Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new multiuser diversity scheme exploiting detection order for AM-OSIC system

We propose a new detection ordering scheme and multiuser diversity scheme, which minimizes an average error rate occurring in a MIMO system using only adaptive modulation technique applied to an ordered successive interference canceller (OSIC). We simplify an optimal scheme in the view point of error rate by using approximated error rate. Though the complexity is reduced by only maximizing a minimum equivalent SINK, scaled by modulation indices, the simplified scheme demonstrates the almost same performance as the optimal scheme. Owing to the selection diversity of detection ordering, the proposed scheme produces over 3 dB SNR gain at the BER of 10/sup -3/ than the existing ordering schemes in the case of the 2/spl times/2 MIMO system with small amount of feedback information. We also propose the multiuser diversity scheme based on the proposed detection ordering scheme to improve average error rate of multiuser system. Here, multiuser diversity gain is obtained from the effect of user selection by the proposed scheme.
Integration of responses within and across Arabidopsis natural accessions uncovers loci controlling root systems architecture

Significance Species display a range of plastic phenotypes that presumably have evolved as a result of adaptation to heterogeneous environments. We asked whether the genetic mechanisms that underlie adaptation across populations also determine the response of an individual plant to environmental cues in Arabidopsis. Using an integrative root phenotyping approach, genes that underlie natural variation in root architecture across populations were shown to control plasticity responses within an individual. Together, our results uncover a genetic mechanism underlying the phenotypic plasticity of an individual and phenotypic diversity across natural variants. Phenotypic plasticity is presumed to be involved in adaptive change toward species diversification. We thus examined how candidate genes underlying natural variation across populations might also mediate plasticity within an individual. Our implementation of an integrative “plasticity space” approach revealed that the root plasticity of a single Arabidopsis accession exposed to distinct environments broadly recapitulates the natural variation “space. ” Genome-wide association mapping identified the known gene PHOSPHATE 1 (PHO1) and other genes such as Root System Architecture 1 (RSA1) associated with differences in root allometry, a highly plastic trait capturing the distribution of lateral roots along the primary axis. The response of mutants in the Columbia-0 background suggests their involvement in signaling key modulators of root development including auxin, abscisic acid, and nitrate. Moreover, genotype-by-environment interactions for the PHO1 and RSA1 genes in Columbia-0 phenocopy the root allometry of other natural variants. This finding supports a role for plasticity responses in phenotypic evolution in natural environments.
A Ta/Mo Interdiffusion Dual Metal Gate Technology for Drivability Enhancement of FinFETs

A Ta/Mo interdiffusion dual metal gate technology was successfully introduced to FinFET fabrication. The advantage of the proposed technology was examined by using the gate-first process without a metal-etch off step. The Ta/Mo gated nMOS FinFET with a reduced threshold voltage and the Mo gated pMOS FinFET exhibited symmetrical v alues of (0.31/0.36 V), which are desirable for the FinFET CMOS circuit operation with enhanced current drivability. It was also confirmed that the Ta/Mo interdiffusion process causes no degradation in the carrier mobility.
Motor Learning in a Virtual Environment for Vestibular Rehabilitation

Falls are a major risk to quality of life particularly in individuals with vestibular disorders. Studies show that virtual environments can provide a solution in vestibular rehabilitation. In this paper, a low cost virtual reality game was evaluated with respect to its effect on the user motor skills as measured by game performance scores. The performance scores included task completion time and accuracy, reflecting improvement in motor response patterns. Two levels of difficulty were used in the experiment, which was conducted in nine sessions over the course of three weeks. It was found that subjects felt very immersed in the environment and that user performance increased gradually in the environment. Head movements were required by the game consistently throughout the experiment period for both difficulty levels. The results suggest that this environment could be used in vestibular rehabilitation as it encourages head movements and trains motor responses.
Injectable Shear-Thinning Hydrogels for Minimally Invasive Delivery to Infarcted Myocardium to Limit Left Ventricular Remodeling

Background—Injectable, acellular biomaterials hold promise to limit left ventricular remodeling and heart failure precipitated by infarction through bulking or stiffening the infarct region. A material with tunable properties (eg, mechanics, degradation) that can be delivered percutaneously has not yet been demonstrated. Catheter-deliverable soft hydrogels with in vivo stiffening to enhance therapeutic efficacy achieve these requirements. Methods and Results—We developed a hyaluronic acid hydrogel that uses a tandem crosslinking approach, where the first crosslinking (guest–host) enabled injection and localized retention of a soft (<1 kPa) hydrogel. A second crosslinking reaction (dual-crosslinking) stiffened the hydrogel (41.4±4.3 kPa) after injection. Posterolateral infarcts were investigated in an ovine model (n≥6 per group), with injection of saline (myocardial infarction control), guest–host hydrogels, or dual-crosslinking hydrogels. Computational (day 1), histological (1 day, 8 weeks), morphological, and functional (0, 2, and 8 weeks) outcomes were evaluated. Finite-element modeling projected myofiber stress reduction (>50%; P<0.001) with dual-crosslinking but not guest–host injection. Remodeling, assessed by infarct thickness and left ventricular volume, was mitigated by hydrogel treatment. Ejection fraction was improved, relative to myocardial infarction at 8 weeks, with dual-crosslinking (37% improvement; P=0.014) and guest–host (15% improvement; P=0.058) treatments. Percutaneous delivery via endocardial injection was investigated with fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance, with delivery visualized by magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions—A percutaneous delivered hydrogel system was developed, and hydrogels with increased stiffness were found to be most effective in ameliorating left ventricular remodeling and preserving function. Ultimately, engineered systems such as these have the potential to provide effective clinical options to limit remodeling in patients after infarction.
Construct validation of an instrument to measure patient satisfaction with pharmacy services in Nigerian hospitals.

BACKGROUND Patient satisfaction is a multidimensional construct that reflects the type and quality of service provided by healthcare providers, how well it is delivered, and the extent to which the expectations and needs of patients are met. As a performance measure, patient satisfaction has been defined as the personal evaluation of health care services and providers. OBJECTIVE To develop a patient satisfaction scale, that could be used to assess the quality of pharmacy services provided in Nigerian hospitals and to determine the construct validity of the scale with a view to identifying the factors that may be considered relevant to the target users. METHODS The questionnaire was a 35-item inventory titled "Patient Satisfaction Survey (PSS)". This study was carried out in three university teaching hospitals located in Southwestern Nigeria. The patient satisfaction survey instrument (PSS) was administered on 506 clinic outpatients who patronised the hospital pharmacies. Participation in the study was voluntary with appropriate informed consent. Ethical approval was obtained for this study from the Medical and Ethics Committee of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC). RESULTS Patients with post secondary education were in the majority with a frequency of 224 (44.3%) subjects. This was followed by a frequency of 116 (22.9%) for those with secondary education. Eighty-seven (17.2%) of those included in the main study had primary education 64 (12.7%) did not receive any formal education. Fifteen (3%) out of the 506 sampled did not indicate their level of education. CONCLUSION This study developed a scale to measure patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services in selected Nigerian university teaching hospitals. The final 25 item scale presents significant and stable coefficients of correlation and yielded six derived dimensions of patient satisfaction.
Simulation of supraharmonics: A Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) in single operation

Supraharmonic phenomena related to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) in single operation are described through this article by means of circuit simulation. Simulations are carried out using a typical CFL circuit without any Power Factor Corrector stage. The corresponding electronic ballast is simulated in LTSpice® using a BJT Half Bridge Resonant Inverter configuration. Supraharmonic phenomena show strong dependence on inverter commutation frequency, EMC filter and rectifier's smoothing filter features. In this way, not only are supraharmonic emissions affected by device's inverter operation, but also by the equivalent impedance seen from its terminals.
Molecular basis of hepatic fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic liver injury, which if persistent can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), leading to accumulation of extracellular matrix, is the central event of fibrogenesis. Exciting progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of this process. Major advances include: (1) elucidation of the effects (and signalling pathways) of key cytokines on HSCs; (2) understanding the transcriptional regulation of HSC activation; (3) characterisation of matrix proteases and their inhibitors; (4) demonstration of apoptosis as an important event in the resolution of hepatic fibrosis, and identification of its mediators; (5) elucidation of the complex and dynamic interaction between HSCs and matrix; and (6) understanding the role of other cellular elements in hepatic fibrosis and their interaction with HSCs. Ongoing research with gene analysis using cDNA or oligonucleotide microarrays, or transcriptional profiling, will further increase our knowledge of the regulation of the process. Ultimately, advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of hepatic fibrosis are critical to the development of effective, targeted antifibrotic therapy that might benefit millions of patients with chronic liver disease worldwide.
Spermatozoa lacking acrosin protein show delayed fertilization

Acrosin (ACR), a serine proteinase located in the acrosome of the sperm, has been presumed to be involved in the recognition and binding of the sperm to the zona pellucida of the ovum and the sperm penetration through the zona pellucida. To examine the function of acrosin in vivo, we have generated mice carrying a mutation at the acrosin locus (Acr) through targeted disruption in embryonic stem (ES) cells. One chimeric male and female transmitted the targeted gene through their germ line. Homozygous Acr+/− mice are fertile and yield litters comparable in number and size to those of Acr+/− mice. These data show that sperm of the homozygous Acr+/− mice are able to penetrate the zona pellucida, fertilize the ovum, and produce viable offspring. However, spermatozoa lacking acrosin protein show a delayed fertilization. One chimeric male which contained the targeted gene in 20% of its sperm transmitted only the Acr+ allele to its progeny. Furthermore, in vitro fertilization with equally mixed sperm cells of Acr+/− and Acr+/− mice resulted in fertilization only with the Acr+ sperm cells. Incubation of oocytes with Acr+ or Acr− sperm show that the Acr− sperm are faster to fertilize the oocytes than the Acr+ sperm cells. These results suggest that Acr− sperm have a selective disadvantage when they are in competition with Acr+ sperm. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 46:370–376, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tree stability diagnostics and some remedies for instability.

Stability aspects of recursive partitioning procedures are investigated. Using resampling techniques, diagnostic tools to assess single split stability and overall tree stability are introduced. To correct for the procedure's preference for covariates with many unique realizations, corrected p-values are used in the factor selection component of the algorithm. Finally, methods to stabilize tree-based predictors are discussed.
Binding of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 to Epidermal Growth Factor-like Repeat A of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Decreases Receptor Recycling and Increases Degradation*

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes degradation of hepatic low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR), the major route of clearance of circulating cholesterol. Gain-of-function mutations in PCSK9 cause hypercholesterolemia and premature atherosclerosis, whereas loss-of-function mutations result in hypocholesterolemia and protection from heart disease. Recombinant human PCSK9 binds the LDLR on the surface of cultured hepatocytes and promotes degradation of the receptor after internalization. Here we localized the site of binding of PCSK9 within the extracellular domain of the LDLR and determined the fate of the receptor after PCSK9 binding. Recombinant human PCSK9 interacted in a sequence-specific manner with the first epidermal growth factor-like repeat (EGF-A) in the EGF homology domain of the human LDLR. Similar binding specificity was observed between PCSK9 and purified EGF-A. Binding to EGF-A was calcium-dependent and increased dramatically with reduction in pH from 7 to 5.2. The addition of PCSK9, but not heat-inactivated PCSK9, to the medium of cultured hepatocytes resulted in redistribution of the receptor from the plasma membrane to lysosomes. These data are consistent with a model in which PCSK9 binding to EGF-A interferes with an acid-dependent conformational change required for receptor recycling. As a consequence, the LDLR is rerouted from the endosome to the lysosome where it is degraded.
Parental background and housing outcomes in young adulthood

Abstract Scholars and policy-makers are concerned that young adults’ housing opportunities are becoming more dependent on their family background. This could hinder social mobility and exacerbate inequality. Using data from three cohorts of young people drawn from the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study of England and Wales, this study examines how parental attributes in childhood are linked to young adults’ housing outcomes two decades later. The results show that young adults’ housing outcomes have changed considerably over time and are persistently stratified by parental class and tenure in ways that vary by gender. Housing outcomes have become somewhat more polarised by parental tenure over time as the children of renters became relatively less likely to enter homeownership and more likely to rent privately. This suggests that renters became an increasingly ‘marginalised minority’ in the late twentieth century, with consequences for their children’s housing careers and future social inequality.
Amino Acid Residues Interacting with Both the Bound Quinone and Coenzyme, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone, in Escherichia coli Membrane-bound Glucose Dehydrogenase*

The Escherichia coli membrane-bound glucose dehydrogenase (mGDH) as the primary component of the respiratory chain possesses a tightly bound ubiquinone (UQ) flanking pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) as a coenzyme. Several mutants for Asp-354, Asp-466, and Lys-493, located close to PQQ, that were constructed by site-specific mutagenesis were characterized by enzymatic, pulse radiolysis, and EPR analyses. These mutants retained almost no dehydrogenase activity or ability of PQQ reduction. CD and high pressure liquid chromatography analyses revealed that K493A, D466N, and D466E mutants showed no significant difference in molecular structure from that of the wild-type mGDH but showed remarkably reduced content of bound UQ. A radiolytically generated hydrated electron (\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{e}_{aq}^{\mathrm{-}}\) \end{document}) reacted with the bound UQ of the wild enzyme and K493R mutant to form a UQ neutral semiquinone with an absorption maximum at 420 nm. Subsequently, intramolecular electron transfer from the bound UQ semiquinone to PQQ occurred. In K493R, the rate of UQ to PQQ electron transfer is about 4-fold slower than that of the wild enzyme. With D354N and D466N mutants, on the other hand, transient species with an absorption maximum at 440 nm, a characteristic of the formation of a UQ anion radical, appeared in the reaction of \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{e}_{aq}^{\mathrm{-}}\) \end{document}, although the subsequent intramolecular electron transfer was hardly affected. This indicates that D354N and D466N are prevented from protonation of the UQ semiquinone radical. Moreover, EPR spectra showed that mutations on Asp-466 or Lys-493 residues changed the semiquinone state of bound UQ. Taken together, we reported here for the first time the existence of a semiquinone radical of bound UQ in purified mGDH and the difference in protonation of ubisemiquinone radical because of mutations in two different amino acid residues, located around PQQ. Furthermore, based on the present results and the spatial arrangement around PQQ, Asp-466 and Lys-493 are suggested to interact both with the bound UQ and PQQ in mGDH.
Recent Advances In Artificial Reef Technology

Prefabricated designed artificial reef units which can be used to build effective, relatively permanent reefs at a wide variety of sites have been developed recently in Japan and other East Asian countries, where they are used to enhance fisheries resources, promote extensive aquaculture, and aid in rehabilitating areas impacted by coastal development, pollution, and overfishing. Because the design flexibility of these units expands the purposes for which artificial reefs can be used and extends the range of sites available for such activities, this technology has been introduced in the United States to address the limitations inherent in traditional American approaches to reef construction and siting.
Cardiac muscle cell formation after development of the linear heart tube

After the development of the linear heart tube, additional myocardium is formed leading to the muscular mantle around the caval and pulmonary veins and the muscular septa in the embryonic heart. Here, we report the results of our in vivo and in vitro studies of this late myocardium‐generating process in the mouse. By using an immunohistochemical approach, we determined that myocardium formation starts around embryonic day 12 in the dorsal mesocardium. In subsequent stages of development, the process extends downstream into the intracardiac mesenchymal tissues of the atrioventricular canal and outflow tract and upstream into the extracardiac mediastinal mesenchyme embedding the pulmonary and caval veins. Given the spatiotemporal pattern of myocardium formation, we applied a three‐dimensional in vitro explant culture assay to investigate the myocardium‐generating potential of the different cardiac compartments. We determined that this potential is stage‐ and mesenchyme‐dependent. This latter finding suggests an important role for mesenchyme in myocardium formation after the development of the linear heart tube. Developmental Dynamics 227:1–13, 2003 © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring Civil Servant Resistance to M-Government: A story of Transition and Opportunities in Turkey

The concept of mobility, related to technology in particular, has evolved dramatically over the last two decades including: (i) hardware ranging from walkmans to Ipods, laptops to netbooks, PDAs to 3G mobile phone; (ii) software supporting multiple audio and video formats driven by ubiquitous mobile wireless access, WiMax, automations such as radio frequency ID tracking and location aware services. Against the background of increasing budget deficit, along with the imperative for efficiency gains, leveraging ICT and mobility promises for work related tasks, in a public administration context, in emerging markets, point to multiple possible paths. M-government transition involve both technological changes and adoption to deliver government services differently (e.g. 24/7, error free, anywhere to the same standards) but also the design of digital strategies including possibly competing m-government models, the re-shaping of cultural practices, the creation of m-policies and legislations, the structuring of m-services architecture, and progress regarding m-governance. While many emerging countries are already offering e-government services and are gearing-up for further m-government activities, little is actually known about the resistance that is encountered, as a reflection of civil servants' current standing, before any further macro-strategies are deployed. Drawing on the resistance and mobility literature, this chapter investigates how civil servants' behaviors, in an emerging country technological environment, through their everyday practice, react and resist the influence of m-government transition. The findings points to four main type of resistance namely: i) functional resistance; ii) ideological resistance; iii) market driven resistance and iv) geographical resistance. Policy implication are discussed in the specific context of emerging markets. © 2011, IGI Global.
Needle electromyography of bulbar muscles in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective: To determine if quantitative motor unit action potential (MUAP) analysis and peak ratio interference pattern analysis of the fifth, seventh, and eleventh cranial nerve innervated muscles are helpful in the assessment of subclinical bulbar involvement in ALS. Methods: With both electromyographic (EMG) techniques, electrical activity was recorded via needle electrodes from the right frontalis, masseter, and sternocleidomastoideus muscles of nine ALS patients without clinical bulbar signs (Frenchay score >85%) aged 40 to 87 years; 21 healthy subjects aged 27 to 74 years; and five ALS patients with clinical bulbar signs (Frenchay score <85%) aged 53 to 69 years. Results: The normal mean (2 SD) MUAP duration of the frontalis muscle was 7.4 (2.2) milliseconds; masseter muscle, 9.3 (3.1) milliseconds; and sternocleidomastoideus muscle, 10.9 (4.1) milliseconds. The normal mean (2 SD) peak ratio of the frontalis was 2.3 (1.1) milliseconds; masseter, 1.2 (0.4) milliseconds; and sternocleidomastoideus, 1.5 (0.7) milliseconds. Quantitative MUAP analysis was interpreted as neuropathic if MUAP duration, MUAP amplitude, or both exceeded the mean (+2 SD). Peak ratio interference pattern analysis was interpreted as neuropathic if the peak ratio, the number of small time intervals, or both were below the mean (-2 SD). If a result of either EMG technique was neuropathic in at least one of the three investigated muscles, bulbar involvement was assumed. Subclinical bulbar involvement could be detected by quantitative MUAP analysis in six ALS patients without clinical bulbar signs, and by peak ratio interference pattern analysis in two. Conclusions: Conventional needle EMG of the fifth, seventh, and eleventh cranial nerve innervated muscles shows subclinical bulbar involvement quite frequently. Peak ratio interference pattern analysis is largely not helpful in detecting this involvement.