Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Class of Pseudoelliptic Waveguide Filters Using Dual-Post Resonators

A new class of inline pseudoelliptic waveguide filters is presented in this paper. The proposed structure is based on a novel resonator, namely, the dual-post resonator, consisting of a pair of antipodal partial-height posts. The odd and even symmetry modes of the dual-post resonator are exploited as the resonant mode and nonresonating mode, respectively. The nonresonating mode generates a direct input-to-output coupling, thus providing a transmission zero that can be located either below or above the pole of the resonant mode. The coupling between the resonant mode and the source (or load), as well as the input-to-output coupling, can be controlled by properly selecting the height and position of each post of the dual-post resonator, no additional waveguide discontinuity being needed. N th-order filtering functions with a number of transmission zeros up to the number of poles can be realized by cascading N dual-post resonators. With respect to the conventional inline waveguide filter with inductive obstacles, the dual-post filter is easier to tune, shorter, and more selective, such advantages being paid by a somewhat lower Q factor. The design of fourth- and sixth-order dual-post filters is presented; the experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the approach proposed.
Three‐fold nature of coastal progradation during the Holocene eustatic highstand, Po Plain, Italy – close correspondence of stratal character with distribution patterns

Although general trends in transgressive to highstand sedimentary evolution of river‐mouth coastlines are well‐known, the details of the turnaround from retrogradational (typically estuarine) to aggradational–progradational (typically coastal/deltaic) stacking patterns are not fully resolved. This paper examines the middle to late Holocene eustatic highstand succession of the Po Delta: its stratigraphic architecture records a complex pattern of delta outbuilding and coastal progradation that followed eustatic stabilization, since around 7·7 cal kyr bp. Sedimentological, palaeoecological (benthic foraminifera, ostracods and molluscs) and compositional criteria were used to characterize depositional conditions and sediment‐dispersal pathways within a radiocarbon‐dated chronological framework. A three‐stage progradation history was reconstructed. First, as soon as eustasy stabilized (7·7 to 7·0 cal kyr bp), rapid bay‐head delta progradation (ca 5 m year−1), fed mostly by the Po River, took place in a mixed, freshwater and brackish estuarine environment. Second, a dominantly aggradational parasequence set of beach‐barrier deposits in the lower highstand systems tract (7·0 to 2·0 cal kyr bp) records the development of a shallow, wave‐dominated coastal system fed alongshore, with elongated, modestly crescent beaches (ca 2·5 m year−1). Third, in the last 2000 years, the development of faster accreting and more rapidly prograding (up to ca 15 m year−1) Po delta lobes occurred into 30 m deep waters (upper highstand systems tract). This study documents the close correspondence of sediment character with stratal distribution patterns within the highstand systems tract. Remarkable changes in sediment characteristics, palaeoenvironments and direction of sediment transport occur across a surface named the ‘A–P surface’. This surface demarcates a major shift from dominantly aggradational (lower highstand systems tract) to fully progradational (upper highstand systems tract) parasequence stacking. In the Po system, this surface also reflects evolution from a wave‐dominated to river‐dominated deltaic system. Identifying the A–P surface through detailed palaeoecological and compositional data can help guide interpretation of highstand systems tracts in the rock record, especially where facies assemblages and their characteristic geometries are difficult to discern from physical sedimentary structures alone.
Generation of Fractal Music with Mandelbrot Set

Fractal is an irregular and fragmented geometric shape that can be subdivided in parts, where each part appears to be the same in all range of scale. Fractals play a central role in the realistic rendering and modeling natural phenomena in computer graphics. Fractals have infinite details. One can magnify a fractal and observe fascinating details. Many mathematical structures are fractals. In recent years many relations have been discovered between fractals and music. Fractal music is a result of a recursive process where an algorithm is applied multiple times to process its previous output. This Paper will cover some of the research that has been done on these relations. It will show how artists are currently using fractals to generate the basic melodies in their composition; the computer program that generates these melodies will be discussed.
Dissociation of Metabolic and Neurovascular Responses to Levodopa in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

We compared the metabolic and neurovascular effects of levodopa (LD) therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Eleven PD patients were scanned with both [15O]-H2O and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the unmedicated state and during intravenous LD infusion. Images were used to quantify LD-mediated changes in the expression of motor- and cognition-related PD covariance patterns in scans of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (CMR). These changes in network activity were compared with those occurring during subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS), and those observed in a test–retest PD control group. Separate voxel-based searches were conducted to identify individual regions with dissociated treatment-mediated changes in local cerebral blood flow and metabolism. We found a significant dissociation between CBF and CMR in the modulation of the PD motor-related network by LD treatment (p < 0.001). This dissociation was characterized by reductions in network activity in the CMR scans (p < 0.003) occurring concurrently with increases in the CBF scans (p < 0.01). Flow–metabolism dissociation was also evident at the regional level, with LD-mediated reductions in CMR and increases in CBF in the putamen/globus pallidus, dorsal midbrain/pons, STN, and ventral thalamus. CBF responses to LD in the putamen and pons were relatively greater in patients exhibiting drug-induced dyskinesia. In contrast, flow–metabolism dissociation was not present in the STN DBS treatment group or in the PD control group. These findings suggest that flow–metabolism dissociation is a distinctive feature of LD treatment. This phenomenon may be especially pronounced in patients with LD-induced dyskinesia.
Structural features of the Seneca Valley virus internal ribosome entry site element ; 2 a picornavirus with a pestivirus-like IRES 3 4

25 The RNA genome of Seneca Valley Virus (SVV), a recently identified picornavirus, 26 contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element which has structural and 27 functional similarity to that from classical swine fever virus and hepatitis C virus, 28 members of the flaviviridae. The SVV IRES has an absolute requirement for the presence 29 of a short region of virus coding sequence to allow it to function either in cells or in 30 rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The IRES activity does not require the translation initiation 31 factor eIF4A or intact eIF4G. The predicted secondary structure indicates that the SVV 32 IRES is more closely related to the CSFV IRES, including the presence of a bipartite IIId 33 domain. Mutagenesis of the SVV IRES, coupled to functional assays, support the core 34 elements of the IRES structure model, but surprisingly, deletion of the conserved IIId2 35 domain had no effect on IRES activity, including 40S and eIF3 binding. This is the first 36 example of a picornavirus IRES that is most closely related to the CSFV IRES and 37 suggests the possibility of multiple, independent, recombination events between the 38 genomes of the Picornaviridae and Flaviviridae to give rise to similar IRES elements. 39 40 Abstract word count: 190 41 42 Text word count: 6019 (inc. figure legends) 43 44
A Load Balancing Algorithm in Convergent Wireless Sensor and Cellular Networks

In the convergence scenario of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and cellular network, the mobile gateway UEs of cellular network need to provide service to larger numbers of sensor nodes, in order to reduce energy consumption and increase the network lifetime of WSNs. Nevertheless, the load balance of sensors among mobile gateways is a new-come research points in the convergence system. In this paper, we focus on the mechanisms of load balancing between gateway UEs in convergent system and propose a BS-assisted load balancing algorithm in the context of a multi-gateway wireless sensor network with cluster tree topology. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm resolves the load unbalance problem in WSNs, especially between different personal area networks (PANs) effectively.
A novel fingerprint matching algorithm using Minutiae Phase Difference Feature

In this paper, a new non-linear distortion robust fingerprint feature named Minutiae Phase Difference Feature (MPDF) is proposed, and used to measure the similarity of fingerprint local structures. Then a novel minutiae expanding method based on Moving Least Squares (MLS) transformation is introduced to regain the lost matched minutiae pairs after obtaining a few valid pairs. Finally a score evaluation strategy based on convex hull of transformed minutiae is adopted, which is more reasonable for partial overlapping fingerprint. Experiments of proposed algorithm conducted on FVC2004 database, comparing with other matching methods, show that the MPDF feature and proposed algorithm have promising performances.
Using SOM-Ward Clustering and Predictive Analytics for Conducting Customer Segmentation

Continuously increasing amounts of data in data warehouses are providing companies with ample opportunity to conduct analytical customer relationship management (CRM). However, how to utilize the information retrieved from the analysis of these data to retain the most valuable customers, identify customers with additional revenue potential, and achieve cost-effective customer relationship management, continue to pose challenges for companies. This study proposes a two-level approach combining SOM-Ward clustering and predictive analytics to segment the customer base of a case company with 1.5 million customers. First, according to the spending amount, demographic and behavioral characteristics of the customers, we adopt SOM-Ward clustering to segment the customer base into seven segments: exclusive customers, high-spending customers, and five segments of mass customers. Then, three classification models - the support vector machine (SVM), the neural network, and the decision tree, are employed to classify high-spending and low-spending customers. The performance of the three classification models is evaluated and compared. The three models are then combined to predict potential high-spending customers from the mass customers. It is found that this hybrid approach could provide more thorough and detailed information about the customer base, especially the untapped mass market with potential high revenue contribution, for tailoring actionable marketing strategies.
An object-centric name system for Mobile-Oriented Future Internet

This paper proposes a name system for Mobile-Oriented Future Internet (MOFI) that has been proposed to support the future Internet for mobile environment. The proposed name system for MOFI considers a host-centric for the current stage as well as an object-centric for the next stage. Firstly, a name space for objects is defined. To consider scalability and distributed architecture, the format of the name space consists of object category, local name, domain name, and parameters. Secondly, registries and servers are introduced to manage mapping between HID and object names with one-to-many relationship. Then, name registration and resolution are described. Thirdly, consideration issues of the proposed name system are described. Finally, the proposed name system for MOFI is compared with existing name systems for the future Internet.
Adaptation to the digestion of non-starch polysaccharide in growing pigs fed on cereal or semi-purified basal diets

Pigs (25–45 kg) were fed on either cereal or semi-purified basal diets supplemented with either high or low levels of sugar-beet pulp or wood cellulose (Solka-floc). The apparent digestibility and retention of N and apparent digestibility and metabolizability of energy (GE) and the apparent digestibility of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and their constituent monomers were measured during weeks 2, 4 and 6 of the trial. N and GE were less well-digested, retained or metabolized from cereal basal diets than from the corresponding semi-purified diets during all three periods. NSP from sugar-beet pulp was highly digestible, unlike that from Soka-floc which was relatively poorly digested. These differences of NSP digestibility were seen more clearly when incorporated in semi-purified diets. There was no significant increase in the digestibility or retention of N, or digestibility or metabolizability of GE, or in the digestibility of sugar-beet pulp NSP with increasing time-period on the diets. In contrast, the digestibility of Solka-floc NSP tended to increase with the time-period. The digestibility of NSP from the semi-purified diet with the high level of Solka-floc inclusion was much lower than that for the low level of inclusion, indicating that microbial activity had been reduced. In conclusion, adaptation to the diets in terms of N and GE balance may be complete after 1 week, but 3–5 weeks may be necessary before stability of measurements of the digestibility of resistant NSP monomers can be obtained.
Signal rich art image — A new tool for automatic identification and data capture applications using mobile phones

A new tool, called signal-rich-art image, for automatic identification and data capture applications is proposed, which is created from an artistic target image for use as a carrier of a given message. The created image is visually similar to the target image, achieving the effect of so-called signal rich art. With its function similar to those of barcodes or QR codes, such a type of image is produced by fragmenting the composing characters of the message and injecting them into the target image by a novel image-block luminance modulation scheme. Skillful techniques are also proposed for message extraction from a mobile phone-captured version of the signal-rich-art image printed on paper or displayed on a screen. Good experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed method.
Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of the Essential Oils from Thymbra capitata and Thymus Species Grown in Portugal

The antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of the essential oils from Thymbra capitata and Thymus species grown in Portugal were evaluated. Thymbra and Thymus essential oils were grouped into two clusters: Cluster I in which carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, α-terpineol, and γ-terpinene dominated and Cluster II in which thymol and carvacrol were absent and the main constituent was linalool. The ability for scavenging ABTS•+ and peroxyl free radicals as well as for preventing the growth of THP-1 leukemia cells was better in essential oils with the highest contents of thymol and carvacrol. These results show the importance of these two terpene-phenolic compounds as antioxidants and cytotoxic agents against THP-1 cells.
On the Possibilities and Limitations of Computational Fuzzy Extractors

Fuller et al. (Asiacrypt 2013) studied on computational fuzzy extractors, and showed, as a negative result, that the existence of a computational \secure sketch" implies the existence of an information-theo secure sketch with slightly weaker parameters. In this work, we show a similar negative result such that the existence of a computational fuzzy extractor satisfying a certain computational condition implies the existence of an information-theo fuzzy extractor with slightly weaker parameters. The condition is that the generation procedure of the fuzzy extractor can be efficiently invertible. This result implies that to circumvent the limitations of information-theo fuzzy extractors, we need to employ computational fuzzy extractors in which the generation procedure cannot be efficiently invertible. As positive results, we present a construction of computational fuzzy extractor based on a leakage-resilien key encapsulation mechanism and a construction based on a strong decisional Diffie-Hellman assumption.
The effect of dialectical behavior therapy on executive function in patients with a bipolar disorder

Background: Bipolar disorder is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent depression, manic and hippomanic episodes. The effect of a dialectical behavior therapy on executive functions in bipolar disorders has not been addressed so far. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the dialectical behavior therapy on executive function in the bipolar disorder. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with a bipolar disorder were randomly assigned to the intervention (the dialectical behavior therapy combined with medication) and control (only medication) groups. The questionnaires and tests were used at baseline, after 12 weeks intervention, and three months after the intervention. Participants in the intervention group received twelve 90-min sessions of the standard dialectical behavior therapy for the bipolar disorder. Results: The results showed that the intervention group had a lower score in mania, and depression. Also, the intervention group had a higher score in executive functions after three months intervention and three months follow-up. Conclusion: The dialectical behavior therapy in combination with medication can lead to reduce manic and depression symptoms, and improve performance of the patients in planning and problem-solving.
G-CSF Prevents Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy in Rat

Background The protective effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) have been demonstrated in a variety of renal disease models. However, the influence of G-CSF on diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains to be examined. In this study, we investigated the effect of G-CSF on DN and its possible mechanisms in a rat model. Methods Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats with early DN were administered G-CSF or saline intraperitoneally. Urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), creatinine clearance, mesangial matrix expansion, glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickness, and podocyte foot process width (FPW) were measured. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and type IV collagen genes expression in kidney tissue were also evaluated. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying G-CSF effects, we also assessed the expression of G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) in glomeruli as well as mobilization of bone marrow (BM) cells to glomeruli using sex-mismatched BM transplantation. Results After four weeks of treatment, UACR was lower in the G-CSF treatment group than in the saline group (p<0.05), as were mesangial matrix expansion, GBM thickness, and FPW (p<0.05). In addition, the expression of TGF-β1 and type IV collagen and IL-1β levels was lower in the G-CSF treatment group (p<0.05). G-CSFR was not present in glomerular cells, and G-CSF treatment increased the number of BM-derived cells in glomeruli (p<0.05). Conclusions G-CSF can prevent the progression of DN in OLETF rats and its effects may be due to mobilization of BM cells rather than being a direct effect.
State-Dependent Processing of Sensory Stimuli by Thalamic Reticular Neurons

Inhibitory neurons of the thalamic reticular (RT) nucleus fire in two activity modes, burst and tonic, depending on an animal's behavioral state. In tonic mode, depolarized RT cells fire single action potentials continuously, whereas burst firing consists of grouped discharges separated by periods of quiescence. To determine how these firing modes affect sensory-evoked RT responses, single-unit responses to controlled whisker deflections were analyzed according to the burst versus tonic mode of spontaneous activity (SA) preceding the response. After burst mode activity (i.e., either quiescence or spontaneous bursts), responses exhibited a slow ∼15 msec rise to peak firing rates followed by a ∼35 msec decay. Interspike intervals within the response exhibited accelerando–decelerando patterns similar to those of spontaneous bursts. After tonic mode activity (i.e., single spikes), responses had a nearly instantaneous ∼1.5 msec rise-to-peak followed by a ∼40 msec decay, with large spike counts (5.2 spikes per stimulus) similar to those evoked in burst mode (6.2 spikes per stimulus). Interspike intervals were longer in tonic mode and exhibited a decelerando pattern. Initial evoked spikes, however, had shorter latencies and greater synchrony, contributing to the rapid onset of tonic population response. Shifts from quiescent (presumed burst mode) to tonic SA could be induced by either previous whisker deflections or iontophoretic application of NMDA; both manipulations effected appropriate shifts from burst to tonic response spike patterns. In awake animals, burst and tonic firing in RT, as in thalamocortical relay nuclei, may reflect sensory processing strategies appropriate for different behavioral and attentional states.
Oxidative Stress during Ovarian Torsion in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: Changing The Perspective of The Disease

Among the different causes of gynecological acute pelvic pain, ovarian torsion represents a surgical emergency. It is a rare case in the pediatric/adolescent aged group that must be included in the differential diagnosis of any girl with abdominal pain or pelvic/abdominal mass. Current recommendations suggest that laparoscopic detorsion should be performed in order to preserve the integrity of the ovaries and fertility, although oophoropexy may be considered in case of severe necrosis. Nevertheless, maintaining the circulation of the ovary after detorsion deteriorates the tissue injury and leads to a pathologic process called ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which is characterized by oxidative stress. During the detorsion process, an excess amount of molecular oxygen is supplied to the tissues, and reactive species of oxygen (ROS) such as superoxide radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH•), as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are produced in excess. ROS, RNS and their toxic products cause DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in the cellular and mitochondrial membranes, leading to cell death. In spite of attention on this topic, currently there is no shared and clear evidence about the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents to prevent I/R damage after laparoscopic ovarian detorsion. Considering this element, future research should aim to develop shared protocols for the clinical use (route of application, dosage and time of application) of antioxidants after laparoscopic management of this condition.