Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing Robustness of Network Coding Using Non-Orthogonal Decode-and-Forward Protocol

This paper investigates the effect of non-orthogonal decode-and-forward (NDF) relaying scheme in wireless network coding environments. It is well known that network coding is effective to improve overall network performance, but because of error propagation, it may not be always advantageous under a hostile wireless channel. To mitigate error propagation, we adopt NDF relaying scheme in wireless network coding, which allows the source to keep on transmitting the same signal when the relay cooperates to forward the network-coded signal. By NDF relay scheme, SNR of the link between source and destination nodes can be increased, which results in reduced number of errors through the link. Simulation results show that network coding with NDF relay scheme average packet error rate performance as well as goodput in wireless butterfly network.
Divalent Metal Cations Potentiate the Predatory Capacity of Amoeba for Cryptococcus neoformans

ABSTRACT Among the best-studied interactions between soil phagocytic predators and a human-pathogenic fungus is that of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Cryptococcus neoformans. The experimental conditions used in amoeba-fungus confrontation assays can have major effects on whether the fungus or the protozoan is ascendant in the interaction. In the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), C. neoformans was consistently killed when incubated with A. castellanii. A. castellanii survived better in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+, even when incubated with C. neoformans. In the absence of Mg2+ and Ca2+, C. neoformans survived when incubated with A. castellanii, and the percentage of dead amoebae was higher than when incubated without yeast cells. These results show that the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ can make a decisive contribution toward tilting the outcome of the interaction in favor of the amoeba. Of the two metals, Mg2+ had a stronger effect than Ca2+. The cations enhanced A. castellanii activity against C. neoformans via enhanced phagocytosis, which is the major mechanism by which amoebae kill fungal cells. We found no evidence that amoebae use extracellular killing mechanisms in their interactions with C. neoformans. In summary, the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ enhanced the cell adhesion on the surfaces and the motility of the amoeba, thus increasing the chance for contact with C. neoformans and the frequency of phagocytosis. Our findings imply that the divalent cation concentration in soils could be an important variable for whether amoebae can control C. neoformans in the environment. IMPORTANCE The grazing of soil organisms by phagocytic predators such as amoebae is thought to select for traits that enable some of them to acquire the capacity for virulence in animals. Consequently, knowledge about the interactions between amoebae and soil microbes, such as pathogenic fungi, is important for understanding how virulence can emerge. We show that the interaction between an amoeba and the pathogenic fungus C. neoformans is influenced by the presence in the assay of magnesium and calcium, which potentiate amoebae. The results may also have practical applications, since enriching soils with divalent cations may reduce C. neoformans numbers in contaminated soils.
Differentiated and dose-related cardiovascular effects of a dual endothelin receptor antagonist in endotoxin shock

Objective:To evaluate the effects of endothelin receptor antagonism on cardiac performance in endotoxin shock. Design:Prospective, experimental study. Setting:A university-affiliated research institution. Subjects:Domestic anesthetized landrace pigs. Interventions:Thirty-seven pigs were anesthetized and subjected to echocardiography, coronary sinus catheterization, and monitoring of central and regional hemodynamics in order to assess cardiac performance. All animals received endotoxin for 5 hrs. Twenty pigs served as endotoxin controls. Tezosentan, a dual endothelin-A and -B receptor antagonist, was administered during established endotoxemic shock. Seven pigs received an infusion of tezosentan of 1·mg·kg−1·hr−1 (tezo1), and an additional ten pigs received a higher dose of 10 mg·kg−1·hr−1 (tezo10). Measurements and Main Results:Endotoxemia evoked a state of shock with pulmonary hypertension and metabolic acidosis. A decrease in stroke volume and coronary perfusion pressure as well as an increase in troponin I was also noted. Tezosentan administration resulted in a significant increase in cardiac index, stroke volume index, left ventricular stroke work index, and left ventricular end-diastolic area index. Decreases in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance indexes were also evident after intervention. This was achieved without changes in heart rate or systemic arterial or pulmonary artery occlusion pressures in tezo1 animals compared with controls. In addition, metabolic variables were improved by tezosentan. These effects were sustained only in the tezo1 group. In the higher dosage, tezosentan resulted in a deterioration of cardiac performance and 50% mortality rate. The endotoxin-induced increase in troponin I was attenuated in the tezo1 group compared with controls. Conclusions:In this porcine model of volume-resuscitated, endotoxemic shock, endothelin-receptor blockade with tezosentan improved cardiac performance. However, the effect was not sustained with higher doses of tezosentan, possibly due to reduced coronary perfusion pressure. These findings show differentiated, dose-dependent effects by dual endothelin receptor blockade on endotoxin-induced cardiovascular dysfunction.
Improving the quality of NMR and crystallographic protein structures by means of a conformational database potential derived from structure databases

A new conformational database potential involving dihedral angle relationships in databases of high‐resolution highly refined protein crystal structures is presented as a method for improving the quality of structures generated from NMR data. The rationale for this procedure is based on the observation that uncertainties in the description of the nonbonded contacts present a key limiting factor in the attainable accuracy of protein NMR structures and that the nonbonded interaction terms presently used have poor discriminatory power between highland low‐probability local conformations. The idea behind the conformational database potential is to restrict sampling during simulated annealing refinement to conformations that are likely to be energetically possible by effectively limiting the choices of dihedral angles to those that are known to be physically realizable. In this manner, the variability in the structures produced by this method is primarily a function of the experimental restraints, rather than an artifact of a poor nonbonded interaction model. We tested this approach with the experimental NMR data (comprising an average of about 30 restraints per residue and consisting of interproton distances, torsion angles, 3JHNα coupling constants, and 13C chemical shifts) used previously to calculate the solution structure of reduced human thioredoxin (Qin J, Clore GM, Gronenborn AM, 1994, Structure 2:503–522). Incorporation of the conformational database potential into the target function used for refinement (which also includes terms for the experimental restraints, covalent geometry, and nonbonded interactions in the form of either a repulsive, repulsive‐attractive, or 6–12 Lennard‐Jones potential) results in a significant improvement in various quantitative measures of quality (Ramachandran plot, side‐chain torsion angles, overall packing). This is achieved without compromising the agreement with the experimental restraints and the deviations from idealized covalent geometry that remain within experimental error, and the agreement between calculated and observed 1H chemical shifts that provides an independent NMR parameter of accuracy. The method is equally applicable to crystallographic refinement, and should be particular useful during the early stages of either an NMR or crystallographic structure determination and in cases where relatively few experimental restraints can be derived from the measured data (due, for example, to broad lines in the NMR spectra or to poorly diffracting crystals).
Leveraged ETFs and CPPI-Type Strategy: Theory, Simulation and Empirical Study

Leveraged and inverse ETFs are designed to achieve a multiple exposure (positive or negative, e.g., 2x or -2x) of some index returns on a daily basis. Recently, some controversy surrounding leveraged ETFs has appeared in the U.S. market and focused mainly on the performance results delivered by these products over extended periods of time. In France unlike in the U.S., among the first of these leveraged funds were managed with a slightly modified Constant Proportion Portfolio Insurance (CPPI) strategy. Examples include SGAM ETF Leveraged CAC 40 and SGAM ETF Bear CAC 40 launched on the 19th of October 2005 by SGAM Alternative Investment. In this paper, we will derive derive an analytical expression for the value process of a leveraged ETF analyzed as a constant allocation portfolio strategy and then analyze its properties. Then, we establish a CPPI equivalence result and give the value formula for a static leverage strategy. We then propose some comparisons between Leveraged and SGAM portfolio strategy. We first derive an analytic expression in discrete time for the SGAM portfolio value then we conduct some comparison by the mean of Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, we present an empirical study of the SGAM fund and of a CAC 40 LETF issued by Lyxor to highlight their distinct behavior and performance.
Bone-targeting dendrimer for the delivery of methotrexate and treatment of bone metastasis

Abstract We developed a bone-targeting dendrimer for the delivery of anti-tumour agents and effective treatment of bone metastasis, in which alendronate (ALN), a bone-targeting moiety, is covalently bonded to a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer (PEG-PAMAM-ALN). Approximately 7.0 and 21.9% of the administered doses of [111In]PAMAM and PEG-PAMAM-ALN accumulated in the bones within 180 min after intravenous injection in mice, respectively. [3H]-labelled methotrexate (MTX) rapidly disappeared from the blood, and bone distribution was found to be only 1.1% of the administered dose at 180 min. In contrast, 21.5% of the administered dose of [3H]MTX-loaded PEG-PAMAM-ALN accumulated in the bones at 180 min after intravenous injection in mice, which was approximately 20-fold higher than that of [3H]MTX. In a bone metastatic tumour mouse model, in which B16-BL6/Luc cells were injected into the left ventricle of female C57BL/6 mice, the growth of metastatic tumour in the bones was significantly inhibited by intravenous injection of MTX-loaded PEG-PAMAM-ALN. These findings indicate that PEG-PAMAM-ALN is a promising bone-targeting carrier for the delivery of anti-tumour agents and treatment of bone metastasis.
Algorithm of scene change detection in a video sequence based on the threedimensional histogram of color images

There has been an analysis of the influence of the choice of the color space, a measure of comparison of histograms and their size on the performance of the detection algorithm moments scene change. It is shown that the choice of HSV space and histogram intersection method can reduce the error rate in detection of moments, when scene changes and the effective size of the histogram. The experimental results of the algorithm are shown.
Overview of image processing approach for nutrient deficiencies detection in Elaeis Guineensis

The most common problems occurred in Elaeis Guineensis or widely known as oil palm are plant diseases and pest outbreaks. The diseased oil palm plants normally shows a range of symptoms such as coloured spots or streaks that will occur on the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant. At present, in the agricultural sectors, diagnosing the type disease of plants are based on human expert, which is alongside with the conventional method applied using test device and performing laboratory test. Therefore, the needs in new approach to classify type of diseases are preferable. Hence, the aim of this paper is to focus on an innovative method based on image processing technique for classifying the lack of nutritional disease occurred in oil palm leaves by analyzing the leave surface only. The result is usable as a guide for fertilization since the trees respond rapidly to the applied fertilizers. The main important concern is to ensure the sufficient amount of fertilizer since excessive intake of fertilizers will cause toxicity to trees and indirectly increase cost of fertilizers. Images of oil palm leaves will be captured using high-end digital imaging device to analyse the leaves surface. Further, feature extraction algorithms also will develop based on shape, texture, and colour of the disease type. The feature vectors will be attained acting as inputs to fuzzy classifier. Overall, the proposed method will benefit the oil palm industries to fulfill the industry demand.
The second order temporal difference error for Sarsa(λ)

Traditional reinforcement learning algorithms, such as Q-learning, Q(λ), Sarsa, and Sarsa(λ), update the action value function using temporal difference (TD) error, which is computed by the last action value function. From the perspective of the TD error, and with respect to the problems of low efficiency and slow convergence of the traditional Sarsa(λ) algorithm, this paper defines the nth order TD Error, applies it in the traditional Sarsa(λ) algorithm, and develops a fast Sarsa(λ) algorithm based on the 2nd order TD Error. The algorithm adjusts the Q value with the second-order TD Error and broadcasts the TD Error into the whole state-action space, which speeds up the convergence of the algorithm. This paper also analyzes the convergence rate, and under the condition of one-step update, the results show that the number of iteration depends primarily on γ, ε. Finally, using the proposed algorithm on the traditional reinforcement learning problems, the results show that the algorithm has both a faster convergence rate and better convergence performance.
Predicted Secondary Structure of the Foraminiferal SSU 3′ Major Domain Reveals a Molecular Synapomorphy for Granuloreticulosean Protists

Abstract The small subunit ribosomal RNA genes of foraminiferal protists are the largest and most divergent of any eukaryote. We demonstrate that this foraminiferal sequence alteration represents a substantial modification to the small subunit ribosomal RNA structure, including a large (up to 350 nt) novel helix in a very well-conserved portion of the head domain. This modification dates from the beginning of the foraminiferal radiation and, within modern orders, is partially conserved at the sequence level, suggesting that it is a functional part of the ribosome. The pattern of conservation makes it particularly useful for determining lower-taxon relationships in morphologically ambiguous allogromiid foraminifera.
A Potential Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technique Based on Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer for In Vivo γ-Aminobutyric Acid Imaging

Purpose We developed a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique based on chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) for GABA imaging and investigated the concentration-dependent CEST effect ofGABA in a rat model of brain tumor with blood—brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Materials and Methods All MRI studies were performed using a 7.0-T Agilent MRI scanner. Z-spectra for GABA were acquired at 7.0 T, 37°C, and a pH of 7.0 using varying B1 amplitudes. CEST images of phantoms with different concentrations of GABA solutions (pH, 7.0) and other metabolites (glutamine, myoinositol, creatinine, and choline) were collected to investigate the concentration-dependent CEST effect of GABA and the potential contribution from other brain metabolites. CEST maps for GABA in rat brains with tumors were collected at baseline and 50 min, 1.5 h, and 2.0 h after the injection of GABA solution. Results The CEST effect of GABA was observed at approximately 2.75 parts per million(ppm) downfield from bulk water, and this effect increased with an increase in the B1 amplitude and remained steady after the B1 amplitude reached 6.0 μT (255 Hz). The CEST effect of GABA was proportional to the GABA concentration in vitro. CEST imaging of GABA in a rat brain with a tumor and compromised BBB showed a gradual increase in the CEST effect after GABA injection. Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility and potential of CEST MRI with the optimal B1 amplitude, which exhibits excellent spatial and temporal resolutions, to map changes in GABA.
Knowledge of Epilepsy and Familiarity with This Disorder in the U.S. Population: Results from the 2002 HealthStyles Survey

Summary: Purpose: To assess perceptions of knowledge and experience with epilepsy and seizures in the U.S. population to develop communication campaigns to improve the public's understanding of epilepsy. In a national survey, focal points included the public's knowledge of the disorder, whether people know someone who has it, exposure to epilepsy‐related information, and knowledge about how to respond to a person having a seizure.
Optimal Design Methodology for LLC Resonant Converter in Battery Charging Applications Based on Time-Weighted Average Efficiency

In this paper, an LLC resonant converter design methodology for battery charging applications is proposed aiming at achieving high efficiency. Compared with traditional resistive or constant power load applications, the battery voltage and current are nonlinear and vary with the charging profiles, making the optimal design of battery charger more difficult and complicated. Based on the characteristics of the battery charging profiles, a new time-weighted average efficiency (TWAE) index is proposed, which represents the average weight of conversion efficiency during battery charging period. Converter's losses are calculated based on the standard loss models using the current and voltage information derived from the LLC steady-state model, which is solved utilizing the numerical non-linear programming techniques. In addition, the TWAE is achieved serving as the objective function to optimize the converter parameters. To reduce the search space and speed up the search algorithm, a variable-step exhaustive search algorithm is applied considering the constraints of operation and variable range. Finally, a 3 kW prototype LLC converter, which converts 220 VAC from the grid to a wide output voltage range from 60 to 100 V is built and a TWAE of 94.74% and a peak efficiency of 95.19% are achieved, validating the effectiveness of the presented method.
Maternal Serum and Cervicovaginal IL-6 in Patients with Symptoms of Preterm Labor.

BACKGROUND Preterm birth is a common problem in obstetrics. OBJECTIVE To measure maternal serum interlukin-6 in mothers with preterm uterine contractions and compare it with cervicovaginal interlukin-6 in the same women. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we measured interlukin-6 in the sera and cervicovaginal fluids of 86 women with preterm uterine contractions. All participants had an intact membrane. Interlukin-6 was measured by using ELISA method. Statistical analysis was done using U-Mann Whitney, Chi-Square and Kendall's tests. RESULTS The mean and median (Quartile25, Quartile75) of interlukin-6 in cervicovaginal fluid was higher than maternal serum interlukin-6. There was a statically significant difference in the median of interlukin-6 in sera and cervicovaginal fluid (P<0.0001). There was no significant correlation between serum and cervicovaginal interlukin-6 (r=0.048, p=0.548). CONCLUSION We found no relationship between serum interlukin-6 and preterm labor and the maternal serum Interlukin-6 does not seem to be a suitable biomarker for predicting preterm delivery.
Chemical Profile, Radical Scavenging and Cytotoxic Activity of Yellow Gentian Leaves (Genitaneae Luteae Folium) Grown in Northern Regions of Montenegro

LC-ESI-MS and HPLC were used for the identification of the constituents from G. lutea leaves collected at different localities, as well as for quantification of the main compounds. Seven secoiridoids, five C-glucoflavones and three xanthones, were identified. Swertiamarin derivatives, namely eustomorusside (2), eustomoside (3) and septemfidoside (5), were detected in G. lutea for the first time. Concentrations of five constituents (swertiamarin, gentiopicrin, isovitexin, mangiferin and isogentisin) were determined. The relationship between concentrations of γ-pyrones and altitude was observed with statistically significant correlation (r = 0.94). The extracts were also evaluated for their content of total phenolics, and antiradical and cytotoxic activities. The total phenolics content ranged from 7.7 to 12.7 mg GAE/g, and the IC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging activity varied between 0.45 to 2.02 mg/mL. The leaf extract exhibited moderate cytotoxic effects toward HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 41.1 μg/mL, while gentiopicrin, mangiferin and isogentisin exerted strong activity against HeLa cells, with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 8.8 μg/mL. The results confirm the traditional usage of G. lutea leaves and also suggest their possible utilization as hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory agents.
A panel Data Analysis of Globalization and Institutional Quality: An Asian Perspective

This paper studies the impact of globalization on institutional quality in the Asian countries. The factor those may be a cause of and improves institutions and their quality has been rarely targeted in the literature. This paper highlights one of the important aspect “globalization” and its impact on institutional quality. For this purpose it employs three different fixed effects models for panel data analysis from a diverse set of Asian countries over the period 1970‐2009. Trade openness, capital flows and foreign direct investment is used as a measure of globalization while democracy, property rights and polity 2 is used for measuring institutional quality. Our finding shows that there is a significant but not a strong impact of trade or capital flows and FDI on democracy or property rights and polity 2. The study also employed fixed effect on the four panels of South, West, North and East Asian courtiers, and again find not very strong relationship among variables. Thus, this paper’s results support the hypothesis that globalization improves democracy but at the same time globalization is not a strong factor to affect institutional quality but there may be some other factors which can be tested in further research.
Modeling and Analyzing CSMA/CA Protocol for Energy-Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks

Well-designed wireless sensor networks (WSNs) usually provide vital support for collecting, processing, and forwarding the real-time information in mission-critical applications where medium access control (MAC) protocols determine the channel access control capabilities and the energy consumption properties of these networks. This paper models the MAC protocol of CSMA/CA using timed automata on the message communication and the energy harvesting and analyzes the protocol through model checking of the major CTL properties. The modeling and analysis of CSMA/CA protocol with the comparative experiments give some performance results and also reveal that timing error may cause deadlock, and the accessibility is satisfied if no deadlock exists.