Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and Optimization of a Coherent Beamforming Network for an Aperiodic Concentric Ring Array

In this work, a flexible and reconfigurable feeding network design for a nonuniform aperture on circular concentric ring arrays is proposed and analyzed. The network subsystem delivers coherent in-phase outputs with a Gaussian-like amplitude distribution, in a modular and basic topology based on sets of alternated power combiners and dividers. A complete antenna system in a monobeam configuration with a coherent network based on grouped inputs (blocks) per ring for an aperiodic concentric ring array with beam scanning and beam shaping properties is synthesized and analyzed. Additionally, a comparative analysis based on nonuniform and uniform concentric ring arrays fed by the proposed coherent network configuration is conducted and assessed. The optimization of the aperiodic layout on the antenna aperture (radii and interelement antenna spacings) is done by the differential evolution algorithm. Numeric experimentation demonstrates the performance advantages and capabilities of the proposed coherent network configuration with a nonuniform aperture over its uniform counterpart, with an improvement in average equal to −8.7 dB of side lobe level and 3.9 dB of directivity. Furthermore, the numeric examples show a complexity reduction on the coherent feeding network configuration based on the number of control signal inputs compared with a conventional phased antenna array; in the proposed configuration, the main beam is steered and shaped with N-1 control feeding ports per ring in this antenna system.
Puf Mediates Translation Repression of Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Candidates in Malaria Parasites

Translational control of gene expression plays an essential role in development. In malaria parasites, translational regulation is critical during the development of specialized transition stages between the vertebrate host and mosquito vector. Here we show that a Pumilio/FBF (Puf) family RNA-binding protein, PfPuf2, is required for the translation repression of a number of transcripts in gametocytes including two genes encoding the transmission-blocking vaccine candidates Pfs25 and Pfs28. Whereas studies to date support a paradigm of Puf-mediated translation regulation through 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs, this study, for the first time, identifies a functional Puf-binding element (PBE) in the 5′UTR of pfs25. We provide both in vitro and in vivo evidence to demonstrate that PfPuf2 binds to the PBEs in pfs25 and pfs28 to mediate translation repression. This finding provides a renewed view of Pufs as versatile translation regulators and sheds light on their functions in the development of lower branches of eukaryotes.
Influence of 4‐ and 6‐color flow cytometers and acquisition/analysis softwares on the determination of lymphocyte subsets in HIV infection

Lymphocyte immunophenotyping provides valuable information for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with cellular immunodeficiencies, such as HIV/AIDS. In this study, we have assessed the influence of 4‐color and 6‐color flow cytometers, and respective analytical softwares on the enumeration of lymphocytes in HIV infected individuals.
Immigration Detention and the Territoriality of Universal Rights

Deportation and detention of unwanted foreigners make clear what state sovereignty is about, both with regard to its aspect of monopolist violence and with regard to its claim to determine the “inside” from the “outside. ” Ultimately, the indiscriminate detention of unwanted foreigners under conditions that seem in flagrant violation of some of the very values that supposedly underpin liberal Western democracies, makes painfully clear that the modern discourse of human rights has not been able to live up to its universal aspirations. The aim of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, it seeks to elucidate the relationship between territoriality, sovereignty and immigration detention. Put differently, what does the immigration prison tell us about the contemporary organization of the global political system and present forms of state power? On the other hand, it explains the related issue of the impotency of the international human rights discourse when it comes to the imprisonment of thousands of people under exceptional conditions, not on account of what they have done, but on account of what they are. Hannah Arendt’s observations on the “perplexities of the rights of man” (Arendt 1976: 291-302) have retained their validity, exemplified as they are in the contemporary immigration prison, and as such they will prove particularly valuable in order to contextualize the two specific concerns of this chapter.
Global Sliding Mode Control with Adaptive Fuzzy Chattering Free Method for Nonlinear System

A novel fuzzy global sliding mode control (FGSMC) scheme is proposed for position tracking of a class of second-order nonlinear uncertain system. In the proposed scheme, we integrate input-output linearization technique to cancel the nonlinearities. By designing global sliding mode surface, the proposed scheme eliminates reaching phase problem so that the closed-loop system always shows invariance property to parameter uncertainties. Fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate the unknown system functions and switch item. Robust adaptive law is proposed to reduce approximation errors between true nonlinear functions and fuzzy systems, thus chattering phenomenon can be eliminated. Stability of the proposed control scheme is proved and the scheme is applied to an inverted pendulum system. Simulation studies are provided to confirm performance and effectiveness of the proposed control approach
Adaptive Selection of Surviving Symbol Replica Candidates for Quasi-Maximum Likelihood Detection Using M-Algorithm with QR-Decomposition for OFDM MIMO Multiplexing

This paper proposes an adaptive selection algorithm for the surviving symbol replica candidates (ASESS) based on the maximum reliability in maximum likelihood detection with QR decomposition and the M-algorithm (QRM-MLD) for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multiplexing. In the proposed algorithm, symbol replica candidates newly-added at each stage are ranked for each surviving symbol replica from the previous stage using multiple quadrant detection. Then, branch metrics are calculated only for the minimum number of symbol replica candidates with a high level of reliability using an iterative loop based on symbol ranking results. Computer simulation results show that the computational complexity of the QRM-MLD employing the proposed ASESS algorithm is reduced to approximately 1/4 and 1/1200 compared to that of the original QRM-MLD and that of the conventional MLD with squared Euclidian distance calculations for all symbol replica candidates, respectively, assuming the identical achievable average packet error rate (PER) performance in 4-by-4 MIMO multiplexing with 16QAM data modulation. The results also show that 1-Gbps throughput is achieved at the average received signal energy per bit-to-noise power spectrum density ratio (Eb/N0) per receiver antenna of approximately 9dB using the ASESS algorithm in QRM-MLD associated with 16QAM modulation and Turbo coding with the coding rate of 8/9 assuming a 100-MHz bandwidth for a 12-path Rayleigh fading channel (root mean square (r.m.s.) delay spread of 0. 26µs and maximum Doppler frequency of 20Hz).
ASSET-BASED ALTERNATIVES IN SOCIAL POLICY

The modern American welfare state, initiated under Franklin Roosevelt during the 1930s and augmented under Lyndon Johnson during the 1960s, has been a sweeping, remarkable social innovation. The welfare state has achieved countless victories of caring over indifference, many of which we today take for granted. Although not perfect, social welfare policy has creatively, sometimes courageously, met the needs of the aged, the ill, the disabled and the economically vulnerable. For 40 or 50 years, the American welfare state was largely a success.
CutA Divalent Cation Tolerance Homolog (Escherichia coli) (CUTA) Regulates β-Cleavage of β-Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) through Interacting with β-Site APP Cleaving Protein 1 (BACE1)*

Background: The function of the CutA divalent cation tolerance homolog (Escherichia coli) (CUTA) is largely unknown. Results: CUTA has several isoforms, and the longest interacts with BACE1, regulates intracellular trafficking of BACE1, and affects Aβ generation. Conclusion: CUTA is a novel BACE1-interacting protein and regulates the β-cleavage of APP. Significance: CUTA may play a role in Alzheimer disease. Accumulation of the neurotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide in the brain is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Aβ is derived from the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) through sequential cleavages by β- and γ-secretases, and the production of Aβ is greatly affected by the subcellular localization of these factors. CUTA, the mammalian CutA divalent cation tolerance homolog (E. coli), has been proposed to mediate acetylcholinesterase activity and copper homeostasis, which are important in Alzheimer disease pathology. However, the exact function of CUTA remains largely unclear. Here we show that human CUTA has several variants that differ in their N-terminal length and are separated as heavy (H) and light (L) components. The H component has the longest N terminus and is membrane-associated, whereas the L component is N-terminally truncated at various sites and localized in the cytosol. Importantly, we demonstrate that the H component of CUTA interacts through its N terminus with the transmembrane domain of β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), the putative β-secretase, mainly in the Golgi/trans-Golgi network. Overexpression and RNA interference knockdown of CUTA can reduce and increase BACE1-mediated APP processing/Aβ secretion, respectively. RNA interference of CUTA decelerates intracellular trafficking of BACE1 from the Golgi/trans-Golgi network to the cell surface and reduces the steady-state level of cell surface BACE1. Our results identify the H component of CUTA as a novel BACE1-interacting protein that mediates the intracellular trafficking of BACE1 and the processing of APP to Aβ.
A Comparison Review of the Resonant Gate Driver in the Silicon MOSFET and the GaN Transistor Application

The increasing transistor power loss brought by the high switching frequency places a limit to the future high power density converter design. A review of resonant gate drivers is given in this paper to provide a vision for its future application. Various resonant gate driver topologies from the prior-art research is categorized and thoroughly compared in terms of the implementation frequency and the percentage gate driver loss reduction. Moreover, a case study of two representative resonant gate driver topologies is given. The conventional gate drive and two resonant gate drivers are implemented to driver Silicon MOSFETs and Gallium Nitride transistors, respectively. The feasibility and effectiveness of implementing resonant gate drivers in wide-bandgap semiconductor transistors is discussed according to a detailed comparison of loss decomposition.
Research on the structure and measurement of Virtual Enterprise knowledge network capability

Combining with the characteristics of Virtual Enterprises, this paper is researched on the knowledge network capability (KNC) of the Virtual Enterprises. By analysing the knowledge network facing with four perspectives challenges, we divided the knowledge network capability into four dimensions, including knowledge-network planning capability, knowledge-network building capability, knowledge-network running capability and knowledge-network reconstruction capability. We build a theoretical framework, forming a dynamic system, which can promote the innovation of Virtual Enterprise. Then we used empirical research to confirm the structure. The structure consists of 4dimensions, 8 sub-dimensions and 25 items. This paper shows that the composition of the Virtual Enterprise knowledge network capacity help Virtual Enterprises get better management. The system raised by this paper can promote the innovation of Virtual Enterprise to adapt to the market better. Then we proposed several strategies of improving knowledge network capacity to help Virtual enterprises get better management.
Controlled local drug delivery strategies from chitosan hydrogels for wound healing

ABSTRACT Introduction: The main target of tissue engineering is the preparation and application of adequate materials for the design and production of scaffolds, that possess properties promoting cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The use of natural polysaccharides, such as chitosan, to prepare hydrogels for wound healing and controlled drug delivery is a research topic of wide and increasing interest. Areas covered: This review presents the latest results and challenges in the preparation of chitosan and chitosan-based scaffold/hydrogel for wound healing applications. A detailed overview of their behavior in terms of controlled drug delivery, divided by drug categories, and efficacy was provided and critically discussed. Expert opinion: The need to establish and exploit the advantages of natural biomaterials in combination with active compounds is playing a pivotal role in the regenerative medicine fields. The challenges posed by the many variables affecting tissue repair and regeneration need to be standardized and adhere to recognized guidelines to improve the quality of evidence in the wound healing process. Currently, different methodologies are followed to prepare innovative scaffold formulations and structures. Innovative technologies such as 3D printing or bio-electrospray are promising to create chitosan-based scaffolds with finely controlled structures with customizable shape porosity and thickness. Chitosan scaffolds could be designed in combination with a variety of polysaccharides or active compounds with selected and reproducible spacial distribution, providing active wound dressing with highly tunable controlled drug delivery.
Genomic Signature of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Isolates Related to a Massive Outbreak in Zambia between 2010 and 2012

ABSTRACT Retrospectively, we investigated the epidemiology of a massive Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi outbreak in Zambia during 2010 to 2012. Ninety-four isolates were susceptibility tested by MIC determinations. Whole-genome sequence typing (WGST) of 33 isolates and bioinformatic analysis identified the multilocus sequence type (MLST), haplotype, plasmid replicon, antimicrobial resistance genes, and genetic relatedness by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and genomic deletions. The outbreak affected 2,040 patients, with a fatality rate of 0.5%. Most (83.0%) isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). The isolates belonged to MLST ST1 and a new variant of the haplotype, H58B. Most isolates contained a chromosomally translocated region containing seven antimicrobial resistance genes, catA1, bla TEM-1, dfrA7, sul1, sul2, strA, and strB, and fragments of the incompatibility group Q1 (IncQ1) plasmid replicon, the class 1 integron, and the mer operon. The genomic analysis revealed 415 SNP differences overall and 35 deletions among 33 of the isolates subjected to whole-genome sequencing. In comparison with other genomes of H58, the Zambian isolates separated from genomes from Central Africa and India by 34 and 52 SNPs, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that 32 of the 33 isolates sequenced belonged to a tight clonal group distinct from other H58 genomes included in the study. The small numbers of SNPs identified within this group are consistent with the short-term transmission that can be expected over a period of 2 years. The phylogenetic analysis and deletions suggest that a single MDR clone was responsible for the outbreak, during which occasional other S. Typhi lineages, including sensitive ones, continued to cocirculate. The common view is that the emerging global S. Typhi haplotype, H58B, containing the MDR IncHI1 plasmid is responsible for the majority of typhoid infections in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa; we found that a new variant of the haplotype harboring a chromosomally translocated region containing the MDR islands of IncHI1 plasmid has emerged in Zambia. This could change the perception of the term “classical MDR typhoid” currently being solely associated with the IncHI1 plasmid. It might be more common than presently thought that S. Typhi haplotype H58B harbors the IncHI1 plasmid or a chromosomally translocated MDR region or both.
An improved multiobjective memetic algorithm for permutation flow shop scheduling

This paper addresses a multiobjective scheduling problem in the permutation flow shop. The objectives are to minimize makespan and total flow time. The proposed approach is based on the framework of memetic algorithm, which is known as a hybrid of genetic algorithm and local search. The local search procedure is an iterative process repeating neighbor generation, neighbor evaluation, and neighbor selection. We take a problem-specific heuristic for neighbor generation and propose several strategies for neighbor evaluation and neighbor selection. Archive injection (adding non-dominated solutions to the population) is another issue under investigation. We examine the effects of the proposed strategies through experiments using forty widely used problem instances with different scales. We also evaluate the proposed approach by comparing it with other twenty-six ones in terms of three performance metrics. Our approach outperforms all benchmarks and updates a large portion of the sets of best known non-dominated solutions for large-scale instances.
EmPower: FPGA based emulation of dynamic power management algorithms for multi-core systems on chip (abstract only)

Dynamic power management for multi-core system on chip (MPSoC) platforms has become an increasingly critical design problem. In this paper, we present EmPower, an FPGA based emulation, validation and prototyping framework for dynamic power management research targeted at MPSoC platforms. EmPower supports two advanced power management features -- per-core dynamic frequency scaling and clock gating, and power-aware thread migration. We also provide two fully-functional parallel applications for benchmarking -- video encoding and software-defined radio. Our experimental results indicate that EmPower provides up to 36 -- improvement in run-time compared to cycle-accurate software simulations, and enables accurate and efficient exploration of the design space of power management algorithms.
The Assembly of GM1 Glycolipid- and Cholesterol-Enriched Raft-Like Membrane Microdomains Is Important for Giardial Encystation

ABSTRACT Although encystation (or cyst formation) is an important step of the life cycle of Giardia, the cellular events that trigger encystation are poorly understood. Because membrane microdomains are involved in inducing growth and differentiation in many eukaryotes, we wondered if these raft-like domains are assembled by this parasite and participate in the encystation process. Since the GM1 ganglioside is a major constituent of mammalian lipid rafts (LRs) and known to react with cholera toxin B (CTXB), we used Alexa Fluor-conjugated CTXB and GM1 antibodies to detect giardial LRs. Raft-like structures in trophozoites are located in the plasma membranes and on the periphery of ventral discs. In cysts, however, they are localized in the membranes beneath the cyst wall. Nystatin and filipin III, two cholesterol-binding agents, and oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a viral neuraminidase inhibitor, disassembled the microdomains, as evidenced by reduced staining of trophozoites with CTXB and GM1 antibodies. GM1- and cholesterol-enriched LRs were isolated from Giardia by density gradient centrifugation and found to be sensitive to nystatin and oseltamivir. The involvement of LRs in encystation could be supported by the observation that raft inhibitors interrupted the biogenesis of encystation-specific vesicles and cyst production. Furthermore, culturing of trophozoites in dialyzed medium containing fetal bovine serum (which is low in cholesterol) reduced raft assembly and encystation, which could be rescued by adding cholesterol from the outside. Our results suggest that Giardia is able to form GM1- and cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts and these raft domains are important for encystation.
Shocks and Stocks: A Bottom-up Assessment of the Relationship Between Oil Prices, Gasoline Prices and the Returns of Chinese Firms

Oil price shocks are known to affect the financial sector of the economy, due to the inflationary effects, and increasing costs of doing business they create. Though oil-shocks and financial markets are widely researched, there remains scope for deeper understanding using firm level data. We therefore contribute to the literature by extending widely applied multi-factor asset pricing models to a sample of 963 Chinese firms (between 2005-2013) to (i) systematically evaluate their reactions to oil price shocks, and (ii) further include regulated gasoline prices as a more direct measure of the energy-prices faced by firms. 89.2% of firms are susceptible to oil shocks, with positive and negative reactions observed even for firms within the same industry. Gasoline price shocks are more pervasive, affecting 95.7% of firms. Considering oil and gasoline separately allows us to review gasoline price regulation in China, which ultimately appears ineffective in achieving its intended goals.
A review of affective user-centered design for video games

In recent years, there have been increasing interests in the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) towards gaming. Due to the competitive industry and high demand for novelty in today's world, gaming has now become a valuable and stimulating research setting for HCI researchers to study its interface and interaction design, input devices, graphical user interface, social communication and development processes. Video games have advanced technologically and visually, and seem to demand greater levels of engagement from their users. The degree of interaction designed into a game is vital to effectively generate a constructive or destructive player (user) experience. The success of the gaming industry has bred a desire to accurately understand and measure player responses to video gaming, thus making video games a perfect test-bed for HCI explorations. This paper will attempt to address and review the literature on affective user-centered design principles, elements and methodologies that are applicable in video games.
Applying the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition to the Adoption of Kanban Systems at Software Engineering Professionals (SEP)

In 2004, SEP tried adopting Agile practices. However, Agile failed to have the desired lasting impact across the entire organization. Things changed in 2007, when SEP implemented a kanban system for the first time. Kanban created an effective means for institutionalization of Lean by providing a unique method of discovering and learning practices and principles. Upon examining multiple teams using kanban systems it was apparent that teams followed similar patterns of adoption and learning. They appeared to follow the Dreyfus Model for Skill Acquisition.