Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An enhanced Jacobi method for lattice-reduction-aided MIMO detection

Lattice reduction aided decoding has been successfully used for signal detection in multiinput and multioutput (MIMO) systems and many other wireless communication applications. In this paper, we propose a novel enhanced Jacobi (short as EJacobi) method for lattice basis reduction. To assess the performance of the new EJacobi method, we compared it with the LLL algorithm, a widely used algorithm in wireless communications. Our experimental results show that the EJacobi method is more efficient and produces better results measured by both orthogonality defect and condition number than the LLL algorithm.
The A2iA-Telecom ParisTech-UOB System for the ICDAR 2009 Handwriting Recognition Competition

This article describes the isolated word recognizer presented by the authors to the ICDAR 2009 French handwriting recognition competition. The system is a combination of three isolated word recognizers based on different features and models. A novel n-best combination method is proposed and compared to standard combination methods. New results on the ICDAR 2009 test database are reported.
Digital Epidemiology

Mobile, social, real-time: the ongoing revolution in the way people communicate has given rise to a new kind of epidemiology. Digital data sources, when harnessed appropriately, can provide local and timely information about disease and health dynamics in populations around the world. The rapid, unprecedented increase in the availability of relevant data from various digital sources creates considerable technical and computational challenges.
Perinatal Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Levels of Bisphenol A Decreases Fertility and Fecundity in CD-1 Mice

Background Perinatal exposure to low-doses of bisphenol A (BPA) results in alterations in the ovary, uterus, and mammary glands and in a sexually dimorphic region of the brain known to be important for estrous cyclicity. Objectives We aimed to determine whether perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of BPA alters reproductive capacity. Methods Female CD-1 mice that were exposed to BPA at 0, 25 ng, 250 ng, or 25 μg/kg body weight (BW)/day or diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 10 ng/kg BW/day (positive control) from gestational day 8 through day 16 of lactation were continuously housed with proven breeder males for 32 weeks starting at 2 months of age. At each delivery, pups born to these mating pairs were removed. The cumulative number of pups, number of deliveries, and litter size were recorded. The purity of the BPA used in this and our previous studies was assessed using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Results The forced breeding experiment revealed a decrease in the cumulative number of pups, observed as a nonmonotonic dose–response effect, and a decline in fertility and fecundity over time in female mice exposed perinatally to BPA. The BPA was 97% pure, with no evidence of contamination by other phenolic compounds. Conclusions Perinatal exposure to BPA leads to a dose-dependent decline in the reproductive capacity of female mice. The effects on the cumulative number of pups are comparable to those previously reported in mice developmentally exposed to DES, a compound well known to impair reproduction in women. This association suggests the possibility that early BPA exposure may also affect reproductive capacity in women.
Host- and microbe determinants that may influence the success of S. aureus colonization

Staphylococcus aureus may cause serious skin and soft tissue infections, deep abscesses, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, and sepsis. S. aureus persistently colonizes 25–30% of the adult human population, and S. aureus carriers have an increased risk for infections caused by the bacterium. The major site of colonization is the nose, i.e., the vestibulum nasi, which is covered with ordinary skin and hair follicles. Several host and microbe determinants are assumed to be associated with colonization. These include the presence and expression level of bacterial adhesins, which can adhere to various proteins in the extracellular matrix or on the cellular surface of human skin. The host expresses several antimicrobial peptides and lipids. The level of β-defensin 3, free sphingosine, and cis-6-hexadecenoic acid are found to be associated with nasal carriage of S. aureus. Other host factors are certain polymorphisms in Toll-like receptor 2, mannose-binding lectin, C-reactive protein, glucocorticoid-, and vitamin D receptor. Additional putative determinants for carriage include genetic variation and expression of microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules and their interaction partners, as well as variation among humans in the ability of recognizing and responding appropriately to the bacteria. Moreover, the available microflora may influence the success of S. aureus colonization. In conclusion, colonization is a complex interplay between the bacteria and its host. Several bacterial and host factors are involved, and an increased molecular understanding of these are needed.
Relationships between Liposome Properties, Cell Membrane Binding, Intracellular Processing, and Intracellular Bioavailability

Positive surface charge enhances liposome uptake into cells. Pegylation, used to confer stealth properties to enable in vivo applications of cationic liposomes, compromises internalization. The goal of this study was to determine the quantitative relationships between these two liposome properties (separately and jointly), liposomes binding to cell membrane, and the subsequent internalization and residence in intracellular space (referred to as intracellular bioavailability). The results, obtained in pancreatic Hs-766T cancer cells, revealed nonlinear and inter-dependent relationships, as well as substantial qualitative and quantitative differences. The proportionality constant K of intracellular and membrane-bound liposomes at equilibrium (i.e., Ieq and Beq) showed a positive triphasic relationship with surface charge and a negative biphasic relationship with pegylation. Near-neutral liposomes showed little internalization of the membrane-bound moiety, increasing to a constant K value for medium charge liposomes (+15 to +35 mV zeta potential), followed by a further increase for highly charged liposomes (greater than or equal to +46 mV). The decline of pegylation with K value showed a breakpoint at 2%. The negative consequences of pegylation (%PEG) were partially offset by increasing charge (ZP). The best-fitting regression equations are: Beq = −1.36 × %PEG + 0.33 × ZP; Ieq = −1.52 × %PEG + 0.34 × ZP. It suggested that 1% pegylation increase can be offset with 4 mV ZP. The differences are such that it may be possible to balance these parameters to simultaneously maximize the stealth property and intracellular bioavailability of cationic liposomes.
Near-horizon symmetries of extremal black holes

Recent work has demonstrated an attractor mechanism for extremal rotating black holes subject to the assumption of a near-horizon SO(2, 1) symmetry. We prove the existence of this symmetry for any extremal black hole with the same number of rotational symmetries as known four- and five-dimensional solutions (including black rings). The result is valid for a general two-derivative theory of gravity coupled to Abelian vectors and uncharged scalars, allowing for a non-trivial scalar potential. We prove that it remains valid in the presence of higher-derivative corrections. We show that SO(2, 1)-symmetric near-horizon solutions can be analytically continued to give SU(2)-symmetric black hole solutions. For example, the near-horizon limit of an extremal 5D Myers–Perry black hole is related by analytic continuation to a non-extremal cohomogeneity-1 Myers–Perry solution.
Physical and chemical factors influencing transport of microorganisms through porous media

Resting-cell suspensions of bacteria isolated from groundwater were added as a pulse to the tops of columns of clean quartz sand. An artificial groundwater solution (AGW) was pumped through the columns, and bacterial breakthrough curves were established and compared to test the effects of ionic strength of the AGW, cell size (by using strains of similar cell surface hydrophobicity but different size), mineral grain size, and presence of heterogeneities within the porous media on transport of the bacteria. The proportion of cells recovered in the effluent ranged from nearly 90% for AGW of a higher ionic strength (I = 0.0089 versus 0.00089 m), small cells (0.75-micron-diameter spheres versus 0.75 by 1.8-micron rods), and coarse-grained sand (1.0 versus 0.33 mm) to less than 1% for AGW of lower ionic strength, large cells, and fine-grained sand. Differences in the widths of peaks (an indicator of dispersion) were significant only for the cell size treatment. For treatments containing heterogeneities (a vein of coarse sand in the center of a bed of fine sand), doubly peaked breakthrough curves were obtained. The first peak represents movement of bacteria through the transmissive coarse-grained vein. The second peak is thought to be dominated by cells which have moved (due to dispersion) from the fine-grained matrix to the coarse-grained vein near the top of the column and thus had been retarded, but not retained, by the column. Strength of effects tests indicated that grain size was the most important factor controlling transport of bacteria over the range of values tested for all of the factors examined. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Savings, Investment, Growth and Financial Distortions in Pacific Asia and Other Developing Areas

I estimate a simultaneous-equation model in which the real deposit rate of interest and the black market exchange rate premium affect saving, investment, export growth and output growth. The estimates corroborate earlier findings that directeffects of financial distortions on savings are minuscule. Because a major determinant of savings is the output growth rate, however, I find that saving is influenced substantially, albeit indirectly, by financial distortions through their effect on investment, export growth, and output growth. Simulations indicate that difference in the average values of the financial distortion variables explain approximately 50 percent of the difference in saving ratios and 75 percent of the difference in out put growth rate between five Pacific Asian countries and 11 countries in other developing areas. [E20, E44, F41, O11, O16]
‘NON‐SYNAPTIC’ MECHANISMS IN SEIZURES AND EPILEPTOGENESIS

The role of ‘non‐synaptic’ mechanisms (i.e. those mechanisms that are independent of active chemical synpases) in the synchronization of neuronal activity during seizures and their possible contribution to chronic epileptogenesis are summarized. These ‘non‐synaptic’ mechanisms include electrotonic coupling through gap junctions, electrical field effects (i.e. ephaptic transmission), and ionic interactions (e.g. increases in the extracellular concentration of K+). Several lines of evidence indicate that granule cells and pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, and probably other cortical neurons, can generate synchronized electrical activity after active chemical synaptic transmission has been blocked. This synchronized activity is sensitive to alterations in the size of the extracellular space, thus suggesting that electrical field effects and ionic mechanisms contribute to this synchronized activity. Recent studies also indicate that ‘non‐synaptic’ synchronization is quite prominent early in development. Electrophysiological data from hippocampal and neocortical slices have led to a re‐interpretation of the fast prepotentials (i.e. partial spikes) recorded in cortical pyramidal cells, suggesting that they may not be due to dendritic spike generation. Improvement in freeze‐fracture ultrastructural techniques have led to a re‐assessment of previous data on gap junctions in the nervous system and opened new approaches to the quantitative analysis and characterization of gap junctions on glia and neurons. Finally, new methods of dye/tracer coupling have the potential to provide a more rigorous basis for evaluating gap junctions and electrotonic communication between neurons in the mammalian central nervous system. Therefore, recent data continue to suggest that gap junctions and electrotonic coupling play an important role in neural integration, although additional studies using new techniques will be needed to address some of the controversial issues that have arisen over the last several decades.
Renal Safety of a Tenofovir-Containing First Line Regimen: Experience from an Antiretroviral Cohort in Rural Lesotho

Introduction Current guidelines contraindicate TDF use when creatinine clearance (CrCl) falls below 50 ml/min. We report prevalence of abnormal renal function at baseline and factors associated with abnormal renal function from a community cohort in Lesotho. Methods We calculated changes in CrCl from baseline for patients initiated on TDF at 6 and 12 months and the proportion of patients initiated on TDF who developed renal impairment. Screening algorithms were developed using risk factors determined by multivariate analysis. Results Among 933 adults for whom baseline creatinine was available, 176 (18.9%) presented with a baseline CrCl <50 ml/min. Renal function improved during follow-up. 19 patients who developed renal toxicity during follow up remained on TDF; renal function improved (CrCl≥50 ml/min) in all but 3 of these patients. Among 15 patients with a baseline CrCl <50 ml/min were started in error, none developed severe renal impairment. Conclusion In this setting TDF-associated renal toxicity is rare and mainly transient. Further studies to assess TDF safety at lower CrCl thresholds are warranted.
Design and analysis of low speed permanent magnet generator for direct drive wind energy systems

The aim of this paper work is to design of low speed, multi pole permanent magnet generator for direct drive wind energy systems. Sizing and detailed machine design and analysis is performed examining the effect of numerous parameters including speed, number of phase, and number of poles, machine types and material types. In depth of simulation is using the software Ansoft- Maxwell and RMxprt. The theoretical analysis of PMG calculation solved in the simulation result.
Trends in Incidence of Stroke and Transition of Stroke Subtypes in Rural Tianjin China: A Population-Based Study from 1992 to 2012

Objectives The incidence of ischemic stroke has increased and that of hemorrhagic stroke has decreased in urban China; however, the trends in rural areas are unknown. We aimed to explore the secular trends in incidence and transition of stroke subtypes among rural Chinese. Methods This was a population-based stroke surveillance through the Tianjin Brain Study. A total of 14,538 residents in a township of Ji County in Tianjin, China participated in the study since 1985. We investigated the age-standardized stroke incidence (sex-specific, type-specific, and age-specific), the annual proportion of change in the incidence of stroke, and the proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage in the periods 1992–1998, 1999–2005, and 2006–2012, because the neuroimaging technique was available since 1992 in this area. Results The age-standardized incidence per 100,000 person-years increased significantly for both intracerebral hemorrhage (37.8 in 1992–1998, 46.5 in 1999–2005, and 76.5 in 2006–2012) and ischemic stroke (83.9 in 1992–1998, 135.3 in 1999–2005, and 238.0 in 2006–2012). The age-standardized incidence of first-ever stroke increased annually by 4.9% for intracerebral hemorrhage and by 7.3% for ischemic stroke. The greatest increase was observed in men aged 45–64 years for both stroke types (P < 0.001). The proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage was stable overall, increased among men aged 45–64 years, and decreased among men aged ≥65 years. The average age of intracerebral hemorrhage in men reduced by 7.5 years from 1992 to 2012. Conclusion The age-standardized incidence of main stroke subtypes increased significantly in rural China over the past 21 years; the overall proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage was stable, but the incidence increased significantly among middle-aged men. These findings imply that it is crucial to control stroke risk factors in middle-aged men for stroke prevention in future decades.
Oral ingestion of collagen peptide causes change in width of the perimysium of the chicken iliotibialis lateralis muscle

Skeletal muscle is mainly composed of myofibers and intramuscular connective tissue. Bundles composed of many myofibers, with each myofiber sheathed in connective tissue called the endomysium, are packed in the perimysium, which occupies the vast bulk of the intramuscular connective tissue. The perimysium is a major determination factor for muscle texture. Some studies have reported that collagen peptide (Col-Pep) ingestion improves the connective tissue architecture, such as the tendon and dermis. The present study evaluated the effects of Col-Pep ingestion on the chicken iliotibialis lateralis (ITL) muscle. Chicks were allocated to three groups: the 0.15% or 0.3% Col-Pep groups and a control group. Col-Pep was administered by mixing in with commercial food. On day 49, the ITL muscles were analyzed by morphological observation and the textural property test. The width of the perimysium in the 0.3% Col-Pep group was significantly larger than other two groups. Although scanning electron microscopic observations did not reveal any differences in the architecture of the endomysium, elastic improvement of the ITL muscle was observed as suggested by an increase of the width of perimysium and improved rheological properties. Our results indicate that ingestion of Col-Pep improves the textural property of ITL muscle of chickens by changing structure of the perimysium.
Stoichiometry of MutS and MutL at unrepaired mismatches in vivo suggests a mechanism of repair

Mismatch repair (MMR) is an evolutionarily conserved DNA repair system, which corrects mismatched bases arising during DNA replication. MutS recognizes and binds base pair mismatches, while the MutL protein interacts with MutS–mismatch complex and triggers MutH endonuclease activity at a distal-strand discrimination site on the DNA. The mechanism of communication between these two distal sites on the DNA is not known. We used functional fluorescent MMR proteins, MutS and MutL, in order to investigate the formation of the fluorescent MMR protein complexes on mismatches in real-time in growing Escherichia coli cells. We found that MutS and MutL proteins co-localize on unrepaired mismatches to form fluorescent foci. MutL foci were, on average, 2.7 times more intense than the MutS foci co-localized on individual mismatches. A steric block on the DNA provided by the MutHE56A mutant protein, which binds to but does not cut the DNA at the strand discrimination site, decreased MutL foci fluorescence 3-fold. This indicates that MutL accumulates from the mismatch site toward strand discrimination site along the DNA. Our results corroborate the hypothesis postulating that MutL accumulation assures the coordination of the MMR activities between the mismatch and the strand discrimination site.
Fusion of genetic-programming-based indices in hyperspectral image classification tasks

This paper introduces a two-step hyper- and multi-spectral image classification approach. The first step relies on the use of a genetic programming (GP) framework to both select and combine appropriate bands. The second step is concerned with the image classification itself. We present two strategies for multi-class classification problems based on the combination of GP-based indices defined in binary classification scenarios. Performed experiments involving well-known and widely-used datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach yields comparable or better effectiveness performance when compared to several traditional baselines.
A conversational man-robot interface used in robotics education

Abstract This paper presents a conversational interface that uses the speech recognition and synthesis and animation abilities of two Microsoft software agents in order to assure a more natural and efficient interface with an autonomous robot. The interface is used in the robotics educational process. The basic commands to be given by voice (back, right, etc.) and the control of the agents are implemented in Visual Basic. More complex control programs can be implemented and tested in Matlab and after that executed with a simple voice command. This program is used as a part of an integrated educational strategy in autonomous robotics and was evaluated by a group of students. First experimental results related to the use of this conversational interface compared to traditional robot simulation environments and control of real robots are presented in this paper with related discussions.
On Closed-Loop Bicycle Availability Prediction

We study the effect of customer choices in bicycle-sharing systems based on bicycle availability predictions. We show that such systems may lead to flapping behavior between bicycle stations. The consequences of flapping instability include poor user experience and suboptimal usage of the available bicycle stock. We propose a simple assignment strategy aimed at eliminating flapping and balancing demand at each station based on actual availability.
Cooperating Mechanisms of CXCR5 and CCR7 in Development and Organization of Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Homeostatic chemokines participate in the development of secondary lymphoid organs and later on in the functional organization of these tissues. The development of lymph nodes (LNs) and Peyer's patches depends on the recruitment of CD3− CD4+ interleukin (IL)-7Rαhi cells to sites of future organ development. CD3− CD4+ IL-7Rαhi cells express the chemokine receptor CXCR5 and might be attracted by its ligand CXCL13, which is secreted by mesenchymal cells. Mesenchymal cells also secrete CCL19, a ligand for CCR7, yet it is not clear whether CCR7 and CCL19 are important for secondary lymphoid organ development. Analyzing CXCR5−/− CCR7−/− double deficient mice we now show that these mice lack all examined peripheral LNs suggesting a profound role for both receptors in secondary lymphoid organ development. We demonstrate that CD3− CD4+ IL-7Rαhi cells express CXCR5 as well as CCR7 indicating that both receptors cooperate during an early step of secondary lymphoid organ development. Furthermore, CXCR5−/− CCR7−/− mice display a severely disturbed architecture of mesenteric LN and spleen. Due to an impaired migration of B cells into the white pulp, CXCR5−/− CCR7−/− mice fail to develop B cell follicles but show small clusters of unorganized lymphocytes in the spleen. These data demonstrate a cooperative function of CXCR5 and CCR7 in lymphoid organ organogenesis and organization.