Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of Ultrathin Absorptive/Transmissive Radome with Dual Passbands

An ultrathin absorptive/transmissive radome with dual passbands is presented in this paper. The total thickness of radome is only 5mm. The dual passbands are located at around 1.05GHz and 2.2GHz, respectively. The absorbing band ranges from 6.28GHz to 15.04GHz for TE wave incidence and from 6.3GHz to 15.16GHz for TM wave incidence. Due to the miniaturized elements, the grating lobes are shifted out of absorbing band to higher frequency. Both numerical and experimental results are also given out.
Association of hospitalization with long-term cognitive and brain MRI changes in the ARIC cohort

Objective: To determine whether hospitalization is associated with subsequent cognitive decline or changes on brain MRI in a community-based cohort. Methods: Baseline and follow-up cognitive testing (n = 2,386) and MRI scans with standardized assessments (n = 885) were available from a subset of white and black participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Cognitive tests included the Delayed Word Recall Test (DWRT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Word Fluency Test (WFT). Hospitalization characteristics were determined using ICD-9 codes. Regression models adjusted for demographics, education, comorbidities, and APOE ε4 were used to estimate the independent association of hospitalization with changes in cognition or neuroimaging. Results: Over a mean 14.1 years between visits, 1,266 participants (53.1%) were hospitalized. Hospitalization compared with no hospitalization was associated with greater decline in DSST scores (1.25 points greater decline, p < 0.001) but no difference in DWRT or WFT score change. Each additional hospitalization, as well as a critical illness vs noncritical illness hospitalization, was associated with greater decline in DSST scores. A subset of participants (n = 885) underwent MRI scans separated by 10.5 years. Hospitalization (n = 392) compared with no hospitalization was associated with a 57% higher odds of increasing ventricular size at follow-up. Each additional hospitalization, as well as having a critical illness vs noncritical illness hospitalization, and having a hospitalization with major surgery vs no surgery was associated with greater odds of increased ventricular size. Conclusions: Cognitive decline and neuroimaging changes may occur after hospitalization, independent of baseline demographics and comorbidities.
Childhood lead poisoning in Massachusetts communities: its association with sociodemographic and housing characteristics.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between communities' sociodemographic and housing characteristics and incidence of lead poisoning. METHODS This was a population-based correlational study of 238,275 Massachusetts children from birth through 4 years of age who were screened for lead poisoning in 1991-1992. A logistic regression model was developed with the community as the unit of analysis, the case identification rate for lead poisoning (newly identified children with venous blood lead > or = 25 micrograms/dL per 1000 children) as the dependent variable, and US census variables as independent variables. RESULTS A significant independent relationship with the community case identification rate of lead poisoning was found for seven variables: median per capita income, percentage of housing built before 1950, percentage of the population who were Black, percentage of children screened, and a "poverty index. " Rates of iron deficiency and percentage of Hispanics were not associated with the case identification rate of lead poisoning. CONCLUSIONS Massachusetts communities' incidence of lead poisoning is correlated with sociodemographic and housing characteristics. In states similar to Massachusetts and without screening data, this model may help target screening programs.
Wireless Sensor Networks Control : Drawing Inspiration from Complex Systems

Recent approaches on the study of networks have exploded over almost all the sciences across the academic spectrum. In this context, the analysis and modeling of networks as well as networked dynamical systems as the Wireless Sensor Networks have attracted considerable interdisciplinary interest. On the contrary, even with the unprecedented evolution of technology, basic issues and fundamental principles related to the structural and evolutionary properties of sensor networks still remain unaddressed and need to be unraveled since they affect the function of the network, offering self-properties, such as self-organization, self-adaptability, and so on. This work in progress tries to explore simple models of complex networks from wireless sensor networks perspective, focusing on their structural and evolutionary properties. The constraints, vulnerabilities and requirements of sensor networks drive the necessity to develop new theoretical frameworks to help explain their complex and unpredictable behaviors based on the complex systems’ principles, and design alternative network control methods and techniques which may be provably effective and robust.
Phenomenological approaches to palliative care research

The recent debate about a suitable research paradigm for palliative care1 has highlighted the importance of methodologies which are sensitive enough to allow subjective experiences to be elicited with compassion, whilst at the same time conforming to expectations and principles of scientific rigour. One possible framework for addressing this issue lies within the tradition of phenomenology, and this approach has attracted a good deal of interest, particularly among those undertaking research in nursing.2 Phenomenology comes from two Greek words: phainomenon, meaning ‘appearance’ and logos, which denotes ‘reason’. Contemporary phenomenology revolves around the problem of how we make sense of the everyday world. It provides opportunities to tease out some of the concepts, ideas, frameworks and structures of meaning which are found in the day to day world of human interaction. Phenomenology has therefore been attractive to some researchers of health care practice who see in it the potential to illuminate otherwise takenfor- granted assumptions which can exist in the process of giving and receiving care. Benner and Wreubel,3 for example, have applied the ideas to nursing in an attempt to identify the elements in a ‘science of caring’. Studies which make claims to a phenomenological perspective are now appearing in palliative care. Our purpose here therefore is to outline very briefly the fundamental principles of the phenomenological approach and to highlight some key issues which palliative care researchers may wish to consider when assessing the relevance of phenomenology to their
Immediate versus early loading of mini-implants supporting mandibular overdentures: a preliminary 3-year clinical outcome report.

PURPOSE The aim of this preliminary clinical report was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of immediate and early loaded mini-implants (MIs) supporting mandibular overdentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six completely edentulous patients (20 men and 16 women) complaining of insufficient retention of their mandibular dentures were randomly assigned to two groups. Each patient received four MIs in the interforaminal area of the mandible using the nonsubmerged flapless surgical approach. In group 1 (G1), MIs were loaded with mandibular overdentures using the immediate loading protocol, while in group 2 (G2), MIs were loaded with overdentures using the early loading protocol. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Peri-implant health indices (Plaque Index/Bleeding Index), probing depths, and marginal bone levels were recorded for both groups after MI insertions and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months thereafter. RESULTS The cumulative implant survival rates were 91.7% and 96.7% for G1 and G2, respectively. G1 recorded significantly higher Plaque Index, Bleeding Index, and probing depths than G2 after 12 months, while other observation times demonstrated no significant difference between groups. Most of the recorded marginal bone loss occurred in the first year, and no significant bone loss was noted in subsequent years. After 6 months, marginal bone loss was significantly higher in G1 compared to G2, but no significant differences between groups were noted thereafter. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this study's research design and duration of follow-up outcome analyses, immediate and early loading protocols showed good clinical results with favorable peri-implant tissue response 3 years after implant insertion. Early loading of MIs supporting a mandibular overdenture appears to be preferable to immediate loading.
A Case Study of the Attitudes and Preparedness of a Group of Secondary Mathematics Teachers towards Statistics.

The new secondary Australian mathematics curricula have more statistics than the existing Queensland senior mathematics curricula. This paper discusses the attitudes to, and preparedness for, aspects of the implementation of the Australian Senior Mathematics Curricula within a group of Sunshine Coast (Queensland) mathematics educators. We found on the evidence presented that teachers value the importance of statistics, and see how technology can assist with teaching and learning statistics, but teachers are ambivalent towards statistics and feel less competent to teach statistics.
Adaptive Clustering through Semidefinite Programming

We analyze the clustering problem through a flexible probabilistic model that aims to identify an optimal partition on the sample X 1 , . , X n. We perform exact clustering with high probability using a convex semidefinite estimator that interprets as a corrected, relaxed version of K-means. The estimator is analyzed through a non-asymptotic framework and showed to be optimal or near-optimal in recovering the partition. Furthermore, its performances are shown to be adaptive to the problem's effective dimension, as well as to K the unknown number of groups in this partition. We illustrate the method's performances in comparison to other classical clustering algorithms with numerical experiments on simulated data.
Effect of Practical Precooling on Neuromuscular Function and 5-km Time-Trial Performance in Hot, Humid Conditions Among Well-Trained Male Runners

Abstract Randall, CA, Ross, EZ, and Maxwell, NS. Effect of practical precooling on neuromuscular function and 5-km time-trial performance in hot, humid conditions among well-trained male runners. J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 1925–1936, 2015—This study investigated whether torso and thigh precooling during a warm-up effects neuromuscular function and 5-km time-trial performance in hot, humid conditions. Eight well-trained male runners completed 3 randomized time-trials in 32.2 ± 0.8° C and 48.6 ± 6.7% relative humidity. A 30-minute warm-up was completed with no cooling (Control), precooling by an ice vest (Vest), or ice packs covering the thighs (Packs). Before the warm-up and after the time-trial, supramaximal femoral nerve stimulation was delivered during and following maximal isometric contractions. Core and skin temperature, heart rate, and perceptual ratings were recorded before and during the warm-up and time-trial. Overall performance time was improved in Packs compared with Control (1,407 ± 80 seconds vs. 1,492 ± 88 seconds; p ⩽ 0.05) but not in Vest (1,444 ± 71 seconds; p > 0.05). In Packs, a higher exercise intensity (p ⩽ 0.05) and less cumulative time (p < 0.01) were evident during the last kilometer compared with Control. Maximum voluntary force, voluntary activation, muscle contractility, and membrane excitability were not different after exercise or between conditions. Ten minutes after the warm-up, skin temperature was lower in Vest and Packs compared with Control (p < 0.01). Thermal strain and body heat content change was lower in Vest and Packs, respectively (p ⩽ 0.05). Findings indicate that torso and thigh precooling during a warm-up reduces thermoregulatory strain. However, thigh opposed to torso precooling provides greater performance improvements. Neuromuscular function did not aid performance, indicating that transient changes in afferent feedback and muscle recruitment may enhance endurance trial performance.
Performance of a decentralized knowledge base system

The binary predicate execution model (BPEM) is a computational model that combines logic programming, semantic nets, and message-driven computation into a paradigm for the construction of highly parallel knowledge-base systems. Simulation results are presented that demonstrate the ability of BPM to exploit effectively the resources of a loosely coupled computer network consisting of large numbers of independent processing elements. These simulations suggest performance on the order of 10/sup 5/ logical inferences per second for 256 processing elements in an n-cube configuration. A very important feature of the BPEM is that it scales-up linearly under simple OR-parallelism and AND-parallelism. Hence, the BPEM can scale-up to exploit parallelism efficiently in very large semantic networks and knowledge bases. <<ETX>>
Interferon and natural killer cell activity in patients with exanthem subitum

Early immune response was studied by assessing interferon (IFN) and natural killer cell activity in 13 patients with exanthem subitum asociated with human herpesvirus 6 infection during the acute and convalescent phases. Only IFN-alpha showed a significant increase in the plasma of patients during the acute febrile phase compared with the convalescent period. The inhibitory effect of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta on human herpesvirus 6 replication was demonstrated in vitro with cord blood mononuclear cells. Natural killer cell activity was also significantly augmented in the acute phase, especially in the exanthem period, rather than in the convalescent phase (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the enhanced IFN-alpha response and natural killer cell activity in the acute early phase of the disease may play pivotal roles in the recovery from exanthem subitum.
Bicoordinate Descent for the LASSO

We propose an estimator for the LASSO that iteratively optimizes the coefficients in pairs. In addition to improving efficiency by coordinating the updates of the the paired variables, our algorithm affords insights into the nature of the LASSO problem. Our method outperforms the popular glmnet algorithm in all but high-K low-N settings, executing increasingly better as N increases.
Rational Least Squares Fitting using Krylov Spaces

Krylov subspace methods have been applied successfully to solve various problems in Numerical Linear Algebra. The Netherlands have been a pioneer country in the development of Krylov methods over the past years. Methods like the Conjugate Gradient Squared (CGS), Bi-Conjugate Gradient Stabilized (BiCGSTAB), Nested GMRES (GMRESR), and the Induced Dimension Reduction method (IDR) are examples of Krylov methods developed at Dutch universities. In this context, we are organizing the Student Krylov Day 2015 at TU Delft in the framework of the SIAM Student Chapter Delft. We are also proud to welcome Peter Sonneveld as invited speaker to our workshop.
Web design in a nutshell - a desktop quick reference

From the Publisher: Web Design in a Nutshell contains the nitty-gritty on everything you need to know to design Web pages. Written by veteran Web designer Jennifer Niederst, this book provides quick access to the wide range of technologies and techniques from which Web designers and authors must draw. Topics include understanding the Web environment, HTML, graphics, multimedia and interactivity, and emerging technologies.
Laser Capture Microdissection of Cells from Plant Tissues1

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a technique by which individual cells can be harvested from tissue sections while they are viewed under the microscope, by tacking selected cells to an adhesive film with a laser beam. Harvested cells can provide DNA, RNA, and protein for the profiling of genomic characteristics, gene expression, and protein spectra from individual cell types. We have optimized LCM for a variety of plant tissues and species, permitting the harvesting of cells from paraffin sections that maintain histological detail. We show that RNA can be extracted from LCM-harvested plant cells in amount and quality that are sufficient for the comparison of RNAs among individual cell types. The linear amplification of LCM-captured RNA should permit the expression profiling of plant cell types.
Feasibility and reliability of dynamic postural control measures in children in first through fifth grades.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Although dynamic postural control is a prerequisite to the development of fundamental movement skills in children, few studies have examined the feasibility and reliability of assessment techniques that measure dynamic postural control in youth under 13 years of age. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and reliability of the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) in children and to examine the reproducibility of these measures across developmental periods of childhood. METHODS 188 subjects in first through fifth grades (age = 6.9 to 12.1 yr) performed the YBT-LQ on two occasions in a field-based setting. Reach distances and cumulative score (sum of 3 directions) were measured and analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Sub-cohorts of 14 and 8 subjects were used to assess inter-rater reliability within-session and between-session, respectively. RESULTS The overall ICC was moderate-to-good for the anterior (right=0.82; left=0.82), posteromedial (right=0.77; left=0.75), and posterolateral (right 0.80; left=0.77) reach directions. The combined ICC was also moderate-to-good for children in grades 1 (0.71), 2 (0.74), 3 (0.84), 4 (0.82), and 5 (0.79). Typical error values for right and left limbs were less than 10% of the mean for all reach measures across all grades. Interrater reliability within session (ICC > 0.995) and between sessions (0.907 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.974) were both excellent. No unexpected responses or injury occurred during testing. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the YBT-LQ is a feasible and reproducible measure of dynamic postural control in children in first through fifth grades. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
Disintegrator vectors for single‐copy yeast chromosomal integration

Vectors were developed for two‐step chromosomal integration of reporter genes or expression constructs. With these vectors, integration produces a disruption of the ADE8, LYS2, MET15, LEU2, HIS3 or FCY1 genes, and integrants can be easily identified by replica‐plating on selective media. Integration using these ‘disintegrator’ vectors produces a single‐copy integration of the construct of interest at the junction of the marker deletion, and removes the additional plasmid sequences. Importantly, the integrated constructs do not contain flanking sequence duplications, and therefore should be highly stable. Each of the vectors was shown to reliably integrate a TEF1–KAN expression cassette and/or GAL1–HIS3 and STE12–LacZ reporter genes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Structural Basis for Antigen Presentation by the MHC Class Ib Molecule, Qa-1b

The primary function of the monomorphic MHC class Ib molecule Qa-1b is to present peptides derived from the leader sequences of other MHC class I molecules for recognition by the CD94-NKG2 receptors expressed by NK and T cells. Whereas the mode of peptide presentation by its ortholog HLA-E, and subsequent recognition by CD94-NKG2A, is known, the molecular basis of Qa-1b function is unclear. We have assessed the interaction between Qa-1b and CD94-NKG2A and shown that they interact with an affinity of 17 μM. Furthermore, we have determined the structure of Qa-1b bound to the leader sequence peptide, Qdm (AMAPRTLLL), to a resolution of 1.9 Å and compared it with that of HLA-E. The crystal structure provided a basis for understanding the restricted peptide repertoire of Qa-1b. Whereas the Qa-1b-AMAPRTLLL complex was similar to that of HLA-E, significant sequence and structural differences were observed between the respective Ag-binding clefts. However, the conformation of the Qdm peptide bound by Qa-1b was very similar to that of peptide bound to HLA-E. Although a number of conserved innate receptors can recognize heterologous ligands from other species, the structural differences between Qa-1b and HLA-E manifested in CD94-NKG2A ligand recognition being species specific despite similarities in peptide sequence and conformation. Collectively, our data illustrate the structural homology between Qa-1b and HLA-E and provide a structural basis for understanding peptide repertoire selection and the specificity of the interaction of Qa-1b with CD94-NKG2 receptors.
CRAC channels and Ca2+ signaling in mast cells

Summary: Mast cells are integral members of the immune system. Upon activation by a rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+, they release a battery of paracrine signals, chemokines, and cytokines, which help sculpt the subsequent immune response. Ca2+ entry through store‐operated Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels in the plasma membrane is central for driving most of these responses. The molecular basis of the CRAC channel has been identified, with Orai1 forming the channel pore. Recent work has revealed that a range of mast cell responses are activated by spatially restricted Ca2+ signals just below the plasma membrane. These Ca2+ microdomains can activate cytosolic enzymes, leading to the generation of intracellular messengers as well as proinflammatory molecules like LTC4. In this review, we describe key features of CRAC channels in mast cells, how they generate local Ca2+ signals, and how the cell can decode these restricted signals to generate a raft of responses.
Inhibition of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase plays a key role in the induction of mitosis and nuclear envelope breakdown in mammalian cells.

Inhibiting cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (A‐kinase) in mammalian fibroblasts through microinjection of a modified specific inhibitor peptide, PKi(m) or the purified inhibitor protein, PKI, resulted in rapid and pronounced chromatin condensation at all phases of the cell cycle. Together with these changes in chromatin, a marked reorganization of microtubule network occurred, accompanied in G2 cells by extensive alterations in cell shape which have many similarities to the premitotic phenotype previously observed after activation of p34cdc2 kinase, including the lack of spindle formation and the persistence of a nuclear envelope. In order to examine whether A‐kinase inhibition and p34cdc2 kinase form part of the same or different inductive pathways, PKI and p34cdc2 kinase were injected together. Co‐injection of both components resulted in nuclear envelope disassembly, an event not observed with injection of either component alone. This result implies that p34cdc2 and A‐kinase inhibition have complementary and additive effects on the process of nuclear envelope breakdown in living fibroblasts, a conclusion further supported by our observation of a pronounced dephosphorylation of lamins A and C in cells after injection of PKi(m). Taken together, these data suggest that down‐regulation of A‐kinase is a distinct and essential event in the induction of mammalian cell mitosis which co‐operates with the p34cdc2 pathway.