Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diversity-Multiplexing Trade-Off Analysis of OFDM Systems with Linear Detectors

We consider the use of linear constellation preceding and linear equalization in a multicarrier system to obtain improved performance over multipath fading channels at a low complexity. We split the full set of subcarriers into smaller groups and spread the data symbols assigned to each group via precoding matrices. To obtain diversity order gains at a given data rate, we derive the optimal split of the subcarriers (optimal grouping) and the optimal number of symbols assigned to each group (optimal loading) using a diversity-multiplexing tradeoff analysis. We also derive the necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for the precoder design and provide examples of such optimal precoders.
Midsagittal Jaw Movements as a Sleep/Wake Marker

The seriousness of the obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome is measured by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the number of sleep apneas and hypopneas over the total sleep time (TST). Cardiorespiratory signals are used to detect respiratory events while the TST is usually assessed by the analysis of electroencephalogram traces in polysomnography (PSG) or wrist actigraphy trace in portable monitoring. This paper presents a sleep/wake automatic detector that relies on a wavelet-based complexity measure of the midsagittal jaw movement signal and multilayer perceptrons. In all, 63 recordings were used to train and test the method, while 38 recordings constituted an independent evaluation set for which the sensitivity, the specificity, and the global agreement of sleep recognition, respectively, reached 85.1%, 76.4%, and 82.9%, compared with the PSG data. The AHI computed automatically and only from the jaw movement analysis was significantly improved (p < 0.0001 ) when considering this sleep/wake detector. Moreover, a sensitivity of 88.6% and a specificity of 83.6% were found for the diagnosis of the sleep apnea syndrome according to a threshold of 15. Thus, the jaw movement signal is reasonably accurate in separating sleep from wake, and, in addition to its ability to score respiratory events, is a valuable signal for portable monitoring.
Path compression in forwarding-based reliable mobile agent communications

We concern with the design of efficient algorithms for mobile agent communications. We first describe a novel mailbox-based scheme for flexible and adaptive message delivery in mobile agent systems and a specific adaptive protocol derived from the scheme. Then we present the design and verification of a path compression and garbage collection algorithm for improving the performance of the proposed protocol. Simulation results showed that by properly setting some parameters, the algorithm can effectively reduce both the number of location registrations and the communication overhead of each registration. Consequently, the total location registration overhead during the life cycle of a mobile agent is greatly reduced. The algorithm can also be used for clearing useless addresses of mobile agents cached by hosts in the network
Quantifying the erosion effect on current carbon budget of European agricultural soils at high spatial resolution

The idea of offsetting anthropogenic CO2 emissions by increasing global soil organic carbon (SOC), as recently proposed by French authorities ahead of COP21 in the ‘four per mil’ initiative, is notable. However, a high uncertainty still exits on land C balance components. In particular, the role of erosion in the global C cycle is not totally disentangled, leading to disagreement whether this process induces lands to be a source or sink of CO2. To investigate this issue, we coupled soil erosion into a biogeochemistry model, running at 1 km2 resolution across the agricultural soils of the European Union (EU). Based on data‐driven assumptions, the simulation took into account also soil deposition within grid cells and the potential C export to riverine systems, in a way to be conservative in a mass balance. We estimated that 143 of 187 Mha have C erosion rates <0.05 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, although some hot‐spot areas showed eroded SOC >0.45 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. In comparison with a baseline without erosion, the model suggested an erosion‐induced sink of atmospheric C consistent with previous empirical‐based studies. Integrating all C fluxes for the EU agricultural soils, we estimated a net C loss or gain of −2.28 and +0.79 Tg yr−1 of CO2eq, respectively, depending on the value for the short‐term enhancement of soil C mineralization due to soil disruption and displacement/transport with erosion. We concluded that erosion fluxes were in the same order of current carbon gains from improved management. Even if erosion could potentially induce a sink for atmospheric CO2, strong agricultural policies are needed to prevent or reduce soil erosion, in order to maintain soil health and productivity.
Underapproximating Backward Reachable Sets by Semialgebraic Sets

Underapproximations (UAs) of backward reachable sets play an important role in controller synthesis and trajectory analysis for constrained nonlinear dynamical systems, but there are few methods available to compute them. Given a nonlinear system, a target region of simply connected compact type and a time duration, we present a method using boundary analysis to compute an UA of the backward reachable set. The UA is represented as a semialgebraic set, formed by what we term polynomial <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathtt {level-set}$</tex-math></inline-formula> functions. The polynomial <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathtt {level-set}$</tex-math></inline-formula> function is a semidefinite positive function with one real root, such that the interior and closure of a semialgebraic set formed by it are both simply connected and have the same boundary. The function can be computed by solving a convex program, which is constructed based on sum-of-squares decomposition and linear interval inequalities. We test our method on several examples and compare them with existing methods. The results show that our method can obtain better estimations more efficiently in terms of time for these special examples.
Relationships of Alpha-SMA-Positive Fibroblasts and SDF-1-Positive Tumor Cells with Neoangiogenesis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors with poor prognosis in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Angiogenesis-related molecules can be promising therapeutic targets in NPC. To investigate the relationships of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and chemokine-related molecules with neoangiogenesis, we compared immunohistochemical analyses of alpha-smooth-muscle actin (α-SMA), stroma-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), and its receptor CXCR4 in primary NPC specimens and chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. In addition, we examined the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), and CD133- and VEGF- receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) double positive cells, as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We also assessed CD34-positive microvessels. Significantly higher expression of α-SMA was observed in fibroblasts in NPC stroma. The immunoreactive intensities of SDF-1 and CXCR4 were significantly higher in NPC cells. CXCR4-positive cells and CD133/VEGFR-2- double positive cells were observed in the stroma surrounding cancer nests, and VEGF was detected in both cancer and stromal cells. Microvessel density was significantly higher in the stroma of NPC tissues compared to chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Our data suggest that CAFs and NPC tumor cells may enhance neoangiogenesis in a VEGF- and SDF-1-dependent manner by recruiting EPCs from the bone marrow into tumor stroma.
A vision-based system for early fire detection

This paper presents a video-based early fire detection system. Focus is given to the challenges related to the actual deployment of the vision system. Most importantly, background subtraction is performed in a windowed way for improved accuracy, an attentive mechanism is employed to focus a computationally expensive frequency analysis of potential fire regions, interaction with a people detection and tracking system is included so as to enable model-based false alarms rejection, a new colour-based model of fire's appearance as well as a new Wavelet-based model of fire's frequency signature are proposed, and the camera-world mapping is approximated according to a GPS-based learning calibration process. An average success rate of 92.7% at a processing rate of 10 Hz shows the applicability of the model to real-life applications.
Chronic Graft-versus-host Disease Presenting with Multiple Punctate Intracranial Lesions on Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Central nervous system graft-versus-host disease can present quite a diagnostic challenge. We herein present a case of histologically-confirmed chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) involving the central nervous system that occurred at 19 months after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed areas of confluent hyperintensity in the deep/subcortical white matter with multiple punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancements, suggesting the disruption of the blood-brain barrier. A brain biopsy revealed perivascular CD3-positive T cell infiltration around the small vessels. We propose that the detection of punctate-enhanced lesions by magnetic resonance imaging may be a useful finding that facilitates the early diagnosis of chronic GVHD involving the central nervous system.
An improved automated determination of serum total cholesterol with a single color reagent.

An anhydrous color reagent containing ferric chloride is pumped through Tygon tubing to a glass coil in a 95° heating bath. Manually prepared serum extracts (1:20 isopropanol dilution) are presented to the stream of preheated color reagent, and the two are passed through three mixing coils, connected in series. The absorbance of the resultant color is determined at 550 mµ in a 15 mm. tubular flow-cell. The improved N-automated procedure gave values of greater precision (5.6%) for total cholesterol determined in replicate samples from sera pools than the N-automated procedure which lacked precision (27.7%). The values found in 60 individual serums are within 6.0% of total cholesterol values determined by the Abell et al. method.
Ursolic Acid Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Human Colorectal Cancer in an Orthotopic Nude Mouse Model by Targeting Multiple Cell Signaling Pathways: Chemosensitization with Capecitabine

Purpose: Development of chemoresistance, poor prognosis, and metastasis often renders the current treatments for colorectal cancer (CRC) ineffective. Whether ursolic acid, a component of numerous medicinal plants, either alone or in combination with capecitabine, can inhibit the growth and metastasis of human CRC was investigated. Experimental design: The effect of ursolic acid on proliferation of CRC cell lines was examined by mitochondrial dye uptake assay, apoptosis by esterase staining, NF-κB activation by DNA-binding assay, and protein expression by Western blot. The effect of ursolic acid on the growth and chemosensitization was also examined in orthotopically implanted CRC in nude mice. Results: We found that ursolic acid inhibited the proliferation of different colon cancer cell lines. This is correlated with inhibition of constitutive NF-κB activation and downregulation of cell survival (Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, cFLIP, and survivin), proliferative (cyclin D1), and metastatic (MMP-9, VEGF, and ICAM-1) proteins. When examined in an orthotopic nude mouse model, ursolic acid significantly inhibited tumor volume, ascites formation, and distant organ metastasis, and this effect was enhanced with capecitabine. Immunohistochemistry of tumor tissue indicated that ursolic acid downregulated biomarkers of proliferation (Ki-67) and microvessel density (CD31). This effect was accompanied by suppression of NF-κB, STAT3, and β-catenin. In addition, ursolic acid suppressed EGF receptor (EGFR) and induced p53 and p21 expression. We also observed bioavailability of ursolic acid in the serum and tissue of animals. Conclusion: Overall, our results show that ursolic acid can inhibit the growth and metastasis of CRC and further enhance the therapeutic effects of capecitabine through the suppression of multiple biomarkers linked to inflammation, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Clin Cancer Res; 18(18); 4942–53. ©2012 AACR.
Performability modeling of mobile software systems

An increasing number of applications operate in heterogeneous computing environments, often with mobile components. Methodologies that help developers assess the ability of such applications to meet their performance requirements throughout the software life-cycle are needed. In particular, early in the design phases, analysis techniques are critical for ensuring the future system's behavior, evaluating and comparing design alternatives. A performability evaluation is the most appropriate means to assess the expected system's ability to perform, including the effects of component failures and repairs. This paper focuses on model-based analysis of performability of mobile software systems. We propose a general methodology that starts from design artifacts expressed in a UML-based notation. Inferred performability models are based on the stochastic activity networks notation. The viability of the proposed approach is demonstrated through its application in a case study.
Edge detection method of Gaussian block distance

Edge is one of the most important image features, and it is the base of follow-up measurement and shape registration. In order to get better edge information, an edge detection method of block distance is proposed in this paper. Firstly, by calculating distance between the pixels within sub-block regions, the graph of Gaussian weighted distance is obtained. Comparing with the original figure, it not only can better highlight the edge contour, but also can be uniformed background gray. Secondly, in order to reduce the complexity of the algorithm, edge detection method of block distance combining with summed area table is raised. Finally, implementation process of this algorithm is raised. Experimental results show that this method can achieve high speed of edge detection with higher accuracy in extracting edge and corner information of image.
Study of human face image edge detection based on DM642

Edge detection of human face is one of the important bases in human face detection and recognition. This article firstly summarizes the basic methods of edge detection and the basis of Sobel operator and Canny operator, then, from a practical perspective, puts forward an novel method that is based on the integration of improved Sobel operator and Canny operator, moreover its results are thinned lastly via the method of Improved OPTA. All of that above is implemented on TMS320 DM642EVM, using design Reference Framework 5 with high expansibility to design Application Program implemented by C and assembler mixed language, and afterward doing optimization according to the characteristics of DSP chip for the real-time purpose. The results testify that this approach is not only good at eliminating noise, but also can detect the edge quickly and completely, so it has well practical significance. All of that is a foregoing preparation for the achievement of the system of human face detection in application.
The Challenges of Nursing Students in the Clinical Learning Environment: A Qualitative Study

Background/Aim. Clinical learning is a main part of nursing education. Students' exposure to clinical learning environment is one of the most important factors affecting the teaching-learning process in clinical settings. Identifying challenges of nursing students in the clinical learning environment could improve training and enhance the quality of its planning and promotion of the students. We aimed to explore Iranian nursing students' challenges in the clinical learning environment. Materials and Methods. This is a qualitative study using the content analysis approach. The participants consisted of seventeen nursing students and three nursing instructors. The participants were selected through purposive sampling method and attended semistructured interviews and focus groups. Results. Three themes emerged after data analysis, including ineffective communications, inadequate readiness, and emotional reactions. Conclusion. Nursing students in Iran are faced with many challenges in the clinical learning environment. All challenges identified in this study affected the students' learning in clinical setting. Therefore, we recommend that the instructors prepare students with a specific focus on their communication and psychological needs.
Differentiation of chondrocytes and scleroblasts during dorsal fin skeletogenesis in flounder larvae

In teleosts, the embryonic fin fold consists of a peridermis, an underlying epidermis and a small number of mesenchymal cells. Beginning from such a simple structure, the fin skeletons, including the proximal and distal radials and lepidotrichia (finrays), develop in the dorsal fin fold at the larval stage. Their process of skeletogenesis and embryonic origin are unclear. Using flounder larvae, we report the differentiation process for chondrocytes and scleroblasts prior to fin skeletogenesis and the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on it. In early larvae, the mesenchymal cells grow between the epidermis and spinal cord to form a line of periodical condensations, which are proximal radial primordia, to produce chondrocytes. The prescleroblasts, which ossify the proximal radial cartilages, differentiate in the mesenchymal cells remaining between the cartilages. Then, mesenchymal condensations occur between the distal ends of the proximal radials, forming distal radial primordia, to produce chondrocytes. Simultaneously, condensations occur between the distal radial primordia and peridermis, which are lepidotrichia primordia, to produce prescleroblasts. Exogenous RA specifically inhibits the mesenchymal condensation prior to the proximal radial formation together with the down‐regulation of sonic hedgehog (shh) and patched (pta) expression, resulting in the loss of proximal radials. Thus, it was indicated that differentiation of the precursor cells of radials and lepidotrichia begins in the proximal part of the fin fold and that the initial mesenchymal condensation prior to the proximal radial formation is highly susceptible to the effects of RA. Lepidotrichia formation does not occur where proximal radials are absent, indicating that lepidotrichia differentiation requires interaction with the radial cartilages. To examine the suggestion that neural crest cells contribute to the medial fin skeletons, we localized the HNK‐1 positive cells in flounder embryos and slug and msxb‐positive cells in pufferfish, Fugu rubripes, embryos. That the positive cells commonly arrive at the proximal part of the fin fold does not contradict the suggestion, but their final destiny as radial chondrocytes or lepidotrichia scleroblasts, should be further investigated.
Using fast classification of static and dynamic environment for improving Bayesian occupancy filter (BOF) and tracking

In this paper we present some important improvements to a fast motion detection technique based on laser data and odometry/imu information. This technique instead of performing a complete SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) solution, is based on transferring occupancy information between two consecutive data grids. Then we show its integration with Bayesian Occupancy Filter (BOF) and with the subsequent tracking module called Fast Clustering-Tracking Algorithm (FCTA). We especially show the improvements achieved in tracking results after this integration.
A System-Level View of Voltage Noise in Production Processors

Parameter variations have become a dominant challenge in microprocessor design. Voltage variation is especially daunting because it happens rapidly. We measure and characterize voltage variation in a running Intel R © CoreTM2 Duo processor. By sensing on-die voltage as the processor runs single-threaded, multithreaded, and multi-program workloads, we determine the average supply voltage swing of the processor to be only 4%, far from the processor’s 14% worst-case operating voltage margin. While such large margins guarantee correctness, they penalize performance and power efficiency. We investigate and quantify the benefits of designing a processor for typical-case (rather than worst-case) voltage swings, assuming that a fail-safe mechanism protects it from infrequently occurring large voltage fluctuations. With the investigated processors, such resilient designs could yield 15% to 20% performance improvements. But we also show that in future systems, these gains could be lost as increasing voltage swings intensify the frequency of fail-safe recoveries. After characterizing microarchitectural activity that leads to voltage swings within multi-core systems, we show two software techniques that have the potential to mitigate such voltage emergencies. A voltage-aware compiler can choose to de-optimize for performance in favor of better noise behavior, while a thread scheduler can co-schedule phases of different programs to mitigate error recovery overheads in future resilient processor designs.
Role of FRIGIDA and FLOWERING LOCUS C in Determining Variation in Flowering Time of Arabidopsis1[w]

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions provide an excellent resource to dissect the molecular basis of adaptation. We have selected 192 Arabidopsis accessions collected to represent worldwide and local variation and analyzed two adaptively important traits, flowering time and vernalization response. There was huge variation in the flowering habit of the different accessions, with no simple relationship to latitude of collection site and considerable diversity occurring within local regions. We explored the contribution to this variation from the two genes FRIGIDA (FRI) and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), previously shown to be important determinants in natural variation of flowering time. A correlation of FLC expression with flowering time and vernalization was observed, but it was not as strong as anticipated due to many late-flowering/vernalization-requiring accessions being associated with low FLC expression and early-flowering accessions with high FLC expression. Sequence analysis of FRI revealed which accessions were likely to carry functional alleles, and, from comparison of flowering time with allelic type, we estimate that approximately 70% of flowering time variation can be accounted for by allelic variation of FRI. The maintenance and propagation of 20 independent nonfunctional FRI haplotypes suggest that the loss-of-function mutations can confer a strong selective advantage. Accessions with a common FRI haplotype were, in some cases, associated with very different FLC levels and wide variation in flowering time, suggesting additional variation at FLC itself or other genes regulating FLC. These data reveal how useful these Arabidopsis accessions will be in dissecting the complex molecular variation that has led to the adaptive phenotypic variation in flowering time.