Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of a Decode-and-Forward Relay System in κ-μ and η-μ Fading Channels

In this paper, the performance of a cooperative decode-and-forward system is analyzed in $\kappa$ - $\mu$ , $\eta$ - $\mu$ , and mixed $\kappa$ - $\mu$ and $\eta$ - $\mu$ fading environments. The exact expressions for the average symbol error rate are derived for $M$ -ary phase-shift keying modulated data using a moment generating function based approach. Furthermore, asymptotic expressions at a high signal-to-noise ratio are analyzed to obtain optimal power allocation at the source and relay nodes. The diversity order for the different fading types is also obtained. The effect of the source-to-destination distance on the performance of a cooperative fixed-relay system is observed for equal and optimal power allocations.
Analysis of Ultra-Thin-Body SOI Subthreshold SRAM Considering Line-Edge Roughness, Work Function Variation, and Temperature Sensitivity

This paper analyzes stability and variability of ultra-thin-body (UTB) SOI subthreshold SRAMs considering line-edge roughness (LER), work function variation (WFV), and temperature sensitivity. The intrinsic advantages of UTB SOI technology versus bulk CMOS technology with regard to the stability and variability of 6T SRAM cells for subthreshold operation are analyzed. Compared with LER, WFV causes comparable threshold voltage variation and much smaller subthreshold swing fluctuation, hence less impact on the UTB SOI subthreshold SRAMs. Even considering LER, the Lg=40 nm UTB SOI 6T subthreshold SRAM cells still provide sufficient margin (μRSNM/σRSNM >; 6 at Vdd=0.3 ~ 0.4 V) while the bulk subthreshold SRAMs with RDF fail to maintain adequate margin. Increasing temperature will increase the Vread, 0 and decrease RSNM because of the degraded subthreshold swing. The RSNM of UTB SOI subthreshold SRAMs show less temperature sensitivity compared with that of bulk subthreshold SRAMs. Due to larger body effect, the back-gating technique is more efficient for the Lg=40 nm and 25 nm UTB SOI subthreshold SRAMs compared with the bulk counterparts. By using lower threshold voltage devices with dual band-gap work functions, the Lg=25 nm UTB SOI subthreshold SRAMs show 31.9% reduction in σRSNM and 55% improvement in μRSNM/σRSNM.
The effect of altering the catecholamine content of the uterus on the rate of contractions and the sensitivity of the myometrium to relaxin.

The sensitivity of the uterus of rats to the inhibitory effect of relaxin was found to be inversely related to the epinephrine content of this organ. In addition, the initial rate of spontaneous uterine contractions in vitro was also found to be inversely proportional to the quantity of epinephrine in the uterus. The epinephrine content of the uterus was increased by administration of diethylstilbestrol or certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors and was elevated during estrus. Prolonged estrogen treatment or administration of progesterone, reserpine or guanethidine decreased the epinephrine content of the uterus. The epinephrine content of this tissue was altered independently of that of norepinephrine.
Migraine-Related Vestibulopathy

Migraine has been associated with specific vestibular disorders, including benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood and benign recurrent vertigo in adults. Migraine may also play a role in chronic nonspecific vestibulopathy. Because scant data exist that describe the clinical findings and vestibular function abnormalities in suspected migraine-related vestibulopathy, we reviewed the history, physical examination, vestibular tests (electronystagmography, rotational chair, posturography), and response to treatment of 100 patients with diagnoses of migraine-related vestibulopathy. Dominant clinical features included chronic movement-associated dysequilibrium, unsteadiness, space and motion discomfort, and occasionally, episodic vertigo as an aura prior to headache, or true vertigo without headache. Common vestibular test abnormalities included a directional preponderance on rotational testing, unilateral reduced caloric responsiveness, and vestibular system dysfunction patterns on posturography. Treatment was usually directed at the underlying migraine condition by identifying and avoiding dietary triggers and prescribing prophylactic anti-migraine medications. Symptomatic relief was also provided using anti-motion sickness medications, vestibular rehabilitation, and pharmacotherapy directed at any associated anxiety or panic disorder.
Corruption in Higher Education: Causes, Consequences, Reforms. The Case of Georgia.

Certain cases from any single country might provide examples for consideration of corruption issues for other countries or regions. Corruption cases and the strategies of fighting them in Georgian flagship universities might be noteworthy and useful for other countries facing similar problems. The paper discusses the features of corruption in higher education system in Georgia and the ways to decrease its prevalence. It emphasizes the importance of the aspirations of the country to join NATO in its effectiveness to conduct higher education reforms and to fight corruption. The paper also analyses the three interventions that have served to combat corruption in Georgian higher education. These interventions are: the initiation of Unified National Entrance Examinations, a new system to accredit higher education institutions, and the restructuring of higher education staff. The paper makes a suggestion that these reforms shattered the complacency and confidence of corrupt individuals, decreased the level of familiarity with corrupt systems and channels, increased the risk of bribe taking, and made the re-channeling of corrupt practices risky and expensive. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, discusses the implications of the reforms, and offers recommendations for further actions.
Defense against spectrum sensing data falsification attacks in mobile ad hoc networks with cognitive radios

Cognitive radios (CRs) have been considered for use in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The area of security in Cognitive Radio MANETs (CR-MANETs) has yet to receive much attention. However, some distinct characteristics of CRs introduce new, non-trivial security risks to CR-MANETs. In this paper, we study spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attacks to CR-MANETs, in which intruders send false local spectrum sensing results in cooperative spectrum sensing, and SSDF may result in incorrect spectrum sensing decisions by CRs. We present a consensus-based cooperative spectrum sensing scheme to counter SSDF attacks in CR-MANETs. Our scheme is based on recent advances in consensus algorithms that have taken inspiration from self-organizing behavior of animal groups such as fish. Unlike the existing schemes, there is no need for a common receiver to do the data fusion for reaching the final decision to counter SSDF attacks. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐7 and MMP‐13 and loss of MMP‐19 and p16 are associated with malignant progression in chronic wounds

Background The risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is significantly increased in chronic leg ulcers. Very little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of these tumours, which are often undiagnosed for a long time. As matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated at all stages of tumorigenesis, we investigated whether the pattern of epithelial MMP expression can predict development of SCC from pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of chronic wounds.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) effects on pups growth, milk composition and lipogenic enzymes in lactating rats

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has a range of biological properties, including effects on lipid metabolism, milk and body composition in animals. This study investigated the effects of dietary CLA on lactating rats and development of the suckling pups. Dams were fed either a control diet or the same diet supplemented with 25 g/kg of a fat supplement containing 540 g CLA/kg (final concentration of 13·5 g CLA/kg diet) from parturition to the 15th day post-partum. The CLA mixture used in this study contained the following isomers (per 100 g): cis-9, trans-11 (24 g); cis-10, trans-12 (35 g); cis-8, trans-10 (15 g); cis-11, trans-13 (17 g) and others (9 g). On d 15 post partum, CLA supplementation reduced milk fat content by 33% and pup growth by 21%. The milk fatty acid profile, with decreased content of short and medium chain acids, suggests CLA inhibition was more pronounced for de novo lipid synthesis. Consistent with these results, activities of fatty acid synthase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase were reduced by CLA treatment in the mammary gland and liver. In contrast, the activity of NADP-malate dehydrogenase was unchanged.
Contact with animals and risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: outcome of a case–control study from Kashmir, a high-risk region

Background Several studies have reported association between animal contact and some cancer types, including lymphohaematopoietic, colon, pancreatic and neurological malignancies. We aimed to investigate the association between animal contact and risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a case–control study in Kashmir, India, area with a relatively high incidence of ESCC. Methods We recruited 703 histologically confirmed ESCC cases and 1664 controls individually matched to the cases for age, sex and district of residence. Information, including on animal contact, was obtained in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate ORs and 95% CIs. Results As compared with no contact with animals, daily close contact was associated with an increased risk of ESCC (OR 5.99; 95% CI 3.86 to 9.31) in models adjusted for several potential confounding factors, including multiple indicators of socioeconomic status. This association persisted in subgroups following stratification by a composite wealth score and occupation. Irregular contact with animals was not associated with ESCC risk. The association between duration of animal contact and ESCC risk was mixed; however, contact for more than 50 years was associated with an increased risk (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.53 to 6.26). Frequency (p for trend, 0.001) and duration (p for trend, <0.001) of animal contact showed dose–response association with ESCC risk. Conclusions Our results suggest an association between long-term and daily close contact with animals and ESCC. This association needs to be investigated in further studies.
Amino Acid Cycling in Colonies of the Planktonic Marine Cyanobacterium Trichodesmium thiebautii

We examined diel trends in internal pools and net efflux of free amino acids in colonies of the nonheterocystous, diazotrophic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium thiebautii, freshly collected from waters of the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The kinetics of glutamate uptake by whole colonies were also examined. While intracolonial pools of most free amino acids were relatively constant through the day, pools of glutamate and glutamine varied over the diel cycle, with maxima during the early afternoon. This paralleled the daily cycle of nitrogenase activity. We also observed a large net release of these two amino acids from intact colonies. Glutamate release was typically 100 pmol of N colony-1 h-1. This is about one-fourth the concurrent rate of N2 fixation during the day. However, while nitrogenase activity only occurs during the day, net release of glutamate and glutamine persisted into the night and may therefore account for a greater loss of recently fixed N on a daily basis. This release may be an important route of new N input into tropical, oligotrophic waters. Whole colonies also displayed saturation kinetics with respect to glutamate uptake. The Ks for whole colonies varied from 1.6 to 3.2 μM, or about 100-fold greater than typical ambient concentrations. Thus, uptake systems appear to be adapted to the higher concentrations of glutamate found within the intracellular spaces of the colonies. This suggests that glutamate may be a vehicle for N exchange among trichomes in the colony.
Lectures on [Co]Induction and [Co]Algebras

These notes give an introduction to the ideas of Induction and Coinduction at the level of partially ordered sets, and at a categorical level. Knowledge of partial orders and basic category theory will be assumed. We illustrate the use of Induction and Coinduction for partially ordered sets in programming language semantics. These notes were originally written for a short course of lectures in 1998. This version is a reprint, but with a few minor corrections.
A sealed and unbreached system for purification, stimulation, and expansion of cytomegalovirus‐specific human CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy with virus‐specific lymphocytes in patients with defective cellular immune responses. Immunoreconstitution has become a challenge for cellular immunology and for transfusion medicine. In fact, both expertises are required to provide effective and safe cellular products. Because of in vitro manipulation, T‐lymphocyte cultures are at risk of contamination even under good manufacturing procedure (GMP) conditions.
Role of Microglia in Neuronal Cell Death in Prion Disease

To elucidate the role played by the prion protein in scrapie pathogenesis, we performed experiments with PrP27–30 isolated from scrapie‐infected hamster brains in cell culture and studied in vivo the temporal and spatial correlation between deposition of the disease‐associated isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc), microglial activation and neuronal cell death in mice infected with scrapie strains 79A, ME7 and RML. The results presented here show that cellular expression of PrPc and the presence of microglia are necessary for the neurotoxicity of PrPScin vitro. In vivo, accumulation of protease‐resistant prion protein was detected early in the incubation period using the histoblot technique. Microglial activation was also detected early in the incubation period of all models studied. Both the time course and the spatial distribution of microglial activation closely resembled the pattern of PrPSc deposition. Microglial activation clearly preceded the detection of apoptotic neuronal cell death which was assessed using the in situ end‐labeling technique (ISEL). Taken together, our results indicate that microglial activation is involved in the neurotoxicity of PrPSc both in vitro and in vivo.
Simulation of magnetic component models in electric circuits including dynamic thermal effects

It is essential in the simulation of power electronics applications to model magnetic components accurately. In addition to modeling the nonlinear hysteresis behavior, eddy currents and winding losses must be included to provide a realistic model. In practice the losses in magnetic components give rise to significant temperature increases which can lead to major changes in the component behavior. In this paper a model of magnetic components is presented which integrates a nonlinear model of hysteresis, electro-magnetic windings and thermal behavior in a single model for use in circuit simulation of power electronics systems. Measurements and simulations are presented which demonstrate the accuracy of the approach for the electrical, magnetic and thermal domains across a variety of operating conditions, including static thermal conditions and dynamic self heating.
Awake nasotracheal intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscope in a pediatric patient with Freeman–Sheldon syndrome

The Freeman–Sheldon syndrome is a congenital disease primarily affecting the facial, limb and respiratory muscles that give rise to classical clinical features including typical whistling face and short webbed neck associated with difficult intubation. We present successful awake nasotracheal intubation in a 6‐year‐old patient with typical clinical features of Freeman–Sheldon syndrome by using fiberoptic bronchoscope on two separate occasions.
Dynamic Range of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantification with the Cobas Ampliprep-Cobas Amplicor HCV Monitor v2.0 Assay

ABSTRACT Accurate quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is needed in clinical practice to decide whether to continue or stop pegylated interferon-α-ribavirin combination therapy at week 12 of treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Currently the HCV RNA quantification assay most widely used worldwide is the Amplicor HCV Monitor v2.0 assay (Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, Calif.). The HCV RNA extraction step can be automated in the Cobas Ampliprep device. In this work, we show that the dynamic range of HCV RNA quantification of the Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas Amplicor HCV Monitor v2.0 procedure is 600 to 200,000 HCV RNA IU/ml (2.8 to 5.3 log IU/ml), which does not cover the full range of HCV RNA levels in infected patients. Any sample containing more than 200,000 IU/ml (5.3 log IU/ml) must thus be retested after dilution for accurate quantification. These results emphasize the need for commercial HCV RNA quantification assays with a broader range of linear quantification, such as real-time PCR-based assays.
Biochemical analysis of silk proteins of the mango leaf webber, Orthaga exvinacea Hampson (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The mango leaf webber, Orthaga exvinacea makes silken webs and galleries during its larval stage. Silk is produced from the silk gland of this insect. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of proteins from the silk glands of last three larval stages and pre-pupae were conducted. Significant differences were observed among different stages. SDS-PAGE of proteins from anterior, middle and posterior regions of silk glands of final instar larvae revealed that the posterior region had several proteins than the other two regions of silk glands. Anterior region had no visible protein bands. The proteins of molecular weights 269 kDa, 251 kDa, 175 kDa, 125 kDa and 66 kDa were common to posterior region of silk glands, web and cocoon of the mango leaf webber. The regenerated protein obtained from the web had a molecular weight of 125 kDa, which may be a fibroin like web and cocoon except 125 kDa molecular weight protein may be sericins, which are the members of a glue protein family. The regenerated liquid silk had two UV absorption peaks at 214 nm and 272 nm. The anti-UV properties of silk protein of Orthaga exvinacea can be exploited in cosmetic industry.
Dynamic lineage analysis of embryonic morphogenesis using transgenic quail and 4D multispectral imaging

We describe the development of transgenic quail that express various fluorescent proteins in targeted manners and their use as a model system that integrates advanced imaging approaches with conventional and emerging molecular genetics technologies. We also review the progression and complications of past fate mapping techniques that led us to generate transgenic quail, which permit dynamic imaging of amniote embryogenesis with unprecedented subcellular resolution. genesis, 49:619‐643, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cephalic modifications in dimorphic dwarf spiders of the genus oedothorax (Erigoninae, Linyphiidae, Araneae) and their evolutionary implications

Reproductive competition among males selects for a broad variety of strategies and traits from mate guarding to nuptial food gifts. Males of many dwarf spider species possess conspicuous secondary cephalic modifications, and the few studies available suggest that these cephalic structures are connected to extensive glandular tissue. Because females were observed to contact the male head structures during mating, these traits may have evolved in the context of sexual selection. We investigated the structure, glandular equipment, and sensory equipment of the cephalic regions of several species of the dwarf spider genus Oedothorax with varying degrees of sexual dimorphism using light and electron microscopy. In one Oedothorax species, there are two male morphs that exhibit a cephalic modification (O. gibbosus gibbosus) or not (O. gibbosus tuberosus). Our study demonstrates that all males investigated produce cephalic secretions, irrespective of the morphology of their cephalic region, however, they may differ in amount of secretion and in cellular organization. In males of O. apicatus, O. gibbosus gibbosus and O. retusus the gland cells are very abundant in the area of a cephalic hump, whereas in the less conspicuous O. agrestis, and O. gibbosus tuberosus the gland cells are restricted to a small area behind the ocular region or include the ocular region as in O. fuscus. The glandular tissue consists of two gland types in O. agrestis, O. fuscus, O. gibbosus tuberosus and O. retusus and of only one type in O. apicatus and O. gibbosus gibbosus. The setae present on the head structure of all species seem to function as mechano‐ and/or chemoreceptors. The implications of our findings for the evolution of secretory head structures are discussed along with their potential for driving speciation. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication and characteristics of Pt/ZnO NO sensor integrated SiC micro heater

This paper describes the fabrication and characteristics of a NO sensor using ZnO thin film integrated 3C-SiC micro heater based on 3C-SiC thin film of operation in harsh environments. Sensitivity, response time, and operating properties in high temperature and voltages of NO sensors based SiC MEMS are measured and analyzed. The sensitivity of device with pure ZnO thin film at the heater operating power of 13.5 mW (300°C) was 0.875 in NO gas concentration of 0.046 ppm. In the case of using the Pt added ZnO thin film, the sensitivity at power consumption of 5.9 mW (250°C) was 1.92 at same gas flow rate. Using the Pt added ZnO thin film was showed higher sensitivity, lower working temperature, and faster adsorption characteristics to NO gas than the pure ZnO thin film. The NO gas sensor integrated SiC micro heater is more strength than others in high voltage and temperature.
Progressive hemifacial atrophy. A natural history study.

PURPOSE To describe two very different natural history courses in 2 patients with hemifacial atrophy. Progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome, Romberg syndrome, PHA) is characterized by slowly progressive atrophy, frequently involving only one side of the face, primarily affecting the subcutaneous tissue and fat. The onset usually occurs during the first 2 decades of life. The cause and pathophysiology are unknown. Ophthalmic involvement is common, with progressive enophthalmos a frequent finding. Pupillary disturbances, heterochromia, uveitis, pigmentary disturbances of the ocular fundus, and restrictive strabismus have also been reported. Neurologic findings may be present, but the natural history and progression of ocular findings are often not described in the literature. METHODS We studied the records and present findings of 2 patients with progressive hemifacial atrophy who were observed in our institution over a 10-year period. RESULTS Both patients showed progression of ophthalmic findings, primarily on the affected side. One patient has had chronic uveitis with secondary cataract and glaucoma, in addition to retinal pigmentary changes. She also had a third-nerve paresis of the contralateral eye and mild seizure activity. The other patient had mild uveitis, some progression of unilateral retinal pigmentary changes, and a significant increase in hyperopia in the affected eye, in addition to hypotony at age 19 without a clear cause, but with secondary retinal and refractive changes. CONCLUSION Ocular manifestations of progressive hemifacial atrophy are varied, but can progress from mild visual impairment to blindness.