Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facet-selective growth and optical properties of CdTe/CdSe tetrapod-shaped nanocrystal heterostructures

Selective CdSe tip growth on CdTe tetrapod-shaped colloidal seeds has been achieved for a Cd:surfactant molar ratio of 1:2, where surfactant is oleic acid. The average length of tetrapod arms increased from 12 to 21 nm while arm width remained constant of 3 nm. Formation of CdSe tips shifts the excitonic absorption maximum to the near-infrared region and the appearance of low-intensity absorption feature corresponding to a charge-transfer band. At the same time, luminescence band splits into a narrow (about 100 meV width) CdTe excitonic subband and a 230-meV-wide charge-transfer subband, with splitting energy increasing up to 260 meV depending on CdSe tip length. The intensity ratio of charge transfer to excitonic luminescence increases exponentially with splitting energy rise. Considerable modification of the photoluminescence spectrum has been observed with temperature variation in the range of 10–60 °C.
Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of two nanobodies that inhibit thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation and activated thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activity

Essentials Thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. TAFI inhibitory nanobodies represent a promising step in developing profibrinolytic therapeutics. We have solved three crystal structures of TAFI in complex with inhibitory nanobodies. Nanobodies inhibit TAFI through distinct mechanisms and represent novel profibrinolytic leads.
Predictors of Alcohol Relapse Following Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Induced Liver Failure. Consideration of “A–D” Selection Criteria

Demonstrated abstinence from alcohol for over six months and successful completion of a formal alcohol addictions program are two commonly employed criteria for determining whether an alcoholic patient with liver failure should proceed to liver transplantation. In this systematic review of the medical literature, we review the justification for these criteria and consider other variables that have also been reported to be of predictive value. While abstinence from alcohol for over six months is supported by the medical literature, data are more limited regarding the value of formal alcohol addictions program as selection criteria for proceeding towards liver transplantation. Positive family histories of alcoholism, co-inhabitants drinking alcohol in the presence of the patient and concurrent drug dependencies are more robust predictor variables of post-transplant recidivism. Based on the findings of this review, we propose a simple A–D transplantation selection criteria wherein “A” refers to demonstrated abstention from alcohol for over six months, “B” biology (a negative family history for alcoholism), “C”, co-inhabitants not consuming alcohol in the presence of the patient; and “D”, no concurrent drug dependency.
Network diffusion for information propagation in online social communities

Analysis of online communities has pioneered extensive research initiatives towards impact of diffusion of information in online social network communities. There are various social analytical and mining techniques that assists in information propagation over online social networks. The main purpose behind diffusion is to spread the information in a social network in a less computational way which has been described in the proposed solution. For this purpose, our research involves community detection with centrality measures executed over nodes, i.e. social entities that assists in targeting advertising and anonymization over the social web. We detect communities from a social network using community detection algorithms, which is followed by identifying significant entities in those communities using centrality measures. This eventually helps to better track the spreading of information to maximum people in the connected network to promote better advertising of products or services, according to needs, preferences and search criteria.
Experimental study of the beam wander mitigation in free space optical communications using single input multiple output system

This paper experimentally investigates the use of a single input multiple output (SIMO) free space optical (FSO) communication system in an indoor laboratory controlled turbulence chamber. Two receiver circuits are used with a single laser input. The current outputs of two receivers were combined using equal gain combining (EGC) scheme and compared with single input single output (SISO) FSO system. A weak turbulence was generated within the atmospheric chamber and link performances are measured using ß-factor and bit error rate (BER) for On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation scheme. The results demonstrated that the simplest form of SIMO can improve the performance of the FSO communication channel under weak turbulent condition.
A novel contact prediction‐based routing scheme for DTNs

Delay/disruption tolerant networks (DTNs) make opportunistic communications by utilising the mobility of nodes. The characteristics of high mobility of nodes and high dynamicity of network topology result in an absence of instantaneous end‐to‐end path from any source to a destination and thus make routing a challenge in DTNs. To deal with this issue, researchers have investigated a variety of routing schemes for DTNs based on the prediction of future contacts, in which node mobility is explored and used. However, the previous works did not consider the instant contact information such as the last contact duration time and the instant separation time since the last contact whilst making routing decisions, leading to less prediction accuracy of future contacts and thus worse routing performance. In this paper, a novel contact prediction‐based routing scheme is proposed for DTNs to increase delivery ratio by considering the instant contact information. Specifically, to predict the contact probability of two nodes accurately, the statistical contact information, the instant contact information and the contact transitivity are comprehensively considered. The simulation evaluations show that the proposed contact prediction‐based routing substantially improves delivery ratio and reduces delivery latency and delivery overhead compared with traditional DTN routing schemes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimum pre- and post-filters for robust scalar quantization

An N-level scalar quantization system for continuous alphabet i.i. d. sources with a pre- and post-filter as suggested by Popat and Zeger (see IEEE Trans. Commun., vol.40, no.11, p.1670, 1992) is considered. The idea is that the pre-filter changes the distribution of the source to approximately Gaussian, which is then quantized by a Lloyd-Max (1960, 1982) quantizer for Gaussian random variables. For many sources, the overall system outperforms one that directly quantizes the sources. We propose an iterative algorithm for designing the optimum filters, to minimize the overall mean squared error between the input and output of the quantization system. It is found experimentally that the design algorithm always converges very rapidly to a solution where the optimum pre- and post-filters are all pass filters. We prove the convergence of the design algorithm for the N=2 case, and conjecture that convergence to the same solution always holds for any N.
A time-varying saturated synchronous formation controller for nonholonomic mobile robots

In this paper, a new saturated synchronous controller is proposed for multiple nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots to perform a time-varying formation task. Each robot is controlled to track its desired trajectory, while synchronized its motion with the two neighboring robots. A novel dynamic model of the wheeled mobile robot is derived based on Lagrange method. The Lagrange multipliers of the robot are determined based on the input torques and the robot's velocities. The dynamic model is divided into translational and rotational model. A saturated synchronous translational controller is proposed to guarantee the asymptotic stability of both position and synchronization errors. A rotational controller is developed such that each robot always oriented towards its desired position. A simulation results verified the efficiency of the proposed saturated synchronous controller in the formation tasks.
A novel digital predistorter compensating for even order distortions of concurrent multiband power amplifiers with a single common feedback loop

This paper proposes a novel scheme of digital predistorter (DPD) that can concurrently compensate for both the odd-order distortions and the even-order distortions for concurrent multi-band power amplifiers (PAs) at low super high frequency (SHF) and high SHF bands with a single common feedback loop; the odd-order distortions occur at low and high SHF bands as well-known nonlinear distortions, and the even-order distortions occur at a frequency equal to the difference between low and high SHF bands and at a frequency twice as high as that of low SHF band. The proposed DPD utilizes a single common feedback loop in order to provide a feedback signal that includes the odd-order and the even-order overlapped feedback signals for adaptive DPDs. The proposed single common feedback architecture significantly reduces complexity, size and power consumption for DPD circuits. Additionally, the proposed DPD also separates the even-order overlapped feedback signal successfully. The presented experimental results show that the proposed DPD scheme reduces analog circuit complexity and size, and achieves 50 % reduction of power consumption in the feedback loop without sacrificing the DPD linearization performance.
CrowdLoc

Determining the location of a mobile user is central to several crowd-sensing applications. Using a Global Positioning System is not only power-hungry, but also unavailable in many locations. While there has been work on cellular-based localization, we consider an unexplored opportunity to improve location accuracy by combining cellular information across multiple mobile devices located near each other. For instance, this opportunity may arise in the context of public transport units having multiple travelers. Based on theoretical analysis and an extensive experimental study on several public transportation routes in two cities, we show that combining cellular information across nearby phones considerably improves location accuracy. Combining information across phones is especially useful when a phone has to use another phone’s fingerprint database, in a fingerprinting-based localization scheme. Both the median and 90 percentile errors reduce significantly. The location accuracy also improves irrespective of whether we combine information across phones connected to the same or different cellular operators. Sharing information across phones can raise privacy concerns. To address this, we have developed an id-free broadcast mechanism, using audio as a medium, to share information among mobile phones. We show that such communication can work effectively on smartphones, even in real-life, noisy-road conditions.
Full proof cryptography: verifiable compilation of efficient zero-knowledge protocols

Developers building cryptography into security-sensitive applications face a daunting task. Not only must they understand the security guarantees delivered by the constructions they choose, they must also implement and combine them correctly and efficiently. Cryptographic compilers free developers from this task by turning high-level specifications of security goals into efficient implementations. Yet, trusting such tools is hard as they rely on complex mathematical machinery and claim security properties that are subtle and difficult to verify. In this paper we present ZKCrypt, an optimizing cryptographic compiler achieving an unprecedented level of assurance without sacrificing practicality for a comprehensive class of cryptographic protocols, known as Zero-Knowledge Proofs of Knowledge. The pipeline of ZKCrypt integrates purpose-built verified compilers and verifying compilers producing formal proofs in the CertiCrypt framework. By combining the guarantees delivered by each stage, ZKCrypt provides assurance that the output implementation securely realizes the abstract proof goal given as input. We report on the main characteristics of ZKCrypt, highlight new definitions and concepts at its foundations, and illustrate its applicability through a representative example of an anonymous credential system
Wastewater reuse and risk : definition of key objectives

Wastewater reclamation holds promise as an important water resource as the desire to develop arid regions continues to place increasing demands on finite water resources. The debate surrounding the consumption of reclaimed wastewater finds risk managers pondering the question of what types of water quality standards might be set in order to provide the proper level of safety associated with the use of reclaimed wastewater. We propose quality categories for different reuses such as irrigation or indirect aquifer recharge with different requirements towards microbial and chemical parameters. Based on recent existing guidelines and risk estimations, microbial and chemical limits for each category were compiled. Since economic calculations are very important, analytical costs are included and measurements frequency is proposed. Biological parameters have to indicate all potential pathogenic organisms including viruses, bacteria and parasites from different origins. The selected biological indicator parameters most used in rules and regulations are coliforms and E. coli, indicating the occurrence of a former faecal contamination and the possible presence of all pathogens occurring in faeces of warm-blooded animals. In the case of wastewater reuse, biological parameters have to indicate all potential pathogens causing infection diseases and/or intoxication in all living beings including plants and animals. The large number of possible chemical parameters in relation with wastewater reclamation and reuse has to be adapted and minimized with respect to the origin of the sewage, the extent of the treatment process and the intended use. These parameters must cover a broad spectrum of toxicological and ecological risks as well as possible technical disorders. Risk assessment and risk management are also necessary.
Trophic signatures of seabirds suggest shifts in oceanic ecosystems

A 125-year record of seabird trophic status shows declines reflecting squid boom and improves on prior index deficiencies. Pelagic ecosystems are dynamic ocean regions whose immense natural capital is affected by climate change, pollution, and commercial fisheries. Trophic level–based indicators derived from fishery catch data may reveal the food web status of these systems, but the utility of these metrics has been debated because of targeting bias in fisheries catch. We analyze a unique, fishery-independent data set of North Pacific seabird tissues to inform ecosystem trends over 13 decades (1890s to 2010s). Trophic position declined broadly in five of eight species sampled, indicating a long-term shift from higher–trophic level to lower–trophic level prey. No species increased their trophic position. Given species prey preferences, Bayesian diet reconstructions suggest a shift from fishes to squids, a result consistent with both catch reports and ecosystem models. Machine learning models further reveal that trophic position trends have a complex set of drivers including climate, commercial fisheries, and ecomorphology. Our results show that multiple species of fish-consuming seabirds may track the complex changes occurring in marine ecosystems.
User scheduling for non-orthogonal transmission in UAV-assisted relay network

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be used as a relay node to provide a communication service to an isolated user equipment (iUE), which does not have a direct communication link from/to a near base station (BS). UAV-aided relay network (UARN) has been considered to provide a reliable communication service to iUE, and a non-orthogonal transmission scheme is utilized at BS to avoid performance degradation of user equipments inside a cell (cUEs). UE scheduling schemes, which are used for conventional relay networks, cannot maximize the longterm average throughput of cUEs in UARN, where UAV moves from BS to iUE or stays close to iUE. In this paper, a novel UE scheduling scheme is proposed to achieve higher long-term average throughput and fairness simultaneously in UARN, while providing a seamless relay transmission to iUE. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed UE scheduling scheme outperforms the conventional UE scheduling schemes in UARNs.
Enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary sensitivity to estrogen in premenopausal women with diminished ovarian reserve compared with older perimenopausal controls

Objective:We have previously characterized the reproductive hormone profile in infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) as being distinct from that seen in age-comparable healthy controls. Hypothesizing that DOR reflects accelerated reproductive aging, we herein compare urinary reproductive hormone dynamics between young women with DOR and a population of chronologically older perimenopausal controls. Methods:In this prospective observational study, urinary levels of pituitary gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) and metabolites of estrogen (estrone conjugate) and progesterone were assessed in daily morning urine samples collected in a spontaneous menstrual cycle in 8 infertile premenopausal women with DOR and in 11 perimenopausal controls. Areas under the curves were calculated for the respective measured hormones, and comparisons were made using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results:Urinary estrone conjugate levels were significantly attenuated in premenopausal women with DOR compared with the older perimenopausal cohort. Despite the relatively lower estrogen, a significantly more pronounced luteinizing hormone surge was evident in the younger population. Early follicle-stimulating hormone was lower in women with DOR, but luteal urinary progesterone excretion was comparable in the two groups. Conclusions:Our data suggest distinctions in functioning of the central (hypothalamic-pituitary) and peripheral (ovarian) components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in premenopausal women with DOR compared with chronologically older perimenopausal controls. Increased hypothalamic-pituitary sensitivity to estrogen positive feedback is suggested in premenopausal women with DOR. Our observations identify DOR as a distinct entity in the paradigm of reproductive senescence.
Understanding and Modeling the Internet Topology: Economics and Evolution Perspective

In this paper, we seek to understand the intrinsic reasons for the well-known phenomenon of heavy-tailed degree in the Internet AS graph and argue that in contrast to traditional models based on preferential attachment and centralized optimization, the Pareto degree of the Internet can be explained by the evolution of wealth associated with each ISP. The proposed topology model utilizes a simple multiplicative stochastic process that determines each ISP's wealth at different points in time and several ¿maintenance¿ rules that keep the degree of each node proportional to its wealth. Actual link formation is determined in a decentralized fashion based on random walks, where each ISP individually decides when and how to increase its degree. Simulations show that the proposed model, which we call Wealth-based Internet Topology (WIT), produces scale-free random graphs with tunable exponent ¿ and high clustering coefficients (between 0.35 and 0.5) that stay invariant as the size of the graph increases. This evolution closely mimics that of the Internet observed since 1997.
The role of resting frontal EEG asymmetry in psychopathology: afferent or efferent filter?

Resting EEG asymmetry evident early in life is thought to bias affective behaviors and contribute to the development of psychopathology. However, it remains unclear at what stage of information processing this bias occurs. Asymmetry may serve as an afferent filter, modulating emotional reactivity to incoming stimuli; or as an efferent filter, modulating behavioral response tendencies under emotional conditions. This study examines 209 kindergarten children (M = 6.03 years old) to test predictions put forth by the two models. Resting asymmetry was examined in conjunction with electrodermal and cardiac measures of physiological reactivity to four emotion-inducing film clips (fear, sad, happy, anger) and teacher ratings of psychopathology. Results confirm an association between increased right side cortical activation and internalizing symptom severity as well as left activation and externalizing symptom severity. Significant interactions between resting asymmetry and physiological reactivity to emotion indicate that physiological reactivity moderates the association between resting asymmetry and symptoms of psychopathology.
Leptin induces functional activation of cyclooxygenase‐2 through JAK2/STAT3, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/AKT pathways in human endometrial cancer cells

Hyperleptinemia is a common feature of obese women who have a higher risk of endometrial cancer than women with normal weights, and epidemiologic studies have suggested a correlation between obesity and endometrial carcinoma. Therefore, understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in leptin signaling transduction is important in endometrial cancer prevention and treatment. In this study, both isoforms of the leptin receptor (Ob‐R), the long form (Ob‐Rb) and short form (Ob‐Ra), were detected as being expressed in six endometrial cancer cell lines with various differentiation status by western blotting, and Ob‐Ra was found to be more abundant than Ob‐Rb in these cells. Moreover, the expressions of both isoforms were inversely correlated with histoprognostic grading. We also showed that leptin stimulated cell proliferation and induced activations of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2), AKT, and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in endometrial cancer cells dose‐dependently by [3H] thymidine incorporation assay and western blotting. Leptin‐stimulation resulted in increased expression of COX‐2 mRNA and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production of endometrial cancer cells by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme immunoassay, respectively, which was effectively blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2), AG490; of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase, U0126; of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), LY294002; and of COX‐2, NS398. These results suggest that leptin promotes cell proliferation of endometrial cancer cells via the aforementioned multiple signal‐transduction pathways. Leptin‐induced functional activation of COX‐2 is JAK2/STAT3‐, MAPK/ERK‐, and PI3K/AKT‐dependent, indicating that COX‐2 may be a critical factor of endometrial carcinogenesis in obesity. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 389–395)