Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface-induced nonlinearity enhancement of TM modes in planar subwavelength waveguides

Using an asymptotic expansion of Maxwell equations and boundary conditions, we derive an amplitude equation for nonlinear TM modes in planar metal and dielectric waveguides. Our approach reveals that the physics of the significant enhancement of the nonlinear response in subwavelength waveguides with respect to their weakly guiding counterparts is hidden in surface effects. The corresponding enhancement factor is determined by the products of the surface discontinuities of the transverse field components and of the surface values of the longitudinal components of the electric field summed over all the interfaces. We present an insightful expression for the enhancement factor induced by the surface plasmon polaritons and discuss numerical and analytical results for the subwavelength dielectric and metal slot waveguides. Our theory also includes diffraction effects along the unbound direction in these waveguides.
Reference values for maximum work rate in apparently healthy Dutch/Flemish adults: data from the LowLands fitness registry

Abstract Background: The peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) test is the gold standard for cardiorespiratory fitness. However, the test is demanding, requiring sophisticated apparatus for measuring the oxygen uptake. Peak work rate (WRpeak) testing is a promising substitute for peak VO2peak testing. However, there is a paucity of research conducted to determine reference values (RVs) for WRpeak. Methods: The database from the LowLands fitness registry was used, containing data from health checks from apparently healthy subjects among various professions. Exercise tests were performed using a cycle ergometer and a calibrated metabolic cart. Analysis was executed on 3463 subjects, 2868 male and 595 female. Reference values with corresponding centiles were developed using the LMS method. Results: VO2peak and WRpeak where highly associated with Pearson’s correlation of 0.9 (p = .001). Weight, height, maximum heart rate, and the respiratory exchange ratio had a positive significant effect (p < .001) on WRpeak, and age a negative significant effect, in both males and females. The following formulas were computed for RVs: Conclusions: WRpeak can be used as a substitute for VO2peak when a respiratory gas-analysis system is not available. This study provides RVs for WRpeak and WRpeak/kg in a healthy Dutch/Flemish adult population using cycle ergometry. Further research is needed to obtain RVs for elderly subjects, specific diseases, ethnicities and ergometers.
Effective question modelling and intelligent question bank storage engine: an adaptive graph based approach

In the changing present competitive scenario, intelligent development of question model is indispensable for intellectual growth of students. There are several computer-based question paper generators, but they typically use random selection from question banks. This paper deals with the adaptive question bank development and management system (AQBDMS) that aims to generate balanced combinations of questions intelligently as per parameters provided by the question paper designer (QPD). AQBDMS uses a concept map developed on a graph database that uses hierarchical knowledge of a particular domain for fetching questions generated in former part. The concept map ensures that the question modelling process is based on certain criteria like Bloom's taxonomy, difficulty level, marking scheme etc. The evaluation of generated question model will provide a feedback to check student's overall level of understanding. On whole, the proposed system would be of great aid to the organisation in effective question modelling and its assessment.
Development of a simulated transtibial amputee model

Currently, there are more than 30 million amputees in the world and each year thousands of people suffer from amputation and, therefore, the development of lower limb prostheses is crucial to improve the quality of millions of people's lives by restoring their mobility. This contribution proposes a simulated amputee model capable of reproducing a transtibial amputee subject wearing a passive prosthesis. The passive prosthesis behavior is simulated using a spring-damper system between shin and foot. This contribution provides a tool capable of reproducing an amputee subject wearing a passive prosthesis, as well as an adaptive framework where researchers can deploy controllers in the simulated transtibial prosthesis, transforming it in a powered transtibial prosthesis. Results show that the amputee model is good for the simulation of transtibial amputees wearing a passive device or an active transtibial prosthesis.
Molded Electronic Package Warpage Predictive Modelling Methodologies

Simulation tools such as FEA or CFD are widely employed to predict the thermal mechanical behavior of an electronic package based on the design and material attributes. Prediction accuracy and representation are highly dependent on the material model (visco-elastic, chemical shrinkage etc) and analysis approach especially for mold encapsulated packaging. In this paper, a basic evaluation was conducted using an arbitrary bi-material model to compare the material model of visco-elastic, time-temperature superposition shift factor and chemical shrinkage based on PVTC in both Moldex3D and FEA-A tools. The impact of visco-elastic constitutive property with temperature effects were included with a two steps shift factor model of Arrhenius and WLF functions. The implementation equations and analytical solutions are presented together with a detail discussion of the property model used. Transient heat transfer and structural analysis steps were incorporated to simulate the impact of visco-elastic property and shrinkage to the bi-material model.
Lifted Recurrent Neural Networks

In this paper, we extend the lifted neural network framework (described in section 2) to apply to recurrent neural networks (RNNs). As with the general lifted neural network case, the activation functions are encoded via penalties in the training problem. The new framework allows for algorithms such as block-coordinate descent methods to be applied, in which each step is composed of a simple (no hidden layer) supervised learning problem that is parallelizable across data points and/or layers. The lifted methodology is particularly interesting in the case of recurrent neural networks because standard methods of optimization on recurrent neural networks perform poorly due to the vanishing and exploding gradient problems. Experiments on toy datasets indicate that our lifted model is more equipped to handle longterm dependencies and long sequences.
PIP30/FAM192A is a novel regulator of the nuclear proteasome activator PA28γ

Significance The 20S proteasome is a key actor of the control of protein levels and integrity in cells. To perform its multiple functions, it works with a series of regulators, among which is a nuclear complex called PA28γ. In particular, PA28γ participates in the regulation of cell proliferation and nuclear dynamics. We describe here the characterization of a protein, PIP30/FAM192A, which binds tightly to PA28γ and favors its interaction with the 20S proteasome while inhibiting its association with coilin, a central component of nuclear Cajal bodies. Thus, PIP30/FAM192A critically controls the interactome and, consequently, the functions of PA28γ, and appears to be a previously unidentified player in the fine regulation of intracellular proteostasis in the cell nucleus. PA28γ is a nuclear activator of the 20S proteasome involved in the regulation of several essential cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, nuclear dynamics, and cellular stress response. Unlike the 19S regulator of the proteasome, which specifically recognizes ubiquitylated proteins, PA28γ promotes the degradation of several substrates by the proteasome in an ATP- and ubiquitin-independent manner. However, its exact mechanisms of action are unclear and likely involve additional partners that remain to be identified. Here we report the identification of a cofactor of PA28γ, PIP30/FAM192A. PIP30 binds directly and specifically via its C-terminal end and in an interaction stabilized by casein kinase 2 phosphorylation to both free and 20S proteasome-associated PA28γ. Its recruitment to proteasome-containing complexes depends on PA28γ and its expression increases the association of PA28γ with the 20S proteasome in cells. Further dissection of its possible roles shows that PIP30 alters PA28γ-dependent activation of peptide degradation by the 20S proteasome in vitro and negatively controls in cells the presence of PA28γ in Cajal bodies by inhibition of its association with the key Cajal body component coilin. Taken together, our data show that PIP30 deeply affects PA28γ interactions with cellular proteins, including the 20S proteasome, demonstrating that it is an important regulator of PA28γ in cells and thus a new player in the control of the multiple functions of the proteasome within the nucleus.
A pleiotropic role of FlaG in regulating the cell morphogenesis and flagellar homeostasis at the cell poles of Treponema denticola

FlaG homologue has been found in several bacteria including spirochetes; however, its function is poorly characterised. In this report, we investigated the role of TDE1473, a putative FlaG, in the spirochete Treponema denticola, a keystone pathogen of periodontitis. TDE1473 resides in a large gene operon that is controlled by a σ70‐like promoter and encodes a putative FlaG protein of 123 amino acids. TDE1473 can be detected in the periplasmic flagella (PFs) of T. denticola, suggesting that it is a flagella‐associated protein. Consistently, in vitro studies demonstrate that the recombinant TDE1473 interacts with the PFs in a dose‐dependent manner and that such an interaction requires FlaA, a flagellar filament sheath protein. Deletion of TDE1473 leads to long and less motile mutant cells. Cryo‐electron tomography analysis reveal that the wild‐type cells have 2–3 PFs with nearly homogenous lengths (ranging from 3 to 6 μm), whereas the mutant cells have less intact PFs with disparate lengths (ranging from 0.1 to 9 μm). The phenotype of T. denticola TDE1473 mutant reported here is different from its counterparts in other bacteria, which provides insight into further understanding the role of FlaG in the regulation of bacterial cell morphogenesis and flagellation.
OFDM and SC-FDMA over Fiber Using Directly Modulated VCSELs

Radio-over-fiber technology, used in the transport of radio signals over optical fiber by means of an optical carrier between a remote site and a central node of a cellular network, is an attractive solution for backhauling of a large number of remote antennas, enabling the shifting of the hardware complexity from base stations to a central station. Integration of both optical and wireless broadband infrastructures into the same backhaul network leads to significant simplification and cost reduction of base stations permitting equipment sharing and dynamic allocation of resources, which in turn leads to simplified system operation and maintenance. Wireless systems on the other hand are evolving rapidly and new standards are appearing, such as the Long-Term Evolution aiming at satisfying the required need for increasing bandwidth. Radio-over-fiber systems are known to be susceptible to noise and non-linear distortion in particular to the large peak-to-average power ratio of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signals employed in these standards. In this work we compare, experimentally and through simulation, the performance of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and single carrier frequency division multiple access signals, in radio-over-fiber applications, using directly modulated VCSELs.
Unusual Manifestation of Live Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Corynebacterium urinapleomorphum, and Helicobacter pylori in the Gallbladder with Cholecystitis

Culture-independent studies have identified DNA of bacterial pathogens in the gallbladder under pathological conditions, yet reports on the isolation of corresponding live bacteria are rare. Thus, it is unclear which pathogens, or pathogen communities, can colonize the gallbladder and cause disease. Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, culture techniques, phylogenetic analysis, urease assays and Western blotting, we investigated the presence of live bacterial communities in the gallbladder of a cholecystitis patient after cholecystectomy. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of isolated bacterial colonies revealed the presence of pathogens most closely resembling Corynebacterium urinapleomorphum nov. sp. , Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Helicobacter pylori. The latter colonies were confirmed as H. pylori by immunohistochemistry and biochemical methods. H. pylori cultured from the gallbladder exhibited both the same DNA fingerprinting and Western cagA gene sequence with ABC-type EPIYA (Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala) phosphorylation motifs as isolates recovered from the gastric mucus of the same patient, suggesting that gastric H. pylori can also colonize other organs in the human body. Taken together, here we report, for the first time, the identification and characterization of a community consisting of live S. saprophyticus; C. urinapleomorphum, and H. pylori in the gallbladder of a patient with acute cholecystitis. Their potential infection routes and roles in pathogenesis are discussed.
Antecedents and consequences of the process of customer engagement through social media: an integrated conceptual framework

Over the last decades, the internet and IT enabled services have risen tremendously in importance. The ways through which people exchange information and how individuals communicate with each other have also changed enormously over the last years. In this regard, social networks have become gradually more central to sharing and spreading information and therefore companies are realising the opportunity of providing information to their customers by establishing social network information services (SNIS). This study is an attempt to formulate the process of customer engagement through social media channels and to find out its relationship with various antecedents and consequences. This study will enhance the understanding of the concept with better conceptual framework and give insights to marketing managers to make their marketing strategies in social media.
Effects of moderate exercise and a multiple vitamin and mineral complex on the arterial wall.

BACKGROUND Aerobic exercise has favorable effects on vascular structure and function. Its beneficial role may be due to a decrease in oxidative stress. The association of vitamin and mineral supplements to exercise determined contradictory effects on arterial wall and oxidative stress parameters. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of moderate aerobic exercise, alone or in association with a vitamin and mineral complex, on aortic wall morphology and oxidant/antioxidant balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups, each of 10 Wistar rats, were included in the study, as follows: (I) sedentary controls, (II) group subjected to physical exercise, (III) group subjected to physical exercise and nutritional supplement, and (IV) sedentary nutritional supplemented group. Aortic wall histological examinations and serum and aortic wall oxidative stress measurements were performed in each group. RESULTS Moderate aerobic exercise induces vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and transformation in a secretory phenotype. There was a trend for increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in thiol (SH) groups in aortic tissue homogenates, together with reduction in serum MDA values and increase in SH groups, after exercise. A reduction in aortic wall lipid peroxidation was found in supplemented trained animals compared to sedentary group, while no influence on aortic structure was noted. CONCLUSIONS Moderate aerobic exercise induces adaptive modifications in the arterial wall and a favorable effect on systemic oxidative response. The association of vitamin and mineral supplement did not influence significantly arterial morphology, while its effects on aortic oxidative stress suggest an increase in local antioxidant defense.
3 D DEFORMABLE MULTIMODAL IMAGE REGISTRATION : Application to Equine PET and CT Images by Regani

Title of thesis: 3D MULTIMODAL IMAGE REGISTRATION: Application to Equine CT and PET Images. Regani Sai Deepika, Master of Science, 2017 Thesis directed by: Professor Rama Chellappa Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is being widely used in veterinary medicine in recent years. Although it was limited to small animals because of its classical design and the large amount of radionuclide doses required, PET imaging in horses became possible with the introduction of a portable PET scanner developed by Brain Biosciences Inc. It was observed that this new modality could capture abnormalities like lesions that Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other modalities could not. Since 2016, PET imaging in horses is being studied and analysed. While PET provides functional information characterizing the activity of lesions, it is useful to combine information from other modalities like CT and match the structural information to develop an accurate spatial representation of the data. Since biochemical changes occur much earlier than structural changes, this helps detect lesions and tumours during the early stages. Multimodal image registration is used to achieve this goal. A series of steps are proposed to automate the process of registration of equine PET and CT images. Multimodal image registration using landmark-based and intensity-based techniques are studied. It is observed that a few tissues are not imaged in the PET, which makes image segmentation, an important preprocessing step in the registration process. A study of the segmentation algorithms relevant to the field of medical imaging is presented. The performance of segmentation algorithms improved with the extent of manual interaction and intensity-based registration gave the smallest time complexity with reasonable accuracy. 3D DEFORMABLE MULTIMODAL IMAGE REGISTRATION: Application to Equine PET and CT Images by Regani Sai Deepika Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science 2017 Advisory Committee: Professor Rama Chellappa, Chair/Advisor David Beylin(Brain Biosciences, Inc.), Advisor Professor Behtash Babadi Professor Joseph F. JaJa c © Copyright by Regani Sai Deepika 2017
Living alone in Japan: Relationships with happiness and health

BACKGROUND One-person households are the most common type of household in Japan, but relatively little is known about the causes and potential consequences of the rise in solo living in young adulthood. OBJECTIVE I address two questions: What accounts for the rise in one-person households in young adulthood? How is solo living in young adulthood related to well-being? METHODS I use census data to evaluate how much of the growth in one-person households at ages 20−39 between 1985 and 2010 is explained by change in marital behavior and how much is explained by other factors. I then use data from the 2000−2010 rounds of the Japanese General Social Survey to examine whether and why men and women living alone differ from those living with others in terms of happiness and self-rated health. RESULTS Results of the first set of analyses indicate that changes in marital behavior explain all of the increase in one-person households for men and three-fourths of the increase for women. Results of the second set of analyses indicate that those living alone are significantly less happy than those living with others, whereas the two groups do not differ with respect to self-rated health. The observed differences in happiness are not explained by differences in subjective economic well-being or social integration. CONCLUSIONS The relatively small magnitude of estimated differences in happiness and health provides little evidence to suggest that the projected rise in one-person households is likely to play a significant role in contributing to lower levels of well-being among young adults in Japan.
Cancer-related fatigue: impact on patient quality of life and management approaches

: Cancer-related fatigue is a common and distressing symptom that is present in the majority of cancer patients at some point during the disease course. Cancer-related fatigue has a profound influence on patients, affecting functional performance, mood, and one’s overall quality of life. The etiology of cancer-related fatigue is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of biological and body system factors. All cancer patients should be screened for fatigue, as it often coexists with other symptoms and its side effects may be underdiagnosed. Treatment modalities for cancer-related fatigue are still evolving. Current recommendations for management from national and international cancer experts and societies focus on patient and family education regarding cancer-related fatigue, exercise and physical activity, and psychosocial interventions. Pharmacologic interventions are less effective but may be helpful in a selected subset of affected individuals
ovoD Co-selection: A Method for Enriching CRISPR/Cas9-Edited Alleles in Drosophila

Screening for successful CRISPR/Cas9 editing events remains a time consuming technical bottleneck in the field of Drosophila genome editing. This step can be particularly laborious for events that do not cause a visible phenotype, or those which occur at relatively low frequency. A promising strategy to enrich for desired CRISPR events is to co-select for an independent CRISPR event that produces an easily detectable phenotype. Here, we describe a simple negative co-selection strategy involving CRISPR-editing of a dominant female sterile allele, ovoD1. In this system (“ovoD co-selection”), the only functional germ cells in injected females are those that have been edited at the ovoD1 locus, and thus all offspring of these flies have undergone editing of at least one locus. We demonstrate that ovoD co-selection can be used to enrich for knock-out mutagenesis via nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ), and for knock-in alleles via homology-directed repair (HDR). Altogether, our results demonstrate that ovoD co-selection reduces the amount of screening necessary to isolate desired CRISPR events in Drosophila.