Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Reconfigurable Hardware Design for Fingerprint Authentication and Fingerprint Navigation

In this paper, a reconfigurable hardware architecture is proposed to perform dual applications i.e fingerprint authentication and fingerprint navigation. The proposed hardware architecture is implemented on FPGA. The first application, fingerprint authentication, is handled by software running over 32-bit Nios soft-core processor hardware platform. It covers fingerprint enrollment, fingerprint verification and fingerprint identification. The second application, fingerprint navigation, acts as a pointing device used for guiding a cursor/pointer on a display screen. To fulfill high-speed image processing computation as required by fingerprint navigation application, an hardware accelerator is developed. The hardware accelerator is controlled by Nios processor and capable of measuring finger motion based on real-time captured finger images. With this hardware accelerator, the navigation processing time can be speed up 59 times faster than if it is done by Nios processor. Experiment and verification on FPGA show that proposed harware has worked properly in case of fingerprint authentication functionality and allows the fingerprint navigation application detecting finger motion up to 16 cm/s.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology Open Access Impaired Leukocyte Influx in Cervix of Postterm Women Not Responding to Prostaglandin Priming

Background: Prolonged pregnancies are associated with increased rate of maternal and fetal complications. Post term women could be divided into at least two subgroups, one where parturition is possible to induce by prostaglandins and one where it is not. Our aim was to study parameters in cervical biopsies in women with spontaneous delivery at term (controls) and compare to those that are successfully induced post term (responders), and those that are not induced (non-responders), by local prostaglandin treatment.
Nematic Homopolymers: From Segmented to Wormlike Chains

We present a density functional approach to orientational ordering in homopolymeric systems. The polymers are modeled as chains of identical rodlike segments connected via a simple generic bending potential. The segments are impenetrable to each other, and it is their mutual excluded volume that drives the transition from the orientationally disordered isotropic phase to the orientationally ordered nematic fluid. These excluded volume effects are accounted for within the so‐called Onsager approximation at the chain–chain level and in an independent pairwise overlap approximation at the segment–segment level. The Khokhlov and Semenov formalism for nematic wormlike polymers is shown to be an exact limiting case of our treatment. The ordering transition is studied analytically by using a linear stability analysis of the isotropic phase yielding the properties of the system at the isotropic‐nematic (I–N) bifurcation point. Using a numerical scheme, the equilibrium distribution functions in the nematic phase a.
Raspberry Pi and Arduino Uno Working together as a Basic Meteorological Station

The present paper describes a novel Raspberry Pi and Arduino UNO architecture used as a meteorological station. One of the advantages of the proposed architecture is the huge quantity of sensors developed for its usage; practically one can find them for any application, and weather sensing is not an exception. The principle followed is to configure Raspberry as a collector for measures obtained from Arduino, transmitting occurs via USB; meanwhile, Raspberry broadcasts them via a web page. For such activity is possible thanks to Raspbian, a Linux-based operating system. It has a lot of libraries and resources available, among them Apache Web Server, that gives the possibility to host a web-page. On it, the user can observe temperature, humidity, solar radiance, and wind speed and direction. Information on the web-page is refreshed each five minute; however, measurements arrive at Raspberry every ten seconds. This low refreshment rate was determined because weather variables normally do not abruptly change. As an additional feature, system stores all information on the log file, this gives the possibility for future analysis and processing.
Exploiting the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars Effect for Displacement-Current Phase Tomography of Two-Phase Flows

We introduce a method based on the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) effect to improve the performance of displacement-current phase tomography (DCPT) applied to two-phase flow imaging. DCPT utilizes as set of mutual admittance measurements between electrodes placed around a region of interest (RoI). This measurement can extract the phase of the displacement current between the electrodes so as to characterize the spatial distribution of the conductivity or dielectric loss inside the RoI. By exploiting the fact that the measured data at different frequencies will exhibit distinct MWS effects, the proposed approach can extract additional information from the measure data set and improve the resolution of DCPT for the imaging of two-phase flows. Numerical simulations along with experimental results illustrate the main findings of this paper.
Inhibition of Phagolysosomal Biogenesis by the Leishmania Lipophosphoglycan

Whereas amastigotes of the protozoan parasite Leishmania proliferate inside acidic phagolysosomal vacuoles of the macrophage, vacuoles induced by Leishmania donovani promastigotes during initiation of infection are poorly characterized. Here, evidence is presented that interaction of these parasitophorous vacuoles with endocytic organelles is very limited. In contrast, vacuoles formed around L. donovani mutants lacking the cell surface lipophosphoglycan (LPG) fuse extensively with endosomes and lysosomes. The role of LPG repeating units in the inhibition of phagosome–endosome fusion was demonstrated using two different approaches. First, genetic complementation of the LPG-defective C3PO mutant restored its ability to inhibit phagosome–endosome fusion to a degree similar to that of wild-type promastigotes. Second, opsonization of C3PO mutant cells with purified L. donovani LPG also conferred to this mutant the ability to inhibit phagosome–endosome fusion. Inasmuch as LPG is essential for infecting macrophages, these results suggest that inhibition of phagolysosomal biogenesis by LPG repeating units represents an intramacrophage survival strategy used by promastigotes to establish infection.
Age Differences in the Use of Beneficial and Misleading Cues in Recall: With a Comment on the Measurement of Between-Group Differences in Accuracy

Young and old subjects were tested on their memory for paired-associate terms when cued with either facilitative or misleading word stems. After studying a long list of pairs of unrelated words (e.g., hair–turtle), recall of a particular target term was cued in a facilitative manner (hair–tu____) or a misleading manner (hair–ta____). The effects of these cues were assessed relative to a baseline condition in which levels of performance lay between the other two (hair–t____). To interpret the age-related effects of the facilitative and misleading cues relative to baseline, the variance in differences between the baseline and the experimental conditions related to the overall baseline level was factored out, and age-related differences as a function of cue were assessed on the remaining variability. This analysis revealed that the two age groups differed both in their ability to overcome the adverse effects of the misleading cue and also to take advantage of the benefits afforded by the facilitative cue. This combination of results is consistent with the view that aging results in a loss of general strategic control, and not specifically inhibitory control, over the effects of retrieval cues.
An Undecimated Wavelet-based Method for Cochlear Implant Speech Processing

A cochlear implant is an implanted electronic device used to provide a sensation of hearing to a person who is hard of hearing. The cochlear implant is often referred to as a bionic ear. This paper presents an undecimated wavelet-based speech coding strategy for cochlear implants, which gives a novel speech processing strategy. The undecimated wavelet packet transform (UWPT) is computed like the wavelet packet transform except that it does not down-sample the output at each level. The speech data used for the current study consists of 30 consonants, sampled at 16 kbps. The performance of our proposed UWPT method was compared to that of infinite impulse response (IIR) filter in terms of mean opinion score (MOS), short-time objective intelligibility (STOI) measure and segmental signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Undecimated wavelet had better segmental SNR in about 96% of the input speech data. The MOS of the proposed method was twice in comparison with that of the IIR filter-bank. The statistical analysis revealed that the UWT-based N-of-M strategy significantly improved the MOS, STOI and segmental SNR (P < 0.001) compared with what obtained with the IIR filter-bank based strategies. The advantage of UWPT is that it is shift-invariant which gives a dense approximation to continuous wavelet transform. Thus, the information loss is minimal and that is why the UWPT performance was better than that of traditional filter-bank strategies in speech recognition tests. Results showed that the UWPT could be a promising method for speech coding in cochlear implants, although its computational complexity is higher than that of traditional filter-banks.
Coded OFDM-IM With Transmit Diversity

In this paper, we propose a simple transmit diversity scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with index modulation (IM) in order to achieve a diversity gain for index detection, which can significantly improve the performance of OFDM-IM at the cost of the spectral efficiency. An optimal approach for active index detection is derived, which has a complexity, growing linearly with the size of OFDM symbol. A salient feature of the proposed transmit diversity scheme is that it can be easily employed in conjunction with a conventional coding scheme for data symbols. Consequently, we can implement coded OFDM-IM together with the proposed transmit diversity scheme in a straightforward manner, which can provide a good performance under a frequency-fading environment.
Determinant capture as a possible mechanism of protection afforded by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules in autoimmune disease

How peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II complexes are naturally generated is still unknown, but accumulating evidence suggests that unfolding proteins or long peptides can become bound to class II molecules at the dominant determinant before proteolytic cleavage. We have compared the immunogenicity of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) in nonobese diabetic (NOD), (NOD x BALB/c)F1, and E(d) alpha transgenic NOD mice. We find that a response to the subdominant ANOD- restricted determinant disappears upon introduction of an E(d) molecule, and is restored when scission of HEL separates this determinant from its adjoining, competitively dominant, E(d)-restricted determinant. This suggests that the E(d) molecule binds and protects its dominant determinant on a long peptide while captured neighboring determinants are lost during proteolysis. These results provide clear evidence for "determinant capture" as a mechanism of determinant selection during antigen processing and a possible explanation for MHC- protective effects in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Kinematic Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Define the Cervical Facet Joint Space for the Spine in Neutral and Torsion

Study Design. Prospectively acquire magnetic resonance images of the neck in normal subjects and patients with radiculopathy to measure and compare measures of the facet joint space thickness and volume. Objective. The goal was to determine whether there is any difference in facet joint architecture between the 2 populations with the head in each of neutral and pain-eliciting rotation. Summary of Background Data. Degeneration and altered mechanics of the facet joint can result in pathological nerve root compression and pain. Although lumbar facet joint space thinning has been reported in the context of low back pain, few studies have quantified the cervical facet joint space, especially in the context of pain. Methods. The cervical spine of 8 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic subjects was imaged in the sagittal plane in a 3T magnetic resonance scanner, using a T2-pulse sequence optimized for bone imaging. The facet joint space was identified and segmented in the acquired images. The thickness and volume of the facet joint space, and their changes between positions, were computed from the 3-dimensional representation for all cervical levels on both sides. Results. Generally, the facet joint space thickness and volume were smaller in the symptomatic subjects than in the asymptomatic subjects. The differences were more robust on the left, especially in neutral and left torsion. The changes in both volume and thickness from neutral to torsion were also different in sign and magnitude at isolated joint levels between the 2 populations. Conclusion. Quantification of the facet joint space architecture in the cervical spine of patients with radiculopathy is feasible using standard magnetic resonance imaging sequences. Measurements of the facet space thickness and volume, and their changes, from both pain-free and painful positions, can provide context for localizing potential sources of painful tissue loading. Level of Evidence: 3
Terahertz applications of integrated circuits based on intrinsic Josephson junctions in high Tc superconductors

Using a newly developed double-side fabrication method, an IJJ stack plus a bow-tie antenna and chokes were integrated in a slice 200 nm thick and singled out from inside a bulk Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x (BSCCO) single crystal. The junctions in the fabricated stack were very uniform, and the number of junctions involved was rather controllable. In addition to this method, which can be used to fabricate integrated circuits based on intrinsic Josephson junctions in high temperature (Tc) superconductors, also reported will be terahertz responses of IJJs, and the possible applications in quantum voltage standard, spectroscopy, and so on.
New methods to generate massive synthetic networks

One of the biggest needs in network science research is access to large realistic datasets. As data analytics methods permeate a range of diverse disciplines---e.g., computational epidemiology, sustainability, social media analytics, biology, and transportation--- network datasets that can exhibit characteristics encountered in each of these disciplines becomes paramount. The key technical issue is to be able to generate synthetic topologies with pre-specified, arbitrary, degree distributions. Existing methods are limited in their ability to faithfully reproduce macro-level characteristics of networks while at the same time respecting particular degree distributions. We present a suite of three algorithms that exploit the principle of residual degree attenuation to generate synthetic topologies that adhere to macro-level real-world characteristics. By evaluating these algorithms w.r. t. several real-world datasets we demonstrate their ability to faithfully reproduce network characteristics such as node degree, clustering coefficient, hop length, and k-core structure distributions.
Morphology and 18S rDNA OF Henneguya gurlei (Myxosporea) from Ameiurus nebulosus (SILURIFORMES) in North Carolina

Henneguya gurlei was isolated from Ameiurus nebulosus captured in North Carolina and redescribed using critical morphological features and 18S small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rDNA) gene sequence. Plasmodia are white, spherical, or subspherical, occur in clusters, measure up to 1.8 mm in length, and are located on the dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins. Histologically, plasmodia are located in the dermis and subdermally, and the larger cysts disrupt the melanocyte pigment layer. The spore body is lanceolate, 18.2 ± 0.3 μm (range 15.7–20.3) in length, and 5.4 ± 0.1 μm (range 3.8–6.1) in width in valvular view. The caudal appendages are 41.1 ± 1.1 μm (range 34.0–49.7) in length. Polar capsules are pyriform and of unequal size. The longer polar capsule measures 6.2 ± 0.1 μm (range 5.48–7.06), while the shorter is 5.7 ± 0.1 μm (range 4.8–6.4) in length. Polar capsule width is 1.2 ± 0.03 μm (range 1.0–1.54). The total length of the spore is 60.9 ± 1.2 μm (range 48.7–68.5). Morphologically, this species is similar to other species of Henneguya that are known to infect ictalurids. Based on SSU rDNA sequences, this species is most closely related to H. exilis and H. ictaluri, which infect Ictalurus punctatus.
A fresh look at the fossil evidence for early Archaean cellular life

The rock record provides us with unique evidence for testing models as to when and where cellular life first appeared on Earth. Its study, however, requires caution. The biogenicity of stromatolites and ‘microfossils’ older than 3.0 Gyr should not be accepted without critical analysis of morphospace and context, using multiple modern techniques, plus rejection of alternative non-biological (null) hypotheses. The previous view that the co-occurrence of biology-like morphology and carbonaceous chemistry in ancient, microfossil-like objects is a presumptive indicator of biogenicity is not enough. As with the famous Martian microfossils, we need to ask not ‘what do these structures remind us of? ’, but ‘what are these structures? ’ Earth's oldest putative ‘microfossil’ assemblages within 3.4–3.5 Gyr carbonaceous cherts, such as the Apex Chert, are likewise self-organizing structures that do not pass tests for biogenicity. There is a preservational paradox in the fossil record prior to ca 2.7 Gyr: suitable rocks (e.g. isotopically light carbonaceous cherts) are widely present, but signals of life are enigmatic and hard to decipher. One new approach includes detailed mapping of well-preserved sandstone grains in the ca 3.4 Gyr Strelley Pool Chert. These can contain endolithic microtubes showing syngenicity, grain selectivity and several levels of geochemical processing. Preliminary studies invite comparison with a class of ambient inclusion trails of putative microbial origin and with the activities of modern anaerobic proteobacteria and volcanic glass euendoliths.
Linking Mitochondria and Synaptic Transmission: The CB1 Receptor

CB1 receptors are functionally present within brain mitochondria (mtCB1), although they are usually considered specifically targeted to plasma membrane. Acute activation of mtCB1 alters mitochondrial ATP generation, synaptic transmission, and memory performance. However, the detailed mechanism linking disrupted mitochondrial metabolism and synaptic transmission is still uncharacterized. CB1 receptors are among the most abundant G protein‐coupled receptors in the brain and impact on several processes, including fear coping, anxiety, stress, learning, and memory. Mitochondria perform several key physiological processes for neuronal homeostasis, including production of ATP and reactive oxygen species, calcium buffering, metabolism of neurotransmitters, and apoptosis. It is therefore possible that acute activation of mtCB1 impacts on these different mitochondrial functions to modulate synaptic transmission. In reviewing and integrating across the literature in this area, we describe the possible mechanisms involved in the regulation of brain physiology by mtCB1 receptors.
Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Rubber and Expanded Clay Aggregates

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) incorporating a blend of normal aggregate and waste rubber or expanded clay aggregate were prepared in present paper. And then the properties of SCC incorporating combined aggregates in fresh state and hardened state, including workability, dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength and chloride ion permeability were investigated by experiments. Results indicate that utilization of rubber particles as a fine aggregate or expanded clay particles as a coarse aggregate by partially replacing sand or coarse aggregate of the same volume can successfully produce the SCC with suitable workability. The addition of rubber or expanded clay particles results in a remarkable reduction of mechanical strength and dynamic elastic modulus of SCC. And the compressive strength and dynamic elastic modulus of SCC with expanded clay aggregate replacing coarse aggregate is higher than that of SCC with the same volume rubber replacing sand. The incorporation of rubber or expanded clay aggregate in concrete exhibits a reduction in chloride ion permeability as compared to normal concrete. It is of great importance for further understanding the effect of waste rubber and expanded clay aggregate on workability, mechanical properties and durability of SCC.
Discovery of a large-scale wall in the direction of Abell 22

We report on the discovery of a large-scale wall in the direction of Abell 22. Using photometric and spectroscopic data from the Las Campanas Observatory and Anglo-Australian Telescope Rich Cluster Survey, Abell 22 is found to exhibit a highly unusual and striking redshift distribution. We show, by examining the galaxy distributions both in redshift space and on the colour-magnitude plane, that Abell 22 exhibits a foreground wall-like structure. A search for other galaxies and clusters in the nearby region using the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey data base suggests that the wall-like structure is a significant large-scale, non-virialized filament which runs between two other Abell clusters either side of Abell 22. The filament stretches over at least > 40 h(-1) Mpc in length and 10 h(-1) Mpc in width at the redshift of Abell 22.
Toward a New Application of Real-Time Electrophysiology: Online Optimization of Cognitive Neurosciences Hypothesis Testing

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) mostly rely on electrophysiological brain signals. Methodological and technical progress has largely solved the challenge of processing these signals online. The main issue that remains, however, is the identification of a reliable mapping between electrophysiological measures and relevant states of mind. This is why BCIs are highly dependent upon advances in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging research. Recently, psychological theories became more biologically plausible, leading to more realistic generative models of psychophysiological observations. Such complex interpretations of empirical data call for efficient and robust computational approaches that can deal with statistical model comparison, such as approximate Bayesian inference schemes. Importantly, the latter enable the optimization of a model selection error rate with respect to experimental control variables, yielding maximally powerful designs. In this paper, we use a Bayesian decision theoretic approach to cast model comparison in an online adaptive design optimization procedure. We show how to maximize design efficiency for individual healthy subjects or patients. Using simulated data, we demonstrate the face- and construct-validity of this approach and illustrate its extension to electrophysiology and multiple hypothesis testing based on recent psychophysiological models of perception. Finally, we discuss its implications for basic neuroscience and BCI itself.