Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image Transmission using Hermite based UWB Communication with Simple Receiver

Use of Ultra-wideband (UWB) for wireless communication in home networking requires cost effective technical solutions with high quality. This paper investigates the performance of simple receiver with zero forcing equalizer in place of rake receiver for hermite based UWB communication. The UWB system with simple receiver is simulated for the application of image transmission over IEEE UWB channels CM1-CM4 modeled for indoor communication. Image to be transmitted is compressed by using JPEG lossless compression. The Double error correcting block code has been used to improve the BER performance of the system. The received image quality is tested using PSNR and its Structural Similarity and Image Quality (SSIM) index.
Dense Stereo Matching Based on PCNN

A key problem in stereo matching lies in selecting an appropriate window size. This paper presents a new method based on using small window for first-step matching and Pulse Coupled Neural Network for perfecting disparity maps. Our algorithm not only reflects the predominance that small window achieves sharper counter, but also gains accurate depth of the region with weak texture and reduces patches effectively. The experimental results indicate that this method could build dense disparity maps with high accuracy compared with common ways.
Microtubule-associated proteins-dependent colchicine stability of acetylated cold-labile brain microtubules from the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua

Assembly of brain microtubule proteins isolated from the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, was found to be much less sensitive to colchicine than assembly of bovine brain microtubules, which was completely inhibited by low colchicine concentrations (10 microM). The degree of disassembly by colchicine was also less for cod microtubules. The lack of colchicine effect was not caused by a lower affinity of colchicine to cod tubulin, as colchicine bound to cod tubulin with a dissociation constant, Kd, and a binding ratio close to that of bovine tubulin. Cod brain tubulin was highly acetylated and mainly detyrosinated, as opposed to bovine tubulin. When cod tubulin, purified by means of phosphocellulose chromatography, was assembled by addition of DMSO in the absence of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), the microtubules became sensitive to low concentrations of colchicine. They were, however, slightly more stable to disassembly, indicating that posttranslational modifications induce a somewhat increased stability to colchicine. The stability was mainly MAPs dependent, as it increased markedly in the presence of MAPs. The stability was not caused by an extremely large amount of cod MAPs, since there were slightly less MAPs in cod than in bovine microtubules. When "hybrid" microtubules were assembled from cod tubulin and bovine MAPs, these microtubules became less sensitive to colchicine. This was not a general effect of MAPs, since bovine MAPs did not induce a colchicine stability of microtubules assembled from bovine tubulin. We can therefore conclude that MAPs can induce colchicine stability of colchicine labile acetylated tubulin.
Abrahamic Religiosity Scale: development and initial validation

ABSTRACT There are a large number of commonly used measures of religiosity, yet these measures have been developed within a specific culture or religion. Based on the commonality of Abrahamic religions (i.e., Judaism, Christianity and Islam), the present study aimed to develop an initial cross-cultural validation of the Abrahamic Religiosity Scale (ARS). The data were collected from 12 countries from Asia, Europe, Africa and America, and exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 35-item, one-dimensional scale. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a 28-item with one factor. The scale showed sufficient internal consistency with an adequate alpha coefficient (α = .95). Moreover, the correlation coefficients between items and the total score of ARS ranged between . 36 and . 70. Therefore, the ARS may be used as a psychometrically robust measure in cross-cultural studies on religiosity. Validation of the ARS is strongly recommended within specific cultures and languages.
Enhanced removal of nickel(II) ions from aqueous solutions by SDS-functionalized graphene oxide

ABSTRACT In this paper, a one-pot and easy-to-handle method at room temperature without additional chemicals for the modification of graphene oxide (GO) with surfactant is found. Removal of nickel (II) ions from aqueous solutions by GO and surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate) modified graphene oxide (SDS-GO) was studied spectrophotometrically at room temperature as a function of time, initial concentration and pH. Adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was increased dramatically (from 20.19 to 55.16 mg/g found by Langmuir model) due to the functionalization of the surface by SDS. The driving force of the adsorption of Ni(II) ions is electrostatic attraction and Ni(II) ions adsorbed on the GO surface chemically besides ion exchange.
dbVar and DGVa: public archives for genomic structural variation

Much has changed in the last two years at DGVa (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/dgva) and dbVar (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/dbvar). We are now processing direct submissions rather than only curating data from the literature and our joint study catalog includes data from over 100 studies in 11 organisms. Studies from human dominate with data from control and case populations, tumor samples as well as three large curated studies derived from multiple sources. During the processing of these data, we have made improvements to our data model, submission process and data representation. Additionally, we have made significant improvements in providing access to these data via web and FTP interfaces.
Selective ablation of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells increases amyloid plaques in a mouse Alzheimer's disease model

We have recently shown that the ability of microglia to effectively fight off aggregated β‐amyloid plaque formation and cognitive loss in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (Tg‐AD), is augmented in response to T‐cell‐based immunization, using glatiramer acetate (GA). The immunization increases incidence of local CD11c+ dendritic‐like cells. It is unclear, however, whether these dendritic cells are derived from resident microglia or from the bone marrow. To determine the origin of this dendritic‐cell population, we used chimeric mice whose bone marrow‐derived cells express a transgene that allows the cells to be specifically ablated by diphtheria toxin. We show here that T‐cell‐based immunization of these mice, using GA, induced the recruitment of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells. Depletion of the dendritic cells by systemic injection of diphtheria toxin resulted in significantly increased formation of amyloid plaques. Thus, recruitment of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells evidently plays a role in reducing plaque formation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Post‐glitch variability in the anomalous X‐ray pulsar 1RXS J170849.0–400910

Here we report on the first XMM-Newton observation of the anomalous X-ray pulsar 1RXSJ170849.0-400910. The source was observed in 2003 August, and was found at a flux level factor of about 2 lower than previous observations. Moreover, a significant spectral evolution appears to be present, the source exhibiting a much softer spectrum than in the past. Comparison of the present properties of 1RXSJ170849.0-400910 with those from archival data shows a clear correlation between the X-ray flux and the spectral hardness. In particular, the flux and the spectral hardness reached a maximum level close to the two glitches the source experienced in 1999 and 2001, and successively decreased. Although the excellent XMM-Newton spectral resolution should in principle allow us to detect the absorption line reported in a phase-resolved spectrum with BeppoSAX, and interpreted as a cyclotron feature, we found no absorption features, neither in the phase-averaged spectrum nor in the phase-resolved spectra. We discuss in detail both the possibilities that the feature in the BeppoSAX data may have resulted from a spurious detection and that it is real and intrinsically variable. We then discuss a possible explanation for the glitches and for the softening of the source emission that followed the flux decrease, in the framework of the magnetar model.
Analysis of ICP variants for the registration of partially overlapping time-of-flight range images

The iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm is one of the most commonly used methods for registering partially overlapping range images. Nevertheless, this algorithm was not originally designed for this task, and many variants have been proposed in an effort to improve its proficiency. The relatively new full-field amplitude-modulated time-of-flight range imaging cameras present further complications to registration in the form of measurement errors due to mixed and scattered light. This paper investigates the effectiveness of the most common ICP variants applied to range image data acquired from full-field range imaging cameras. The original ICP algorithm combined with boundary rejection performed the same as or better than the majority of variants tested. In fact, many of these variants proved to decrease the registration alignment.
A Probabilistic Approach for InSAR Time-Series Postprocessing

Monitoring the kinematic behavior of enormous amounts of points and objects anywhere on Earth is now feasible on a weekly basis using radar interferometry from Earth-orbiting satellites. An increasing number of satellite missions are capable of delivering data that can be used to monitor geophysical processes, mining and construction activities, public infrastructure, or even individual buildings. The parameters estimated from these data are used to better understand various natural hazards, improve public safety, or enhance asset management activities. Yet, the mathematical estimation of kinematic parameters from interferometric data is an ill-posed problem as there is no unique solution, and small changes in the data may lead to significantly different parameter estimates. This problem results in multiple possible outcomes given the same data, hampering public acceptance, particularly in critical conditions. Here, we propose a method to address this problem in a probabilistic way, which is based on multiple hypotheses testing. We demonstrate that it is possible to systematically evaluate competing kinematic models in order to find an optimal model and to assign likelihoods to the results. Using the B-method of testing, a numerically efficient implementation is achieved, which is able to evaluate hundreds of competing models per point. Our approach will not solve the nonuniqueness problem of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), but it will allow users to critically evaluate (conflicting) results, avoid overinterpretation, and thereby consolidate InSAR as a geodetic technique.
Adverse neonatal outcomes in women with pre-eclampsia in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Pre-eclampsia, which is more prevalent in resource-limited settings, contributes significantly to maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, the factors associated with these adverse outcomes are poorly understood in low resource settings. In this paper we examine the risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes among women with pre-eclampsia at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Methods Pre-eclampsia, which is more prevalent in resource-limited settings, contributes significantly to maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, the factors associated with these adverse outcomes are poorly understood in low resource settings. In this paper we examine the risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes among women with pre-eclampsia at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Resuls Predictors of adverse neonatal outcomes were: preterm delivery (OR 5.97, 95% CI: 2.97-12.7) and severe pre-eclampsia (OR 5.17, 95% CI: 2.36-11.3). Conclusion Predictors of adverse neonatal outcomes among women with pre-eclampsia were preterm delivery and severe pre-eclampsia. Health workers need to identify women at risk, offer them counseling and, refer them if necessary to a hospital where they can be managed successfully. This may in turn reduce the neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with pre-eclampsia.
Dimensionality Reduction: Rough Set Based Feature Reduction

Feature selection refers to the problem of selecting those input features that are most predictive of a given outcome; a problem encountered in many areas such as machine learning, pattern recognition and image processing. In particular, this has found successful application in tasks that involve datasets containing huge numbers of features which would be impossible to process further. Recent examples include cluster analysis and image classification. Rough set theory has been used as such a dataset pre processor with much success, but current methods are inadequate at tending minimal reductions. This paper proposes a new feature selection mechanism based on fuzzy forward and backward reduct. It also presents a new entropy- based modification of the original rough set-based approach. These are applied to the problem finding minimal rough set reducts, and evaluated experimentally.
Insight into Pro-Environmental Behaviors and People’s Perceptions in Bangkok, Thailand

Fostering pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) is a critical step towards achieving sustainable societies, and has become a great challenge for both developed and developing nations. However, understanding of PEBs from the perspective of developing countries is scant. Considering this limitation, the present study aimed to provide some insights into PEBs and reveal how they are perceived and performed by citizens in a developing society. A survey was conducted in Bangkok and its vicinity in Thailand. Our findings indicate that the majority of respondents engaged to some extent in PEBs. Higher degree of perception, older generation and female were key predictors for most of the environmental attitudes. In addition, an in-depth comparison to the literature highlighted similarities and dissimilarities in PEB domains performed by citizens of different societies. The importance impacts of specific features of PEB domains and external factors were pointed out and discussed.
Exercise addiction and personality: a two-decade systematic review of the empirical literature (1995-2015)

Background. It is largely unknown why among millions of exercisers a small proportion become addicted to the behaviour in a similar manner to other common addictions, such as alcohol addiction. Some scholars believe that specific personality characteristics may be involved in predisposing some individuals to exercise addiction. Method. The objective of the current paper was to systematically review papers concerning exercise addiction over a two-decade period (1995–2016) and to establish the extent to which personality factors are related to the aetiology of exercise addiction. Results. The results demonstrated that perfectionism and narcissism are associated with exercise addiction and that the association is stronger in the presence of obsessive-compulsiveness. It was also found that other factors (e.g., anger, hostility, anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional psychological regulation) appear to be associated with exercise addiction. In relation to the Big Five personality traits, it was found that exercise addiction could not be unequivocally associated with openness, extroversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness. Furthermore, the diverse focus, methodologies, and samples on which the empirical research base relies make it difficult to develop a model accounting for the role of personality factors in exercise addiction. Conclusion. The conclusion that can be drawn is that personality factors are clearly involved in exercise addiction, but the extent to which they exert their effects in the many different situations and stages of addiction requires further research using more robust methods and representative samples.
PrintSense: a versatile sensing technique to support multimodal flexible surface interaction

We present a multimodal on-surface and near-surface sensing technique for planar, curved and flexible surfaces. Our technique leverages temporal multiplexing of signals coming from a universal interdigitated electrode design, which is printed as a single conductive layer on a flexible substrate. It supports sensing of touch and proximity input, and moreover is capable of capturing several levels of pressure and flexing. We leverage recent developments in conductive inkjet printing as a way to prototype electrode patterns, and combine this with our hardware module for supporting the full range of sensing methods. As the technique is low-cost and easy to implement, it is particularly well-suited for prototyping touch- and hover-based user interfaces, including curved and deformable ones.
Demethylation of the Coding Region Triggers the Activation of the Human Testis-Specific PDHA2 Gene in Somatic Tissues

Human PDHA2 is a testis-specific gene that codes for the E1α subunit of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC), a crucial enzyme system in cell energy metabolism. Since activation of the PDHA2 gene in somatic cells could be a new therapeutic approach for PDC deficiency, we aimed to identify the regulatory mechanisms underlying the human PDHA2 gene expression. Functional deletion studies revealed that the −122 to −6 promoter region is indispensable for basal expression of this TATA-less promoter, and suggested a role of an epigenetic program in the control of PDHA2 gene expression. Indeed, treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with the hypomethylating agent 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) promoted the reactivation of the PDHA2 gene, by inducing the recruitment of the RNA polymerase II to the proximal promoter region and the consequent increase in PDHA2 mRNA levels. Bisulfite sequencing analysis revealed that DAC treatment induced a significant demethylation of the CpG island II (nucleotides +197 to +460) in PDHA2 coding region, while the promoter region remained highly methylated. Taken together with our previous results that show an in vivo correlation between PDHA2 expression and the demethylation of the CpG island II in testis germ cells, the present results show that internal methylation of the PDHA2 gene plays a part in its repression in somatic cells. In conclusion, our data support the novel finding that methylation of the PDHA2 coding region can inhibit gene transcription. This represents a key mechanism for absence of PDHA2 expression in somatic cells and a target for PDC therapy.
Noninvasive Molecular Neuroimaging Using Reporter Genes: Part I, Principles Revisited

SUMMARY:In this first article, we review the basic principles of using reporter genes for molecular imaging of the brain in living subjects. This approach is emerging as a valuable tool for monitoring gene expression in diverse applications in laboratory animals, including the study of gene-targeted and trafficking cells, gene therapies, transgenic animals, and more complex molecular interactions within the central nervous system. Further development of more sensitive and selective reporters, combined with improvements in detection technology, will consolidate the position of in vivo reporter gene imaging as a versatile method for greater understanding of intracellular biologic processes and underlying molecular neuropathology and will potentially establish a future role in the clinical management of patients with neurologic diseases.
The association of cognitive performance with vascular risk factors across adult life span

Dementie is een wereldwijd gezondheidsprobleem dat in 2030 naar schatting zo’n 75 miljoen mensen zal treffen. Helaas is er nog geen behandeling om mensen te genezen van dementie. Daarom is men van mening dat er meer onderzoek moet worden gedaan naar mogelijkheden om dementie te voorkomen. Een preventieve mogelijkheid is de behandeling van vasculaire risicofactoren, zoals de behandeling van hoge bloeddruk (hypertensie), een hoog cholesterolgehalte (hypercholesterolemie) en suikerziekte (diabetes mellitus), en het stoppen met roken. Deze vasculaire risicofactoren veroorzaken aderverkalking, wat bijdraagt aan neurodegeneratieve veranderingen in de hersenen wat ten grondslag ligt aan dementie. Het algemene doel van dit proefschrift was om het verband tussen cognitieve functies en vasculaire risicofactoren gedurende de hele volwassen leeftijd te onderzoeken. Daarnaast werd in dezelfde leeftijdsgroep onderzocht of er een verband bestond tussen cognitieve functies en de behandeling van vasculaire risicofactoren. Samenvattend beschrijft dit proefschrift dat er een negatief verband is tussen de cognitieve functies en de vasculaire risicofactoren. Hoe hoger het vasculair risico, hoe slechter het geheugen. Dit verband is het sterkst aanwezig op jonge middelbare leeftijd. Dit veronderstelt dat er zo vroeg mogelijk gestart zou moeten worden met behandeling van vasculaire risicofactoren om effectief te zijn in het voorkomen van achteruitgang van de cognitieve functies. Echter in dit proefschrift kon niet worden bevestigd dat vroege medicamenteuze behandeling van vasculaire risicofactoren de cognitieve functies verbetert. Er werd wel aangetoond dat de behandeling de cognitieve functies van mensen met een hoog vasculair risico niet (verder) verslechterde.
A Eukaryote without Catalase-Containing Microbodies: Neurospora crassa Exhibits a Unique Cellular Distribution of Its Four Catalases

ABSTRACT Microbodies usually house catalase to decompose hydrogen peroxide generated within the organelle by the action of various oxidases. Here we have analyzed whether peroxisomes (i.e., catalase-containing microbodies) exist in Neurospora crassa. Three distinct catalase isoforms were identified by native catalase activity gels under various peroxisome-inducing conditions. Subcellular fractionation by density gradient centrifugation revealed that most of the spectrophotometrically measured activity was present in the light upper fractions, with an additional small peak coinciding with the peak fractions of HEX-1, the marker protein for Woronin bodies, a compartment related to the microbody family. However, neither in-gel assays nor monospecific antibodies generated against the three purified catalases detected the enzymes in any dense organellar fraction. Furthermore, staining of an N. crassa wild-type strain with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine and H2O2 did not lead to catalase-dependent reaction products within microbodies. Nonetheless, N. crassa does possess a gene (cat-4) whose product is most similar to the peroxisomal type of monofunctional catalases. This novel protein indeed exhibited catalase activity, but was not localized to microbodies either. We conclude that N. crassa lacks catalase-containing peroxisomes, a characteristic that is probably restricted to a few filamentous fungi that produce little hydrogen peroxide within microbodies.
A Generalized FLANN Filter for Nonlinear Active Noise Control

In this paper, we propose an extension of the well-known FLANN filter using trigonometric expansions to include suitable cross-terms, i.e., products of input samples with different time shifts. It is shown that in some applications of nonlinear active noise control, the generalized FLANN filter can offer performance as good as that of high-order Volterra filters with a reduced complexity.