal discomfort. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of water nanodroplets (mist) on skin hydration, which may increase skin hydration by penetrating into the interstitial spaces between corneocytes of the stratum corneum (SC) without increasing air humidity.
Alternative splicing of RNAs transcribed from the chicken c-mil gene

Two distinct c-mil-related cDNA clones have been isolated from a chicken embryo cDNA library. Results presented here show that the single chicken c-mil gene is coding for two c-mil mRNA species, different by at least 60 base pairs and generated by an alternative splicing mechanism. These mRNA molecules can be translated into two distinct proteins of 73 and 71 kilodaltons.
Cultivating Political Capabilities Among Ugandan Smallholders: Good Governance or Popular Organisation Building?

Abstract Opinion is divided about the capacity of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to enhance the political capabilities of disadvantaged groups within an inclusive liberal development paradigm that seeks to advance ‘poverty reduction through good governance’. Advocates of inclusive liberalism argue that the participatory spaces created by the good governance agenda have increased the political space for NGOs focused on popular empowerment and policy influence. More radical critiques cast NGOs as apolitical brokers of neo-liberal development which distract from, or are disinterested in, more progressive development possibilities, including questions of redistribution. Drawing on a qualitative study of civil society organisations in Western Uganda, this paper argues that attempts to promote the participation of rural people in inclusive liberal governance spaces has proved less effective in enhancing their political capabilities than strategies based on economic associational development. Whereas strategies for enhanced inclusive liberal participation engage with the formal de jure rules of the game in ways that either sidestep or re-enforce the de-facto patronage-based political system, associational membership can catalyse shifts in the socio-economic power relations required to enable poor people to gain political agency in ways that begin to undermine patronage politics. This has important implications for both the theory and practice of political capabilities development among disadvantaged groups.
Non-linear EEG correlates of route learning in virtual MAZE

To quantify route learning with the help of electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters during navigation is challenged with the individual differences. The correlation of non linear EEG features is identified and Hjorth parameter and Shannon Entropy computed for gamma and theta frequency bands, with the route learning in the virtual maze. EEG is a non-stationary signal which can be best recognised by non linear features and can detect precise change in EEG dynamics for learning perspectives. Subsequently good and bad performers are classified using behavioural scoring and its cross validation is performed by SVM classifier for the selected non-linear EEG features. Virtual maze task consists of two stages, i.e. stage1 and stage2, having differences only in the maximum allotted time for navigation. It is revealed from the results that Hjorth Parameter is more sensitive to change in learning as compared to Shannon Entropy. However, both the features are increased in stage 2, as the indicator of performance is improved. Furthermore, classification between good and bad performer show 62.5% accuracy for all extracted features while 80% accuracy is obtained in case of Hjorth parameter. The result suggests that Hjorth parameter is most correlated feature with route learning and can be used for discriminating individual on the basis of performance.
Optimal second order integral sliding mode control for a flexible joint robot manipulator

The flexible joint robot manipulators provide various benefits, but also present many control challenges such as nonlinearities, strong coupling, vibration, etc. This paper proposes optimal second order integral sliding mode control (OSOISMC) for a single link flexible joint manipulator to achieve robust and smooth performance. Firstly, the integral sliding mode control is designed, which consists of a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) as a nominal control, and switching control. This control guarantees the system robustness for the entire process. Then, a nonsingular-terminal sliding surface is added to give a second order integral sliding mode control (SOISMC), which reduces chartering effect and gives the finite time convergence as well. Simulation results show superiority of the proposed algorithm over LQR and ISMC in terms of tracking performance and chattering mitigation.
Screening of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride for Transdermal Delivery: Passive Diffusion and Iontophoresis

The objective of the study was to investigate in vitro transdermal delivery of venlafaxine hydrochloride across the pigskin by passive diffusion and iontophoresis. For passive diffusion, experiments were carried out in Franz diffusion cell whereas for iontophoretic permeation, the diffusion cell was modified to contain both the donor and return electrode on the same side of skin. Anodal iontophoresis was carried out using a current density of 0.5 mA/cm2. Donor concentrations used were 585.5 mg/ml (saturated solution) and 100 mg/ml. Experiments initially performed to determine the transport efficiency of venlafaxine ions showed promising results. Iontophoresis increased the permeation rate at both concentration levels over their passive counterparts (P < 0.01), but surprisingly higher steady-state flux was obtained from lower donor drug load (P < 0.01). The favorable pH of the unsaturated solutions is suggested to be the cause for this effect. Mild synergistic effect was observed when iontophoresis was carried out incorporating peppermint oil in the donor but the same was not found in passive diffusion. Highest steady-state flux obtained in the experiment was 3.279 μmol/cm2/h when peppermint oil (0.1%) was included in the donor. As the maintenance requirement of venlafaxine hydrochloride is approximately 9.956 μmol/h, the results suggested that the drug is a promising candidate for iontophoretic delivery.
Detecting Genomic Aberrations Using Products in a Multiscale Analysis

Summary Genomic instability, such as copy‐number losses and gains, occurs in many genetic diseases. Recent technology developments enable researchers to measure copy numbers at tens of thousands of markers simultaneously. In this article, we propose a nonparametric approach for detecting the locations of copy‐number changes and provide a measure of significance for each change point. The proposed test is based on seeking scale‐based changes in the sequence of copy numbers, which is ordered by the marker locations along the chromosome. The method leads to a natural way to estimate the null distribution for the test of a change point and adjusted p‐values for the significance of a change point using a step‐down maxT permutation algorithm to control the family‐wise error rate. A simulation study investigates the finite sample performance of the proposed method and compares it with a more standard sequential testing method. The method is illustrated using two real data sets.