Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Land vehicular propagation channel characterization of BGAN system

This paper summarizes the results of a measurement campaign, which set out to characterize Inmarsat's broadband global area network extension (BGAN‐X) L‐band land vehicular (LV) channels as a function of elevation angle and candidate antenna systems. Measurements were conducted with three types of directional antennas on motorway routes around London using Inmarsat's Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Atlantic Ocean Region‐East (AOR‐E) and Atlantic Ocean Region‐West (AOR‐W) satellite transmissions, corresponding to elevation angles of, respectively, ∼7.5°, ∼13° and ∼30°. Simultaneous recordings of data on two types of directive receivers enabled correlation of several channel parameters. Statistics were used to refine a baseline model that derived BGAN‐X LV channel parameters by scaling the statistics obtained from an omni‐directional antenna receiver. The measurements demonstrate that Ricean mean and Ricean factor vary significantly over the chosen routes at elevation angles below ∼13°. Further, the Doppler shift of the direct path can be predicted accurately. A qualitative analysis indicates that the multi‐path Doppler spread is generally (not always) caused by uniform scattering around the vehicle over short distances and undergoes spatial filtering due to the receiver antenna. A technique was established to derive statistics of a two‐state Markovian channel model at any specified fading threshold by gathering tracking system state, thereby allowing one to ascertain service expectations and operational parameters such as connection time‐out of a packet‐switched system or reliability threshold of a circuit‐switched system. The technique was used to identify and select appropriate routes, particularly for the IOR and the AOR‐W regions. Data analysis is in progress to establish the reason for the slow variations of signal mean at low‐elevation angles in Ricean conditions and to derive appropriate statistical models. Furthermore, image processing of the video recordings is expected to reveal the extent of optical and RF fades correlation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FPGA Based on Integration of CMOS and RRAM

In this paper, a novel CMOS-nano hybrid reconfigurable field-prgrammable gate array architecture (rFPGA) is introduced based on resistive memory (RRAM) devices. Different from the existing crossbar-based CMOS-nano architectures, rFPGA consists of mainly 1T1R RRAM structures that can be fabricated by using a CMOS-compatible process. These devices can efficiently establish FPGA block memories. More importantly, novel RRAM routing switches are developed to replace the CMOS routing switches to achieve significant density enhancement and power reduction. The simulation results demonstrate that 2-D and 3-D rFPGAs provide at least 2× -3× overall improvement in terms of area with 20% lower power consumption, compared with the corresponding CMOS FPGAs.
The Fast Method for Correction of Distortion on Infrared Marker-Based Tracking System

Abstract This paper adopts ordinary CCD cameras and IR filters to constitute IR cameras for a marker-based quadri-ocular tracking system. However, the IR filters will affect the accuracy of the tracking system. Therefore, this paper analyses the refraction of IR filters and finds IR filters will bring about the biggish radial distortion on imaging process. And then, this paper directly uses Zhang’s technique to calibrate the parameters of IR cameras in infrared environment by adjusting the imaging conditions of calibration. To improve the accuracy and satisfy the real-time requirement of the tracking system, a real-time method to correct the radial distortion is proposed in this paper. The experiments show that the speed of the correction method is satisfactory, and the accuracy of tracking system is effectively improved by the method.
Forward and flyback converter that can realize secondary BOOST or BUCK function

It's known to all that higher voltage gain is indispensable before grid connecting of renewable energy. Furthermore, auxiliary electronic equipment of electric vehicle also requires relative low rated voltage to ensure regular service. In fact, BOOST-BUCK DC-DC converter (also called Cuk DC-DC converter) could realize ascending and descending of voltage. However, in order to ensure secure operation, electrical isolation measure needs to be adopted as well. Forward converter and Flyback converter are ordinary isolated DC-DC converter. Therefore, combinational Cuk-Forward and Cuk-flyback DC-DC converter are theoretically feasible to meet above requirements. In this paper, modeling and simulation of the two combinational converter have been manipulated with OrCAD-Pspice software. The result shows that the principle of Cuk-Forward and Cuk-flyback DC-DC converter is absolutely accurate. Moreover, the harmonic of output voltage, input current, and voltage stress of switch could also be reduced by optimization design of circuit parameters.
Development of a Self-Inactivating Lentivirus Vector

ABSTRACT We have constructed a new series of lentivirus vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) that can transduce nondividing cells. The U3 region of the 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR) in vector constructs was replaced with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, resulting in Tat-independent transcription but still maintaining high levels of expression. A self-inactivating (SIN) vector was constructed by deleting 133 bp in the U3 region of the 3′ LTR, including the TATA box and binding sites for transcription factors Sp1 and NF-κB. The deletion is transferred to the 5′ LTR after reverse transcription and integration in infected cells, resulting in the transcriptional inactivation of the LTR in the proviruses. SIN viruses can be generated with no significant decreases in titer. Injection of viruses into the rat brain showed that a SIN vector containing the green fluorescent protein gene under the control of the internal CMV promoter transduced neurons as efficiently as a wild-type vector. Interestingly, a wild-type vector without an internal promoter also successfully transduced neurons in the brain, indicating that the HIV-1 LTR promoter is transcriptionally active in neurons even in the absence of Tat. Furthermore, injection of viruses into the subretinal space of the rat eye showed that wild-type vector transduced predominantly retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells, while SIN vector was able to transduce other types of retinal cells, including bipolar, Müller, horizontal, and amacrine cells. This finding suggests that the HIV-1 LTR can negatively influence the internal CMV promoter in some cell types. SIN HIV vectors should be safer for gene therapy, and they also have broader applicability as a means of high-level gene transfer and expression in nondividing cells.
Altered Dynamic of EEG Oscillations in Fibromyalgia Patients at Rest.

OBJECTIVE Previous fMRI findings have shown that chronic pain patients display an altered activation and functional connectivity of the pain network. The aim of the present study was to analyze EEG dynamics in fibromyalgia patients (n = 20) and pain-free controls (n = 18) at rest. METHODS Spectral power density, source current density, and intra- and inter-hemispheric coherence were analyzed from 64 EEG channels during 5-minutes eyes-closed rest. RESULTS Results indicated that fibromyalgia patients displayed reduced power density of the delta EEG band (2-4 Hz) over right insula, right superior and middle temporal gyri as compared with pain-free controls. Fibromyalgia patients also exhibited greater power density than pain-free controls in two segments of the beta band (16-23 Hz and 23-30 Hz) over right middle frontal lobe and midcingulate gyrus. Pain duration in fibromyalgia patients was negatively correlated with delta power from right insula. Greater centro-parietal intra-hemispheric coherence was observed at the left hemisphere on theta (4-8 Hz), and beta-3 (23-30 Hz) frequency bands in fibromyalgia patients than in pain-free controls. Individual differences in depression, anxiety or negative affect did not account for these findings. CONCLUSIONS Fibromyalgia leads to an altered dynamic of the brain network involved in the processing of pain even at rest. Furthermore ,: our results provide further support for the feasibility of resting-state EEG analyses as a clinical biomarker for the characterization of chronic pain states.
Performance of an ideal wireless orbital angular momentum communication system using multiple-input multiple-output techniques

A wireless orbital angular momentum (OAM) communication system is modeled using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques. The channel matrix is derived using the azimuthal phase profile of the OAM modes. A simulation of an ideal line of sight (LOS) infrastructure, based on the model is also presented. It consists of concentric circular array OAM generators at the transmitting side and a uniform circular array of conventional antennas at the receiving side. The results show that, the channel matrix achieves full rank and has equal eigenvalues. The transmission of OAM modes can therefore be used to maximize channel capacity in LOS MIMO communication systems.
Realization of Deep UV Plasmonic Enhancement to Photo Response through Al Mesh

High-performance UV detectors are of great significance for various applications. Plasmonic structures enable great improvement of the performance of detectors. However, to push the plasmonic enhancement to photo response into the deep-UV region presents some challenges. In this work, we found that the optical properties of the supporting layer play important roles in achieving the optimal plasmonic enhancement. Therefore, we fully considered the dependence of the optical constants of the MgZnO supporting layer, which is a promising material to realize deep-UV photodetectors, on microstructure and crystalline quality, which are related to the fabrication method. Based on the optical constants, we designed an Al mesh plasmonic structure and fabricated it with a polystyrene monolayer as a mask. Finally, we demonstrated a three-times enhancement to photo response with UV radiation at 254 nm.
The number of ribosomes on simian virus 40 late 16S mRNA is determined in part by the nucleotide sequence of its leader

The size distributions of polyribosomes containing each of three simian virus 40 late 16S mRNA species that differ in nucleotide sequence only within their leaders were determined. The two 16S RNA species with shorter leaders were incorporated into polysomes that were both larger (on average) and narrower in size distribution than was the predominant wild-type 16S RNA. Therefore, the nucleotide sequence of the leader can influence the number of ribosomes present on the body of an mRNA molecule. We propose a model in which the excision from leaders of sizeable translatable regions permits more frequent utilization of internally located translation initiation signals, thereby enabling genes encoded within the bodies of polygenic mRNAs to be translated at higher rates. In addition, the data provide the first direct evidence that VP1 can, indeed, be synthesized in vivo from the species of 16S mRNA that also encodes the 61-amino acid leader protein.
Air Toxics and Health Risks in California: The Public Health Implications of Outdoor Concentrations

Of the 188 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) listed in the Clean Air Act, only a handful have information on human health effects, derived primarily from animal and occupational studies. Lack of consistent monitoring data on ambient air toxics makes it difficult to assess the extent of low‐level, chronic, ambient exposures to HAPs that could affect human health, and limits attempts to prioritize and evaluate policy initiatives for emissions reduction. Modeled outdoor HAP concentration estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Cumulative Exposure Project were used to characterize the extent of the air toxics problem in California for the base year of 1990. These air toxics concentration estimates were used with chronic toxicity data to estimate cancer and noncancer hazards for individual HAPs and the risks posed by multiple pollutants. Although hazardous air pollutants are ubiquitous in the environment, potential cancer and noncancer health hazards posed by ambient exposures are geographically concentrated in three urbanized areas and in a few rural counties. This analysis estimated a median excess individual cancer risk of 2.7E−4 for all air toxics concentrations and 8600 excess lifetime cancer cases, 70% of which were attributable to four pollutants: polycyclic organic matter, 1,3 butadiene, formaldehyde, and benzene. For noncancer effects, the analysis estimated a total hazard index representing the combined effect of all HAPs considered. Each pollutant contributes to the index a ratio of estimated concentration to reference concentration. The median value of the index across census tracts was 17, due primarily to acrolein and chromium concentration estimates. On average, HAP concentrations and cancer and noncancer health risks originate mostly from area and mobile source emissions, although there are several locations in the state where point sources account for a large portion of estimated concentrations and health risks. Risk estimates from this study can provide guidance for prioritizing research, monitoring, and regulatory intervention activities to reduce potential hazards to the general population. Improved ambient monitoring efforts can help clarify uncertainties inherent in this analysis.
The search continues for a tool to evaluate dietary quality.

dietary or nutrient intakes to chronic disease incidence and perhaps even to morbidity and mortality. Much of what has been published focuses on individual nutrients, with dietary fat receiving the trophy for being the most explored. However, most nutritionists believe that the answer lies not in the intake of a specific nutrient but in dietary patterns or the intake of foods or food groups (1). Because of the lack of validated research tools and methods to capture patterns of food intake, the default has been to document specific nutrient intakes and to relate the data to disease incidence. A major advance in this quest for such a tool was accomplished by the nutrition staffs of several offices from the US Department of Agriculture under the direction of Kennedy et al (2). They developed the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) as a tool to evaluate overall diet quality. The HEI is composed of 10 food components adapted from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (3) and the Food Guide Pyramid (4) and is now available online (5). The most recent validation study of the HEI, reported in this issue of the Journal by Hann et al (6), compares HEI scores with plasma biomarkers. Nutrient intakes, obtained from 3-d food intake records, were analyzed by using a popular nutrient analysis program (NUTRITIONIST IV, version 4.1, 1997; First DataBank, The Hearst Corporation, San Bruno, CA), and servings were enumerated by using the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals database (7), which classifies food records into Food Guide Pyramid servings. The report by Hann et al showed that diets with a high HEI score correlate with plasma concentrations of several carotenoids and vitamin C. Certainly, the dietary intake of fruit and vegetables, the primary source of carotenoids and vitamin C, is associated with a reduced disease risk. Biomarker data support prior suggestions from epidemiologic studies that associate a reduced disease risk with increased plasma carotenoid concentrations. However, elevated concentrations of these biomarkers do not necessarily indicate a reduced disease risk, and the correlation between food intakes, plasma biomarkers, and disease outcomes awaits further study. Studies such as Hann et al’s that correlate HEI scores with plasma biomarkers support the concept that food choices based on the Food Guide Pyramid lead to a healthier diet. However, not all studies have had such positive results. The recent use of the HEI as a tool for evaluating food-frequency data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study showed a nonsignificant correlation or only a weak association between HEI scores and chronic disease risk, particularly cardiovascular disease and cancer (8, 9). Although we still have a long way to go to define a reliable and valid tool for the evaluation of dietary quality, the HEI appears to be adequate for this purpose.
β3 integrin interacts directly with GluA2 AMPA receptor subunit and regulates AMPA receptor expression in hippocampal neurons

The integrins are transmembrane receptors for ECM proteins, and they regulate various cellular functions in the central nervous system. In hippocampal neurons, the β3 integrin subtype is required for homeostatic synaptic scaling of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) induced by chronic activity deprivation. The surface level of β3 integrin in postsynaptic neurons directly correlates with synaptic strength and the abundance of synaptic GluA2 AMPAR subunit. Although these observations suggest a functional link between β3 integrin and AMPAR, little is known about the mechanistic basis for the connection. Here we investigate the nature of β3 integrin and AMPAR interaction underlying the β3 integrin-dependent control of synaptic AMPAR expression and thus synaptic strength. We show that β3 integrin and GluA2 subunit form a complex in mouse brain that involves the direct binding between their cytoplasmic domains. In contrast, β3 integrin associates with GluA1 AMPAR subunit only weakly, and, in a heterologous expression system, the interaction requires the coexpression of GluA2. Surprisingly, in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, expressing β3 integrin mutants with either increased or decreased affinity for extracellular ligands has no differential effects in elevating excitatory synaptic currents and surface GluA2 levels compared with WT β3 integrin. Our findings identify an integrin family member, β3, as a direct interactor of an AMPAR subunit and provide molecular insights into how this cell-adhesion protein regulates the composition of cell-surface AMPARs.
Genome-wide comparative diversity uncovers multiple targets of selection for improvement in hexaploid wheat landraces and cultivars

Domesticated crops experience strong human-mediated selection aimed at developing high-yielding varieties adapted to local conditions. To detect regions of the wheat genome subject to selection during improvement, we developed a high-throughput array to interrogate 9,000 gene-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in a worldwide sample of 2,994 accessions of hexaploid wheat including landraces and modern cultivars. Using a SNP-based diversity map we characterized the impact of crop improvement on genomic and geographic patterns of genetic diversity. We found evidence of a small population bottleneck and extensive use of ancestral variation often traceable to founders of cultivars from diverse geographic regions. Analyzing genetic differentiation among populations and the extent of haplotype sharing, we identified allelic variants subjected to selection during improvement. Selective sweeps were found around genes involved in the regulation of flowering time and phenology. An introgression of a wild relative-derived gene conferring resistance to a fungal pathogen was detected by haplotype-based analysis. Comparing selective sweeps identified in different populations, we show that selection likely acts on distinct targets or multiple functionally equivalent alleles in different portions of the geographic range of wheat. The majority of the selected alleles were present at low frequency in local populations, suggesting either weak selection pressure or temporal variation in the targets of directional selection during breeding probably associated with changing agricultural practices or environmental conditions. The developed SNP chip and map of genetic variation provide a resource for advancing wheat breeding and supporting future population genomic and genome-wide association studies in wheat.
Validity and Reliability of the PUSH Wearable Device to Measure Movement Velocity During the Back Squat Exercise

Abstract Balsalobre-Fernández, C, Kuzdub, M, Poveda-Ortiz, P, and Campo-Vecino, Jd. Validity and reliability of the PUSH wearable device to measure movement velocity during the back squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1968–1974, 2016—The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and reliability of a wearable device to measure movement velocity during the back squat exercise. To do this, 10 recreationally active healthy men (age = 23.4 ± 5.2 years; back squat 1 repetition maximum [1RM] = 83 ± 8.2 kg) performed 3 repetitions of the back squat exercise with 5 different loads ranging from 25 to 85% 1RM on a Smith Machine. Movement velocity for each of the total 150 repetitions was simultaneously recorded using the T-Force linear transducer (LT) and the PUSH wearable band. Results showed a high correlation between the LT and the wearable device mean (r = 0.85; standard error of estimate [SEE] = 0.08 m·s−1) and peak velocity (r = 0.91, SEE = 0.1 m·s−1). Moreover, there was a very high agreement between these 2 devices for the measurement of mean (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.907) and peak velocity (ICC = 0.944), although a systematic bias between devices was observed (PUSH peak velocity being −0.07 ± 0.1 m·s−1 lower, p ⩽ 0.05). When measuring the 3 repetitions with each load, both devices displayed almost equal reliability (Test–retest reliability: LT [r = 0.98], PUSH [r = 0.956]; ICC: LT [ICC = 0.989], PUSH [ICC = 0.981]; coefficient of variation [CV]: LT [CV = 4.2%], PUSH [CV = 5.0%]). Finally, individual load-velocity relationships measured with both the LT (R 2 = 0.96) and the PUSH wearable device (R 2 = 0.94) showed similar, very high coefficients of determination. In conclusion, these results support the use of an affordable wearable device to track velocity during back squat training. Wearable devices, such as the one in this study, could have valuable practical applications for strength and conditioning coaches.