Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ranging Method for Navigation Based on High-Speed Frequency-Hopping Signal

The lack of sufficient spectral resources in many alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) systems for aviation has led to the problem of mutual interferences. Building APNT system with the cognitive radio and frequency-hopping (FH) techniques can resolve above problem, however, the main challenge is to achieve a long and high-precision range with high-speed FH signals. In this paper, we propose a novel ranging method called time–frequency matrix ranging (TFMR), which is based on the FH signals. Using the TFMR method, we built a jam-resistant APNT system to meet the accuracy and coverage requirements of aviation. We employed a dual-tone signal for the TFMR to estimate the pseudoranges between the ground stations and the aircrafts. One major challenge we faced was that what was good for ranging accuracy was bad for coverage. For example, increasing the dual-tone interval can improve the ranging accuracy; however, this led to a decrease in the unambiguous measurement range (UMR). To overcome this challenge, we employed different dual-tone intervals in different hops of the frequency-hopping signal. Finally, we formed a time–frequency matrix, so that a high UMR could be guaranteed without any harmful consequences on the ranging accuracy in the middle to high levels of the signal-to-noise ratio. The Cramér–Rao lower bound of TFMR is derived as the benchmark of the method. Using extensive simulations, we investigated the ranging performance of the TFMR method. The simulation results showed that the proposed TFMR could satisfy the APNT requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration.
The role of pelvis-thorax coupling in controlling within-golf club swing speed

ABSTRACT Pelvis-thorax coordination has been recognised to be associated with swing speed. Increasing angular separation between the pelvis and thorax has been thought to initiate the stretch shortening cycle and lead to increased clubhead speed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pelvis-thorax coupling played a significant role in regulating clubhead speed, in a group of low-handicap golfers (mean handicap = 4.1). Sixteen participants played shots to target distances determined based on their typical 5- and 6-iron shot distances. Half the difference between median 5- and 6-iron distance for each participant was used to create three swing effort conditions: “minus”, “norm”, and “plus”. Ten shots were played under each swing effort condition using both the 5-iron and 6-iron, resulting in six shot categories and 60 shots per participant. No significant differences were found for X-factor for club or swing effort. X-factor stretch showed significant differences for club and swing effort. Continuous relative phase (CRP) results mainly showed evidence of the stretch shortening cycle in the downswing and that it was more pronounced late in the downswing as swing effort increased. Substantial inter-individual CRP variability demonstrated the need for individual analyses when investigating coordination in the golf swing.
Nutrient Limitation Inactivates Mrc1-to-Cds1 Checkpoint Signalling in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The S. pombe checkpoint kinase, Cds1, protects the integrity of stalled DNA replication forks after its phosphorylation at threonine-11 by Rad3 (ATR). Modified Cds1 associates through its N-terminal forkhead-associated domain (FHA)-domain with Mrc1 (Claspin) at stalled forks. We report here that nutrient starvation results in post-translational changes to Cds1 and the loss of Mrc1. A drop in glucose after a down-shift from 3% to 0.1–0.3%, or when cells enter the stationary phase, triggers a sharp decline in Mrc1 and the accumulation of insoluble Cds1. Before this transition, Cds1 is transiently activated and phosphorylated by Rad3 when glucose levels fall. Because this coincides with the phosphorylation of histone 2AX at S129 by Rad3, an event that occurs towards the end of every unperturbed S phase, we suggest that a glucose limitation promotes the exit from the S phase. Since nitrogen starvation also depletes Mrc1 while Cds1 is post-translationally modified, we suggest that nutrient limitation is the general signal that promotes exit from S phase before it inactivates the Mrc1–Cds1 signalling component. Why Cds1 accumulates in resting cells while its activator Mrc1 declines is, as yet, unclear but suggests a novel function of Cds1 in non-replicating cells.
The Draft Genome Sequence of Actinokineospora bangkokensis 44EHWT Reveals the Biosynthetic Pathway of the Antifungal Thailandin Compounds with Unusual Butylmalonyl-CoA Extender Units

We report the draft genome sequence of Actinokineospora bangkokensis 44EHWT, the producer of the antifungal polyene compounds, thailandins A and B. The sequence contains 7.45 Mb, 74.1% GC content and 35 putative gene clusters for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. There are three gene clusters encoding large polyketide synthases of type I. Annotation of the ORF functions and targeted gene disruption enabled us to identify the cluster for thailandin biosynthesis. We propose a plausible biosynthetic pathway for thailandin, where the unusual butylmalonyl-CoA extender unit is incorporated and results in an untypical side chain.
Measures of Light in Studies on Light-Driven Plant Plasticity in Artificial Environments

Within-canopy variation in light results in profound canopy profiles in foliage structural, chemical, and physiological traits. Studies on within-canopy variations in key foliage traits are often conducted in artificial environments, including growth chambers with only artificial light, and greenhouses with and without supplemental light. Canopy patterns in these systems are considered to be representative to outdoor conditions, but in experiments with artificial and supplemental lighting, the intensity of artificial light strongly deceases with the distance from the light source, and natural light intensity in greenhouses is less than outdoors due to limited transmittance of enclosure walls. The implications of such changes in radiation conditions on canopy patterns of foliage traits have not yet been analyzed. We developed model-based methods for retrospective estimation of distance vs. light intensity relationships, for separation of the share of artificial and natural light in experiments with combined light and for estimation of average enclosure transmittance, and estimated daily integrated light at the time of sampling (Qint,C), at foliage formation (Qint,G), and during foliage lifetime (Qint,av). The implications of artificial light environments were analyzed for altogether 25 studies providing information on within-canopy gradients of key foliage traits for 70 species × treatment combinations. Across the studies with artificial light, Qint,G for leaves formed at different heights in the canopy varied from 1.8- to 6.4-fold due to changing the distance between light source and growing plants. In experiments with combined lighting, the share of natural light at the top of the plants varied threefold, and the share of natural light strongly increased with increasing depth in the canopy. Foliage nitrogen content was most strongly associated with Qint,G, but photosynthetic capacity with Qint,C, emphasizing the importance of explicit description of light environment during foliage lifetime. The reported and estimated transmittances of enclosures varied between 0.27 and 0.85, and lack of consideration of the reduction of light compared with outdoor conditions resulted in major underestimation of foliage plasticity to light. The study emphasizes that plant trait vs. light relationships in artificial systems are not directly comparable to natural environments unless modifications in lighting conditions in artificial environments are taken into account.
Identification of data aggregators in wireless sensor network

Data aggregation is one of the major challenges in wireless sensor networks. Several approaches have been proposed in the past. They can be broadly categorized into three types. The first is tree-based approach, where data aggregation is performed by generating minimum spanning tree. The second is In-Network approach, where data aggregation is done by performing data compression operation on data. The third one is cluster-based approach, where data aggregation is done by dividing whole network into several clusters. The comprehensive study on data aggregation that is carried out reveals potential scope for improvement in the existing data aggregation algorithms. In this work, we construct Connected Dominating Set based on 1-hop Neighbors (CDS-1HN). This is used to determine the virtual backbone of a given network. Data aggregators are identified by using the virtual backbone. The results reveal that considerable amount of energy can be saved by using the proposed method.
A Rule-Based Approach to the Implementation of Business Processes in Normalized Systems

The theory of Normalized Systems addresses the problem of developing information systems that can evolve over time, by guaranteeing that each new feature can be implemented with a limited number of changes that does not depend on the actual size of the system. The theory is supported by a software architecture that includes a set of five distinct elements to implement the application logic. One of those elements is the workflow element, which represents a sequence of actions and can be used to implement process behavior based on state machines. In this work, we propose a different approach to the implementation of process behavior in Normalized Systems. Specifically, the approach is based on the use of rules and events as fine-grained elements to build complex behavior. Our previous experience in the retail industry suggests that such approach is capable of dealing with the increasing complexity of business processes in that sector. We also discuss some details regarding the implementation of this new architecture on top of a popular technological platform and its supporting tools.
Increased Risk of Myocardial Infarction in HIV-Infected Individuals in North America Compared With the General Population

Background: Previous studies of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among HIV-infected individuals have been limited by the inability to validate and differentiate atherosclerotic type 1 myocardial infarctions (T1MIs) from other events. We sought to define the incidence of T1MIs and risk attributable to traditional and HIV-specific factors among participants in the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD) and compare adjusted incidence rates (IRs) to the general population Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. Methods: We ascertained and adjudicated incident MIs among individuals enrolled in 7 NA-ACCORD cohorts between 1995 and 2014. We calculated IRs, adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs), and 95% confidence intervals of risk factors for T1MI using Poisson regression. We compared aIRRs of T1MIs in NA-ACCORD with those from ARIC. Results: Among 29,169 HIV-infected individuals, the IR for T1MIs was 2.57 (2.30 to 2.86) per 1000 person-years, and the aIRR was significantly higher compared with participants in ARIC [1.30 (1.09 to 1.56)]. In multivariable analysis restricted to HIV-infected individuals and including traditional CVD risk factors, the rate of T1MI increased with decreasing CD4 count [≥500 cells/&mgr;L: ref; 350–499 cells/&mgr;L: aIRR = 1.32 (0.98 to 1.77); 200–349 cells/&mgr;L: aIRR = 1.37 (1.01 to 1.86); 100–199 cells/&mgr;L: aIRR = 1.60 (1.09 to 2.34); <100 cells/&mgr;L: aIRR = 2.19 (1.44 to 3.33)]. Risk associated with detectable HIV RNA [<400 copies/mL: ref; ≥400 copies/mL: aIRR = 1.36 (1.06 to 1.75)] was significantly increased only when CD4 was excluded. Conclusions: The higher incidence of T1MI in HIV-infected individuals and increased risk associated with lower CD4 count and detectable HIV RNA suggest that early suppressive antiretroviral treatment and aggressive management of traditional CVD risk factors are necessary to maximally reduce MI risk.
Reproductive function in middle‐aged males: healthy men versus male partners of infertile couples

The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive parameters and the health‐related, lifestyle and educational factors in middle‐aged healthy men and male partners of infertile couples. Our patient group included 164 male partners of infertile couples with a preceding period of infertility of at least 12 months and 61 men attending a prostate health screening and considering themselves healthy. Significant differences between the groups were found in testicular volume, total sperm output, density and morphology as well as oestradiol levels in serum. The analysis showed significant positive correlations between testicular volume and semen quality, while negative correlations were observed between gonadotrophin levels and sperm parameters in both groups. Physical activity and sexual capability were higher in healthy men, while coital frequency and a history of sexually transmitted diseases were higher in male partners of infertile couples. The impact of physical activity and sexual capability on semen quality for all subjects was revealed. We can conclude that impaired reproductive function, that is, semen quality, in men >45 years is related not only with general male ageing but obvious differences between subjects of infertile couples and healthy middle‐aged men can be seen. Their relations with lifestyle, environmental or physiological factors need further study.
A Side-Lobe Suppression Method Based on Coherence Factor for Terahertz Array Imaging

Terahertz (THz) arrays can be used to improve the data acquisition speed considerably in real-time imaging applications. However, the THz array imaging usually suffers from the side-lobe artifacts, which leads to a severe decline in the image quality. In this paper, a side-lobe suppression method based on coherence factor is proposed to improve the image quality. The influences of signal-to-noise ratio on the imaging results are analyzed by simulation. Furthermore, the results based on the real-world data validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which indicates that the side-lobe is suppressed by 29 dB. This paper can benefit the development of THz imaging technique and its applications in real-time imaging realms.
Advances in Metal Supported Cells in the METSOFC EU Consortium

The EU‐sponsored project “METSOFC”, completed at the end of 2011, resulted in a number of advancements toward implementing a mechanically robust metal support as the structural element in SOFC. Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Energy Conversion's research into planar metal supported cells (MSCs) has produced an advanced cell design with high performance and mechanical robustness. At low operation temperatures (650 °C), these cells have shown low Area‐specific resistances (ASRs): 0.35 Ω cm2 in cell tests (16 cm2 active area) and under 0.3 Ω cm2 in button cells (0.5 cm2 active area). Further success was attained with even larger cell areas of 12 × 12 cm2 squares, which facilitated integration into small stacks at Topsoe Fuel Cell having powers approaching 1/2 kW. Development of MSC stacks showed that the MSCs could achieve similar or better performance, compared to most standard industrial anode supported ceramic cells. The best stacked MSCs had power densities approaching 275 mW cm–2 (at 680 °C and 0.8 V). Furthermore, extended testing at AVL determined extra stack performance and reliability characteristics, including behavior toward sulfur and simulated diesel reformate, and tolerance to thermal cycles and load cycles. These and other key outcomes of the METSOFC consortium are covered, along with associated work supported by the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men in Europe: review of evidence for a much needed prevention tool

In many Western countries with good coverage of antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes the annual number of HIV infections is still high and not (yet) declining among men who have sex with men (MSM). This might indicate that antiretroviral treatment roll-out alone will not turn around the course of the epidemic and that new, additional tools are needed. Antiretrovirals used as prevention tools for people not yet infected with HIV, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could be such important additional tools. PrEP is a new type of biomedical prevention, which involves the use of antiretrovirals before, during and after (periods of) sexual exposure to HIV. In this review, we will focus on PrEP as a new prevention tool for MSM at high risk in Europe, including its evidence for effectiveness, challenges for implementation, ongoing European demonstration studies; as well as how PrEP relates to other existing prevention tools. In light of European Medicines Agency's recent recommendation for approval of PrEP we briefly review the potential implications.
THE DEFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF ASPHALTIC CONCRETE UNDER TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION (WITH DISCUSSION)

This paper addresses the deformation process of asphaltic concrete under triaxial compression. It shows to what extent the mechanical properties of the components as well as the mix composition and degree of compaction influence the deformation of test specimens of asphaltic concrete. These relationships are of considerable importance to the highway construction engineer. Even if a proper mix composition is no more expensive than an unsuitable one, the choice can only be made based upon a thorough knowledge of all the influencing factors. Mix design of asphaltic concrete is always a compromise between requirements with respect to deformation behavior at high temperatures on the one hand and rupture behavior at low temperatures on the other hand. The paper is limited exclusively to the deformation behavior resulting from triaxial compression at high temperatures. The deformation properties of asphaltic concrete are described and evaluated through clearly defined physical quantities.
Characteristics of the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from chicken meat produced by different integrated broiler operations in Korea

Abstract Vertical integration of the broiler industry allows producers to combine different biosecurity and sanitation practices, housing technologies, and feeding regimens to improve food safety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and to characterize the antimicrobial‐resistant isolates recovered from 7 different integrated broiler operation systems in Korea. Among 200 chicken meat samples, 94 were observed to be positive for S. aureus. However, the prevalence varied from 25.0 to 58.3% in chicken meats, indicating variation in S. aureus occurrence among the operations. Four methicillin‐resistant S. aureus isolates (MRSA) were recovered from 3 different operations. A high proportion of the S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillins (51.2%), tetracycline (38.8%), and ciprofloxacin (CIP; 33.9%). Especially, 3 different operations showed a high number of CIP resistance (45.5˜100%) and multidrug resistance (50.0˜100%). Among 41 CIP‐resistant S. aureus isolates, 75.6% showed a double amino‐acid exchange of both gyrA and parC, with CIP minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ≥32 &mgr;g/mL. Four MRSA isolates showed resistance to 5 or 7 classes of antimicrobial agents, exhibiting oxacillin, CIP, and enrofloxacin MIC ranges of 16 to 128, 32 to 64, and 8 to 128 &mgr;g/mL, respectively, and had double mutations of S84L/S80F in gyrA/parC. Our findings suggest that S. aureus with resistance to important antimicrobial compounds can now be found in association with integrated broiler operations, providing the data to support the development of a monitoring and prevention program in integrated operations.
Image dehazing using variational mode decomposition

Haze is caused by the scattering of airtight in atmosphere and it deteriorates the contrast of the photographs. Here, we propose a novel approach for haze removal based on Two Dimensional Variational Mode Decomposition (2D VMD). Two dimensional VMD decomposes the input image into desired number of bands with different central frequencies. From this set of modes, an enhanced image is reconstructed by identifying and eliminating the hazy modes. Algorithm is applied for a wide variety of hazy images including both Full Reference and Non Reference image datasets. Image Quality Assessment techniques PSNR, SSIM, and MSE are used for full reference datasets and a completely blind image quality metric, Natural Image Quality Evaluator (NIQE) is used for non reference datasets. Experimental results and analysis shows that the proposed method outperforms few of the existing state-of-the-art methods such as He et al., Kolor Neutralhazer, Photoshop Auto Contrast (PSAC) and Tang et al.
Positional effects revealed in Illumina methylation array and the impact on analysis.

AIM We aimed to prove the existence of positional effects in the Illumina methylation beadchip data and to find an optimal correction method. MATERIALS & METHODS Three HumanMethylation450, three HumanMethylation27 datasets and two EPIC datasets were analyzed. ComBat, linear regression, functional normalization and single-sample Noob were used for minimizing positional effects. The corrected results were evaluated by four methods. RESULTS We detected 52,988 CpG loci significantly associated with sample positions, 112 remained after ComBat correction in the primary dataset. The pre- and postcorrection comparisons indicate the positional effects could alter the measured methylation values and downstream analysis results. CONCLUSION Positional effects exist in the Illumina methylation array and may bias the analyses. Using ComBat to correct positional effects is recommended.
WaveLoc: Wavelet Signatures for Ubiquitous Localization

Always-on localization is an important problem for a lot of context sensitive mobile computing applications. This paper proposes WaveLoc, which effectively uses measurements from a trajectory as its fingerprint for localization. Different from traditional approaches, which use signatures from single-points for localization, we leverage signatures from a trajectory, since it offers a lot more information. However, it is much more challenging to match measurements across trajectories than from single points. To tackle this challenge, WaveLoc divides the problem into the following two steps: (i) identify a user's current trajectory by matching its measurements with those in the training traces (trajectory matching) and (ii) localize the user on the trajectory (localization). The core requirement of both steps is an accurate and robust algorithm to match two time-series that may contain significant noise and perturbation due to differences in speed, mobility, devices, and environment. WaveLoc addresses these by performing multi-level wavelet analysis of the measurements and applying an enhanced Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) alignment to the wavelet coefficients. Using both indoor and outdoor experiments, we demonstrate that WaveLoc is accurate and power efficient.