Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic performance of BI-GDFE for large isometric and random precoded systems

Block-iterative generalized decision feedback equalizer (BI-GDFE), has been proposed to achieve single user matched filter bound (MFB) for linearly precoded systems, such as CP-CDMA and MC-CDMA, which usually suffer from strong interferences. This paper analyzes the asymptotic performance of BI-GDFE for large isometric and random precoded systems. It is shown that the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios (SINRs) for each of the iterations of the BI-GDFE receiver converge in probability to deterministic values depending on the probability distribution of the channel coefficients when N /spl rarr/ /spl infin/, P/N /spl rarr/ constant /spl alpha/ (/spl alpha/ /spl les/ 1 for isometric case). The asymptotic convergence of BI-GDFE has been evaluated through numerical simulations.
Application of Lie Algebra in Constructing Volume-Preserving Algorithms for Charged Particles Dynamics

Volume-preserving algorithms (VPAs) for the charged particles dynamics is preferred because of their long-term accuracy and conservativeness for phase space volume. Lie algebra and the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff (BCH) formula can be used as a fundamental theoretical tool to construct VPAs. Using the Lie algebra structure of vector fields, we split the volume-preserving vector field for charged particle dynamics into three volume-preserving parts (sub-algebras), and find the corresponding Lie subgroups. Proper combinations of these subgroups generate volume preserving, second order approximations of the original solution group, and thus second order VPAs. The developed VPAs also show their significant effectiveness in conserving phase-space volume exactly and bounding energy error over long-term simulations.
A PSO-based tuning of a capacitorless current-mode bandpass biquad

The particle swarm optimization (PSO) is successfully deployed to tune a capacitorless all-OTA bandpass biquad. The fitness evaluation, dominating the overall computation cost, is limited by using small-size swarm of less than ten particles. A second-order bandpass requirement, centered at 406.2 MHz, is successfully tuned as a sample. Comparisons experiments verify the superiority of the proposed PSO-based tuning over the tuning via the genetic algorithm (GA) which was introduced last year. The selection of initial swarm is proved important as the PSO-based tuning with small random initial swarm completely fails the tunings1.
Improved particle swarm optimization algorithm and its application in power electronic controller

The traditional particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has been used to optimize inverter controller parameters. However, there are some disadvantages when the quantity and optimization interval of inverter controller parameters increase, such as easily falling into local optimum, and optimization convergence problems. An improved PSO algorithm with multi-swarm and multi-velocity (MMPSO) is proposed in this paper. It is made of three kinds of different particle groups and three kinds of velocity update methods. Comparing with the traditional PSO algorithm, the combination of multi-swarm and multi-velocity of the MMPSO can effectively improve optimization ability of traditional PSO algorithm. Various off-line optimization models of single phase inverter systems are established to compare MMPSO and other PSO algorithms. The experimental results validate the validity and correctness of MMPSO.
Screening and Identification of Nitrate-Reducing , Sulfide-Oxidizing Bacteria and their Characteristics

To develop microorganism technology for removing SO2 and NOx from flue gas, this study sieved out a strain of nitrate-reducing, sulfide-oxidizing Paracoccus sp. ZGL1 from activated sludge and analyzed its phylogenetic characteristics. The optimal initial pH for the growth and removal of substrate of this strain is 7.0; the optimal temperature is 30 °C; the optimal rotating table speed is 50 r/min; the optimal substrate concentration is 10 mmol/L; and the best concentration of carbon source is 10 mmol/L. A preliminary analysis on the law of transforming thiosulfate and nitrate-nitrogen in systems under aerobic and anaerobic conditions was conducted. Keywords-nitrate-reducing, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria; screening and identification; characteristics of microorganism
Immunostimulation and growth faltering in UK infants

The purpose of the study was to determine whether chronic immunostimulation could explain growth faltering in disadvantaged children in the UK, as it does in developing countries such as The Gambia. In all, 216 infants, age 10–21 months, were recruited when blood samples were taken for the routine or clinical purposes of a longitudinal study tracking a larger cohort of children. Aliquots of blood were collected on Guthrie cards to determine blood concentrations of albumin (Alb), α1‐antichymotrypsin (ACT), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Haemoglobin concentrations were determined by routine hospital laboratory analysis. Heights and weights were measured and converted to z‐scores; birth weights were used with recruitment weight to calculate a ‘thrive index’ for each child. Age‐corrected plasma IgG concentration was negatively associated with both height‐ and weight‐for‐age z‐scores (P = 0.042 and 0.038, respectively) but not with the thrive index or body mass index z‐scores. Blood haemoglobin levels were positively related to height‐ and weight‐for age z‐scores, as well as to the thrive index (P = 0.026, 0.014, and 0.007, respectively). Although significant, these relationships could only account for a small part the observed growth variation. Although the relationships were weak, the results suggest that some of the observed variation in growth of these UK infants may be explained on the basis of persistent immunostimulation or poor iron status. In terms of markers of immunostimulation (Alb, ACT, ACT:Alb ratio, IgG), both absolute levels and relationships with height‐for‐age are substantially different than those previously observed in cohort studies of infants in The Gambia. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 16:581–587, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiation Modes and Roughness Loss in High Index-Contrast Waveguides

We predict the scattering loss in rectangular high index-contrast waveguides, using a new variation of the classical approach of coupled-mode theory. The loss predicted by this three-dimensional (3-D) model is considerably larger than that calculated using previous treatments that approximate the true 3-D radiation modes with their two-dimensional counterparts. The 3-D radiation modes of the ideal waveguide are expanded in a series of cylindrical harmonics, and the coupling between the guided and radiation modes due to the sidewall perturbation is computed. The waveguide attenuation can then be calculated semianalytically. It is found that the dominant loss mechanism is radiation rather than reflection, and that the transverse electric polarization exhibits much larger attenuation than transverse magnetic polarization. The method also gives simple rules that can be used in the design of low-loss optical waveguides. The structural properties of sidewall roughness of an InGaAs/InP pedestal waveguide are measured using atomic force microscopy, and the measured attenuation is found to compare well with that predicted by the model
Abelson tyrosine kinase is required to transduce midline repulsive cues.

Tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling cascades play key roles in determining the formation of an axon pathway. The cytoplasmic Abelson tyrosine kinase participate in several signaling pathways that orchestrate both growth cone advance and steering in response to guidance cues. Here, a genetic approach is used to evaluate the role for Abelson in growth cones during a decision to cross or not to cross the Drosophila embryonic midline. Our data indicate that both loss- and gain-of-function conditions for Abl cause neurons within the pCC/MP2 pathway to project across the midline incorrectly. The frequency of abnormal crossovers is enhanced by mutations in the genes encoding the midline repellent, Slit, or its receptor, Roundabout. In comm mutants, where repulsive signals remain elevated, increasing or decreasing Abl activity partially rescues commissure formation. Thus, both too much and too little Abl activity causes axons to cross the midline inappropriately, indicating that Abl plays a critical role in transducing midline repulsive cues. How Abl functions in this role is not yet clear, but we suggest that Abl may help regulate cytoskeletal dynamics underlying a growth cone's response to midline cues.
Dual-band WLAN button antenna for both on and off-body applications

A novel button antenna for WLAN applications is proposed. The antenna is composed of a button on top of a dielectric disc. The button is located on top of a textile substrate and a conductive textile ground. This antenna shows two different types of radiation patterns, a monopole type pattern in the 2.4 GHz band and a broadside type pattern in the 5 GHz band, thus both on and off-body function can be achieved. Measurements agree very well with simulations.
Formation Control and Velocity Tracking for a Group of Nonholonomic Wheeled Robots

This technical note presents an integrated approach for formation control and velocity tracking of a group of nonholonomic wheeled robots. The solution is defined within the port-Hamiltonian framework, providing a clear interpretation of the results. The controller consists of a local nonlinear heading and velocity tracking controller combined with a distributed formation controller. The formation controller achieves formations by assigning virtual couplings in between the robots. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Smelling right: the scent of male lemurs advertises genetic quality and relatedness

Sexual selection theory predicts that competitors or potential mates signal their quality or relatedness to conspecifics. Researchers have focused on visual or auditory modes of signal transmission; however, the importance of olfactory indicators is gaining recognition. Using a primate model and a new integrative analytical approach, we provide the first evidence relating male olfactory cues to individual genome‐wide heterozygosity and to the genetic distance between individuals. The relationships between male semiochemical profiles and genetic characteristics are apparent only during the highly competitive and stressful breeding season. As heterozygosity accurately predicts health and survivorship in this population, we identify scrotal olfactory cues as honest indicators of male quality, with relevance possibly to both sexes. Beyond showing that semiochemicals could underlie kin recognition and nepotism, we provide a putative olfactory mechanism to guide male–male competition and female mate choice.
Patterns of use and motivations for consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks.

Use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is an increasingly prevalent trend. However, recent research has suggested that AmED use may result in increased alcohol consumption and engagement in risk behavior postingestion. Although the majority of research has been focused on AmED use outcomes, there is a current paucity of data on the patterns of AmED use and motives for consumption. Four hundred and three participants from an Australian community sample (n = 244 women) ages 18-35 who had consumed alcohol mixed simultaneously with energy drinks (ED) in the preceding 6 months completed an online survey regarding use of EDs, alcohol, and AmED. Although AmED sessions occurred relatively infrequently compared to alcohol sessions, the alcohol and ED quantity consumed in AmED sessions was significantly greater than recommended intake. Reports of AmED use context indicated that participants typically consumed AmED while engaging in heavy drinking in public venues. However, the primary motives for AmED use related to the situational context of use, functional and hedonistic outcomes, as well as the pleasurable taste; few participants reported using AmED to increase alcohol intake, to mask intoxication, to hide alcohol's flavor, or to simulate an illicit drug "high. " AmED users may be coingesting in a context and at a quantity that enhances the possibility of risky alcohol outcomes, despite predominantly consuming AmED for the taste and the functional and hedonistic outcomes. Strong endorsement of motives relating to ease of access and low cost price suggests that alcohol policy reform in relation to licensing restrictions may be necessary to minimize the risk of harm.
Automatic mapping of application to coarse-grained reconfigurable architecture based on high-level synthesis techniques

Coarse-grained reconfigurable architecture is good for both performance and flexibility. However, it is not easy to map applications to such architecture since it requires compilation of the application and configuration of the architecture at the same time while trying to maximally exploit the parallelism in the application and the architecture. In this paper, we introduce an approach to mapping applications to coarse-grained reconfigurable architecture based on high-level synthesis techniques. We adopt performance enhancing techniques including loop unrolling and loop pipelining for temporal mapping on a reconfigurable array architecture. Experimental results with DSPstone benchmark examples show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Fast pedestrian detection using BWLSD for ROI

This paper presents a pedestrian detection approach based on Multi-block Local Binary Pattern (MB-LBP) features and Weighted Region Covariance Matrix (WRCM). Multistage classifiers are used to increase the processing speed and reliability of the detection system. Using the modified 3-D B-spline Wavelet-Based Local Standard Deviation (BWLSD) techniques, the region of interest is determined. Once the pedestrian region is identified, the front end of the multistage classifier quickly determines wherever pedestrians may be present, while the back end confirms whether the first descriptor did classify correctly. The experimental results demonstrated that our approach performed well in real-time application.
The Role of Antigen in the Localization of Naive, Acutely Activated, and Memory CD8+ T Cells to the Lung During Influenza Pneumonia1

The role of Ag in the recruitment and localization of naive, acutely activated, and memory CD8+ T cells to the lung during influenza infection was explored using TCR-transgenic (Tg) mice. Naive, Thy1.2+CD8+ OT-I TCR-Tg cells were primed and recruited to the lung after transfer into congenic Thy1.1+ recipients challenged with a genetically engineered influenza virus (influenza A/WSN/33 (WSN)-OVAI) containing the Kb restricted OVA257–264 epitope (siinfekl) in the viral neuraminidase stalk. However, if the transferred animals were infected with a similar influenza virus that expressed an irrelevant Kb epitope (WSN-PEPII), no TCR-Tg T cells were detectable in the lung, although they were easily visible in the lymphoid organs. Conversely, there were substantial numbers of OT-I cells found in the lungs of WSN-PEPII-infected mice when the animals had been previously, or were concurrently, infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing OVA. Similar results were obtained with nontransgenic populations of memory CD8+ T cells reactive to a murine γ-herpesvirus-68 Ag. Interestingly, the primary host response to the immunodominant influenza nucleoprotein epitope was not affected by the presence of memory or recently activated OT-I T cells. Thus, although Ag is required to activate the T cells, the subsequent localization of T cells to the lung during a virus infection is a property of recently activated and memory T cells and is not necessarily driven by Ag in the lung.
Long-lasting Changes of Calcium Oscillations in Astrocytes

Long-term changes of synaptic strength in the central nervous system are mediated by an increase of cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) following activation of excitatory neurotransmitter receptors. These phenomena, which represent a possible cellular basis for learning and memory processes in eukaryotes, are believed to be restricted to neurons. Here we provide evidence for a long-term change of the response elicited by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in a non-neuronal cell population of the central nervous system, i.e. visual cortical astrocytes in culture. Stimulation with glutamate induces in astrocytes a regular pattern of [Ca2+]i oscillations. A second stimulation, after an interval ranging from 2 to 60 min, induces an oscillatory response characterized by an increased frequency. Induction of this change in the astrocyte response is abolished by a specific inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase and recovers upon exogenous nitric oxide generation or addition of a permeant cGMP analogue. Local brief pulses of glutamate to individual astrocytes, at a rate of 1 Hz, also elicit [Ca2+]ioscillations whose frequency increases following a second series of pulses. The long-lasting modification in the [Ca2+]i oscillatory response induced by glutamate in astrocytes demonstrates that in the central nervous system cellular memory is not a unique feature of neurons.
Differences in the Prevalence and Impact of Arthritis Among Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2002, 2003, and 2006

We describe the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis and its impact on activities, work, and joint pain for 6 racial/ethnic groups: non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and multiracial or "other" respondents. We combined data from the 2002, 2003, and 2006 National Health Interview Survey (n = 85,784) and, after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, compared racial/ethnic differences. Arthritis-attributable activity limitation, arthritis-attributable work limitation, and severe joint pain were higher for non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and multiracial or other respondents with arthritis compared with non-Hispanic whites with arthritis. Our finding that arthritis disproportionately affects certain racial/ethnic minorities may be useful for planning interventions.
The Prevalence of Sinus Rhythm in Patients with “Permanent” Atrial Fibrillation

The term “permanent” atrial fibrillation (AF) is generally used to describe the rhythm status of patients for whom cardioversion has failed or attempts to restore normal sinus rhythm (NSR) have ceased. However, the rhythm status of such patients is typically assessed by symptoms or intermittent monitoring, and therefore categorization may be imprecise.
A survey of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders

Background Treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is based on symptoms relieve by conventional drugs, but increasingly complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used. Objective This survey aimed to investigate the current treatments used by FGIDs patients. Methods A total of 25 Italian gastroenterologists interviewed outpatients on gastrointestinal symptoms and treatments (pharmacological, CAM, diet/dietary supplements) used during the last year to relieve FGIDs. Consecutive adults with FGIDs according to Rome III were included. Results Of the 199 patients, 81% used conventional drugs, 64.3% diet/dietary supplements, and 48.7% CAM. Conventional drugs, diet/dietary supplements, or CAM as exclusive treatment were used by 24.6, 6, and 2.5% of patients, respectively. Two-thirds used more than one treatment: 34.7% conventional drugs, CAM, and diet/dietary supplements, 17.1% conventional drugs and diet/dietary supplements, 10.1% diet and CAM, and 5% conventional drugs and CAM. Benefits and adverse effects were similar for conventional drugs and nonpharmacological treatments. Males (OR 2.4) without lower GI symptoms (OR 5.4) used more frequently exclusive pharmacological treatment of FGIDs. Conclusions Conventional drugs are the preferred treatment for FGID. CAM and dietary modifications are more likely used as an adjunct to rather than instead of conventional drugs. Adverse effects occurred in all treatments.
Transient, Three-Dimensional Flow Field Simulation through a Mechanical, Trileaflet Heart Valve Prosthesis

Thromboembolic complications are one of the major challenges faced by designers and researchers in development of artificial organs with blood-contacting devices such as heart valve prostheses, especially mechanical valves. Besides increasing the thrombogenic potential, these valves change the hydrodynamic performance of the heart. In this study, the flow through a trileaflet, mechanical heart valve prosthesis was modeled with transient computational fluid dynamics to analyze flow patterns causing thrombus formations on valves. The valve was simulated under conditions of a test rig (THIA II), which was specially designed to analyze different valves with respect to thrombosis. The main goal of this study was to mimic the exact conditions of the test rig to be able to compare numerical and experimental results. The boundary conditions were obtained from experimental data as leaflet kinematics and pressure profiles. One complete cycle of the valve was simulated. Numerical flow and pressure results were analyzed and compared with experimental results. Shear stress and shear rates were determined with respect to thrombogenic potential, especially in the pivot regions, which seem to be the main influence for activation and deposition of thrombocytes. Approximately 0.7% of the blood volume moving through the fluid domain of the valve was exposed to shear rates high enough to cause platelet activation. However, shear rates of up to 20,000 s−1 occurred in pivot regions. The pressure differences between the simulation and experimental data were approximately 2.5% during systole and increased up to 25% during diastole. The presented method, however, can be used to gain more information about the flow through different heart valve prostheses and, thus, improve the development process.
A.S.P.E.N. clinical guidelines: nutrition support of children with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The clinical characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in children differ substantially from those in adults, and these differences are important to consider in providing both medical and nutrition care. Growth failure, wasting, and loss of active lean tissue are all associated with increased mortality and accelerated disease progression. The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the prognosis and life span of children infected with HIV (HIV+) and has reduced rates of wasting. However, the emergence of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (HIVLD) has emphasized the extensive nutrition and metabolic manifestations of HIV infection. Maintaining the nutrition status of the HIV+ child is therefore crucial for optimal health outcomes. Methodology The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) is an organization comprised of healthcare professionals representing the disciplines of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dietetics, and nutrition science. The mission of A.S. P.E. N. is to improve patient care by advancing the science and practice of nutrition support therapy. A.S. P.E. N. vigorously works to support quality patient care, education, and research in the fields of nutrition and metabolic support in all healthcare settings. These clinical guidelines were developed under the guidance of the A.S. P.E. N. Board of Directors. Promotion of safe and effective patient care by nutrition support practitioners is a critical role of the A.S. P.E. N. organization. The A.S. P.E. N. Board of Directors has been publishing clinical guidelines clinical