Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SPEX: A Programming Language for Software Defined Radio

High-throughput, low-power Software Defined Radio(SDR) solutions require multi-core SIMD DSP processors to meet real-time performance requirements. Given the difficulty in programming traditional DSPs, these new multi-core signal processors provide even greater challenges for programmers and compilers. In this paper, we describe SPEX, a programming language which is aimed at narrowing the semantic gap between the description of complex SDR systems and their implementations. SPEX supports three different types of programming semantics, allowing SDR solutions to be developed with a divide-and-conquer approach. For DSP algorithm kernels, SPEX is able to support DSP arithmetics and first-class vector and matrix variables with sequential language semantics. From wireless protocol channels, it is able to support sequences of data-processing computations with dataflow language semantics. And for protocol systems, it is able to support real-time deadlines and concurrent executions with synchronous language semantics. The design choices are motivated by our experience implementing W-CDMA protocol on a reprogrammable substrate. In the paper, we also briefly explain SPEX’s compilation strategies.
Genome-wide gene–environment interaction analysis for asbestos exposure in lung cancer susceptibility

Abstract Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Although recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified some novel loci for lung cancer risk, few addressed genome-wide gene–environment interactions. To determine gene–asbestos interactions in lung cancer risk, we conducted genome-wide gene–environment interaction analyses at levels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes and pathways, using our published Texas lung cancer GWAS dataset. This dataset included 317 498 SNPs from 1154 lung cancer cases and 1137 cancer-free controls. The initial SNP-level P -values for interactions between genetic variants and self-reported asbestos exposure were estimated by unconditional logistic regression models with adjustment for age, sex, smoking status and pack-years. The P- value for the most significant SNP rs13383928 was 2.17×10 –6 , which did not reach the genome-wide statistical significance. Using a versatile gene-based test approach, we found that the top significant gene was C7orf54 , located on 7q32.1 ( P = 8.90×10 –5 ). Interestingly, most of the other significant genes were located on 11q13. When we used an improved gene-set-enrichment analysis approach, we found that the Fas signaling pathway and the antigen processing and presentation pathway were most significant (nominal P < 0.001; false discovery rate < 0.05) among 250 pathways containing 17 572 genes. We believe that our analysis is a pilot study that first describes the gene–asbestos interaction in lung cancer risk at levels of SNPs, genes and pathways. Our findings suggest that immune function regulation-related pathways may be mechanistically involved in asbestos-associated lung cancer risk. Abbreviations:CI confidence intervalE environmentFDR false discovery rateG geneGSEA gene-set-enrichment analysisGWAS genome-wide association studiesi-GSEA improved gene-set-enrichment analysis approachOR odds ratioSNP single nucleotide polymorphism
Adaptação da Escala de Autoabsorção para adultos brasileiros

Self-absorption is defined as an excessive perseveration of attention that one displays toward their own reflections. The Self-Absorption Scale (SAS) measures this negative deconstructive dimension of self-consciousness and distinguishes whether its focus is related to private or public aspects of oneself. The objective of this study was to adapt the SAS to Brazil and to gather evidences of factorial and convergent validity for the Scale. Seven hundred and twenty two Brazilian adults answered the translated version of SAS, the Self-Consciousness Scale (SCS), and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ). Factor analysis revealed two main components (private and public self-absorption). The adapted SAS fulfilled expectations concerning factorial and convergent validity. It can be used in future research in Brazil. Keywords : self-consciousness; self-absorption; rumination; psychometrics; adaptation.
Synaptogenesis Via Dendritic Filopodia in Developing Hippocampal Area CA1

To determine the role of dendritic filopodia in the genesis of excitatory synaptic contacts and dendritic spines in hippocampal area CA1, serial section electron microscopy and three-dimensional analysis of 16 volumes of neuropil from nine male rat pups, aged postnatal day 1 (P1) through P12, were performed. The analysis revealed that numerous dendritic filopodia formed asymmetric synaptic contacts with axons and with filopodia extending from axons, especially during the first postnatal week. At P1, 22 ± 5.5% of synapses occurred on dendritic filopodia, with 19 ± 5.9% on filopodia at P4, 20 ± 8.0% at P6, decreasing to 7.2 ± 4.7% at P12 (p < 0.02). Synapses were found at the base and along the entire length of filopodia, with many filopodia exhibiting multiple synaptic contacts. In all, 162 completely traceable dendritic filopodia received 255 asymmetric synaptic contacts. These synapses were found at all parts of filopodia with equal frequency, usually occurring on fusiform swellings of the diameter. Most synaptic contacts (53 ± 11%) occurred directly on dendritic shafts during the first postnatal week. A smaller but still substantial portion (32 ± 12%) of synapses were on shafts at P12 (p < 0.036). There was a highly significant (p < 0.0002) increase in the proportion of dendritic spine synapses with age, rising from just 4.9 ± 4.3% at P1 to 37 ± 14% at P12. The concurrence of primarily shaft and filopodial synapses in the first postnatal week suggests that filopodia recruit shaft synapses that later give rise to spines through a process of outgrowth.
Naturally Clamped Zero-Current Commutated Soft-Switching Current-Fed Push–Pull DC/DC Converter: Analysis, Design, and Experimental Results

The proposed converter has the following features: 1) zero-current commutation (ZCC) and natural voltage clamping (NVC) eliminate the need for active-clamp circuits or passive snubbers required to absorb surge voltage in conventional current-fed topologies. 2) Switching losses are reduced significantly owing to zero-current switching of primary-side devices and zero-voltage switching of secondary-side devices. Turn-on switching transition loss of primary devices is also negligible. 3) Soft switching and NVC are inherent and load independent. 4) The voltage across primary-side device is independent of duty cycle with varying input voltage and output power and clamped at rather low reflected output voltage enabling the use of low-voltage semiconductor devices. These merits make the converter good candidate for interfacing low-voltage dc bus with high-voltage dc bus for higher current applications. Steady state, analysis, design, simulation, and experimental results are presented.
Validity of the RAST for evaluating anaerobic power performance as compared to Wingate test in cycling athletes

El objetivo fue investigar la validad del teste de RAST (Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test) en evaluar el desempeno de la potencia anaerobica traves del uso del teste de Wingate en ciclistas trenados. Participaron del estudio 10 ciclistas masculinos (28,0±7,3 anos) de la modalidad de Mountain bike. Despues de la mensuracion de las variables antropometricas, la potencia pico (PP), media (PM) y el indice de fatiga (IF) fueron determinados al acaso a partir de dos testes de Wingate y de dos testes de RAST. Fueron utilizados el test t independiente de Student, el analisis de correlacion linear de Pearson (r) y el test de Bland-Altman. Los resultados demostraron, contrariamente al IF (33.8±4.6% vs. 37.8±7.9%; r=0.172), diferencias significativas entre el teste de Wingate y el RAST para PP y PM (W.kg-1 e W). Mismo que los valores de correlacion de PP e PM (W) tengan sido fortes (0,831 e 0,714, respectivamente), la concordancia entre los protocolos de Wingate y RAST fue baja, sugiriendo que el teste de RAST no es valido para evaluar el desempeno de la potencia anaerobica a partir del teste de Wingate en este grupo.
Individual Learning Style

The Learning Style Inventory developed by David Kolb (1976) is designed to measure the degree to which individuals utilize one of four learning styles. Kolb provides a model of learning as a four-stage cycle-from concrete experience to reflective observation, through abstract conceptualization and active experimentation (Kolb, 1976, 1984). This study was undertaken to determine Israeli norms and the reliability and validity of a Hebrew version of the inventory, as well as the cross-cultural equivalence of the instrument. Results from 821 subjects indicated that the Hebrew version was as reliable as the original English version. The Hebrew version differentiated among students' major study areas in accordance with the theory, and demonstrated moderate internal consistency coefficients similar to the U.S. data. Construct validity was established using factor analysis and Guttman's smallest space analysis, which verified the underlying structure of the model. The study demonstrated initial cross-cultural reliability and validity of the Learning Style Inventory instrument, allowing for its utilization in further research of individual learning styles.
Processes and intelligibility in disordered phonology

Phonological process analysis is currently the most widely used analytical procedure for the investigation of phonological development in children. This study investigated the phonological processes in four Brazilian children with phonological disorders. The purpose of the study was to identify the phonological processes, their prevalence, strength and their relative contribution to the intelligibility of the subjects' speech. Results reveal differential effects of sequential and substitution processes and of the consistency/variability of the application of those processes. Results also confirm the common patterns reported in the literature on children with phonological disorders, such as consonant cluster reduction and simplifications of liquids and fricatives. Results also show, however, the existence of some differences, which we believe are due to language-specific features.
Perceptions of Entrepreneurial Passion and Employees’ Commitment to Entrepreneurial Ventures

Drawing on theories of emotional contagion and goal setting, we propose two mechanisms as to how employees’ perceptions of entrepreneurial passion influence their commitment to entrepreneurial ventures. Testing these mechanisms with data from a survey of 124 employees, we find that employees’ perceptions of their supervisors’ passion for inventing, founding, and developing differentially impact commitment. While perceptions of entrepreneurs’ passion for inventing and developing enhance commitment, passion for founding reduces it. Employees’ experiences of positive affect at work and their goal clarity mediate these effects. Our results have implications for the literature on entrepreneurial passion and leadership in entrepreneurial firms.
Television Use and Social Capital: Testing Putnam's Time Displacement Hypothesis

Robert Putnam (1995a, 19956) charged that television is the driving force behind the decline in social capital in America. He argued that television viewing has privatized our leisure time, thus inhibiting participation outside the home. However, Putnam's time displacement hypothesis never has been tested. We empirically examined the extent to which television reduces social capital through time displacement. Analyses of data from a Midwestern city (N = 416) did not support the time displacement hypothesis; time spent with television did not affect civic engagement through perceptions of time pressure. There was only a direct negative impact of television viewing time on civic engagement. Time spent reading newspapers enhanced engagement. Moreover, this relation worked indirectly through time pressures-the more time spent with newspapers, the less time pressures one perceived.
A Review of Standards and Statistics Used to Describe Blood Glucose Monitor Performance

Glucose performance is reviewed in the context of total error, which includes error from all sources, not just analytical. Many standards require less than 100% of results to be within specific tolerance limits. Analytical error represents the difference between tested glucose and reference method glucose. Medical errors include analytical errors whose magnitude is great enough to likely result in patient harm. The 95% requirements of International Organization for Standardization 15197 and others make little sense, as up to 5% of results can be medically unacceptable. The current American Diabetes Association standard lacks a specification for user error. Error grids can meaningfully specify allowable glucose error. Infrequently, glucose meters do not provide a glucose result; such an occurrence can be devastating when associated with a life-threatening event. Nonreporting failures are ignored by standards. Estimates of analytical error can be classified into the four following categories: imprecision, random patient interferences, protocol-independent bias, and protocol-dependent bias. Methods to estimate total error are parametric, nonparametric, modeling, or direct. The Westgard method underestimates total error by failing to account for random patient interferences. Lawton's method is a more complete model. Bland-Altman, mountain plots, and error grids are direct methods and are easier to use as they do not require modeling. Three types of protocols can be used to estimate glucose errors: method comparison, special studies and risk management, and monitoring performance of meters in the field. Current standards for glucose meter performance are inadequate. The level of performance required in regulatory standards should be based on clinical needs but can only deal with currently achievable performance. Clinical standards state what is needed, whether it can be achieved or not. Rational regulatory decisions about glucose monitors should be based on robust statistical analyses of performance.
The financial inclusion assemblage: Subjects, technics, rationalities

This article introduces financial inclusion as a global assemblage of subjects, technics, and rationalities that aim to develop poor-appropriate financial products and services. Microfinance forms the foundation, but also the boundary of the assemblage, which is premised on the assumption that the 2.7 billion poor people in the world who do not currently have access to formal loan, savings, and insurance products are in need of such offerings. The work of the Institute for Money, Technology and Financial Inclusion at the University of California, Irvine, with its emphasis on ethnographic research into culturally grounded monetary practices and logics, is presented as an alternative to the quantitative, economic, and financial logics that drive the assemblage.
Direct Observation of ATP-Induced Conformational Changes in Single P2X4 Receptors

The ATP-gated P2X4 receptor is a cation channel, which is important in various pathophysiological events. The architecture of the P2X4 receptor in the activated state and how to change its structure in response to ATP binding are not fully understood. Here, we analyze the architecture and ATP-induced structural changes in P2X4 receptors using fast-scanning atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM images of the membrane-dissociated and membrane-inserted forms of P2X4 receptors and a functional analysis revealed that P2X4 receptors have an upward orientation on mica but lean to one side. Time-lapse imaging of the ATP-induced structural changes in P2X4 receptors revealed two different forms of activated structures under 0 Ca2+ conditions, namely a trimer structure and a pore dilation-like tripartite structure. A dye uptake measurement demonstrated that ATP-activated P2X4 receptors display pore dilation in the absence of Ca2+. With Ca2+, the P2X4 receptors exhibited only a disengaged trimer and no dye uptake was observed. Thus our data provide a new insight into ATP-induced structural changes in P2X4 receptors that correlate with pore dynamics.
Early Hominin Foot Morphology Based on 1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints from Ileret, Kenya

Hominin footprints offer evidence about gait and foot shape, but their scarcity, combined with an inadequate hominin fossil record, hampers research on the evolution of the human gait. Here, we report hominin footprints in two sedimentary layers dated at 1.51 to 1.53 million years ago (Ma) at Ileret, Kenya, providing the oldest evidence of an essentially modern human–like foot anatomy, with a relatively adducted hallux, medial longitudinal arch, and medial weight transfer before push-off. The size of the Ileret footprints is consistent with stature and body mass estimates for Homo ergaster/erectus, and these prints are also morphologically distinct from the 3.75-million-year-old footprints at Laetoli, Tanzania. The Ileret prints show that by 1.5 Ma, hominins had evolved an essentially modern human foot function and style of bipedal locomotion.
Real‐Time Major Events Monitoring and Alert System Through Social Networks

The volume of information generated by social and cellular networks has significantly increased in recent years. Automated collection of these data and its rapid analyses allow for better and faster detection of major (in terms of National impact) ‘real life’ events. This study uses data obtained from social networks such as Twitter and Google+. It proposes a mechanism for detecting major events and a system to alert on their manifestation. The article describes the considerations and needed algorithms required to develop and establish such a system. The methodology presented here is based on linking major events that occurred in Israel during the years 2011–2014, with information extracted from social networks. Results indicate that alerts were received shortly after the event occurred for most of major events. Such are large fires, earthquakes and terror attacks. However, attempts to achieve alerts for ‘local’ secondary events failed. This as their impact on the social network is low. Furthermore, it was found that the volume of false alerts depends on the type of domain and keywords.
Collective Responsibility for Learning and Its Effects on Gains in Achievement for Early Secondary School Students

How the organization of teachers' work affects students in their early years of high school is the focus of this study. A nationally representative sample of 11,692 high school sophomores in 820 U. S. high schools and 9,904 of those students' teachers was used, drawn from the base year and first follow-up of the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88). Organizational effects were evaluated on students' gains in achievement (in mathematics, reading, science, and social studies) between eighth and tenth grade, as well as the social distribution of those gains. The study focused on three constructs measuring the organization of teachers' work: collective responsibility for student learning, staff cooperation, and control over classroom and school work conditions. Results were very consistent: achievement gains are significantly higher in schools where teachers take collective responsibility for students' academic success or failure rather than blaming students for their own failure. Achievement gains were also higher in schools with more cooperation among staff. Moreover, the distribution of achievement gains is more socially equitable in schools with high levels of collective responsibility for learning.
On 3 D Shape Synthesis

We present a novel approach to 3D shape synthesis of closed surfaces. A curved or polyhedral 3D object of genus zero is represented by a curvature distribution on a spherical mesh that has nearly uniform distribution with known connectivity among mesh nodes. This curvature distribution, i.e., the result of forward mapping from shape space to curvature space, is used as the intrinsic shape representation because it is invariant to rigid transformation and scale factor. Furthermore, with regularity constraints on the mesh, the inverse mapping from curvature space to shape space always exists and can be recovered using an iterative method. Therefore, the task of synthesizing a new shape from two known objects becomes one of interpolating the two known curvature distributions, and then mapping the interpolated curvature distribution back to a 3D morph. Using the distance between two curvature distributions, we can quantitatively control the shape synthesis process to yeild smooth curvature migration. Experiments show that our method produces smooth and realistic shape morphs.
A texture–analysis–based design method for self‐adaptive focus criterion function

Autofocusing (AF) criterion functions are critical to the performance of a passive autofocusing system in automatic video microscopy. Most of the autofocusing criterion functions proposed are dependent on the imaging system and image captured by the objective being focused or ranged. This dependence destabilizes the performance of the system when the criterion functions are applied to objectives with different characteristics. In this paper, a new design method for autofocusing criterion functions is introduced. This method enables the system to have the ability to tell the texture directional information of the objective. Based on this information, the optimal focus criterion function specific to one texture direction is designed, voiding blindly using autofocusing functions which cannot perform well when applied to the certain surface and can even lead to failure of the whole process. In this way, we improved the self‐adaptability, robustness, reliability and focusing accuracy of the algorithm. First, the grey‐level co‐occurrence matrices of real‐time images are calculated in four directions. Next, the contrast values of the four matrices are computed and then compared. The result reflects the directional information of the measured objective surfaces. Finally, with the directional information, an adaptive criterion function is constructed. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the new focus algorithm, we conducted experiments on different texture surfaces and compared the results with those obtained by existing algorithms. The proposed algorithm excellently performs with different measured objectives.
Relationship interdependence and satisfaction with important outcomes in coach–athlete dyads

The study investigated the association between coach–athlete relationship interdependence and satisfaction level as a function of competition level, relationship length, and gender composition. A series of multilevel modelling analyses found that the associations between relationship interdependence and sport-related satisfaction were weaker for lower-level competitors than they were for higher-level competitors, as well as for short-term relationships compared to long-term relationships. We also found that all female dyads were more satisfied with training and instruction than other gender combinations. Moreover, the associations between relationship interdependence and sport-related satisfaction were weaker for female coach-male athlete dyads than they were for other gender combination dyads. The findings and their implications for theory and practice are discussed.