Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low- and High-Frequency Extrapolation of Band-Limited Frequency Responses to Extract Delay Causal Time Responses

Frequency responses, such as S parameters, can be utilized to analyze the time-domain characteristics of circuit components and systems using the hybrid time–frequency-domain approach [1]. However, most frequency responses have a limited frequency range and no low-frequency data due to the limitations of the bandwidth of instruments and the computational resource of simulators. Using these frequency responses, the accuracy and delay causality of the extracted time responses cannot be guaranteed, occurring an inaccurate time-domain analysis. Therefore, this article presents a low- and high-frequency extrapolation method to extract the delay causal time responses from the band-limited frequency responses. Unlike previous methods, the proposed extrapolation method can accurately estimate a propagation delay for improving the accuracy of the overall extrapolated frequency response, even if the applied band-limited frequency response has no low-frequency data. Moreover, in this method, the coefficients of both the low- and high-frequency extrapolation functions can be extracted precisely without an intensive iteration. To verify the proposed method, a two-port network using a multisection band-stop filter and a four-port differential channel using coupled transmission lines were designed. In both cases, the proposed method had a higher accuracy than previous methods, such as the delay-based macromodeling scheme and noniterative extrapolation for the high-frequency range. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of the proposed method was also higher than the delay-based macromodeling while maintaining a similar efficiency as with the noniterative extrapolation method.
InSAR Decorrelation at X-Band From the Joint TanDEM-X/PAZ Constellation

Decorrelation phenomena are always present in synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR). While this implies a certain level of signal degradation, decorrelation is also a characteristic of the type of imaged target itself and can, therefore, be seen as a source of information. In this letter, we investigate InSAR decorrelation effects at the X-band by fitting volume and temporal decorrelation trends using the unique combination of data provided by the TanDEM-X (TDX) and PAZ spaceborne missions. The innovative use of this constellation allows for the acquisition of both single- and repeat-pass data at short revisit times. The concurrent availability of simultaneous acquisitions and the fine temporal resolution makes this constellation the ideal observation scenario for the study of decorrelation phenomena. Overall, we analyze five test sites, characterized by the presence of different land cover classes, and for each of them, we provide volume and temporal decorrelation fitting parameters. The performed analysis gives a first insight on the potential of combining bistatic and repeat-pass InSAR acquisitions also in view of future spaceborne constellations, which could benefit from the TDX/PAZ experience.
Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Vernalization in Brassicaceae

A wide variation of morphological traits exists in Brassica rapa L. and Brassica oleracea L. , and cultivated vegetable varieties of these species are consumed worldwide. Flowering time is an important agronomic trait in these species and varies among varieties or cultivars. Especially, leafy vegetable species need a high bolting resistance. Isolation of FLOWERING LOCUS C ( FLC ), one of the key genes involved in vernalization, has now provided an insight into the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of flowering time, including the role of histone modification. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana , FLC plays an important role in modulating flowering time. The response to vernaliza tion causes an increase in histone H3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) that leads to reduced expression of the FLC gene. B. rapa and B. oleracea both contain several paralogs of FLC at syntenic regions identified as major flowering time and vernalization response quantitative trait loci (QTL). We introduce the recent research, not only in A. thaliana , but also in the genus Brassica from a genetic and epigenetic view point. cultivar, Major, and the annual canola cultivar, Stellar, four QTLs (VFN1, 2, 3 in non-vernalized condition and FN1 in vernalized condition) were detected. One major
Does Exosomes Derived Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restore Ovarian Function by Promoting Stem Cell Survival on Experimentally Induced Polycystic Ovary in Adult Female Albino Rats? (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly reported nowadays. Recently exosomes released by Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs-EX) has been a novel source with a great potential donor cell in regenerative medicine because of their low immunogenicity and easy accessibility. Foeniculum vulgare (FVE) is a naturally occurring estrogen compound, which is commonly used today due to the impact of the female hormones. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of exosome released by MSCs in experimentally induced Poly Cystic Ovary (PCO). The polycystic disease was artificially induced by injecting rats daily with testosterone propionate (dissolved in propylene glycol) 1 mg/100 g body weight for 35 days. Exosomes were prepared for 3rd passage of MSCs-EX and were injected into the induced PCO rats. Another group of PCOS rats received FVE (alcoholic extract) 150 mg/kg body weight/day intra gastric for five days after induction of PCOS. The ovaries were taken for histological examination and immune-histochemical detection of Octamer-Binding Transcription Factor (OCT4), and the hormonal assay was evaluated. Both groups infused with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) derived exosome and FVE have mild to moderate improvement in the histological ovarian structure by the presence of normal follicles in different stages with normal hormonal profile and highly expressive of OCT4. BM-MSCs derived exosome and FVE have moderate modulates the immunohistological structure of the PCOS ovaries, which may be a factor in the maintenance of steroid-induced PCOS.
A Bayesian Approach for Estimating Branch-Specific Speciation and Extinction Rates

Species richness varies considerably among the tree of life which can only be explained by heterogeneous rates of diversification (speciation and extinction). Previous approaches use phylogenetic trees to estimate branch-specific diversification rates. However, all previous approaches disregard diversification-rate shifts on extinct lineages although 99% of species that ever existed are now extinct. Here we describe a lineage-specific birth-death-shift process where lineages, both extant and extinct, may have heterogeneous rates of diversification. To facilitate probability computation we discretize the base distribution on speciation and extinction rates into k rate categories. The fixed number of rate categories allows us to extend the theory of state-dependent speciation and extinction models (e.g., BiSSE and MuSSE) to compute the probability of an observed phylogeny given the set of speciation and extinction rates. To estimate branch-specific diversification rates, we develop two independent and theoretically equivalent approaches: numerical integration with stochastic character mapping and data-augmentation with reversible-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling. We validate the implementation of the two approaches in RevBayes using simulated data and an empirical example study of primates. In the empirical example, we show that estimates of the number of diversification-rate shifts are, unsurprisingly, very sensitive to the choice of prior distribution. Instead, branch-specific diversification rate estimates are less sensitive to the assumed prior distribution on the number of diversification-rate shifts and consistently infer an increased rate of diversification for Old World Monkeys. Additionally, we observe that as few as 10 diversification-rate categories are sufficient to approximate a continuous base distribution on diversification rates. In conclusion, our implementation of the lineage-specific birth-death-shift model in RevBayes provides biologists with a method to estimate branch-specific diversification rates under a mathematically consistent model.
Integrating Molecular Simulation and Experimental Data: A Bayesian/Maximum Entropy reweighting approach

We describe a Bayesian/Maximum entropy (BME) procedure and software to construct a conformational ensemble of a biomolecular system by integrating molecular simulations and experimental data. First, an initial conformational ensemble is constructed using for example Molecular Dynamics or Monte Carlo simulations. Due to potential inaccuracies in the model and finite sampling effects, properties predicted from simulations may not agree with experimental data. In BME we use the experimental data to refine the simulation so that the new conformational ensemble has the following properties: (i) the calculated averages are close to the experimental values taking uncertainty into account and (ii) it maximizes the relative Shannon entropy with respect to the original simulation ensemble. The output of this procedure is a set of optimized weights that can be used to calculate arbitrary properties and distributions. Here, we provide a practical guide on how to obtain and use such weights, how to choose adjustable parameters and discuss shortcomings of the method.
Contamination and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in soil of a municipal solid waste dumpsite in Khamees-Mushait, Saudi Arabia

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of heavy metal contamination from a municipal solid waste dumpsite on surface and deep soils as well as leaves of native plants in Khamees-Mushait city, Saudi Arabia. Heavy metal concentrations in surface and deep soil samples followed the order: Mn ≫ Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni ≈ Cu > Co while those in leaves samples followed the order Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Ni > Co > Pb > Cd, indicating different levels of metal uptake by plant. The r values of paired sample t-tests for the concentrations of each element in surface and deep soils indicate insignificant variation between heavy metal concentrations in surface and deep soil samples. Extreme correlation (r > 0.8) was observed for Co-Cr and Co-Pb, while no significant correlation was observed for Mn and Zn with other metals, suggesting different sources of Mn and Zn in the matrix of soil samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed no correlation between geographical locations and total heavy metal concentrations, indicating heterogeneous dumping of different domestic wastes in the site. The geochemical index and GIS mapping suggest extremely pollution by Co, Ni and Pb in the northwest of the study area and strong pollution by Cu, Cr, Mn and Zn in the southwest and northeast of the study area. However, the noncancer risk from all examined heavy metals through ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposure pathways for adults and children was insignificant. Furthermore, cancer risk from Co, Ni and Zn through inhalation exposure pathway was within the acceptable level while Cr reported unsafe cancer risk levels for both children and adults.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing of Herpes simplex virus 1-infected cells identifies NRF2 activation as an antiviral program

Herpesvirus infection initiates a range of perturbations in the host cell, which remain poorly understood at the level of individual cells. Here, we quantified the transcrips of single human primary fibroblasts during the first hours of lytic infection with HSV-1. By applying a generalizable analysis scheme, we defined a precise temporal order of early viral gene expression and found unexpected bifurcations and bottlenecks. We identified individual host cell genes and pathways relevant in early infection by combining three different computational approaches: gene and pathway overdispersion analysis, prediction of cell-state transition probabilities as well as future cell states. One transcriptional program, which was turned on in infected cells and correlated with increased resistance to infection, implicated the transcription factor NRF2. Consequently, Bardoxolone methyl, a known NRF2 agonist, impaired virus production, suggesting that NRF2 activation restricts the progression of viral infection. Our study provides novel insights into early stages of HSV-1 infection and serves as a general blueprint for the investigation of heterogenous cell states in virus infection.
Assessing brand health during COVID-19 pandemic: FMCGs brand loyalty in Malaysia

Today's businesses have been bombarded with numerous shocking situations For instance, The Fourth Industrial Revolution has tremendously changed the way we live today Recent pandemic of COVID-19 in early 2020 that affect over 200 countries further drag businesses into totally 'new normal' phenomena Healthy brand will survive while other will vanish Therefore, this study attempts to assess FMCGs brand health by examining the relationship between brand preference and perceived brand scarcity on consumers' brand loyalty during COVID-19 pandemic This study is quantitative in nature and based on cross-sectional study A total of 203 Malaysian consumers involved in this online survey which was conducted in April 2020 The result reveals that brand preference and perceived brand scarcity have positive significant relationship on consumers' brand loyalty towards FMCGs brand This study provides both theoretical and practical contribution specifically in brand management during pandemic Limitation and future research direction also discussed at the end of the article © 2020 by Advance Scientific Research
Adaptive Switching Scheme for RS Overhead Reduction in Massive MIMO With Industrial Internet of Things

Due to the high spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE), it has been proven that massive multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) can be successfully applied to Industrial-Internet-of-Things (IIoT) networks. The channel hardening effect of massive MIMO which makes the instantaneous channel gain converges to its average value with little fluctuation, allows simple scheduling and little downlink reference signals (RSs) transmission. We analyze the performance of the channel hardening effect according to the parameter variations, and based on the analysis, we propose an adaptive switching scheme that switches between a mode of using downlink RS and a mode of without using downlink RS depending on the situation. If the downlink RS is not used, the available time and frequency resources can be increased, whereas the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) can be decreased. On the other hand, using downlink RS can increase SINR, but it can decrease available time and frequency resources. The proposed scheme finds the mode providing better performance, and conducting mode switching based on various circumstances. The proposed scheme can achieve high SE improvement with little system burden and can thus be used as a useful tool to increase the performance of massive MIMO-based IIoT networks.
Visual communication analysis (VCA): Applying self-determination theory and research-based practices to autism

Abstract Per the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 31% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are classified as intellectually disabled and between 25% and 50% of children with ASD do not develop functional verbal communication. This study was conducted to test the effectiveness of Visual Communication Analysis (VCA) as a method to teach communication and reduce maladaptive behaviors in non-verbal children with severe autism. VCA is the application of a well-established theory of motivation-The Self-Determination Theory. Since it is currently impossible to test the IQ of this subset of children with standard measures, changes in the number of letters typed correctly per minute was used to measure of progress. An additional measure used was the frequency of maladaptive behaviors at the beginning of the study compared to the frequency at the end of the study. Using both of these measures, individuals utilizing VCA in this study showed statistically significant improvements in communication as well as a decrease in maladaptive behaviors. In addition to demonstrating the efficacy of VCA, these results lead to the questioning of the validity of the original diagnosis of intellectual disability given to this subset of children with ASD. Results also highlight the need for continued research and application of well-established theories of motivation to the special needs population.
The Association among Glycemic Control and Depression Symptoms in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction: Diabetes and depression are two common and major non-communicable diseases with significant disease burdens worldwide. Aim: The aim of this study is to obtain the association among A1C levels and symptoms of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes in family medicine offices. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between June 2016 and July 2017. We recruited 150 adults with type 2 diabetes from various family medicine offices. The study questionnaire had two parts; the first one for participants and the second one for family medicine physicians. Participants completed the part of the questionnaire with the PHQ-9 scale and questions regarding demographic data. Family medicine physicians completed the part of the questionnaire with questions concerning clinical data. A univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors of depressive symptoms revealed by the PHQ-9 score. Results: Multiple linear regression showed that the level of A1C was a significant predictor of the PHQ-9 score in all three models. Increases in the A1C level were followed by increases in depressive symptoms. Other significant predictors of a positive PHQ-9 score were smoking, level of education and income. Conclusion: The level of A1C as an indicator of glycemic control has been shown to have a significant association with the scores of the PHQ-9 questionnaire, which identifies the intensity of symptoms of depression. An increase in the level of A1C is followed by an increase in the intensity of symptoms of depression.
Location-based challenges for playful neighbourhood exploration

ABSTRACT Location-based activities can challenge citizens to explore their neighbourhood in new playful ways. This paper presents a classification of such playful activities based on the literature and experience gained (1) in co-creation sessions and (2) gameplay for neighbourhood exploration with citizens in the Hague. The location-based game designed for this purpose encouraged neighbourhood exploration and social interaction that went beyond the everyday normal. Results showed that citizens are specifically interested in activities that allow them to discover new information about, and places in, their neighbourhood when these are related to their own life. The results of this paper provide new knowledge on game design to inform designers on which type of interactions and activities foster neighbourhood exploration and social interaction.
Analytical Correlation Between Time and Frequency Domain Shielding Effectiveness of Metallic Enclosures With Apertures

Time domain shielding effectiveness (SE) of metallic enclosures with apertures against electromagnetic pulse excitation has been analytically estimated and correlated to the frequency domain characteristics. The method is based on the analysis of the transient process at the aperture and an equivalent magnetic current source, to derive the initial peak amplitude appearing at the very beginning of the coupled field waveforms. The equivalent circuit model is utilized to analytically describe the frequency domain SE data. Then, a simple correlation formula has been derived, which relates the peak value reduction of the E-field and H-field to the specified spectral data minus a specially defined factor. Especially, the correlation for the E-field is shown to link the spectral SE data near the fundamental resonant frequency of TE101 mode with the peak amplitudes in time domain. A series of numerical and experimental cases have been checked to confirm the applicability of the analytical formulas. Comparisons between the data and the analysis exhibit reasonable agreements.
Molecular Characterization of the Movement and Coat Proteins of a New Elm Mottle Virus Isolate Infecting European White Elm (Ulmus laevis Pall.)

European white elms (Ulmus laevis Pall.) growing in a park in Caputh near Berlin (Germany) were regularly monitored over a period of 18 years showing virus infection-like symptoms such as chloroses, chlorotic ringspots, mottling and dieback. To obtain the evidence for viral infection, RNA-seq using an Illumina Hi Seq2500 was conducted and three contigs were obtained. They match with the three EMoV genomic RNAs and cover the open reading frames for the viral replicase, the polymerase and the movement and coat proteins (MP, CP). The contigs show identities of 95.3–96.4%, 91.9–93.3% and 89.0–92.5% at the nucleotide level with RNA 1, RNA 2 and RNA 3 of reference sequences, respectively. The analyses of the MP and CP showed significant differences in amino acid sequence compositions compared to those of reference EMoV sequences. These results demonstrate the presence of a so far unknown isolate of EMoV. This is the first report of sequence data of EMoV infecting U. laevis.
Hybrid Deduplication System—A Block-Level Similarity-Based Approach

Deploying deduplication for primary storage is a challenging task in view of random access patterns of I/O requests and the requirement of quick response time. Existing deduplication approaches designed for primary workloads are locality based with the assumption that I/O requests follow the locality principle. However, primary workloads in cloud systems need not necessarily follow the locality principle, and hence, the existing methods for deduplication are likely to exhibit poor response time. To provide a solution to this challenging problem, we propose and implement a hybrid deduplication system (HDS), a block-based partial deduplication system with similarity-based indexing. The proposed system applies deduplication in the background to decrease the latency and also aims at decreasing the data fragmentation. It applies similarity-based indexing to reduce high number of metadata lookups arising out of random access patterns of the requests. HDS for primary workloads is simulated in the Linux environment using three different types of FIU traces, and the effectiveness of the system is compared with full deduplication based on the parameters—metadata access overhead, average segment length, and response time. The experimental results show that the system has performed consistently better in reducing the metadata overhead and increasing the average segment length for all three sets of I/O trace data.