Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information theoretic limits of state-dependent networks

We investigate the information theoretic limits of two types of state-dependent models in this dissertation. These models capture a wide range of wireless communication scenarios where there are interference cognition among transmitters. Hence, information theoretic studies of these models provide useful guidelines for designing new interference cancellation schemes in practical wireless networks. In particular, we first study the two-user state-dependent Gaussian multiple access channel (MAC) with a helper. Inner and outer bounds on the capacity region are first derived, which improve the state-of-the-art bounds given in the literature. Further comparison of these bounds yields either segments on the capacity region boundary or the full capacity region by considering various regimes of channel parameters. We then study the two-user Gaussian state-dependent Z-IC and state-dependent IC. Three interference regimes are studied, and the capacity region or the sum capacity boundary is characterized either fully or partially under various channel parameters. The impact of the correlation between the states on the cancellation of state and interference as well as the achievability of the capacity is demonstrated via numerical analysis. Numerical investigation indicates that for the regular IC, the correlation between states impacts the achievability of the channel capacity in a different way from that of the Z-IC.
Optimalizácia monitorovania sieťovej prevádzky

Tento prispevok sa zaobera otvorenými problemami vyskytujucimi sa pri pasivnom pristupe merania sieťových charakteristik. Opisuje najpouživanejsie pristupy merania sieťových parametrov ako aj charakteristiky, ktore sa pri monitorovani najcastejsie sleduju. Hlavným cieľom tohto prispevku je predstavenie konceptualneho navrhu riesenia opisaných problemov, ktorý by sa mal docieliť automatizovaným prisposobenim exportu zaznamov o tokoch prevadzky k aktualnemu stavu siete. Klicova slova: pasivne meranie, aktivne meranie, monitorovanie sieťovej prevadzky, tok, IPFIX DOI: https://doi.org/10.18267/j.aip. 17
Using electronic health records to quantify and stratify the severity of type 2 diabetes in primary care in England: rationale and cohort study design

Introduction The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents a significant burden on affected individuals and healthcare systems internationally. There is, however, no agreed validated measure to infer diabetes severity from electronic health records (EHRs). We aim to quantify T2DM severity and validate it using clinical adverse outcomes. Methods and analysis Primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked hospitalisation and mortality records between April 2007 and March 2017 for patients with T2DM in England will be used to develop a clinical algorithm to grade T2DM severity. The EHR-based algorithm will incorporate main risk factors (severity domains) for adverse outcomes to stratify T2DM cohorts by baseline and longitudinal severity scores. Provisionally, T2DM severity domains, identified through a systematic review and expert opinion, are: diabetes duration, glycated haemoglobin, microvascular complications, comorbidities and coprescribed treatments. Severity scores will be developed by two approaches: (1) calculating a count score of severity domains; (2) through hierarchical stratification of complications. Regression models estimates will be used to calculate domains weights. Survival analyses for the association between weighted severity scores and future outcomes—cardiovascular events, hospitalisation (diabetes-related, cardiovascular) and mortality (diabetes-related, cardiovascular, all-cause mortality)—will be performed as statistical validation. The proposed EHR-based approach will quantify the T2DM severity for primary care performance management and inform the methodology for measuring severity of other primary care-managed chronic conditions. We anticipate that the developed algorithm will be a practical tool for practitioners, aid clinical management decision-making, inform stratified medicine, support future clinical trials and contribute to more effective service planning and policy-making. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol was approved by the Independent Scientific Advisory Committee. Some data were presented at the National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research Showcase, September 2017, Oxford, UK and the Diabetes UK Professional Conference March 2018, London, UK. The study findings will be disseminated in relevant academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
Every λ-Term is Meaningful for the Infinitary Relational Model

Infinite types and formulas are known to have really curious and unsound behaviors. For instance, they allow to type Ω, the auto-autoapplication and they thus do not ensure any form of normalization/productivity. Moreover, in most infinitary frameworks, it is not difficult to define a type R that can be assigned to every λ-term. However, these observations do not say much about what coinductive (i.e. infinitary) type grammars are able to provide: it is for instance very difficult to know what types (besides R) can be assigned to a given term in this setting. We begin with a discussion on the expressivity of different forms of infinite types. Then, using the resource-awareness of sequential intersection types (system S) and tracking, we prove that infinite types are able to characterize the arity of every λ-terms and that, in the infinitary extension of the relational model, every term has a "meaning" i.e. a non-empty denotation. From the technical point of view, we must deal with the total lack of guarantee of productivity for typable terms: we do so by importing methods inspired by first order model theory.
Systematic review of the clinical development of group B streptococcus serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide-based vaccines

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vaccination against group B Streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy could provide protection against disease in the mother, fetus, and newborn. Immunity through transplacental acquired antibodies in the newborns could persist through early infancy, reducing the risk of early-onset (<7 days age) and late-onset (7–89 days age) disease. We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials on GBS capsular polysaccharide (CPS) vaccine to assess its safety and immunogenicity in pregnant and nonpregnant adults. Areas covered: We searched literature databases PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and the Cochrane library and identified 25 unique records on GBS CPS vaccines with or without conjugant protein. Expert commentary: GBS vaccines were well tolerated, with mild local reactogenicity being the main solicited adverse event and no difference in reporting of other serious adverse events compared to placebo recipients. CPS vaccines conjugated to immunogenic proteins induced ≥fourfold increase of serotype-specific antibodies with high longevity (1–2 years); and capable of promoting homotypic GBS opsonophagocytic killing. Feto-maternal transplacental antibody ratio of serotype-specific IgG ranged between 0.49 and 0.81. The clinical relevance of these immunogenicity studies, however, need to be weighed against a correlate of protection against invasive GBS disease in infants, which is yet to be established using a universally accepted standardized assay.
A generic approach for order picking optimization process in different warehouse layouts

The warehouse layout directly affects the process of receiving and storing of goods, as well as the order picking process. A standard layout has its pallet places arranged in parallel shelves with aligned cross-aisles. However, a big number of warehouses use a shelf layout in which the complete warehouse cannot be represented as a sequence of parallel shelves. Effective calculation of distances between positions in the warehouse presents a significant step towards the effective order collection and distribution of goods. This paper describes a generic approach for calculating distances within a warehouse which does not necessarily have standard layout. It describes the application of the algorithm on different warehouse layouts in which the shelves can be split into smaller units so that inside of each unit the shelves are distributed in a standard way. Dynamic programming was used for the calculation of distances inside of those units. An analysis and testing of the algorithm were performed on two middle-sized warehouses with non-standard shelf layout. The algorithm was tested in the process of collecting orders, as well as the process of moving goods from the stock to the pick zone.
Crystal structures of two tandem malectin-like receptor kinases involved in plant reproduction

A complex cell-to-cell communication between the male pollen tube and the female reproductive organs is required for plant fertilization. A family of Catharanthus roseus Receptor Kinase-1 ( CrRLK1L) membrane receptors has been genetically implicated in this process. Here we present crystal structures of the CrRLK1Ls ANXUR1 and 2 at 1.48 and 1.1 Å resolution, respectively. Our structures reveal a novel arrangement of two malectin-like domains connected by a short βhairpin linker and stabilized by calcium ions. The canonical carbohydrate interaction surfaces of related animal and bacterial carbohydrate binding modules are not conserved among plant CrRLK1Ls. In line with this, we failed to detect binding of chemically diverse oligosaccharides to ANXUR1 and HERCULES1. Instead, CrRLK1Ls have evolved a protein-protein interface between their malectin domains, which forms a deep cleft lined by highly conserved aromatic and polar residues. Analysis of the glycosylation pattern of different CrRLK1Ls and their oligomeric states together suggests that this cleft could resemble a binding site for a ligand required for CrRLK1Ls receptor activation.
Evaluation of Lineage Changes in the Gastric Mucosa Following Infection With Helicobacter pylori and Specified Intestinal Flora in INS-GAS Mice

Gastric adenocarcinoma develops in metaplastic mucosa associated with Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach. We have sought to evaluate the precise lineage changes in the stomachs of insulin-gastrin (INS-GAS) mice infected with H. pylori and/or intestinal flora (Altered Schaedler’s Flora; ASF). Stomachs from groups infected with H. pylori contained progressive spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) compared with germ-free and mice infected with ASF alone. The overall phenotype of the H. pylori-infected mice was dominated by Ulex europaeus lectin (UEAI)-positive foveolar hyperplasia that was distinct from GSII/CD44v9-positive SPEM. However, in the mice with H. pylori co-infected with ASF, we identified a subpopulation of UEAI-positive foveolar cells that co-expressed intestinal mucin 4 (MUC4). These regions of foveolar cells were variably positive for CD44v9 as well as TFF3. Interestingly, an intravascular lesion identified in a dual H. pylori/ASF-infected mouse expressed both UEAI and Muc4. Finally, we identified an increase in the number of tuft cells within the mucosa of H. pylori-infected groups. Our findings suggest that H. pylori infection promotes foveolar hyperplasia as well as metaplasia, while co-infection may promote progressive foveolar and metaplastic lesions as well as dysplasia. Grading of gastric lesions in mice as preneoplastic requires multiple immunostaining markers to assign lineage derivation and behavior.
Cyc8p and Tup1p transcription regulators antagonistically regulate Flo11p expression and complexity of yeast colony biofilms

Yeast biofilms are complex multicellular structures, in which the cells are well protected against drugs and other treatments and thus highly resistant to antifungal therapies. Colony biofilms represent an ideal system for studying molecular mechanisms and regulations involved in development and internal organization of biofilm structure as well as those that are involved in fungal domestication. We have identified here antagonistic functional interactions between transcriptional regulators Cyc8p and Tup1p that modulate the life-style of natural S. cerevisiae strains between biofilm and domesticated mode. Herein, strains with different levels of Cyc8p and Tup1p regulators were constructed, analyzed for processes involved in colony biofilm development and used in the identification of modes of regulation of Flo11p, a key adhesin in biofilm formation. Our data show that Tup1p and Cyc8p regulate biofilm formation in the opposite manner, being positive and negative regulators of colony complexity, cell-cell interaction and adhesion to surfaces. Notably, in-depth analysis of regulation of expression of Flo11p adhesin revealed that Cyc8p itself is the key repressor of FLO11 expression, whereas Tup1p counteracts Cyc8p’s repressive function and, in addition, counters Flo11p degradation by an extracellular protease. Interestingly, the opposing actions of Tup1p and Cyc8p concern processes crucial to the biofilm mode of yeast multicellularity, whereas other multicellular processes such as cell flocculation are co-repressed by both regulators. This study provides insight into the mechanisms regulating complexity of the biofilm lifestyle of yeast grown on semisolid surfaces.
Boring Thoughts and Bored Minds: The MAC Model of Boredom and Cognitive Engagement

What is boredom? We review environmental, attentional, and functional theories and present a new model that describes boredom as an affective indicator of unsuccessful attentional engagement in valued goal-congruent activity. According to the Meaning and Attentional Components (MAC) model, boredom is the result of (a) an attentional component, namely mismatches between cognitive demands and available mental resources, and (b) a meaning component, namely mismatches between activities and valued goals (or the absence of valued goals altogether). We present empirical support for four novel predictions made by the model: (a) Deficits in attention and meaning each produce boredom independently of the other; (b) there are different profiles of boredom that result from specific deficits in attention and meaning; (c) boredom results from two types of attentional deficits, understimulation and overstimulation; and (d) the model explains not only when and why people become bored with external activities, but also when and why people become bored with their own thoughts. We discuss further implications of the model, such as when boredom motivates people to seek interesting versus enjoyable activities.
Implants induce a new niche for microbiomes

Although much work is being done to develop new treatments, research and knowledge regarding factors underlying implant‐related microbial colonization leading to infection are less comprehensive. Presence of microorganisms in and around implants clinically characterized as uninfected remains unknown. The objective of this study was to detect and identify bacteria and fungi on implants from various groups of patients with no prior indications of implant related infections. Patient samples (implants and tissue) were collected from five different hospitals in the Capital region of Denmark. By in‐depth microbiological detection methods, we examined the prevalence of bacteria and fungi on 106 clinically uninfected implants from four patient groups (aseptic loosening, healed fractures, craniofacial complications and recently deceased). Of 106 clinically uninfected implants and 39 negative controls investigated, 66% were colonized by bacteria and 40% were colonized by fungi (p < 0.0001 compared to negative controls). A large number of microbes were found to colonize the implants, however, the most prevalent microbes present were not common aetiological agents of implant infections. The findings indicate that implants provide a distinct niche for microbial colonization. These data have broad implications for medical implant recipients, as well as for supporting the idea that the presence of foreign objects in the body alters the human microbiome by providing new colonization niches.
Vulvo‐vaginal lichen planus: A focussed review for the clinician

Vulvo‐vaginal lichen planus is a condition which imposes a significant burden of symptoms and sequale. There is a paucity of knowledge and evidenced‐based management with significant diagnostic delay prior to appropriate treatment being common. There remains great variability in clinician practice in the context of limited knowledge. This clinical review presents current evidence on the clinicopathological features, practical assessment and management options. Learning points include characterization of this chronic, burdensome clinical entity that has no standardized diagnostic or management protocols. We provide practical clinical conclusions based on current knowledge and identify areas for future research to improve patient outcomes.
A Behavioral Function Approach in Predicting Contribution of User-Generated Content

This study theoretically develops a three-stage model in which certain types of health behavior functions (i.e., health-affirming vs. health-detection/treatment) prime individuals to process information with either a defensive or accuracy motivation. Such information-processing motivations, in turn, are expected to influence the contribution and consumption of user-generated health content. The three-stage model was tested with data from an online sample of American adults (N = 767). A well-fitting structural equation model provided evidence for each of the hypothesized paths except for that from health-detection/treatment behavior to accuracy motivation. Individuals’ information search for health-affirming behaviors instigated a defensive motivation. Moreover, while both information-processing motivations influenced user-generated content consumption, only defensive motivation had a significant effect on user-generated content contribution. Finally, there was also one significant cross-stage path in which health-affirming behavior had a direct effect on content contribution, thus, overstepping defensive and accuracy motivations.
Effects of fructose consumption on postprandial TAG: an update on systematic reviews with meta-analysis

Abstract The aim of this study was to re-examine the chronic effect (>7 d) of fructose consumption on postprandial TAG, in adolescents and adults. The research was carried out in March 2017 and used different electronic databases, such as Medline ® (Pubmed®), Embase® and Cochrane. The review considered clinical trials (parallel or crossed) that evaluated the effect of fructose consumption for a period longer than 7 d, in humans. Two investigators independently performed data extraction. The outcome was the absolute delta of TAG concentration in a 4-h postprandial period. The results were presented with delta mean difference between treatments with 95 % CI. The calculations were made based on random-effect models. Statistical heterogeneity of treatment effects between studies was assessed by Cochrane’s ‘Q Test’ and ‘I 2’ inconsistency test. The meta-analysis of the twelve selected interventions (n 318) showed that fructose generated larger variation (δ) of TAG concentrations during the postprandial period, compared with other carbohydrates (mean difference: 8·02 (95 % CI 0·46, 15·58) mg/dl (0·09 (95 % CI 0·01, 0·18) mmol/l); I 2: 74 %). High heterogeneity was generated almost exclusively by one study, and its withdrawal did not alter the result. We concluded that chronic consumption of fructose (>7 d) has a negative role on postprandial TAG in healthy adolescents and adults, as well as in overweight/obese individuals, but not in diabetics.
Co-designing Smart Home Maker Workshops with Girls

Girls and women are still underrepresented in digital fabrication and computing although there are many areas of application to engage in meaningful and creative ways. One such application area is "smart home" that connects to inventing smart service applications to help people. We initiated three co-design digital fabrication workshops to find out which topics under the umbrella term "smart home" might be suitable for digital fabrication workshops that attract female makers. 29 girls of different age groups (10-17 years) generated 96 ideas and implemented 12 prototypes. As results, we recommend to design smart home maker workshops for girls covering topics related to comfort, recommender systems and alarm systems.
Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder on metabolic syndrome induced in male Wistar rats: a preliminary study

Objective To evaluate the preventive effects of Moringa oleifera on metabolic syndrome (MS) in male Wistar rats. Methods MS was induced by feeding rats a high-fat diet and drinking water containing 10% fructose for 6 weeks. In the preventive group, M. oleifera was orally administered for 3 weeks prior to the induction of MS, while in the treatment group, M. oleifera was administered for 3 weeks after the onset of MS. The treatment groups were compared with a control group of untreated rats with induced MS. Fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, total cholesterol, triglycerides, abdominal circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after MS induction and/or M. oleifera treatment. Results After the induction of MS, the control group had higher fasting glucose levels than the preventive group. No significant differences were observed in insulin tolerance, oral glucose tolerance, cholesterol, triglycerides, abdominal circumference, or systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Compared with untreated controls, rats in the treatment group had significantly improved glucose tolerance, triglycerides, and abdominal circumference. Conclusions M. oleifera treatment attenuates MS in Wistar rats.
A 173 GHz transformer-based push-push oscillator with 11.2% tuning range in 28nm CMOS

This paper presents a transformer-based push-push oscillator for the terahertz (THz) frequency generation with a wideband operation. Transformer-based oscillator is implemented carefully to extend the tuning range and improve the phase noise performance, simultaneously. Center-taps of two stages in transformer are combined to generate the push-push output signal. A floating-ground shield structure is utilized and located under the transformer to improve the quality-factor, which reduces the substrate coupling effect and transformer size. The THz oscillator is fabricated in a conventional 28nm CMOS process with a compact core size of 0.01 mm2. Measurement results exhibit the 11.2% frequency tuning range from 163.2 to 182.6 GHz and phase noise of −100.5 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset of a carrier at 182.6 GHz. The corresponding FoMt is 170 dBc/Hz.