Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current and Future Research Trends in Substrate Integrated Waveguide Technology

Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) tech- nology is the most promising candidate for the implemen- tation of millimeter-wave (mm-wave) integrated circuits and systems for the next decade. Based on planar dielectric substrates with top and bottom metal layers perforated with metalized holes, SIW structures offer a compact, low loss, flexible, and cost-effective solution for integrating active circuits, passive components and radiating elements on the same substrate. This paper presents an overview of the current status and future trends of academic and in- dustrial research on SIW technology. The historical devel- opment of SIW components and circuits is briefly outlined, and the current research topics are discussed: they include the development of numerical techniques for the modeling and design of SIW components, the investigation of novel compact and broadband interconnects, the determination of design solutions for loss minimization. Future research trends are also discussed: they mainly aim at the imple- mentation of SIW components at higher frequency (60-350 GHz) and the integration of complete Systems-on-Substrate (SoS).
Further Investigation of Hysteresis in Chua's Circuit

For a system to display bistable behavior (or hysteresis), it is well known that there needs to be a nonlinear component and a feedback mechanism. In the Chua circuit, nonlinearity is supplied by the Chua diode (nonlinear resistor) and in the physical medium, feedback would be inherently present, however, with standard computer models this feedback is omitted. Using Poincare first return maps, bifurcations for a varying parameter in the Chua circuit equations are investigated for both increasing and decreasing parameter values. Evidence for the existence of a small bistable region is shown and numerical methods are applied to determine the behavior of the solutions within this bistable region.
Gaussian Processes: A Method for Automatic QSAR Modeling of ADME Properties

In this article, we discuss the application of the Gaussian Process method for the prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties. On the basis of a Bayesian probabilistic approach, the method is widely used in the field of machine learning but has rarely been applied in quantitative structure-activity relationship and ADME modeling. The method is suitable for modeling nonlinear relationships, does not require subjective determination of the model parameters, works for a large number of descriptors, and is inherently resistant to overtraining. The performance of Gaussian Processes compares well with and often exceeds that of artificial neural networks. Due to these features, the Gaussian Processes technique is eminently suitable for automatic model generation-one of the demands of modern drug discovery. Here, we describe the basic concept of the method in the context of regression problems and illustrate its application to the modeling of several ADME properties: blood-brain barrier, hERG inhibition, and aqueous solubility at pH 7.4. We also compare Gaussian Processes with other modeling techniques.
Novel Mechanism of Antibody-Independent Complement Neutralization of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 11

The envelope surface glycoprotein C (gC) of HSV-1 interferes with the complement cascade by binding C3 and activation products C3b, iC3b, and C3c, and by blocking the interaction of C5 and properdin with C3b. Wild-type HSV-1 is resistant to Ab-independent complement neutralization; however, HSV-1 mutant virus lacking gC is highly susceptible to complement resulting in ≥100-fold reduction in virus titer. We evaluated the mechanisms by which complement inhibits HSV-1 gC null virus to better understand how gC protects against complement-mediated neutralization. C8-depleted serum prepared from an HSV-1 and -2 Ab-negative donor neutralized gC null virus comparable to complement-intact serum, indicating that C8 and terminal lytic activity are not required. In contrast, C5-depleted serum from the same donor failed to neutralize gC null virus, supporting a requirement for C5. EDTA-treated serum did not neutralize gC null virus, indicating that complement activation is required. Factor D-depleted and C6-depleted sera neutralized virus, suggesting that the alternative complement pathway and complement components beyond C5 are not required. Complement did not aggregate virus or block attachment to cells. However, complement inhibited infection before early viral gene expression, indicating that complement affects one or more of the following steps in virus replication: virus entry, uncoating, DNA transport to the nucleus, or immediate early gene expression. Therefore, in the absence of gC, HSV-1 is readily inhibited by complement by a C5-dependent mechanism that does not require viral lysis, aggregation, or blocking virus attachment.
Saliva viscosity as a potential risk factor for oral malodor

Abstract Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess whether saliva viscosity, measured by a viscometer, was a predictor of oral malodor. Materials and methods. The subjects were 617 patients who visited an oral malodor clinic. The organoleptic test (OT) was used for diagnosis of oral malodor. An oral examination assessed the numbers of teeth present and decayed teeth as well as the presence or absence of dentures. Further, periodontal pocket depths (PD), gingival bleeding, dental plaque and tongue coating were investigated. Unstimulated saliva were collected for 5 min. Saliva viscosity was measured with a viscometer. Logistic regression analysis with oral malodor status by OT as a dependent variable was performed. Possible confounders including age, gender, number of teeth present, number of decayed teeth, number of teeth with PD ≥ 4 mm, number of teeth with bleeding on probing, presence or absence of dentures, plaque index, area of tongue coating, saliva flow rate, saliva pH and saliva viscosity were used as independent variables. Results. Saliva viscosity (p = 0.047) along with the number of teeth with PD ≥4 mm (p = 0.001), plaque index (p = 0.037) and area of tongue coating (p < 0.001) were significant variables for oral malodor. Subjects with a higher number of teeth with PD ≥ 4 mm (OR = 1.32), plaque index (OR = 2.13), area of tongue coating (OR = 3.17) and saliva viscosity (OR = 1.10) were more likely to have oral malodor compared to those with lower values. Conclusions. The results suggested that high saliva viscosity could be a potential risk factor for oral malodor.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Human Prefrontal Cortex Induces Dopamine Release in the Caudate Nucleus

Dopamine is implicated in movement, learning, and motivation, and in illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. Little is known about the control of dopamine release in humans, but research in experimental animals suggests that the prefrontal cortex plays an important role in regulating the release of dopamine in subcortical structures. Here we used [(11)C]raclopride and positron emission tomography to measure changes in extracellular dopamine concentration in vivo after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in healthy human subjects. Repetitive TMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex caused a reduction in [(11)C]raclopride binding in the left dorsal caudate nucleus compared with rTMS of the left occipital cortex. There were no changes in binding in the putamen, nucleus accumbens, or right caudate. This shows that rTMS of the prefrontal cortex induces the release of endogenous dopamine in the ipsilateral caudate nucleus. This finding has implications for the therapeutic and research use of rTMS in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A novel voice conversion system based on codebook mapping with phoneme-tied weighting

This paper presents a novel voice conversion system based on codebook mapping. A new phoneme-tied weighting strategy is proposed to reduce the smoothing effects in weighted sum of code books, while a new prosodic conversion method by decision tree is proposed to cope with the complex prosody of Chinese. STRAIGHT algorithm is used to decompose spectrum and excitation for separate modification. Listening tests prove the proposed methods can effectively convert speaker’s individuality while maintaining high speech quality with a small amount of training data.
Adaptive Variable Step-Size Algorithm for Acoustic Noise Cancellation by using Multiple Sub-Filters Approach

paper, a novel algorithm for cancelling noise from the speech signal in real time environment is proposed. Least Mean Square (LMS) adaptive noise cancellers are often used to recover signal corrupted by additive noise due to its simplicity in implementation. But it has limitation when the desired signal is strong, that the excess mean-square errors increase linearly with the desired signal power. This results in downgraded performance when the desired signal exhibits large power fluctuations. In the proposed algorithm we use the benefits of both variable step size (VSS) LMS algorithm and Normalized Differential LMS (NDLMS) algorithm to deal with this situation. One more addition of this algorithm is that it uses the concept of decomposing the long adaptive filter into low order multiple sub-filters to relieve the effect of slow convergence of that long adaptive filter. Finally, The proposed (P-VSSNDLMS) algorithm yields faster convergence with minimum mean square error in simulations which carried out using real speech signal with different noise power levels. KeywordsNoise canceller (ANC), mean square error (MSE), VSSNDLMS, multiple sub-filters.
Forecast Aggregation

Bayesian experts with a common prior that are exposed to different evidence possibly make contradicting probabilistic forecasts. A policy maker who receives the forecasts must aggregate them in the best way possible. This is a challenge whenever the policy maker is not familiar with the prior nor the model and evidence available to the experts. We propose a model of non-Bayesian forecast aggregation and adapt the notion of regret as a means for evaluating the policy maker's performance. Whenever experts are Blackwell ordered taking a weighted average of the two forecasts, the weight of which is proportional to its precision (the reciprocal of the variance), is optimal. The resulting regret is equal 1/8(5√ 5-11) approx 0.0225425, which is 3 to 4 times better than naive approaches such as choosing one expert at random or taking the non-weighted average.
Reduced Purkinje cell number in essential tremor: a postmortem study.

BACKGROUND Clinical and functional imaging evidence suggests that cerebellar dysfunction occurs in essential tremor (ET). In recent postmortem studies, we documented increased numbers of torpedoes (Purkinje cell axonal swellings) in ET patients without Lewy bodies. Purkinje cell loss, however, has never been rigorously assessed. OBJECTIVE To quantitatively assess the number of Purkinje cells in brains of ET patients and similarly aged controls. METHODS Postmortem cerebellar tissue was available in 14 ET cases (6 with Lewy bodies and 8 without Lewy bodies) and 11 controls. Calbindin immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin sections of the cerebellum. Images were digitally recorded and blinded measurements of the number of Purkinje cells per millimeter of cell layer (linear density) were made. RESULTS Purkinje cell linear density was inversely correlated with age (r= - 0.53, P= .006) and number of torpedoes (r= - 0.42, P= .04). Purkinje cell linear density differed by diagnosis (mean [SD], controls, 3.46 [1.27] cells/mm; ET cases with Lewy bodies, 3.33 [1.06] cells/mm; and ET cases without Lewy bodies, 2.14 [0.82] cells/mm; P= .04), with the most significant difference between ET cases without Lewy bodies and controls, where the reduction was 38.2% (P= .04). In an adjusted linear regression analysis that compared ET cases without Lewy bodies with controls, decreased linear density (outcome variable) was associated with ET (beta= .56, P= .03). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a reduction in Purkinje cell number in the brains of patients with ET who do not have Lewy bodies. These data further support the view that the cerebellum is anatomically, as well as functionally, abnormal in these ET cases.
Interaction between serotonin transporter gene variation and rearing condition in alcohol preference and consumption in female primates.

BACKGROUND Serotonin neurotransmission and limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (LHPA) axis hormones are thought to be involved in the reinforcement of alcohol intake and contribute to the risk for alcoholism. In humans and macaques, a promoter polymorphism that decreases transcription of the serotonin transporter gene is associated with anxiety and altered LHPA-axis responses to stress, and in female macaques, exposure to early-life stress alters LHPA-axis activation in response to alcohol. We wanted to determine whether serotonin transporter gene promoter variation (rh-5HTTLPR) and rearing condition would interact to influence alcohol preference in female rhesus macaques. Because of the involvement of stress and LHPA-axis activity in symptoms of withdrawal and relapse, we also wanted to determine whether serotonin transporter gene variation and rearing condition would influence changes in the patterns of alcohol consumption across a 6-week alcohol consumption paradigm. METHODS Female macaques were reared with their mothers in social groups (n = 18) or in peer-only groups (n = 14). As young adults, they were given access to an aspartame-sweetened 8.4% alcohol solution and vehicle for 1 hour per day, and volumes of consumption of alcoholic and nonalcoholic solutions were recorded. Serotonin transporter genotype (l/l and l/s) was determined using polymerase chain reaction followed by gel electrophoresis. RESULTS We found interactions between rearing condition and serotonin transporter genotype, such that l/s peer-reared females demonstrated higher levels of ethanol preference. We also found an effect of rearing condition on the percentage change in alcohol consumed during the 6 weeks as well as a phase by rearing interaction, such that peer-reared animals progressively increased their levels of consumption across the course of the study. This was especially evident for peer-reared females with the l/s rh5-HTTLPR genotype. CONCLUSION These data suggest a potential interaction between serotonin transporter gene variation and early experience in vulnerability to alcoholism.
Low-jitter, plain vanilla CMOS CDR with half-rate linear PD and half rate frequency detector

This paper presents a dual loop Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuit for high-end, low data rate, wireless transfer (100–200kb/s). Firstly, design tradeoffs for the single loop variant of the CDR are formulated which include jitter transfer (JT) function in frequency domain and long term jitter in time domain. These design rules are then used for the realization of a dual loop CDR consisting of tristate half rate frequency detector (FD), half rate linear phase detector (PD), bootstrapped current switch charge pump (CP) and ring based 4-phase VCO. All building blocks (except CP) are realized with plain vanilla CMOS digital circuits. In the proposed design, the output of the tri-state FD is zero when in lock and has no contribution to VCO jitter. In addition, the linear PD yields zero phase difference under the same lock condition. As a consequence, the CDR circuit can work with low jitter for low power applications.
“What Group?” Studying Whites and Whiteness in the Era of “Color-Blindness”*

In this article I argue that despite the claims of some, all whites in racialized societies “have race. ” But because of the current context of race in our society, I argue that scholars of “whiteness” face several difficult theoretical and methodological challenges. First is the problem of how to avoid essentializing race when talking about whites as a social collective. That is, scholars must contend with the challenge of how to write about what is shared by those racialized as white without implying that their experiences of racialization all will be the same. Second, within the current context of color-blind racial discourse, researchers must confront the reality that some whites claim not to experience their whiteness at all. Third, studies of whiteness must not be conducted in a vacuum: racial discourse or “culture” cannot be separated from material realities. Only by attending to and by recognizing these challenges will empirical research on whiteness be able to push the boundaries of our understandings about the role of whites as racial actors and thereby also contribute to our understanding of how race works more generally.
Cochlear Implants in Waardenburg Syndrome

Objective: Waardenburg syndrome is an autosomal‐dominant syndrome characterized by dystopia canthorum, hyperplasia of the eyebrows, heterochromia irides, a white forelock, and sensorineural hearing loss in 20% to 55% of patients. This patient population accounts for approximately 2% of congenitally deaf children. The purpose of this retrospective case review was to describe the outcomes for those children with Waardenburg syndrome who have undergone cochlear implantation.
Hms230: Visual Object Recognition Beware: These Are Preliminary Notes. in the Future, They Will Become Part of a Textbook on Visual Object Recognition. Electrical Stimulation of Visual Cortex

As often stated, correlations do not imply causation 1. This simple logical statement is often ignored, leading to much confusion in misinterpreting cause and effect in Neuroscience and many other domains. There are plenty of examples of this type of misinterpretation in the news. For example, the following statements can easily be misinterpreted to imply causality: " Smoking is correlated with alcoholism " ; " Girls who watch soap operas are more likely to show eating disorders " ; " " Finns who speak the language of their Nordic neighbors are up to 25 percent less likely to fall ill than those who do not ". The medical community is not immune to this fallacy. Consider the following statement: " The majority of children with autism are diagnosed between the ages of 18 months and three years old. That's also the same period of time when children receive a large number of immunizations. People see the correlation between receiving immunizations and the diagnosis of autism, and assume that that means that the immunizations cause autism. " The correlation between the age of immunization and the appearance of autism syndromes does not imply any causal relationship between the two. Of course, it does not disprove any causal relationship between the two either. As discussed in the previous chapters, it is essential to study the activity of individual neurons along visual cortex to examine the mechanisms underlying visual recognition. Yet, neurophysiological recordings provide correlations between neuronal responses and visual stimuli, or between neuronal responses and visually evoked behavior. Moving beyond these correlations to causal effects is not a trivial matter. One approach to bring us a step closer towards understanding the relationship between neural activity in specific brain circuits and visual perception is to examine the effects of electrical stimulation 2. 9.1. Early efforts in electrical stimulation of the human brain William Penfield (1891-1976) was one of the key figures in the invasive study of the human brain through his work with epileptic patients (Penfield and Jasper, 1954). As a neurosurgeon, he realized that he had direct access to the inner workings of the human brain through his neurosurgical approach to 1 Non Causa Pro Causa 2 To be clear, electrical stimulation studies do not prove causality. They establish yet another correlation (between external activation of a specific circuit X and a certain percept Y or a certain behavior Z). This additional …
The importance of expectations on the recovery period after cancer treatment

The purpose was to study expectations concerning recovery‐related changes in life, e.g. beliefs regarding future adjustment back to ‘normal’ life after curative cancer treatment, whether these expectations were met and their importance for both patients' and their spouses' quality of life and psychological distress. Sixty‐two patients and 42 spouses took part in the study. Data on recovery‐related expectations, measured using a study‐specific questionnaire (RRE), on quality of life using EORTC‐QLQ C‐30 and on psychological distress using HADS, were collected directly after completion of treatment, four and 16 months later. Optimism was measured using LOT at the last follow‐up. The results demonstrate that patients generally had higher recovery‐related expectations than did their spouses, and their expectations were also fulfilled to a lesser degree at both follow‐ups. However, the expectations, or whether these were met, were generally not associated with their quality of life or psychological distress. The few associations that were made indicated that fulfilled expectations meant higher quality of life and/or less distress. The participants' optimism was associated with both their quality of life and psychological distress. It is concluded that optimism influenced the participants' quality of life and psychological distress to a higher degree than did their recovery‐related expectations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory function parameters in ventilated newborn infants undergoing whole body hypothermia

Whole body hypothermia (WBH) exerts proven neuroprotective effects in infants with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Our aim was to describe how WBH could impact on respiratory function in mechanically ventilated newborn infants, by recording primary and composite indices of oxygenation and ventilation before, during and after WBH.