Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of CSI on Radio Resource Management Techniques for the OFDMA downlink

Adaptive resource allocation can drastically increase the throughput of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system when the Channel State Information (CSI) is accurately known. Unfortunately, in practice, perfect CSI is rarely possible. In this paper, we consider adaptive sub-carrier assignment for downlink multiuser OFDMA systems, where the transmitter has no knowledge of the instantaneous channel realizations. The problem we address is maximizing the sum-capacity of the system subject to user Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. A heuristic algorithm presented in \cite{Zhang06} is modified in order to provide an enhanced sub-optimal solution. Numerical results show that resources can be adaptively allocated using statistical CSI (SCSI) and that such an approach allows for an important number of user QoS requirements to be met. Comparisons between the instantaneous CSI (ICSI) and SCSI based resource allocation schemes demonstrate that their performance difference is highly dependent on the number of active users present in the cell, the QoS constraint, and the transmit power.
A proposal for enhancing user-developer communication in large IT projects

A review of the literature showed that the probability of system success, i.e. user acceptance, system quality and system usage, can be increased by user-developer communication. So far most research on user participation focuses either on early or on late development phases. Especially large IT projects require increased participation, due to their high complexity. We believe that the step in software development when user requirements are translated (and thus interpreted) by developers into a technical specification (i.e. system requirements, architecture and models) is a critical one for user participation. In this step a lot of implicit decisions are taken, some of which should be communicated to the end users. Therefore, we want to create a method that enhances communication between users and developers during that step. We identified trigger points (i.e. changes on initial user requirements), and the granularity level on which to communicate with the end users. Also, representations of changes and adequate means of communication are discussed.
System integration of a vision-guided UAV for autonomous landing on moving platform

This manuscript describes a UAV implemented with vision and laser based localization algorithm to track and land on a moving platform. Specifically, a pre-designed marker is installed on the moving platform and a downward facing monocular camera is mounted on the UAV for pose estimation. For a robust and precise UAV height estimation, a LiDAR scanning range finder is utilized to determine accurate height and to estimate descent velocity during landing. The proposed algorithm is realized in a quadrotor UAV and its performance is validated in actual flight experiments.
On the Success Factors of Mobile Learning

Just as e-Learning enjoyed great popularity during the 1990’s, Mobile Learning (m-Learning) has attracted great attention in today’s business and academic community. Recently, there has been a growing interest in examining the strengths and weaknesses associated with m-Learning, however, still very few studies examined the factors that influence the effectiveness of m-Learning. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between self-efficacy and effective m-Learning. This study integrates the concept of knowledge sharing self-efficacy and Technology Acceptance Model for investigating the effectiveness of users’ intention to use mobile learning. Data are collected from students studying in Thailand University. The hypothesized research model is then validated empirically with structural equation modeling to test if the empirical data supports the proposed hypotheses. Finally, we conclude the effectiveness of mobile learning systems are influenced by the following factors: 1) if the learner perceived the system to be easy to use they were more likely perceptions of usefulness on mobile technologies when the system is useful for them they will intend to use 2) perception of usefulness has significantly influences on mobile learning effectiveness.
Cytochrome P450cam: crystallography, oxygen activation, and electron transfer1

Several crystal structures of various substrate and inhibited complexes of the camphor monoxygenase, cytochrome P450cam from Pseudomonas putida, are now available. These structures, together with mutagenesis, biochemical, and biophysical studies, have allowed for a detailed penetration into the problem of how P450s activate molecular oxygen, control stereoselectivity, and transfer electrons. This review will provide a summary of the crystallographic work in light of what these structures have taught us about P450 function. —Poulos, T. L. ; Raag, R. Cytochrome P450cam: crystallography, oxygen activation, and electron transfer. FASEB J. 6: 674‐679; 1992.
A Low-Cost Ultra-Wideband Indoor Ranging System

This paper presents the development of a low-cost indoor ranging technique based on time-of-arrival (TOA) estimation, using short-pulse ultra-wideband (UWB) signals. The realized system includes two identical UWB transceiver devices, in which the receiver section is based on a tunnel diode detector and the pulse generation is performed by a common bipolar transistor driven in avalanche mode. An indirect measurement of the distance between the devices is obtained by measuring the frequency of the generated pulse train. A theoretical model of the system is described, and a statistical analysis is presented, including the closed-form evaluation of the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) on the distance estimation and showing the asymptotic statistical efficiency of the proposed estimators. Furthermore, the principle of operation of the realized system prototypes is described, along with some implementation issues. Finally, experimental results are shown and discussed.
Using Learning Labs for Culturally Responsive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Culturally responsive positive behavioral interventions and supports (CRPBIS) is a statewide research project designed to renovate behavioral support systems to become more inclusive, adaptive, and supportive for all. The CRPBIS methodology, called learning lab, provides a research-based process to bring together local stakeholders and facilitates their authentic participation in problem solving. Learning lab addresses the outcome disparities for youth from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds and strategically includes CLD families and students and representatives from community-based organizations. Learning labs were found to successfully create and sustain productive partnerships among local stakeholders that renovated their school discipline systems. The purpose of this article is to provide specific guidelines and key considerations for practitioners on how to implement learning labs to facilitate authentic and productive family–school–community collaboration and systemic transformation in schools.
Escape from Autologous Neutralizing Antibodies in Acute/Early Subtype C HIV-1 Infection Requires Multiple Pathways

One aim for an HIV vaccine is to elicit neutralizing antibodies (Nab) that can limit replication of genetically diverse viruses and prevent establishment of a new infection. Thus, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of Nab during the early stages of natural infection could prove useful in achieving this goal. Here we demonstrate that viral escape readily occurred despite the development of high titer autologous Nab in two subjects with acute/early subtype C infection. To provide a detailed portrayal of the escape pathways, Nab resistant variants identified at multiple time points were used to create a series of envelope (Env) glycoprotein chimeras and mutants within the background of a corresponding newly transmitted Env. In one subject, Nab escape was driven predominantly by changes in the region of gp120 that extends from the beginning of the V3 domain to the end of the V5 domain (V3V5). However, Nab escape pathways in this subject oscillated and at times required cooperation between V1V2 and the gp41 ectodomain. In the second subject, escape was driven by changes in V1V2. This V1V2-dependent escape pathway was retained over time, and its utility was reflected in the virus's ability to escape from two distinct monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) derived from this same patient via introduction of a single potential N-linked glycosylation site in V2. Spatial representation of the sequence changes in gp120 suggested that selective pressure acted upon the same regions of Env in these two subjects, even though the Env domains that drove escape were different. Together the findings argue that a single mutational pathway is not sufficient to confer escape in early subtype C HIV-1 infection, and support a model in which multiple strategies, including potential glycan shifts, direct alteration of an epitope sequence, and cooperative Env domain conformational masking, are used to evade neutralization.
Angiotensin-(1-7)–Stimulated Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Release From Endothelial Cells

The stimulation of endothelium-dependent NO release by angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] has been indirectly shown in terms of vasodilation, which was diminished by NO synthase inhibition or removal of the endothelium. However, direct measurement of endothelium-derived NO has not been analyzed. With a selective porphyrinic microsensor, NO release was directly assessed from single primary cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Ang-(1-7) caused a concentration-dependent release of NO of 1 to 10 &mgr;mol/L, which was attenuated by NO synthase inhibition. [d-Ala7]Ang-(1-7) (5 &mgr;mol/L), described as a selective antagonist of Ang-(1-7) receptors, inhibited Ang-(1-7)–induced NO release only by ≈50%, whereas preincubation of bovine aortic endothelial cells with the angiotensin II subtype 1 and 2 receptor antagonists EXP 3174 and PD 123,177 (both at 0.1 &mgr;mol/L) led to an inhibition of 60% and 90%, respectively. A complete blockade of the Ang-(1-7)–induced NO release was observed on preincubation of the cells with 1 &mgr;mol/L concentration of the bradykinin subtype 2 receptor antagonist icatibant (HOE 140), suggesting an important role of local kinins in the action of Ang-(1-7). Simultaneous direct measurement of superoxide (O2−) detected by an O2−-sensitive microsensor revealed that the moderately Ang-(1-7)–stimulated NO release was accompanied by a very slow concomitant O2− production with a relative low peak concentration in comparison to the O2− production of the strong NO releasers bradykinin and, especially, calcium ionophore. Thus, Ang-(1-7) might preserve the vascular system, among others, due to its low formation of cytotoxic peroxynitrite by the reaction between NO and O2−.
Asymptotically Optimal Regularization in Smooth Parametric Models

Many types of regularization schemes have been employed in statistical learning, each motivated by some assumption about the problem domain. In this paper, we present a unified asymptotic analysis of smooth regularizers, which allows us to see how the validity of these assumptions impacts the success of a particular regularizer. In addition, our analysis motivates an algorithm for optimizing regularization parameters, which in turn can be analyzed within our framework. We apply our analysis to several examples, including hybrid generative-discriminative learning and multi-task learning.
Presynaptic Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Modulates Neurotransmitter Release by Activating BK Channels at Caenorhabditis elegans Neuromuscular Junction

Although Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is enriched at the presynaptic nerve terminal, its role in neurotransmitter release is poorly defined. We assessed the function of presynaptic CaMKII in neurotransmitter release and tested the hypothesis that BK channel is a mediator of presynaptic CaMKII function by analyzing miniature and evoked postsynaptic currents at the Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junction. Both loss-of-function (lf) and gain-of-function (gf) of unc-43, the gene encoding CaMKII, inhibited neurotransmitter release. The inhibitory effect of unc-43(gf) was reversed by mutation or blockade of the BK channel SLO-1. SLO-1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes could be activated by recombinant rat α-CaMKII, and this effect of CaMKII was abolished by mutating a threonine residue (T425) at a consensus CaMKII phosphorylation site in the first RCK (regulator of conductance for K+) domain of the channel. Expression of slo-1(T425A) in neurons antagonized the inhibitory effect of unc-43(gf) on neurotransmitter release as slo-1(lf) did. The inhibitory effect of unc-43(gf) was not reversed by unc-103(lf), dgk-1(lf), or eat-16(lf), which reportedly suppress behavioral phenotypes of unc-43(gf). These observations suggest that presynaptic CaMKII is a bidirectional modulator of neurotransmitter release, presumably by phosphorylating different molecular targets, and that its negative modulatory effect on the release is mainly mediated by SLO-1 activation.
La Educación en Latinoamérica entre la red y el ecosistema digital, el caso venezolano

The changes that are produced in the social scope by the accelerated process of technological innovation affect directly in the task and the educational discussion. In this paper, the meaning that the interaction in the networks mediated by the technologies of the information and communication (ICT) are having in the life of the human beings is reflected upon. In particular, the relevance of favoring the integration of individuals in the network is discussed, and how the peculiarities of Latin American reality, and specifically of the Venezuelan one, can affect the success of educational experiences and the knowledge diffusion if some elements that form the digital ecosystem are not considered, such as the variety of services offered and infrastructure in five regions of Venezuela. As an example, the intervening factors in the decision making for the realization of EDUWEB 2014 are exposed, considering some relevant aspects of the Universidad Central de Venezuela digital ecosystem in a moment of crisis with really particular characteristics. The paper concludes by making emphasis in the importance of educational planning considering international, national and institutional politics, highlighting the value of the commitment of the human talent with the educational innovation in a special way, from the particular contexts of the teacher and student performance for the purpose of net integration.
NIRS as a tool for assaying emotional function in the prefrontal cortex

Despite having relatively poor spatial and temporal resolution, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has several methodological advantages compared with other non-invasive measurements of neural activation. For instance, the unique characteristics of NIRS give it potential as a tool for investigating the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in emotion processing. However, there are several obstacles in the application of NIRS to emotion research. In this mini-review, we discuss the findings of studies that used NIRS to assess the effects of PFC activation on emotion. Specifically, we address the methodological challenges of NIRS measurement with respect to the field of emotion research, and consider potential strategies for mitigating these problems. In addition, we show that two fields of research, investigating (i) biological predisposition influencing PFC responses to emotional stimuli and (ii) neural mechanisms underlying the bi-directional interaction between emotion and action, have much to gain from the use of NIRS. With the present article, we aim to lay the foundation for the application of NIRS to the above-mentioned fields of emotion research.
Auto-titration technique using intracranial self-stimulation and effects of antianxiety drugs.

In order to study effects of antianxiety drugs on the threshold of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), the auto-titration technique was used in the two lever Skinner box. This procedure consisted of conventional ICSS except the brain stimulation current intensity was decreased after every 20 lever press for ICSS, and the animal could press the another reset lever (at any time) to reset the stimulation current intensity to the preseted level. The current intensity at which the animal pressed the reset lever (reset current) was defined as the threshold of ICSS. Since reset currents that the animals showed were very stable during this experiment, the effects of chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and meprobamate were studied. The reset current was significantly lowered by 5.0 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide, p.o. , at 1 hr after administration accompanied by the significant increase of ICSS, and the reset current was significantly lowered by 20.0 mg/kg of chlordiazepoxide. On the other hand, diazepam did not lower the reset current, although a significant increase of ICSS was observed at 1.0 mg/kg, p.o. The reset current was lowered by meprobamate at 100 mg/kg, p.o. , accompanied by the increase of ICSS, and a significant increase of ICSS was observed at 200 mg/kg but not accompanied by lowered reset current. From these results, increased susceptibility to the brain stimulation current may be involved in the facilitating effects of chlordiazepoxide and meprobamate on ICSS.
d-Chiro inositol ameliorates endothelial dysfunction via inhibition of oxidative stress and mitochondrial fission.

SCOPE d-chiro inositol (DCI), an isomer of inositol, possesses anti-oxidative and endothelial protective properties. The mechanism by which DCI prevents endothelial dysfunction was investigated, with emphasis on oxidative stress. METHODS AND RESULTS DCI was found to inhibit NOX4 induction and enhance Nrf2 activity in palmitate (PA)-stimulated cells, showing that DCI prevents oxidative stress. DCI suppressed Ser616 phosphorylation and increased Ser637 phosphorylation of Drp1 and inhibited PA-induced mitochondrial fission. Knockdown of Drp1 attenuated NOX4 over-expression and increased the inhibitory effect of DCI. In addition, DCI enhanced AMPK activity through the LKB1-dependent pathway. AMPK knockdown diminished the inhibitory effect of DCI on Drp1/NOX4 induction, indicating that AMPK is essential for Drp1 and NOX4 suppression by DCI. As a result, DCI inhibited cell apoptosis against PA insults. Consistent with the effects observed in cells, DCI reversed endothelial dysfunction in rat aorta rings under lipid-challenged conditions. In high fat-fed mice, oral administration of DCI inhibited Drp1/NOX4 induction and enhanced NO generation in the aortic endothelium, confirming its protective role in endothelial function in vivo. CONCLUSION Drp1 activation-induced mitochondrial fission and NOX4 over-expression are associated with endothelial injury. DCI prevented endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial fission in an AMPK-dependent manner.
Visualizing Personality Traits Derived from Social Media

Leveraging the findings in Psycholinguistic studies, we now can automatically compute an individual’s personality traits, including Big 5 traits, emotions, and human basic values, from one’s linguistic footprints left on social media. To help users interpret one’s personality traits derived from social media, we are building interactive visual analytic systems with a set of visual representation to summarize the derived traits and explain the associated linguistic evidence to generate such traits. In this paper, we present the design challenges and two protoype systems for visualizing personality traits derived from social media. We also discuss future challenges for peronality trait visualization.
Evaluating Impact of Re-training a Lexical Disambiguation Model on Domain Adaptation of an HPSG Parser

This paper describes an effective approach to adapting an HPSG parser trained on the Penn Treebank to a biomedical domain. In this approach, we train probabilities of lexical entry assignments to words in a target domain and then incorporate them into the original parser. Experimental results show that this method can obtain higher parsing accuracy than previous work on domain adaptation for parsing the same data. Moreover, the results show that the combination of the proposed method and the existing method achieves parsing accuracy that is as high as that of an HPSG parser retrained from scratch, but with much lower training cost. We also evaluated our method in the Brown corpus to show the portability of our approach in another domain.
Synthetic peptides from the circumsporozoite proteins of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium knowlesi recognize the human hepatoma cell line HepG2-A16 in vitro

Several lines of evidence have emphasized the importance of the malaria circumsporozoite (CS) protein as a factor in sporozoite invasion of the hepatocyte; however, the specific mechanism of cell recognition and invasion has not been explained. In this study we present evidence that a highly conserved region of the CS protein immediately adjacent to the repeat region, the N1 region, specifically recognizes receptors on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2-A16 under conditions where invasion by sporozoites can occur. Peptides consisting of sequences from the repeat region or of the more extensive N2 region showed no such specific association. Antibody against the N1 peptide could inhibit sporozoite invasion in vitro. Covalent coupling of radiolabeled N1 peptide to HepG2-A16 cells identified two hepatic cell proteins to be closely associated with the peptide. We suggest that these proteins could act as receptors or mediators, via the N1 region of the CS protein, for the P. falciparum sporozoite in the process of invasion of the hepatocyte.
Newcastle Disease Virus-Vectored H7 and H5 Live Vaccines Protect Chickens from Challenge with H7N9 or H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses

ABSTRACT Sporadic human infections by a novel H7N9 virus occurred over a large geographic region in China. In this study, we show that Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-vectored H7 (NDV-H7) and NDV-H5 vaccines are able to induce antibodies with high hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers and completely protect chickens from challenge with the novel H7N9 or highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses, respectively. Notably, a baculovirus-expressed H7 protein failed to protect chickens from H7N9 virus infection.