Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultra-Wideband Antipodal Tapered Slot Antenna With Integrated Frequency-Notch Characteristics

This communication presents the design of an ultra-wideband antipodal tapered slot antenna (ATSA) with frequency notch characteristics. Subwavelength resonators in the form of square split-ring resonators are placed on the aperture as well as on the feed section of the ATSA to invoke the frequency notches. The electromagnetic coupling of the SRRs with the radiating aperture and with the magnetic fields due to the fringing at the microstrip line feed yields the frequency notches. The invoked notches are sharp in comparison with previously reported designs. The fabricated prototypes were experimentally verified through measurements, and a good agreement with simulations was obtained. The impedance and radiation plots confirm the suppression of the desired notch frequency. A theoretical formulation to calculate the notch frequency is also proposed and validated.
Simplified Chinese Version of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire: Cross-cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity for Patients With Low Back Pain

Study Design. Cross-cultural adaptation and cross-sectional psychometric testing in a convenience sample of patients with low back pain. Objective. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) into a simplified Chinese version, and assess its reliability and validity. Summary of Background Data. No simplified Chinese version of the JOABPEQ was previously available. Methods. We translated and culturally adapted the original English JOABPEQ to develop a Chinese version, based on cross-cultural adaptation guidelines. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to confirm the factor structure of each subscale. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach alpha. Test-retest reliability was examined in stable patients, who completed the questionnaire again at 4 days to 2 weeks from baseline. The validity of the translated Chinese version was assessed by examining the relationship between the JOABPEQ and Chinese versions of the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Ceiling and floor effects were considered present if more than 15% of respondents achieved the lowest or highest possible total score. Results. The JOABPEQ showed excellent internal consistency (&agr; = 0.886). The test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients) ranged from 0.951 to 0.977. The convergent validity of the Chinese version was supported by its high correlation with other physical functional status measures (RMDQ, ODI, and SF-36 Physical Function; r values from −0.645 to −0.726), and moderate correlation with other measures (SF-36 Bodily pain and Social functioning subscales; r values 0.426–0.546). Q5 Mental health was highly correlated with SF-36 items (r values 0.337–0.640). There was a floor effect in Q1 low back pain (38, 20.65%). Conclusion. The results indicate that the simplified Chinese version of the JOABPEQ is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the multidimensional status in patients with low back pain. Level of Evidence: 4
Effects of Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy on Alveolar and Palatal Cleft Deformities in Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy in the improvement of alveolar and palatal cleft deformity on unilateral (UCLP) versus bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate. Materials and Methods: A total of 19 UCLP (14 boys and 5 girls) and 8 BCLP (7 boys and 1 girl) infants completed NAM therapy were included in this study. Standardized parameters of cleft width of alveol and palate were measured on photocopies taken from the pre- and post-treatment plaster casts. To assess the intragroup differences, paired-samples test in UCLP and Wilcoxon test in BCLP groups were used. Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate the differences between the groups. Results: Significant decreases in alveolar and palatal cleft gaps were achieved in an average period of 3.3 ± 1.9 and 3.7 ± 1.6 months in UCLP and BCLP patients, respectively. The alveolar cleft decreased 7.85 ± 4.59 mm in UCLP and 4.25 ± 3.13 and 3.81 ± 3.50 mm in right and left alveolar cleft sides in BCLP, respectively. The palatal clefts were decreased 4.63 ± 2.44 mm in medial and 3.72 ± 2.62 mm in posterior parts in UCLP. The decrements in BCLP were 3.00 ± 2.75 mm in medial and 2.88 ± 2.75 mm in posterior palatal cleft distances. No significant differences were determined in the amount of alveolar or palatal cleft closure between UCLP and BCLP groups. The only decrease in arch width was 1.39 mm in medial part of palate in UCLP. Conclusion: The NAM device provides significant decreases in both alveolar and palatal cleft deformities in UCLP and BCLP infants, as compared with their birth status.
Why Do Phylogenomic Data Sets Yield Conflicting Trees? Data Type Influences the Avian Tree of Life more than Taxon Sampling

&NA; Phylogenomics, the use of large‐scale data matrices in phylogenetic analyses, has been viewed as the ultimate solution to the problem of resolving difficult nodes in the tree of life. However, it has become clear that analyses of these large genomic data sets can also result in conflicting estimates of phylogeny. Here, we use the early divergences in Neoaves, the largest clade of extant birds, as a “model system” to understand the basis for incongruence among phylogenomic trees. We were motivated by the observation that trees from two recent avian phylogenomic studies exhibit conflicts. Those studies used different strategies: 1) collecting many characters [∼ 42 mega base pairs (Mbp) of sequence data] from 48 birds, sometimes including only one taxon for each major clade; and 2) collecting fewer characters (∼ 0.4 Mbp) from 198 birds, selected to subdivide long branches. However, the studies also used different data types: the taxon‐poor data matrix comprised 68% non‐coding sequences whereas coding exons dominated the taxon‐rich data matrix. This difference raises the question of whether the primary reason for incongruence is the number of sites, the number of taxa, or the data type. To test among these alternative hypotheses we assembled a novel, large‐scale data matrix comprising 90% non‐coding sequences from 235 bird species. Although increased taxon sampling appeared to have a positive impact on phylogenetic analyses the most important variable was data type. Indeed, by analyzing different subsets of the taxa in our data matrix we found that increased taxon sampling actually resulted in increased congruence with the tree from the previous taxon‐poor study (which had a majority of non‐coding data) instead of the taxon‐rich study (which largely used coding data). We suggest that the observed differences in the estimates of topology for these studies reflect data‐type effects due to violations of the models used in phylogenetic analyses, some of which may be difficult to detect. If incongruence among trees estimated using phylogenomic methods largely reflects problems with model fit developing more “biologically‐realistic” models is likely to be critical for efforts to reconstruct the tree of life. [Birds; coding exons; GTR model; model fit; Neoaves; non‐coding DNA; phylogenomics; taxon sampling. ]
DEVELOPMENTAL TIMING OF CHILD MALTREATMENT AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL IDEATION IN YOUNG ADULTHOOD: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH

Child maltreatment is a potent risk factor for psychopathology. Although the developmental timing of first exposure to maltreatment is considered important in shaping risk of future psychopathology, no consensus exists on whether earlier or later exposures are more deleterious. This study examines whether age at first exposure to abuse is associated with subsequent depression and suicidal ideation.
Supernatants and lipids from stored red blood cells activate pulmonary microvascular endothelium through the BLT2 receptor and protein kinase C activation

Although transfusion is a lifesaving intervention, it may be associated with significant morbidity in injured patients. We hypothesize that stored red blood cells (RBCs) induce proinflammatory activation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) resulting in neutrophil (PMN) adhesion and predisposition to acute lung injury (ALI).
Fall detection based on depth images via wavelet moment

Fall detection plays an important role in the detection of human abnormal behaviors. In this paper, a fall detection algorithm based on depth images via wavelet moment is proposed. Firstly, we normalize the image according to each pixel in the image relative to the distance from the centroid, then polar coordinate the normalized image. Secondly, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the picture is performed. Thirdly, the feature vectors of the image are extracted by using wavelet transform. Finally, using the minimum distance and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification methods recognizes human behaviors. Numerous experiments are carried out on a large number of human behavior samples and the averaged success rate of this algorithm is more than 90%. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is robust and has good detecting ability and application prospect.
A high-linearity 6-GHz phase interpolator in 28-nm CMOS technology

This paper represents a wide-band low-power phase interpolator(PI) with high-linearity phase steps designed for Mobile industry Processor Interface(MIPI) standards like Multi-media Physical layer (MPHY) High speed Gear 2 that operates at 3GBps to HS-Gear 4 that operates at 6Gbps. The proposed PI consists of an input current-starved circuit for slew rate control, a core PI with cross coupled and diode connected loads, CML-to-CMOS output circuit, and a PI digital controller. The differential non-linearity(DNL) and integral non-linearity(INL) are within 0.15 LSB and 0.27 LSB respectively, The circuit is implemented in a 28-nm CMOS technology and operates from 1.5 to 6 GHz. The circuit consumes 2.2 mW from 0.9-V supply when operates at 6 GHz.
Prognostic role of metformin intake in diabetic patients with colorectal cancer: An updated qualitative evidence of cohort studies

Several observational studies have shown that metformin can modify the risk and survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with diabetes mellitus, although the magnitude of this relationship has not been determined. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the association between metformin and CRC mortality and searched relevant databases up to July 2016. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were cancer-specific survival (CS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Summary hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Seventeen studies enrolling 269,417 participants were eligible for inclusion. Comparing with non-metformin users in diabetic CRC patients, the summary HRs for OS in metformin users were 0.69 (95% CI, 0.61-0.77). Subgroup analyses stratified by the study characteristics and sensitivity analysis by the trim-and-fill method (adjusted HR 0.77, 95% CI, 0.67-0.87) confirmed the robustness of the results. However, significant OS benefit was noted in patients with stage II and III disease. Five studies reported the CRC prognosis for CS and three for DFS; metformin intake was significantly associated with patient CS (HR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.59-0.94), but not DFS (HR 0.38, 95% CI, 0.13-1.17). Our findings suggest that metformin intake is associated with improved survival outcomes in terms of OS and CS in CRC patients with diabetes, particular for OS in stage II and stage III patients. Further studies should be conducted to determine CRC survival between metformin use and patient specific clinical and molecular profiles.
A Provident Resource Defragmentation Framework for Mobile Cloud Computing

To facilitate mobile cloud computing, a cloud service provider must dynamically create and terminate a large number of virtual machines (VMs), causing fragmented resources that cannot be further utilized. To solve this problem proactively, most of the existing studies have been based on server consolidation, with the main objective of minimizing the number of active servers. Although this approach can minimize resource fragmentation at a particular time, it may be over aggressive at the price of too frequent VM migration and low system stability. To address this issue, we propose a novel provident resource defragmentation framework that is revenue-oriented with the goal to reduce unnecessary VM migration. Within the proposed framework, we formulate an optimization problem for resource defragmentation at a particular time epoch, with the consideration of the future impact of any VM migration. We then develop an efficient heuristic algorithm that can obtain near-optimal results. Extensive numerical results confirm that our framework can provide the highest profit and can significantly reduce the VM migration cost in practical scenarios.
Spectral response in reversing coronary artery atherosclerosis with vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal cynomolgus monkeys.

plasma vitamin D levels had the strongest associated B eyond its well-established role in calcium regulation and bone metabolism, vitamin D is essential for development and in maintaining tissue homeostasis in other organ systems. This is supported by gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), as well as the broad distribution of VDR in a multitude of tissues beyond bone and calcium regulatory organs. For example, tissues of the cardiovascular system including vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes all express high levels of VDR. A number of studies have revealed that faulty vitamin D signaling, generally through the VDR, associates with a host of pathophysiological conditions including osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, atherosclerosis, alopecia, among many others. Additional studies indicate an association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic conditions related to obesity such as elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, systemic inflammation, high body mass index, and cardiovascular disease. The general aging process is also met with reduced vitamin D levels, which likely further contributes to tissue decline. The logical approach to reversing pathophysiological conditions that associate with vitamin D deficiency is to simply supplement the diet with vitamin D. However, efforts to understand whether or not vitamin D supplementation has positive effects under these various scenarios have yielded inconsistent results in clinical trials and prospective studies. In this issue of Menopause, McCurdy et al provide new correlative data on the potential positive effects of vitamin D supplementation in attenuating the development of coronary artery atherosclerosis in high fat diet-fed, ovariectomyinduced postmenopausal cynomolgus monkeys. All monkeys in the study were given vitamin D and calcium after ovariectomy. At baseline, half of the monkeys received a woman’s equivalent of 0.45 mg/d of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) with the remaining monkeys receiving placebo. Study endpoints included plasma vitamin D levels, plasma lipid profiling, the extent and severity of plaque formation in coronary arteries, and measures of coronary artery remodeling. Surprisingly, plasma levels of vitamin D existed on a continuum that ranged from very low to very high, and this response was found to be the case in both the placebo and CEE treatment groups. The greatest associated effects of vitamin D treatment were evident in monkeys that also received CEE. An interesting observation was made in which monkeys dually treated with vitamin D and CEE that showed high
Radon Space Dose Optimization in Repeat CT Scanning

We present a new method for on-line radiation dose optimization in repeat computer tomography (CT) scanning. Our method uses the information of the baseline scan during the repeat scanning to significantly reduce the radiation dose without compromising the repeat scan quality. It automatically registers the patient to the baseline scan using fractional scanning and detects in sinogram space the patient regions where changes have occurred without having to reconstruct the repeat scan image. It scans only these regions in the patient, thereby considerably reducing the necessary radiation dose. It then completes the missing values of the sparsely sampled repeat scan sinogram with those of the fully sampled baseline sinogram in regions where no changes were detected and computes the repeat scan image by standard filtered backprojection reconstruction. Experiments on a patient scan with simulated changes yield a mean recall of 98% using <19% of a full dose. Experiments on real CT scans of an abdomen phantom produce similar results, with a mean recall of 94.5% and only 14.4% of a full dose more than the theoretical optimum. As hardly any changed rays are missed, the reconstructed images are practically indistinguishable from a full dose scan. Our method successfully detects small, low contrast changes and produces an accurate repeat scan reconstruction using three times less radiation than an image space baseline method.
Culture Shock: Reexamining the Concept and the W-curve Model of the Adaptation Process through Sojourner Experiences of International Students

own nationality; fits of anger over delays and other minor frustrations; delay and outright refusal to learn the language of the host country; excessive fear of being cheated, robbed, or injured; great concern over minor pains and irruptions of the skin; and finally, that terrible longing to be back home…to talk to people who really make sense’ (Oberg, 1960:142).
MICROENCAPSULATION: A REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS IN THE FOOD AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES

Microencapsulation is a technique that has been widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This technique can be used to reduce the cost of production, to increase the stability of compounds, to mask undesirable tastes, and to improve the release properties of compounds in food industries. Currently, microcapsules are utilized in beverage, bakery, meat, poultry, and dairy products. Moreover, microencapsulation has been used to increase stability, to mask bitter taste, to improve the release properties of drugs, and to provide specific drug delivery in pharmaceutical industries. The challenge of microencapsulation is in selection of the appropriate conditions for producing highly effective microcapsules. Many factors affect the quality of microcapsules, including preparation techniques, types of core material, and types of wall material. We provide an overview of the current research on the applications of microencapsulation in food and pharmaceutical industries, the selection of suitable conditions for developing high efficiency microcapsules, and future trends in microencapsulation.
Effects of Lower Frequency-to-Electrode Allocations on Speech and Pitch Perception with the Hybrid Short-Electrode Cochlear Implant

Because some users of a Hybrid short-electrode cochlear implant (CI) lose their low-frequency residual hearing after receiving the CI, we tested whether increasing the CI speech processor frequency allocation range to include lower frequencies improves speech perception in these individuals. A secondary goal was to see if pitch perception changed after experience with the new CI frequency allocation. Three subjects who had lost all residual hearing in the implanted ear were recruited to use an experimental CI frequency allocation with a lower frequency cutoff than their current clinical frequency allocation. Speech and pitch perception results were collected at multiple time points throughout the study. In general, subjects showed little or no improvement for speech recognition with the experimental allocation when the CI was worn with a hearing aid in the contralateral ear. However, all 3 subjects showed changes in pitch perception that followed the changes in frequency allocations over time, consistent with previous studies showing that pitch perception changes upon provision of a CI.
Incidence, Locations, and Longitudinal Course of Cerebral Microbleeds in European Moyamoya

Background and Purpose— Cerebral microbleeds (cMBs) have previously been linked with especially high incidence in Asian patients with moyamoya together with high tendency to bleed. This, presumably, is characteristic of patients with moyamoya. Herein, we, therefore, investigate retrospectively the frequency, location, and longitudinal course of cMBs in a large German cohort. Methods— We included all patients with moyamoya who underwent standard magnetic resonance imaging, including T2*-weighted images, in our department between 1998 and 2015. Two independent readers evaluated magnetic resonance imaging scans to determine the occurrence of cMBs according to the Brain Observer Microbleed Scale. Demographics, initial symptoms leading to hospitalization, and associated diseases were obtained by chart review. Results— Overall, there was a total of 242 T2* studies of 101 included moyamoya patients available with a strong female predominance (69.3%). Eight patients (7.9%) were ⩽18 years of age. We detected 25 cMBs within 13 patients (12.9%). One patient <18 of age was presented with a cMB; 2 of 3 patients with an intracranial hemorrhage as initial event demonstrated cMB(s). In 72 of 101 cases, there were 1719 person months of follow-up, with 3 adult patients showing 3 de novo cMBs in the course. The majority of cMBs (64.0%) were located at the cortex/gray–white junction. Conclusions— Although the frequency of cMBs herein is much higher than the expected age-specific incidence, it is still much lower compared with previous reports on cMBs in moyamoya patients of Asian descent. These results might reflect another ethnic-specific difference in patients diagnosed with moyamoya.
Overlooked runaway feedback in the marine nitrogen cycle: the vicious cycle

The marine nitrogen (N) inventory is controlled by the interplay of nitrogen loss processes, here referred to as denitrification, and nitrogen source processes, primarily nitrogen fixation. The apparent stability of the marine N inventory on time scales longer than the estimated N residence time, suggests some intimate balance between N sinks and sources. Such a balance may be perceived easier to achieve when N sinks and sources occur in close spatial proximity, and some studies have interpreted observational evidence for such a proximity as indication for a stabilizing feedback processes. Using a biogeochemical ocean circulation model, we here show instead that a close spatial association of N2 fixation and denitrification can, in fact, trigger destabilizing feedbacks on the N inventory and, because of stoichiometric constrains, lead to net N losses. Contrary to current notion, a balanced N inventory requires a regional separation of N sources and sinks. This can be brought about by factors that reduce the growth of diazotrophs, such as iron, or by factors that affect the fate of the fixed nitrogen remineralization, such as dissolved organic matter dynamics. In light of our findings we suggest that spatial arrangements of N sinks and sources have to be accounted for in addition to individual rate estimates for reconstructing past, evaluating present and predicting future marine N inventory imbalances.