Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bit-Wise Decoders for Coded Modulation and Broadcast Coded Slotted ALOHA

This thesis deals with two aspects of wireless communications. The first aspect is about efficient point-to-point data transmission. To achieve high spectral efficiency, coded modulation, which is a concatenation of higher order modulation with error correction coding, is used. Bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) is a pragmatic approach to coded modulation, where soft information on encoded bits is calculated at the receiver and passed to a bit-wise decoder. Soft information is usually obtained in the form of log-likelihood ratios (also known as L-values), calculated using the max-log approximation. In this thesis, we analyze bit-wise decoders for pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) constellations over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel when the max-log approximation is used for calculating L-values. First, we analyze BICM systems from an information theoretic perspective. We prove that the max-log approximation causes information loss for all PAM constellations and labelings with the exception of a symmetric 4-PAM constellation labeled with a Gray code. We then analyze how the max-log approximation affects the generalized mutual information (GMI), which is an achievable rate for a standard BICM decoder. Second, we compare the performance of the standard BICM decoder with that of the ML decoder. We show that, when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) goes to infinity, the loss in terms of pairwise error probability is bounded by 1.25 dB for any two codewords. The analysis further shows that the loss is zero for a wide range of linear codes. The second aspect of wireless communications treated in this thesis is multiple channel access. Our main objective here is to provide reliable message exchange between nodes in a wireless ad hoc network with stringent delay constraints. To that end, we propose an uncoordinated medium access control protocol, termed all-to-all broadcast coded slotted ALOHA (B-CSA), that exploits coding over packets at the transmitter side and successive interference cancellation at the receiver side. The protocol resembles low-density parity-check codes and can be analyzed using the theory of codes on graphs. The packet loss rate performance of the protocol exhibits a threshold behavior with distinct error floor and waterfall regions. We derive a tight error floor approximation that is used for the optimization of the protocol. We also show how the error floor approximation can be used to design protocols for networks, where users have different reliability requirements. We use B-CSA in vehicular networks and show that it outperforms carrier sense multiple access currently adopted as the MAC protocol for vehicular communications. Finally, we investigate the possibility of establishing a handshake in vehicular networks by means of B-CSA.
The Formulation of Educational Plans: An Analysis of White Adolescent Males and Females in Rural Louisiana.

ABSTRACT A theoretical Odel based on path analytic logic was used to examine the relatpe influences of social origin and significant other influences on marital,-fertility, and edu'ational `plans. Parents' 'education and the major family income-earner's occ pation'were used as measures of social origin; perceiveh en oirapement by parents, teachers, counselors, and friends to attend co lege and close friends. college plans were included as measures of si nificant other influence. The effect of sex on the formation of 6 ucational plans was ascertained through a set of dummy,variables. A proportionate, stratified, random,cluster sample of 301 white high sChadl seniorsin rural Louisiana was used. Zero-order, first -order
Flip Chip Bonding of a Quartz MEMS-Based Vibrating Beam Accelerometer

In this study, a novel method to assemble a micro-accelerometer by a flip chip bonding technique is proposed and demonstrated. Both the main two parts of the accelerometer, a double-ended tuning fork and a base-proof mass structure, are fabricated using a quartz wet etching process on Z cut quartz wafers with a thickness of 100 μm and 300 μm, respectively. The finite element method is used to simulate the vibration mode and optimize the sensing element structure. Taking advantage of self-alignment function of the flip chip bonding process, the two parts were precisely bonded at the desired joint position via AuSn solder. Experimental demonstrations were performed on a maximum scale of 4 × 8 mm2 chip, and high sensitivity up to 9.55 Hz/g with a DETF resonator and a Q value of 5000 in air was achieved.
Emotional functioning and meaning making in grief

This dissertation examines the relation between emotional functioning and meaning making in bereavement. Emotional functioning (i.e., awareness, expression, and regulation of emotions) has been traditionally considered crucial in grief coping (Pennebaker, 1990; Raphael, 1983). At the same time, bereaved people who were able to find a meaning in their loss experience were found to show better adjustment and were less likely to develop grief complications than those who did not find a meaning (Davis, Wortman, Lehman, & Silver, 2000; Tolstikova, Fleming, & Chartier, 2005). The present research aimed to build a more inclusive model of grief coping by examining the interplay of emotional functioning and meaning making in grief in the same sample of people. The emotionally focused approach to human functioning developed by L. Greenberg (Greenberg, 2004) forms the theoretical foundation for the study. This approach proposes that emotional arousal, awareness, expression, and regulation provide grounds for meaning construction and eventually help to assimilate a shattering event. Following Greenberg’s conceptualization (Greenberg, Auszura, & Herrmann, 2007), the first set of studies of the present dissertation examined productive and unproductive emotional functioning in grief. Three hundred and fifteen bereaved people were recruited through the online bereavement support websites to help develop and validate the Productive-Unproductive Emotional Processing in Grief questionnaire (PUG). The PUG scores were further used to predict meaning making in grief. It was shown that bereaved individuals who were engaged in productive emotional processing of grief and demonstrated good emotional regulation were more capable of making sense of their loss six months later. The data for the first set of studies were collected via the Internet. While the Internet method of data collection has been previously used in grief research, its validity and reliability
Self-regulated viscous channel in the nuclear pore complex

The nuclear pore complex (NPC), the sole gateway for nucleocytoplasmic exchange in eukaryotic cells, allows for the passive diffusion of small molecules and transport-receptor-facilitated translocation of signal-dependent cargo molecules. Whether small molecules passively diffuse through a single central channel or through multiple holes of a hydrogel network is a subject of debate. Additionally, whether the passive and facilitated transport systems occupy distinct or overlapping physical regions of the NPC remains unclear. Here, we directly test these models using three-dimensional super-resolution fluorescence microscopy of human cells. This approach reveals that a single viscous central channel in the NPC acts as the sole pathway for passive diffusion of various small molecules; transport receptors and their cargo complexes take distinct transport routes in the periphery, which is occluded by phenylalanine-glycine filaments. Furthermore, the passive and facilitated passageways in the NPC are closely correlated, and their conformations can be simultaneously regulated by Importin β1 (a major transport receptor) and RanGTP (a critical regulator of transport directionality). These results strongly favor a self-regulated viscous channel configuration in native NPCs over the porous hydrogel meshwork model.
Plasma Phospholipid Omega‐3 Fatty Acids and Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in the OPERA Trial

Background Long‐chain polyunsaturated omega‐3 fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) demonstrated antiarrhythmic potential in experimental studies. In a large multinational randomized trial (OPERA), perioperative fish oil supplementation did not reduce the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) in cardiac surgery patients. However, whether presupplementation habitual plasma phospholipid n‐3 PUFA, or achieved or change in n‐3 PUFA level postsupplementation are associated with lower risk of PoAF is unknown. Methods and Results In 564 subjects undergoing cardiac surgery between August 2010 and June 2012 in 28 centers across 3 countries, plasma phospholipid levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were measured at enrollment and again on the morning of cardiac surgery following fish oil or placebo supplementation (10 g over 3 to 5 days, or 8 g over 2 days). The primary endpoint was incident PoAF lasting ≥30 seconds, centrally adjudicated, and confirmed by rhythm strip or ECG. Secondary endpoints included sustained (≥1 hour), symptomatic, or treated PoAF; the time to first PoAF; and the number of PoAF episodes per patient. PoAF outcomes were assessed until hospital discharge or postoperative day 10, whichever occurred first. Relative to the baseline, fish oil supplementation increased phospholipid concentrations of EPA (+142%), DPA (+13%), and DHA (+22%) (P<0.001 each). Substantial interindividual variability was observed for change in total n‐3 PUFA (range=−0.7% to 7.5% after 5 days of supplementation). Neither individual nor total circulating n‐3 PUFA levels at enrollment, morning of surgery, or change between these time points were associated with risk of PoAF. The multivariable‐adjusted OR (95% CI) across increasing quartiles of total n‐3 PUFA at enrollment were 1.0, 1.06 (0.60 to 1.90), 1.35 (0.76 to 2.38), and 1.19 (0.64 to 2.20); and for changes in n‐3 PUFA between enrollment and the morning of surgery were 1.0, 0.78 (0.44 to 1.39), 0.89 (0.51 to 1.55), and 1.01 (0.58 to 1.75). In stratified analysis, demographic, medication, and cardiac parameters did not significantly modify these associations. Findings were similar for secondary PoAF endpoints. Conclusions Among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, neither higher habitual circulating n‐3 PUFA levels, nor achieved levels or changes following short‐term fish oil supplementation are associated with risk of PoAF. Clinical Trial Registration URL: Clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT00970489
Health, Work Variables, and Job Satisfaction Among Nurses

Background Evidence from several studies suggests that there is widespread job dissatisfaction among nurses. Coupled with a critical shortage of RNs, this situation threatens the provision of safe healthcare. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships and relative contributions of selected work (stress, work load, weekends off), shift worker health (sleep, depression), and demographic variables (age, number of individuals needing care after work) to job satisfaction in a random, nationwide sample of 247 critical care RNs. Methods The Dillman Tailored Design Method of survey research was used to recruit participants and collect data. A descriptive, correlational design evaluated the relationships between the variables. Results There were no significant differences in these variables among self-defined day-, night-, and rotating-shift nurses. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that more weekends off per month and less depression and emotional stress contributed significantly to job satisfaction in nurses. Conclusions Improvements in scheduling and interventions designed to reduce depression and emotional stress may help to improve job satisfaction in nurses and aid in nurse recruitment and retention.
‘True’ antimitochondrial antibody‐negative primary biliary cirrhosis, low sensitivity of the routine assays, or both?

Anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA) is considered the serological hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but may be missing in a proportion of these patients. We assessed sensitivity and specificity of the currently available techniques for AMA detection in a large series of PBC patients and controls, and analysed their clinical and immunological features according to the AMA status. By indirect immunofluorescence on rat tissue sections and HEp‐2 cells, Western immunoblot with bovine submitochondrial particles, and two ELISAs with AMA‐specific recombinant proteins, we evaluated the presence of AMA in 127 PBC patients, 166 patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and 100 with non alcoholic fatty liver disease. In PBC patients Western immunoblot detects AMA significantly more often than indirect immunofluorescence on HEp‐2 cells (85%versus 72%, P = 0·02) or rodent tissue sections (71%, P = 0·01); both ELISAs are only slightly less sensitive than Western immunoblot (81% and 78%). Ten patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease were AMA‐positive by indirect immunofluorescence, but none recognized AMA‐specific epitopes in Western immunoblot or in ELISAs. Twelve patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis were AMA‐positive by indirect immunofluorescence, but only 6 (3·6%) reacted by Western immunoblot and ELISAs. Western immunoblot or ELISA should be regarded as first‐line assay for the detection of AMA. Up to 15% of PBC patients are consistently AMA‐negative, yet they share the same clinical, biochemical and histological features of AMA‐positive PBC. Detection of AMA in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis might identify a subset of patients at risk of developing a hepatitic/cholestatic syndrome.
Posteromedial Meniscocapsular Lesions Increase Tibiofemoral Joint Laxity With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, and Their Repair Reduces Laxity

Background: Injury to the posteromedial meniscocapsular junction has been identified after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture; however, there is a lack of objective evidence investigating how this affects knee kinematics or whether increased laxity can be restored by repair. Such injury is often overlooked at surgery, with possible compromise to results. Hypotheses: (1) Sectioning the posteromedial meniscocapsular junction in an ACL-deficient knee will result in increased anterior tibial translation and rotation. (2) Isolated ACL reconstruction in the presence of a posteromedial meniscocapsular junction lesion will not restore intact knee laxity. (3) Repair of the posteromedial capsule at the time of ACL reconstruction will reduce tibial translation and rotation to normal. (4) These changes will be clinically detectable. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Nine cadaveric knees were mounted in a test rig where knee kinematics were recorded from 0° to 100° of flexion by use of an optical tracking system. Measurements were recorded with the following loads: 90-N anterior-posterior tibial forces, 5-N·m internal-external tibial rotation torques, and combined 90-N anterior force and 5-N·m external rotation torque. Manual Rolimeter readings of anterior translation were taken at 30° and 90°. The knees were tested in the following conditions: intact, ACL deficient, ACL deficient and posteromedial meniscocapsular junction sectioned, ACL deficient and posteromedial meniscocapsular junction repaired, ACL patellar tendon reconstruction with posteromedial meniscocapsular junction repair, and ACL reconstructed and capsular lesion re-created. Statistical analysis used repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc paired t tests with Bonferroni correction. Results: Tibial anterior translation and external rotation were both significantly increased compared with the ACL-deficient knee after posterior meniscocapsular sectioning (P < .05). These parameters were restored after ACL reconstruction and meniscocapsular lesion repair (P > .05). Conclusion: Anterior and external rotational laxities were significantly increased after sectioning of the posteromedial meniscocapsular junction in an ACL-deficient knee. These were not restored after ACL reconstruction alone but were restored with ACL reconstruction combined with posterior meniscocapsular repair. Tibial anterior translation changes were clinically detectable by use of the Rolimeter. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that unrepaired posteromedial meniscocapsular lesions will allow abnormal meniscal and tibiofemoral laxity to persist postoperatively, predisposing the knee to meniscal and articular damage.
Sustained ERK activation is involved in the kaempferol-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells and is more evident under 3-D culture condition

In order to determine the effects of a variety of flavonoids, we applied differing amounts of several flavonoids to human breast cancer cells. Kaempferol treatment resulted in significant reduction of cell viability in the MCF-7 cells, although it exerted only minor effect on the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 or mammary epithelial HC-11 cells. Kaempferol was demonstrated to induce sustained ERK activation concomitantly with MEK1 and ELK1 activation, and this kaempferol-induced apoptosis was suppressed by treatment with PD98059, the overexpression of a kinase-inactive ERK mutant, or ERK siRNA. Kaempferol treatment was shown to profoundly induce the generation of fluorescent DCF in the MCF-7 cells, and treatment with N-acetyl cysteine suppressed kaempferol-induced PARP cleavage. Moreover, because breast cancer is associated with increased collagen synthesis and accumulation, we utilized a collagen-based 3D culture method. Under the 3-dimensional culture condition employed herein, kaempferol treatment was shown to result in a significant reduction in cell viability, an effect which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with what was observed under conventional 2D culture condition, we observed more evident apoptotic cell death and ERK activation as the result of kaempferol treatment in a collagen-based 3D culture environment. Similar to the case of conventional 2D cultured cells, the addition of PD98059 significantly suppressed intracellular ROS production. Collectively, these results show that the sustained activation of the ERK signaling pathway is markedly involved in kaempferol-induced apoptosis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells, and that this effect is more evident under 3D culture condition.
A novel method of link-state update in wavelength-routed networks

Link-state update is a critical component of the routing protocol in wavelength-routed networks. High-frequency updates impose heavy traffic on network control channels as well as excessive burden of electronic processing, while stale link-state information seriously degrades network performance. Therefore, a tradeoff has to be made between control overhead and network blocking probability. This paper proposes a novel link-state update method. By actively regulating the link-state update rate, the proposed method efficiently handles the inherent burstiness of link-state changes without overloading control network with excessive update messages. To improve the blocking performance under limited control bandwidth, it assigns different types of updates with different priorities such that the stale link-state information of more negative impact has a higher chance to be removed. Comprehensive performance evaluations show that the method successfully enforces the control bandwidth quota while achieving much lower blocking probability than existing link-state update methods
Resistance-mediating polymorphisms of Plasmodium falciparum among isolates from children with severe malaria in kumasi, ghana.

BACKGROUND Antimalarial drug resistance has been a major contributor to the failure of the battle against malaria in many developing countries. The P. falciparum genes, pfcrt and pfmdr-1, have been implicated in chloroquine resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of mutant alleles of these chloroquine resistance genes among isolates of P. falciparum from children presenting with severe malaria in Ghana. METHODS Venous blood samples were taken from patients, and plasma chloroquine levels measured. P. falciparum chromosomal DNA was isolated from the blood samples, and subjected to PCR, restriction digestion and sequencing. Resulting data were analysed using the STATA statistical software. RESULTS Of 140 children recruited into the study, 109 (77.9%) had detectable pre-treatment chloroquine levels. PCR and restriction digestion analysis of the pfcrt gene indicated that 124 (88.6%) had the mutant T76 gene, and that this correlated with higher chloroquine levels. Sequence analysis of these showed consistent genetic sequences for chloroquine resistant and sensitive parasites with respect to Pfcrt codons 72 through 76.The Pfcrt T76 mutation was found in 88.4% of isolates having the Pfmdr-1Y86 mutation. The Pfmdr-1 Y86 mutation was found in 67.6% of isolates having the Pfcrt T76 mutation. CONCLUSION The study affirms Pfcrt as a better chloroquine resistance marker. Both mutations are independently selected by chloroquine levels and that one mutation (Y86) might modify/increase the effect of the other (T76). This study also depicts the much-overlooked antimalarial drug resistance situation in the area and emphasizes the need for a proper treatment strategy.
CrossTalk opposing view: Diffusion limitation of O2 from microvessels into muscle does not contribute to the limitation of V̇O2 max

Oxygen is transferred from air to mitochondria in sequential steps by means of diffusion and convection. The theoretical ceiling for whole body aerobic uptake may be determined by any factor influencing the O2 transport and utilization chain. The dispute considered here is whether peripheral O2 diffusion from microvessels, particularly capillaries, into active skeletal muscle fibres limits/regulates maximal oxygen uptake () in healthy humans.
The Effects of Stabilization and Mckenzie Exercises on Transverse Abdominis and Multifidus Muscle Thickness, Pain, and Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial in NonSpecific Chronic Low Back Pain

[Purpose] This study compared the effectiveness of stabilization and McKenzie exercises on pain, disability, and thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. [Subjects] Thirty patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the McKenzie and stabilization exercise groups. [Methods] Before and after intervention, pain, disability, and thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles were evaluated by visual analogue scale, functional rating index, and sonography, respectively. The training program was 18 scheduled sessions of individual training for both groups. [Results] After interventions, the pain score decreased in both groups. The disability score decreased only in the stabilization group. The thickness of the left multifidus was significantly increased during resting and contracting states in the stabilization group. The thickness of the right transverse abdominis during the abdominal draw-in maneuver, and thickness of the left transverse abdominis during the active straight leg raising maneuver were significantly increased in the stabilization group. The intensity of pain, disability score, thickness of the right transverse abdominis during the abdominal draw-in manouver, and thickness of the left transverse abdominis during active straight leg raising in the stabilization group were greater than those on the Mackenzie. [Conclusion] Stabilization exercises are more effective than McKenzie exercises in improving the intensity of pain and function score and in increasing the thickness of the transverse abdominis muscle.