Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GMRES Interference Canceller for MIMO Relay Network

In this paper, we introduce a collaborative minimum mean squared error (MMSE) interference canceler in MIMO relay networks. The proposed receiver architecture is characterized by the integration of the generalized minimum residual method (GMRES) for symbol detection. In this scheme, the GMRES method detects the transmitted symbols by solving iteratively a linear system representing the MMSE interference canceler without matrix inversion. The relay-destination channels are assumed to be orthogonal. We evaluate the instantaneous capacity of the equivalent MIMO relay network equipped with K parallel relay nodes for TDMA and MC-CDMA modes, using the assumption that the source node does not communicate directly with the destination node. In order to evaluate the system performances, the bit error rate (BER) is evaluated with respect to the number of relay nodes K and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) measured at the destination.
EDUCATORS' AND PARENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS CODE SWITCHING BY ARAB BILINGUALS: PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

A Master of Arts Thesis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) by Habiba Hanini Dhaouadi Entitled, "Educators' and Parents' Attitudes Towards Code Switching By Arab Bilinguals: Pedagogical Implications," May 2006. Thesis Advisor is Dr. Fatima Badry. Available are both Soft and Hard Copies of the Thesis.
E-MAIL AS A VIRAL MARKETING TOOL: A RESEARCH ON EMOTIONS BEHIND E-MAIL SENDING AND RECEIVING BEHAVIOR

Internetin yayginlasmasi, tuketicilere urun ve hizmetler hakkinda diger tuketicilerden bilgi edinmenin yeni yollarini sunmaktadir. Bu tur iletisim agizdan agza iletisimin bir turu olarak gorulmekte, agizdan fareye ya da cevrimici agizdan agza iletisim olarak adlandirilirken, tuketicilere de guc
Boosting CRISPR/Cas9 multiplex editing capability with the endogenous tRNA-processing system

Significance The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 nuclease (Cas9) system has recently emerged as an efficient and versatile tool for genome editing in various organisms. However, its targeting capability and multiplex editing efficiency are often limited by the guide RNA (gRNA)-expressing device. This study demonstrates a general strategy and platform for precise processing and efficient production of numerous gRNAs in vivo from a synthetic polycistronic gene via the endogenous tRNA-processing system. This strategy is shown to significantly increase CRISPR/Cas9 multiplex editing capability and efficiency in plants and is expected to have broad applications for small RNA expression and genome engineering. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 nuclease (Cas9) system is being harnessed as a powerful tool for genome engineering in basic research, molecular therapy, and crop improvement. This system uses a small guide RNA (gRNA) to direct Cas9 endonuclease to a specific DNA site; thus, its targeting capability is largely constrained by the gRNA-expressing device. In this study, we developed a general strategy to produce numerous gRNAs from a single polycistronic gene. The endogenous tRNA-processing system, which precisely cleaves both ends of the tRNA precursor, was engineered as a simple and robust platform to boost the targeting and multiplex editing capability of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We demonstrated that synthetic genes with tandemly arrayed tRNA–gRNA architecture were efficiently and precisely processed into gRNAs with desired 5′ targeting sequences in vivo, which directed Cas9 to edit multiple chromosomal targets. Using this strategy, multiplex genome editing and chromosomal-fragment deletion were readily achieved in stable transgenic rice plants with a high efficiency (up to 100%). Because tRNA and its processing system are virtually conserved in all living organisms, this method could be broadly used to boost the targeting capability and editing efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 toolkits.
Mutant INS-Gene Induced Diabetes of Youth: Proinsulin Cysteine Residues Impose Dominant-Negative Inhibition on Wild-Type Proinsulin Transport

Recently, a syndrome of Mutant I NS-gene-induced Diabetes of Youth (MIDY, derived from one of 26 distinct mutations) has been identified as a cause of insulin-deficient diabetes, resulting from expression of a misfolded mutant proinsulin protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Genetic deletion of one, two, or even three alleles encoding insulin in mice does not necessarily lead to diabetes. Yet MIDY patients are INS-gene heterozygotes; inheritance of even one MIDY allele, causes diabetes. Although a favored explanation for the onset of diabetes is that insurmountable ER stress and ER stress response from the mutant proinsulin causes a net loss of beta cells, in this report we present three surprising and interlinked discoveries. First, in the presence of MIDY mutants, an increased fraction of wild-type proinsulin becomes recruited into nonnative disulfide-linked protein complexes. Second, regardless of whether MIDY mutations result in the loss, or creation, of an extra unpaired cysteine within proinsulin, Cys residues in the mutant protein are nevertheless essential in causing intracellular entrapment of co-expressed wild-type proinsulin, blocking insulin production. Third, while each of the MIDY mutants induces ER stress and ER stress response; ER stress and ER stress response alone appear insufficient to account for blockade of wild-type proinsulin. While there is general agreement that ultimately, as diabetes progresses, a significant loss of beta cell mass occurs, the early events described herein precede cell death and loss of beta cell mass. We conclude that the molecular pathogenesis of MIDY is initiated by perturbation of the disulfide-coupled folding pathway of wild-type proinsulin.
Prognostic significance of focal neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer: Cases with autopsy-verified cause of death

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic significance of focal chromogranin A (cgA) expression in prostate cancer in a series of cases with autopsy-verified cause of death. Methods and Results: Seventy seven autopsy-verified cases of prostate cancer were identified, 41 cases with metastatic disease and 36 with nonmetastatic disease at autopsy. Immunohistochemical analysis for cgA was performed in 40 cases on the archived diagnostic biopsies taken during the patients’ lifetime. After exclusion of a single case of carcinoid tumor, 14 of the 18 (78%) metastatic and none of the 21 (0%) nonmetastatic tumors showed focal neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). The Gleason score and focal cgA expression further increased the accuracy of the prediction of the outcome, as all the cases with focal NED associated with high Gleason score had metastatic disease in contrast to cases without cgA-expression and low Gleason score, all of which were non-metastatic. Conclusions: Focal NED seems to be a powerful negative prognostic parameter in prostate adenocarcinomas. The outcome of the disease in prostate cancer can be accurately predicted based on focal NED of the tumor cells either alone or in combination with Gleason score.
Recent trends in the epidemiology of invasive mycoses

Purpose of review Invasive mycoses are emerging as an important public health problem. This development has occurred in large measure due to the increasing numbers of persons at risk. In addition, advances in therapeutic technologies and in particular the development of novel immunosuppressive therapies have prolonged the period of risk for many individuals. Recent findings Although rates of candida bloodstream infections have been increasing over the past several decades, recent evidence suggests this trend may be reversing. The emergence of non-albicans Candida species, and in particular C. glabrata, has been documented. Invasive aspergillosis and other mold infections have become a significant and increasing problem in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and certain high-risk groups of solid organ transplant recipients. These infections are associated with high mortality rates. Despite marked reductions in the rates of AIDS-associated fungal infections in the USA and other developed countries, the burden of these mycoses in developing countries is large and increasing. Summary While gains have been made in the treatment and prevention of invasive mycoses, changes in the epidemiology of these infections and in healthcare practices have resulted in the emergence of new at-risk populations. A better understanding of specific risk factors will be needed if prevention strategies, such as chemoprophylaxis and environmental control measures, are to become more widely applicable and cost-effective.
Mark-based vision for 3D vehicle tracking using least-squares and kalman filter

In this work, we analyse and compare two families of techniques for 3-dimensional tracking of vehicle movement using a fixed camera that provides vehicle images showing several, easily detectable, marks, fixed to the vehicle body. Algorithms are implemented in a mini-helicopter hover-stabilization application. The first family of techniques is based on non-linear dynamic least-squares (LS) algorithm for parameter estimation. The second family is based on optimal state estimation and extended Kalman filters (EKF). Both groups of techniques are first adapted to our problem and then discussed and compared from an analytical and numerical perspective
The eyes or the mouth? Feature salience and unfamiliar face processing in Williams syndrome and autism

Using traditional face perception paradigms the current study explores unfamiliar face processing in two neurodevelopmental disorders. Previous research indicates that autism and Williams syndrome (WS) are both associated with atypical face processing strategies. The current research involves these groups in an exploration of feature salience for processing the eye and mouth regions of unfamiliar faces. The tasks specifically probe unfamiliar face matching by using (a) upper or lower face features, (b) the Thatcher illusion, and (c) featural and configural face modifications to the eye and mouth regions. Across tasks, individuals with WS mirror the typical pattern of performance, with greater accuracy for matching faces using the upper than using the lower features, susceptibility to the Thatcher illusion, and greater detection of eye than mouth modifications. Participants with autism show a generalized performance decrement alongside atypicalities, deficits for utilizing the eye region, and configural face cues to match unfamiliar faces. The results are discussed in terms of feature salience, structural encoding, and the phenotypes typically associated with these neurodevelopmental disorders.
Corso di Studio e «Community Learning»: prospettive di modello

Degree Course and «Community Learning»: Modelling Perspectives The recent use, in economic contexts, of the conceptual opposition between «mark-tomarket » and «mark-to-model» expressions would appear to be relevant also in the organizational analysis of university degree courses. To this end, the «case» of a specific Bachelor’s degree course was analysed within an adult education and lifelong learning perspective. From an epistemological standpoint, the analysis was based on the application of the «community of practice» paradigm by focusing on the following aspects: the historical location of the learning process (situated learning); the simultaneous presence of specific «reified objects» within different «communities» (separated and identified by defined organizational «boundaries»); «brokering» connections, that is, «connections provided by people who can introduce elements of one practice into another» (Wenger, 1998). The aforesaid conditions provide a basis in order to align educational design practices with an action strategy including: multi-membership experiences; the styles and discourses typical of different socio-cultural «constellations»; and the institutional participation of co-operating social actors. In view of all the above, this initial «case study» reveals the typical failings of the Italian university system that is widely geared to uncritical «mark-to-market» strategies.
Improved 3D Multi-View Stereoscopic Video Decoding through Dispersed Flexible Macro-block Ordering and Multi-Dimensional Error Concealment

Video communications over wireless channels is still a major problem due to limited bandwidth and the presence of channel errors. Low transmission rate in mobile networks requires a reduction of used video resolution as well as the use of highly efficient video compression technique. This gives rise to data loss and visual artifacts, and hence a marked decrease in video quality. Since the transmission of video content is over real time channel, it is not possible to re-send any erroneous or lost information. It is therefore necessary to conceal these errors at the decoder side using appropriate methods, such as Error Concealment (EC) methods. In this paper, we propose using of Dispersed Flexible Macro-block Ordering (DFMO) error resilience method in the encoder to aid the proposed Multi-Dimensional EC (MDEC) algorithms in the decoder to conceal the erroneous Macro-Blocks (MBs) of intra and inter coded frames of 3D stereoscopic video. Our extensive simulation results obtained demonstrate that the proposed combination algorithms can significantly improve the objective and subjective 3D video quality.
Possible Role of Nitric Oxide and Adrenomedullin in Bipolar Affective Disorder

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated to play a role in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. Adrenomedullin (AM) induces vasorelaxation by activating adenylate cyclase and also by stimulating the release of NO. AM immune reactivity is present in the brain, consistent with a role as neurotransmitter. Therefore, it is suggested that these two molecules may play a role together in the brain. We aimed to examine AM and NO in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). Forty-four patients with BPAD and 21 healthy control subjects were included in this study. DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder (type I, manic episodes) was independently established by two psychiatrists and the Turkish version of the Bech-Rafaelson Mania Scale was administered. Also, a semistructured form was used to ascertain several sociodemographic and clinical variables of the patients. AM and NO were studied in plasma. The mean value of plasma NO levels in the BPAD group of 46.58 ± 13.97 µmol/l was significantly higher than that of controls (31.81 ± 8.14 µmol/l) (z = –4.15, p = 0.000). Mean plasma AM levels were found to be increased in patients with BPAD (35.13 ± 5.26 pmol/l) compared to controls (16.22 ± 3.02 pmol/l) (z = –6.16, p = 0.000). AM levels of BPAD patients were approximately 2-fold higher than controls. AM levels were positively correlated with the duration of hospitalization for the current episode and negatively correlated with the total duration of illness. Both NO and AM may have a pathophysiological role in BPAD (type I, manic episodes) and the clinical symptomatology and prognosis of BPAD.
Intermolecular Interactions Between DMα and DMβ Proteins in BuLA‐DM Complex of Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalis

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) with its three classes represents a cluster of tightly linked genes with defined immunological and non‐immunological functions. The DM, a MHC class II molecule is formed by the non‐covalent association of DMα and DMβ chains. It binds with the processed peptide antigens and presents them to T lymphocytes, thereby triggering the immune responses. Startlingly, the expression pattern and structural organization of DMα and DMβ proteins in buffalo remains undefined. We isolated and purified the DMα and DMβ proteins from Bubalus bubalis using gel filtration chromatography. Employing western blotting and immunohistochemistry, highest expression of these proteins was observed in spleen and were later localized in the cytoplasm. We modelled 3D structures of the proteins and assessed the binding interface of BuLA‐DM docked complex. In the process, we uncovered 9 DMα and 8 DMβ specific residues participating in the formation of BuLA‐DM complex. Our work demonstrated active participation of the critical amino acid residues engaged in the formation of BuLA‐DM complex facilitating deeper understanding on the structure‐function relationship of these proteins. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4254–4266, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Etherification of Glycerol with Propylene or 1-Butene for Fuel Additives

The etherification of glycerol with propylene over acidic heterogeneous catalysts, Amberlyst-15, S100, and S200 resins, produced mono-propyl glycerol ethers (MPGEs), 1,3-di- and 1,2-di-propyl glycerol ethers (DPGEs), and tri-propyl glycerol ether (TPGE). The propylation of glycerol over Amberlyst-15 yielded only TPGE. The glycerol etherification with 1-butene over Amberlyst-15 and S200 resins produced 1-mono-, 2-mono-, 1,2-di-, and 1,3-di-butyl glycerol ethers (1-MBGE, 2-MBGE, 1,2-DBGE, and 1,3-DBGE). The use of Amberlyst-15 resulted in the propylation and butylation of glycerol with higher yields than those obtained from the S100 and S200 resins. The PGEs, TPGE, and BGEs were evaluated as cold flow improvers and octane boosters. These alkyl glycerol ethers can reduce the cloud point of blended palm biodiesels with diesel. They can increase the research octane number and the motor octane number of gasoline.
Increased Phospholipase A2 Activity and Inflammatory Response But Decreased Nerve Growth Factor Expression in the Olfactory Bulbectomized Rat Model of Depression: Effects of Chronic Ethyl-Eicosapentaenoate Treatment

An increased inflammatory response and deficient synthesis of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) may contribute to the etiology of depression. However, the interrelationship between inflammation and NTFs is unknown. Recently, ethyl-eicosapentaenoate (EPA) has been used to treat depression. The mechanism by which EPA benefits depression is also unclear. Using the olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rat model of depression, this study evaluated two pathways from bulbectomy to the induction of depression-like changes (the inflammation–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis–stress response pathway and inflammation–nerve growth factor–memory pathway) and the effect of EPA on these pathways. When compared with sham-operated rats fed a control diet, significantly increased locomotor and rearing activities in an “open field,” impaired memory in the Morris water maze, increased expression of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), and increased secretion of corticosterone were found in OB rats. mRNA expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) was significantly lower in the hippocampus, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was higher in the hypothalamus; this change was associated with increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the serum and brain. EPA treatments normalized these behavioral impairments and reduced CRF expression and corticosterone secretion. EPA also reduced serum concentrations of IL-1β and PGE2, but reversed NGF reduction. Similar to the effects of EPA, the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib significantly reduced blood PGE2, IL-1β, and corticosterone concentrations and increased NGF expression in OB rats. Furthermore, anti-NGF treatment blocked EPA effects on behavior. These results suggest that an interaction exists between inflammation and NGF in the depression model. EPA may improve depression via its anti-inflammation properties and the upregulation of NGF.
The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for the Republic of Korea: Reliability and Relationship with Walking

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the reliability of the Korean version of the NEWS and to investigate the relationship between walking and environmental factors by gender. Methods: A total of 1407 Korean adults, aged 20–59 yr, participated in the study. Data were collected between Sep 2013 and Oct 2013. To examine the test-retest reliability, 281 of the 1407 participants were asked to answer the same questionnaire (Korean NEWS-A scale) after a 7-d interval. Results: The ICC range of the entire questionnaire was 0.71–0.88. The item on land use mix-diversity had the highest ICC, and that on physical barriers had the lowest. In addition, presents the partial correlation coefficients for walking and the NEWS-A score, adjusted for social demographic variables. Overall, land use mix-diversity (P<0.034) and land use mix-access (P<0.014) showed a positive relationship with walking. Discussion: Examination of the reliability of the Korean NEWS-A scale based on Korean adults who reside in large cities showed that all items had statistically satisfactory reliability. Korean NEWS-A scale may be a useful measure for assessing environmental correlates of walking among population in Korea.
Mixed Methods in CAM Research: A Systematic Review of Studies Published in 2012

Background. Mixed methods research uses qualitative and quantitative methods together in a single study or a series of related studies. Objectives. To review the prevalence and quality of mixed methods studies in complementary medicine. Methods. All studies published in the top 10 integrative and complementary medicine journals in 2012 were screened. The quality of mixed methods studies was appraised using a published tool designed for mixed methods studies. Results. 4% of papers (95 out of 2349) reported mixed methods studies, 80 of which met criteria for applying the quality appraisal tool. The most popular formal mixed methods design was triangulation (used by 74% of studies), followed by embedded (14%), sequential explanatory (8%), and finally sequential exploratory (5%). Quantitative components were generally of higher quality than qualitative components; when quantitative components involved RCTs they were of particularly high quality. Common methodological limitations were identified. Most strikingly, none of the 80 mixed methods studies addressed the philosophical tensions inherent in mixing qualitative and quantitative methods. Conclusions and Implications. The quality of mixed methods research in CAM can be enhanced by addressing philosophical tensions and improving reporting of (a) analytic methods and reflexivity (in qualitative components) and (b) sampling and recruitment-related procedures (in all components).
Attachment in adults: Clinical and developmental perspectives.

R.S. Weiss, Foreword. Part I: Introduction. W.H. Berman, M.B. Sperling, The Structure and Function of Adult Attachment. Part II: Conceptual and Methodological Applications. J.C. Rothbard, P.R. Shaver, Continuity of Attachment Across the Life Span. D. Diamond, S.J. Blatt, Internal Working Models and the Representational World in Attachment and Psychoanalytic Theories. M. Reite, M.L. Boccia, Physiological Aspects of Adult Attachment. J.A. Feeney, P. Noller, M. Hanrahan, Assessing Adult Attachment. Part III: Life? Span Developmental Applications J. Batgos, B.J. Leadbeater, Parental Attachment, Peer Relationships, and Dysphoria in Adolescence. C.G. Hindy, J. Conrad Schwarz, Anxious Romantic Attachment in Adult Relationships. W.H. Berman, L. Marcus, E. Raynes Berman, Attachment in Marital Relations. M.J. Levitt, S. Coffman, N. Guacci? Franco, S. C. Loveless, Attachment Relationships and Life Transitions: An Expectancy Model. T. C. Antonucci, Attachment in Adulthood and Aging. Part IV: Clinically Applications. K. S. Adam, Suicidal Behavior and Attachment: A Developmental Model. G. Parker, Parental Bonding and Depressive Disorders. M. West, A. Keller, Psychotherapy Strategies for Insecure Attachment in Personality Disorders. M.B. Sperling, L. Lyons, Representations of Attachment and Psychotherapeutic Change. Index.