Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel method for the low autocorrelation OFDM chirp waveform

Waveforms with low autocorrelation(AC) are desired in many communication or signal processing applications. Because of high PAPR and high autocorrelation analysis in the traditional OFDM chirp signal, we present a convex optimization method for design and synthesize the OFDM chirp waveforms. Furthermore, based on the Gerchberg-Saxton(GS) algorithm, we optimize our method and minimized the peak sidelobe level (PSL) and weighted sum of sidelobe levels(WSSL). Using the optimal solution for the relaxed convex problem, we present an efficient algorithm to find sequences with low PAPR and low autocorrelation.
Identifying spam without peeking at the contents

Currently available solutions attempt to filter out spam based on analyzing the contents of the message and calculating a score to indicate the 'spami-ness' of the message. However, users can typically identify their junk email without having to open and read the contents of the specific message. In this article, we outline the general problem, review current options, and propose a new user-level behavior model to identify spam messages. We show the performance of this approach and discuss some applications and future directions.
Measuring psychological stress and strain at work - Evaluation of the COPSOQ Questionnaire in Germany

The undisputed increase of the relevance of mental work load is confronted with a lack of qualified or at least well documented measuring instruments covering all important aspects. The COPSOQ (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire), a comprehensive instrument for the assessment of psychosocial factors at work, was tested in a partly modified version in a large German sample (N = 2561 employees). The aims of the study were the detailed investigation of the psychometric measurement properties, and based on these results, the development of an abbreviated version of the instrument. The analysis of objectivity, acceptance, practicability, sensitivity and content validity of the questionnaire as a whole did not show any problematic results – with some limitations regarding the length of the questionnaire. The assessment of the reliability, generalisability, construct validity, criterion validity and diagnostic power of the single scales showed medium to good measuring qualities for the majority of the scales (i.e. Cronbach’s alpha mostly >0.7). In addition, the psychometric properties were very similar to those in the Danish COPSOQ-study. Considering all aspects of the measurement quality, a shortened version of the instrument was created. It attempts to combine measuring qualities as high as possible with a number of questions as low as possible. The German COPSOQ questionnaire is a free screening-instrument for the recording of psychosocial work load and strain for all enterprises and organisations interested. The next step is the construction of a "job exposure matrix" for psychosocial factors at work, that means a central database with work load profiles and reference values for as many occupational groups as possible.
A novel LNA-mixer design with on-chip balun

In this paper, the design and application of an on-chip transformer balun for RFIC has presented. Single-ended primary and differential secondary are constructed without using three individual windings for simple layout. Besides, this new topology has the same physical common visual ground point for second winding, which eliminates imbalance due to potential difference at the ground from conventional trifilar. Furthermore, this new on-chip balun is successfully applied in the integration of 5.8-GHz LNA-mixer implemented on SiGe 0.35-mum BiCMOS process then achieves 4.15-dB noise figure (NF), 34.61-dB conversion gain, and -9.5-dBm input third-order intercept-point with low power consumption of 9-mW
Site-Directed Mutagenesis of a Hyperthermophilic Endoglucanase Cel12B from Thermotoga maritima Based on Rational Design

To meet the demand for the application of high activity and thermostable cellulases in the production of new-generation bioethanol from nongrain-cellulose sources, a hyperthermostable β-1,4-endoglucase Cel12B from Thermotoga maritima was selected for further modification by gene site-directed mutagenesis method in the present study, based on homology modeling and rational design. As a result, two recombinant enzymes showed significant improvement in enzyme activity by 77% and 87%, respectively, higher than the parental enzyme TmCel12B. Furthermore, the two mutants could retain 80% and 90.5% of their initial activity after incubation at 80°C for 8 h, while only 45% for 5 h to TmCel12B. The K m and V max of the two recombinant enzymes were 1.97±0.05 mM, 4.23±0.15 μmol·mg-1·min-1 of TmCel12B-E225H-K207G-D37V, and 2.97±0.12 mM, 3.15±0.21 μmol·mg-1·min-1 of TmCel12B-E225H-K207G, respectively, when using CMC-Na as the substrate. The roles of the mutation sites were also analyzed and evaluated in terms of electron density, hydrophobicity of the modeled protein structures. The recombinant enzymes may be used in the hydrolysis of cellulose at higher temperature in the future. It was concluded that the gene mutagenesis approach of a certain active residues may effectively improve the performance of cellulases for the industrial applications and contribute to the study the thermostable mechanism of thermophilic enzymes.
Three-axis force visualizing system for fiberscopes utilizing highly elastic fabric

This paper presents a novel force sensing system for fiberscopes. The key features of the system are its low cost, high resolution, small size, and ability to measure three-dimensional force. A previous study described a novel force sensing system that could be attached to a very thin fiberscope, based on a force visualization mechanism utilizing panty stocking fabric - a highly elastic material. However, this system measures force in only one direction. In this paper, the system is extended to measure forces in any of three directions. The system is targeted for application to neurosurgical examinations. It may also be useful for other medical and non-medical examinations that involve the use of fiberscopes.
MMSE weight for single-carrier overlap FDE

Overlap frequency-domain equalization (FDE) requires no cyclic prefix (CP) insertion. In this paper, a new minimum mean square error (MMSE) weight is derived for the overlap FDE. In the previous paper, the MMSE weight for overlap FDE is derived by approximating the IBI as a white Gaussian variable. However, the IBI is an independent colored noise. We derive a new MMSE weight by taking into account this fact. We evaluate the bit error rate (BER) performance by computer simulation, and show that overlap FDE using the newly derived MMSE weight reduces the residual inter-symbol interference (ISI) more and hence, improves the BER performance.
Comparison between Slow Freezing and Vitrification in Terms of Ovarian Tissue Viability in a Bovine Model

Abstract Objective To assess the viability of bovine ovarian tissue after cryopreservation through either slow freezing or vitrification, and to compare it to that of control tissue by performing morphological analyses. Methods The study included 20 bovine ovarian cortex fragments that were divided into control, vitrification, and slow freezing groups. Each group consisted of four fragments of the same ovary, two fixed without cultivation, and two fixed with cultivation. Tissues were evaluated based on follicular morphology immediately after heating and after 7 days of culture, and compared with the control group. Results A total of 240 fragments were analyzed, generating a sample of 1,344 follicles without cultivation and 552 with cultivation. When the non-cultivated samples were classified as non-atretic follicles, 572 were found in the control group, 289 in the vitrification group, and 373 in the slow freezing group, showing no significant differences. When classified as atretic, 46 follicles were found in the control group, 23 in the vitrification group, and 41 in the slow freezing group, also showing no statistical difference. In the post-culture sample, an evolution of the follicular stages could be observed. This finding was important to support that the follicles considered non-atretic in the non-cultivated group were actually viable in the morphological evaluation. Conclusion With no differences between the protocols, vitrification was shown to be an advanced and alternative method for patients who will undergo treatments that carry the risk of ovarian failure, as the method is less expensive, faster, and more adaptable to laboratory routine.
Recurrent sampling models

Hierarchical probabilistic synthesis and analysis models have recently been suggested as architectures for performing density estimation. Strict hierarchies makes it easy to evaluate generative or synthetic probabilities. However, both theoretical and neurobiological considerations weigh in favour of integrating lateral influences within a layer together with top-down and bottom up influences from lower and higher layers. This is known to be computationally tricky. We suggest a new recurrent sampling model and show that has the appropriate structure and behaviour for the analysis model for linear and Gaussian factor analysis. Then we extend this model to the case of binary stochastic units. Finally, we comment on the more general use of this model.
Correction: A Multi-country Study of the Household Willingness-to-Pay for Dengue Vaccines: Household Surveys in Vietnam, Thailand, and Colombia

1 International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea, 2 Department of Tropical Pediatrics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, 3 National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam, 4 Khanh Hoa Health Services, Nha Trang, Vietnam, 5 Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia, 6 Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Collective Action Dynamics in Urban Neighborhoods: A Study of Urban Community Gardens

OF THE DISSERTATION A Dissertation on the Collective Action Dynamics in Urban Neighborhoods: A Study of Urban Community Gardens by Nishesh Chalise Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Washington University in St. Louis, 2015 Professor Gautam Yadama, Chair Lessons from various policies and programs both in the United States and international development have led to a knowledge base concluding that an engaged community is a critical component for developing a thriving community. This is based on a premise that even in the modernized world community still has a role to play along with government and the market in their own development. Community’s role is further highlighted in areas such as low income urban neighborhoods where both the government and the market may not be able to fulfill all the needs. Research has followed by trying to understand why people engage in community activities. Studies have highlighted various individual and organizational attributes that motivate people to engage. Most studies take a linear view and don’t take into account how the dynamics of internal processes and external environment may affect motivation over time. Without a dynamic perspective, it is difficult to understand what sustains community engagement. Not only engagement, but sustained engagement, is critical to accrue benefits for both individual and the community. This study is designed to shed light into that very question: what are the processes that lead to sustained or eroding engagement over time? The study was conducted in the empirical context of community gardens in a low income urban neighborhood. Key informant interviews were conducted with gardeners from different community gardens in the neighborhood. The data was used to understand the context for the establishment of the gardens. The data was also used to revise a system dynamics model that was previously built based on theories of collective action, community garden literature, and other models. The system dynamics approach entails creating a structure of feedback loops, creating a computer model based on that structure, and analyzing the simulation results to understand the relationship between the structure and the behavior it produces. Based on the narratives, the model had eight main structures: gardeners, land, activities, quality of community garden, rules, trust, social relationships, and partners. The interaction between these sectors was based on several feedback loops which were grounded in the narrative. The model was able to produce both sustained and eroding community engagement. Among others, developing partnerships and how the various attribute of the garden such as quality, amount of work, and social relationships played an important role in sustaining
Aquaazido{2,2′-[o-phenylenebis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenolato}manganese(III) hemihydrate

In the title compound, [Mn(C20H14N2O2)(N3)(H2O)]·0.5H2O, the MnIII ion is chelated by the N,N′,O,O′-tetradentate Schiff base ligand and further coordinated by one azide ion and one water molecule in trans positions, resulting in a distorted fac-MnN3O3 octahedral arrangement. The O atom of the uncoordinated water molecule lies on a crystallographic twofold axis. In the crystal, O—H⋯O and O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds help to establish the packing.
Empirical Analyses of Industry Stock Index Return Distributions for the Taiwan Stock Exchange

We study the daily return distributions for 22 industry stock indexes on the Tai-wan Stock Exchange under the unconditional homoskedastic independent, identically distributed and the conditional heteroskedastic GARCH models. Two distribution hypotheses are tested: the Gaussian and the stable Paretian distributions. The performance of the stable Paretian distribution is better than that of the Gaussian distribution. A back-testing example is provided to give evidence on the superiority of the stable ARMA-GARCH to the normal ARMA-GARCH.
Marrubium vulgare L. methanolic extract inhibits inflammatory response and prevents cardiomyocyte fibrosis in isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction in rats

Introduction: Nowadays, finding new therapeutic compounds from natural products for treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases including cardiovascular disorders is getting a great deal of attention. This approach would result in finding new drugs which are more effective and have fewer side effects than the conventional medicines. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the methanolic extract of Marrubiumvulgare, a popular traditional medicinal herb, on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rat model. Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups of control, sham, isoproterenol, and treatment with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/12h of the extract given orally concurrent with MI induction. A subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (100 mg/kg/day) for two consecutive days was used to induce MI. Then, histopathological changes and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Results: Isoproterenol injection increased inflammatory response, as shown by a significant increase in peripheral neutrophil count, myocardial myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and serum levels of creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and TNF-α (p<0.001). In the groups treated with 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg of M.vulgare extract serum CK-MB was subsided by 55.4%, 52.2% and 69%, respectively. Also treatment with the extract (40 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p<0.001) MPO activity in MI group. The levels of TNF-α was also considerably declined in the serums of MI group (p<0.001). In addition, peripheral neutrophil count, was significantly lowered by all doses of the extract (p<0.001). Interstitial fibrosis significantly was attenuated in treated groups compared with control MI group. Conclusion: The results of study demonstrate that the M. vulgare extract has strong protective effects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction and it seems possible that this protection is due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Puberty and bone development.

Puberty has a key role for bone development. Skeletal mass approximately doubles at the end of adolescence. The main determinants of pubertal gain of bone mass are the sex steroids, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors (by their effects on bone and muscle mass), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (by stimulating calcium absorption and retention) and muscle mass (by regulating modelling/remodelling thresholds). Calcium intake is an additional factor influencing bone formation. The interactions among these factors are undefined. The accrual of bone mass during puberty is a major determinant of peak bone mass and, thereby, of the risk of osteoporotic fractures during advanced age.
Expression of microbial virulence proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae models mammalian infection

Bacterial virulence proteins that are translocated into eukaryotic cells were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to model human infection. The subcellular localization patterns of these proteins in yeast paralleled those previously observed during mammalian infection, including localization to the nucleus and plasma membrane. Localization of Salmonella SspA in yeast provided the first evidence that SspA interacts with actin in living cells. In many cases, expression of the bacterial virulence proteins conferred genetically exploitable growth phenotypes. In this way, Yersinia YopE toxicity was demonstrated to be linked to its Rho GTPase activating protein activity. YopE blocked polarization of the yeast cytoskeleton and cell cycle progression, while SspA altered polarity and inhibited depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton. These activities are consistent with previously proposed or demonstrated effects on higher eukaryotes and provide new insights into the roles of these proteins in pathogenesis: SspA in directing formation of membrane ruffles and YopE in arresting cell division. Thus, study of bacterial virulence proteins in yeast is a powerful system to determine functions of these proteins, probe eukaryotic cellular processes and model mammalian infection.
Transcriptional Profiling of Midgut Immunity Response and Degeneration in the Wandering Silkworm, Bombyx mori

Background Lepidoptera insects have a novel development process comprising several metamorphic stages during their life cycle compared with vertebrate animals. Unlike most Lepidoptera insects that live on nectar during the adult stage, the Bombyx mori silkworm adults do not eat anything and die after egg-laying. In addition, the midguts of Lepidoptera insects produce antimicrobial proteins during the wandering stage when the larval tissues undergo numerous changes. The exact mechanisms responsible for these phenomena remain unclear. Principal Findings We used the silkworm as a model and performed genome-wide transcriptional profiling of the midgut between the feeding stage and the wandering stage. Many genes concerned with metabolism, digestion, and ion and small molecule transportation were down-regulated during the wandering stage, indicating that the wandering stage midgut loses its normal functions. Microarray profiling, qRT-PCR and western blot proved the production of antimicrobial proteins (peptides) in the midgut during the wandering stage. Different genes of the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway were up-regulated during the wandering stage. However, some key genes belonging to the Toll pathway showed no change in their transcription levels. Unlike butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae), the midgut of silkworm moth has a layer of cells, indicating that the development of midgut since the wandering stage is not usual. Cell division in the midgut was observed only for a short time during the wandering stage. However, there was extensive cell apoptosis before pupation. The imbalance of cell division and apoptosis probably drives the continuous degeneration of the midgut in the silkworm since the wandering stage. Conclusions This study provided an insight into the mechanism of the degeneration of the silkworm midgut and the production of innate immunity-related proteins during the wandering stage. The imbalance of cell division and apoptosis induces irreversible degeneration of the midgut. The Imd pathway probably regulates the production of antimicrobial peptides in the midgut during the wandering stage.
Extrahepatic synthesis of lipoproteins of plasma and chyle: role of the intestine.

Several groups of investigators (1-3) have shown that the protein portion of the plasma lipo-proteins of the rat can be synthesized by the liver. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether any lipoprotein synthesis can occur in the absence of the liver. Previous work by Bragdon (4) and by Rodbell, Fredrickson, and Ono (5) has suggested intestinal synthesis of lipoproteins. Since their studies were carried out in intact animals, however, the liver could not be excluded as a source of these proteins. We have therefore measured the synthesis of the protein component of the lipoproteins of chyle and plasma in hepatectomized dogs. Methods Male mongrel dogs weighing 12 to 18.5 kg were fasted for 18 hours before operation. The dogs were anesthe-tized with pentobarbital (35 mg per kg iv). The following types of preparations were used: a) hepatecto-mized dogs, b) hepatectomized dogs with thoracic duct fistulas, c) eviscerated dogs, and d) an anesthetized normal control.
Risk Preferences in Choices for Self and Others: Meta Analysis and Research Directions

Are we more inclined to take risks for ourselves rather than on someone else’s behalf? The current study reviews and summarizes 28 effects from 18 studies (n=4,784). Across all studies, choices for others were significantly more risk-averse than choices for self (d=0.15, p=0.012). Two objective features of the choices moderated these effects: potential losses and reciprocal relationships. First, self-other differences in risk preferences were significant in the presence of potential losses (k=14, d=0.33, p
Creativity, Within Reason

Human reasoning and creativity represent perhaps the two highest evolutionary reaches of cognition. These two capacities are distinct from each other, but research on creativity in analogical reasoning has identified a point of convergence between them at one of the farthest forward and most recently evolved reaches of the brain. Analogy is a form of relational cognition because analogies form connections that relate otherwise separate concepts. Quantitative tools for measuring the semantic distance between concepts have advanced the measurement of creativity in relational cognition (more creative relational cognition forms connections across greater semantic distance). These tools are especially useful for the emerging neuroscience of creativity. I describe this semantic-distance approach and how it is being leveraged in my laboratory and elsewhere to investigate not only differences in creative ability between individuals but also creativity as a dynamic state that varies across time within an individual.
The design of wideband transformer-coupled 90-nm CMOS power amplifier for V-band application

A millimeter-wave fully differential power amplifier with broadband performance was implemented in 90-nm CMOS technology. The proposed circuit employed a three-dimensional layout for a cascode power cell to reduce the sensitive parasitic effect. The proposed power amplifier provides a 3-dB bandwidth region ranging from 44.7 to 58.8 GHz, with a maximum small-signal gain of 21.6 dB at 49 GHz. In addition, the saturation output power and maximum power-added efficiency are more than 12.6 dBm and 7.1% within the 3-dB bandwidth region, respectively.