Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Performance of Multi-Antenna Techniques for Spatially and Temporally Correlated Wireless Channels

Title of Dissertation: ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MULTI-ANTENNA TECHNIQUES FOR SPATIALLY AND TEMPORALLY CORRELATED WIRELESS CHANNELS Larry T. Younkins, Doctor of Philosophy, 2004 Dissertation directed by: Professor K.J. Ray Liu Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering As the demand for advanced wireless services continues to grow, system designers must employ innovative signal processing techniques to increase data throughput and maintain reliablity under adverse channel conditions. Multi-antenna techniques, such as space-time coding and beamforming, have shown promise in realizing these goals. As these and other techniques are introduced, understanding their performance in realistic scattering environments is of paramount importance. This thesis contributes to the field of wireless communications by determining the performance of multi-antenna techniques for spatially and temporally correlated wireless channels. First, we propose a general space-time covariance model that is applicable to arbitrary scatterer geometry, arbitrary array geometry at the base station and the mobile, and includes Doppler effects due to mobile motion. We then apply this model, in conjunction with a two-dimensional Gaussian scatterer model based on recent field measurements, to evaluate the exact pairwise error probability for arbitrary space-time block codes and determine an upper bound on the probability of a block error. In addition, we derive exact closed-form expressions for the symbol error probability for orthogonal space-time block coding, maximum ratio transmission, and beamsteering for spatially correlated quasi-static wireless channels. Finally, we present extensive numerical results that illustrate the performance of these techniques for varying degrees of spatial and temporal correlation. We also provide a comparative performance assessment of beamforming and orthogonal space-time block coding and determine the channel conditions for which one technique is favored over the other. ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MULTI-ANTENNA TECHNIQUES FOR SPATIALLY AND TEMPORALLY CORRELATED WIRELESS CHANNELS
"Forgotten Grievers. An Exploration of the Grief Experiences of Bereaved Grandparents."

Current knowledge about bereavement is derived from experiences of spouses, parents or children. A paucity of studies exists regarding grief of grandparents. The aims of this Irish national study were to identify and describe the bereavement experience of grandparents following the death of their grandchild and to explore their needs and supports throughout this experience. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed. Upon receipt of ethical approval, a multi-pronged sampling strategy was employed. Seventeen persons participated in in-dept interviews. Data was subjected to thematic field analysis through NVIVO. Previous literature noted that grandparents experience ‘double pain’, meaning that they concurrently experience feelings of loss for their grandchild in addition to observing the pain of their own adult child’s grief (Gerner, 1990; Reed, 2000). However, our findings revealed that grandparents experience ‘cumulative pain’ i.e. in addition to ‘double pain’; they also experience pain from other sources. This study found that the resolution of this pain can be either ‘ inhibited’ or ‘ facilitated’ by many factors that occur before, at the time of or following the death. There is a need for bereaved grandparents to be recognized, acknowledged and supported by healthcare professionals and society in general. validation in this regard. It also adds that grandparents also realize that the loss of a grandchild results in subsequent negative changes in their bereaved son/daughter. What is most noteworthy is the consistent cumulative nature of grandparent’s grief. A second paper will explore the range of factors that can either facilitate or inhibit the resolution of the cumulative pain of grandparents’ grief.
EULAR recommendations for patient education for people with inflammatory arthritis

Objectives The task force aimed to: (1) develop evidence-based recommendations for patient education (PE) for people with inflammatory arthritis, (2) identify the need for further research on PE and (3) determine health professionals’ educational needs in order to provide evidence-based PE. Methods A multidisciplinary task force, representing 10 European countries, formulated a definition for PE and 10 research questions that guided a systematic literature review (SLR). The results from the SLR were discussed and used as a basis for developing the recommendations, a research agenda and an educational agenda. The recommendations were categorised according to level and strength of evidence graded from A (highest) to D (lowest). Task force members rated their agreement with each recommendation from 0 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Results Based on the SLR and expert opinions, eight recommendations were developed, four with strength A evidence. The recommendations addressed when and by whom PE should be offered, modes and methods of delivery, theoretical framework, outcomes and evaluation. A high level of agreement was achieved for all recommendations (mean range 9.4–9.8). The task force proposed a research agenda and an educational agenda. Conclusions The eight evidence-based and expert opinion-based recommendations for PE for people with inflammatory arthritis are intended to provide a core framework for the delivery of PE and training for health professionals in delivering PE across Europe.
Databaseof Readmissions from the New Jersey State Ambulatory Services Outpatient Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Analysis

Background Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) performed as an outpatient has become increasingly common for treating cervical spine pathology. Few reports have attempted to assess readmissions following outpatient ACDF. This study was performed to address this issue using population-based databases. Methods The State Ambulatory Services Database (SASD) for New Jersey (NJ) from 2003-2012 was used for analysis. Patients receiving ACDF (defined as anterior cervical fusion (ICD-0 code=81.02) + excision of intervertebral disc (80.51)) were extracted; those with three or more levels fused (ICD-9 codes 81.63-81.64), cancer (ICD-9 codes 140-239), or trauma (ICD-9 codes=805.0-806.9) were excluded. A series of perioperative complications including durotomy, red blood cell transfusion, acute posthemorrhagic anemia, paraplegia (weakness), and mortality were examined. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust the analysis for patient age, race, sex, primary payer for care, and number of diagnoses. The NJ SASD defined readmission as admission to the same facility within seven days of initial discharge.
On the existence of a generalized non-specific task-dependent network

In this paper we suggest the existence of a generalized task-related cortical network that is up-regulated whenever the task to be performed requires the allocation of generalized non-specific cognitive resources, independent of the specifics of the task to be performed. We have labeled this general purpose network, the extrinsic mode network (EMN) as complementary to the default mode network (DMN), such that the EMN is down-regulated during periods of task-absence, when the DMN is up-regulated, and vice versa. We conceptualize the EMN as a cortical network for extrinsic neuronal activity, similar to the DMN as being a cortical network for intrinsic neuronal activity. The EMN has essentially a fronto-temporo-parietal spatial distribution, including the inferior and middle frontal gyri, inferior parietal lobule, supplementary motor area, inferior temporal gyrus. We hypothesize that this network is always active regardless of the cognitive task being performed. We further suggest that failure of network up- and down-regulation dynamics may provide neuronal underpinnings for cognitive impairments seen in many mental disorders, such as, e.g., schizophrenia. We start by describing a common observation in functional imaging, the close overlap in fronto-parietal activations in healthy individuals to tasks that denote very different cognitive processes. We now suggest that this is because the brain utilizes the EMN network as a generalized response to tasks that exceeds a cognitive demand threshold and/or requires the processing of novel information. We further discuss how the EMN is related to the DMN, and how a network for extrinsic activity is related to a network for intrinsic activity. Finally, we discuss whether the EMN and DMN networks interact in a common single brain system, rather than being two separate and independent brain systems.
Condom use with primary partners among injecting drug users in Bangkok, Thailand and New York City, United. States

ObjectiveTo determine factors associated with likelihood or failure to use condoms with primary sexual partners among injecting drug users (IDU) in two cities. Design and methodsInterviews were conducted with 601 IDU in Bangkok in 1989 and with 957 IDU in New York City in 1990–1991. Subjects were recruited from drug-use treatment programs and a research storefront. Informed consent was obtained and a World Health Organization standardized questionnaire about AIDS risk behaviors administered by a trained interviewer. ResultsA substantial minority (37%) of IDU in Bangkok and a majority (55%) of IDU in New York City reported penetrative intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) with a primary partner in the 6 months before the interview. Of those reporting penetrative intercourse with a primary partner, only 12% in Bangkok and 20% in New York reported that they always used condoms. Parallel bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to distinguish between subjects who reported always using condoms and subjects who reported unsafe sexual activity with primary partners. The same two factors — knowing that one is HIV-seropositive and talking about AIDS with sexual partners — were most strongly associated with always using condoms with primary partners in both cities. ConclusionsPrograms to prevent sexual transmission of HIV among IDU should provide voluntary and confidential/anonymous HIV counseling and testing, and should facilitate discussions of AIDS and sexual transmission of HIV between IDU and their sexual partners. That the same two factors were associated with always using condoms with primary partners among IDU in these two cities suggests that these factors may also be important in other groups at high risk for HIV.
Simplified and improved somatic embryogenesis of hybrid larches (Larix × eurolepis and Larix × marschlinsii). Perspectives for breeding

Abstract• Development of clonal propagation method, such as somatic embryogenesis, has numerous applications such as mass-production of genetically improved plants and the amenability of embryogenic cultures to cryogenic storage. Since the 90’s, researchers at INRA have engaged in research on somatic embryogenesis in Larix species (Larix × eurolepis, Larix × marschlinsii). • The aim of this work was to improve and to simplify all steps of somatic embryogenesis and to apply this protocol to the new hybrid variety REVE-VERT. • The somatic embryogenesis initiation frequency from immature zygotic embryos was high (65%) on a medium with reduced plant growth regulator concentrations (2.2 μM of 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.3 μM of 6-benzyladenine). Simplified cryopreservation method (no need of programmable freezer) of the embryonal masses resulted in 100% recovery of cryopreserved lines. Maturation of a large number of somatic embryos was greatly improved when embryonal masses were dispersed on filter paper placed on medium containing high concentration of gellan gum (8 g·L−1). Under these conditions, 94% of the lines matured somatic embryos that developed into plantlets. Clearly ageing and cryopreservation did not reduce embryogenic potential of embryonal masses. • Requirements for the effective integration of somatic embryogenesis into the larch breeding programme are discussed. Résumé• Le développement de méthode de multiplication clonale, telle l’embryogenèse somatique, a de nombreuses applications comme la production en masse de plants génétiquement améliorés et la disponibilité des cultures embryogènes en cryoconservation. Depuis les années 1990, l’INRA a engagé des recherches en embryogenèse somatique des mélèzes (Larix × eurolepis, Larix × marschlinsii). • L’objectif du travail a été de simplifier et d’améliorer chaque étape de l’embryogenèse somatique, et d’appliquer ce protocole à la nouvelle variété de mélèze hybride REVE-VERT. • L’initiation de l’embryogenèse somatique à partir d’embryons zygotiques immatures est obtenue à des fréquences élevées (65 %) avec un milieu de culture contenant des concentrations hormonales réduites (2,2 μM d’acide 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic et 2,3 μM de 6-benzyladenine). Une méthode simplifiée de congélation (sans l’utilisation d’un congélateur programmable) des masses embryogènes permet la survie de 100 % des lignées congelées. La maturation d’un grand nombre d’embryons somatiques a été fortement améliorée lorsque les masses embryogènes ont été étalées sur filtre papier placé sur milieu de culture à forte concentration en gelrite (8 g·L−1). Sous ces conditions, 94 % des lignées embryogènes régénèrent des embryons somatiques matures qui se développent en plantes. Clairement l’âge et la cryoconservation des lignées embryogènes ne réduisent pas leur potentiel embryogène. • Les besoins pour une intégration efficace de l’embryogenèse somatique au programme d’amélioration du mélèze, sont discutés.
Go Climb a Dependency Tree and Correct the Grammatical Errors

State-of-art systems for grammar error correction often correct errors based on word sequences or phrases. In this paper, we describe a grammar error correction system which corrects grammatical errors at tree level directly. We cluster all error into two groups and divide our system into two modules correspondingly: the general module and the special module. In the general module, we propose a TreeNode Language Model to correct errors related to verbs and nouns. The TreeNode Language Model is easy to train and the decoding is efficient. In the special module, two extra classification models are trained to correct errors related to determiners and prepositions. Experiments show that our system outperforms the state-of-art systems and improves theF1 score.
The effect of survey sampling frame on coverage: the level of and changes in alcohol-related mortality in Finland as a test case.

AIMS Exclusion of, for example, the homeless and institutionalized from survey sampling frames has been suggested to be one important reason for low coverage rate of surveys. We assess this, using mortality data from Finland, where in 2004 alcohol taxes were lowered by one-third, and surveys were unable to capture the 10% increase in per capita consumption. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENT We compared the level of and the change in alcohol-related mortality in 2001-03 and 2004-05 in (1) the whole population, (2) the population included in the sampling frame of many Finnish surveys and (3) the population excluded from the sampling frame. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Finns aged 15 years and above, linked individually to cause of death data. FINDINGS The population outside survey sampling frames constituted 1.4% of the whole population and had a high rate of alcohol-related deaths. For example, among men the rate of directly alcohol-attributable causes was 3.7 times higher than in the survey population. Among women the rate ratio was 4.6. The exclusion of the non-survey population reduced the estimated level of alcohol-related mortality by 1-4%. Similarly, the non-survey population had only a marginal effect on the estimates of temporal change. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol-related mortality, and hence probably also alcohol consumption, is on average much higher in the subgroups of populations excluded from survey sampling frames. Due to the small size of the excluded group in the Finnish context, this has only a small effect on population-level estimates.
Vaccinations for Pregnant Women

In the United States, eradication and reduction of vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization has directly increased life expectancy by reducing mortality. Although immunization is a public priority, vaccine coverage among adult Americans is inadequate. The Institute of Medicine, the Community Preventive Services Task Force, and other public health entities have called for the development of innovative programs to incorporate adult vaccination into routine clinical practice. Obstetrician–gynecologists are well suited to serve as vaccinators of women in general and more specifically pregnant women. Pregnant women are at risk for vaccine-preventable disease-related morbidity and mortality and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and low birth weight. In addition to providing direct maternal benefit, vaccination during pregnancy likely provides direct fetal and neonatal benefit through passive immunity (transplacental transfer of maternal vaccine-induced antibodies). This article reviews: 1) types of vaccines; 2) vaccines specifically recommended during pregnancy and postpartum; 3) vaccines recommended during pregnancy and postpartum based on risk factors and special circumstances; 4) vaccines currently under research and development for licensure for maternal–fetal immunization; and 5) barriers to maternal immunization and available patient and health care provider resources.
Morphology and field emission properties of tetrapod shaped Sn doped ZnO nanostructures under different growth times

Abstract The morphology, microstructure and field emission (FE) properties of tetrapod shaped Sn doped ZnO (T-SZO) nanostructures grown for different times were investigated. It is found that the morphology, particularly the aspect ratio of the T-SZO, can be controlled by adjusting the growth time and that the aspect ratio affects its FE properties. The aspect ratio increases first with the growth time, and after 90 s, a new series of T-SZO with smaller size and lower aspect ratio appear, leading to the deterioration of the FE properties. The sample grown for 90 s exhibits the highest aspect ratio of 16:5 and the lowest turn on field of 1·82 V μm− 1.
Human CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells Express High Levels of FLIP and Are Resistant to Fas‐Mediated Apoptosis

We sought to determine whether lympho‐hematopoietic stem‐progenitor cells (HSC) from human placental/umbilical cord blood (CB) or adult mobilized blood (PBSC) are sensitive to Fas‐induced apoptosis. Human CD34+ cells from CB or PBSC were cultured in serum‐free medium, with or without hematopoietic growth factors (FKT: FLT‐3 ligand [FL], KIT ligand [KL], and thrombopoietin [TPO]), and with or without soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) or agonistic anti‐Fas antibody. After 5‐48 hours of culture, cells were assessed for viability and stained with Annexin V and 7‐Aminoactinomycin D for apoptosis analysis by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Cultured cells were also assessed by in vitro hematopoietic colony‐forming cell (CFC) and in vivo nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mouse engraftment potential (SEP) assays. Levels of Fas, FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP), and Caspase 8 mRNA in CD34+ cells were determined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Expression of FLIP was confirmed by Western blotting. No decrease in viability, CFC, or SEP was observed in CB or PBSC CD34+ cells cultured in the presence of sFasL or agonistic anti‐Fas antibody. Human CB and mobilized PBSC CD34+ cells expressed high levels of FLIP, low ratios of Caspase 8:FLIP, and low levels of Fas. Thus, human CB and PBSC CD34+ HSC were resistant to Fas pathway agonists. High‐level expression of FLIP likely provides one level of protection of CD34+ cells from Fas‐mediated apoptosis.
Memory Affinity for Hierarchical Shared Memory Multiprocessors

Currently, parallel platforms based on large scale hierarchical shared memory multiprocessors with Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) are becoming a trend in scientific High Performance Computing (HPC). Due to their memory access constraints, these platforms require a very careful data distribution. Many solutions were proposed to resolve this issue. However, most of these solutions did not include optimizations for numerical scientific data (array data structures) and portability issues. Besides, these solutions provide a restrict set of memory policies to deal with data placement. In this paper, we describe an user-level interface named Memory Affinity interface (MAi), which allows memory affinity control on Linux based cache-coherent NUMA (ccNUMA) platforms. Its main goals are, fine data control, flexibility and portability. The performance of MAi is evaluated on three ccNUMA platforms using numerical scientific HPC applications, the NAS Parallel Benchmarks and a Geophysics application. The results show important gains (up to 31\%) when compared to Linux default solution.
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PERFORMANCE OF AN ULTRA LIGHT WEIGHT SWINGLET UAV

Abstract. Low cost mapping using UAV technology is becoming a trendy topic. Many systems exist where a simple camera can be deployed to take images, generally georeferenced with a GPS chip and MEMS attitude sensors. The step from using those images as information picture to photogrammetric products with geo-reference, such as digital terrain model (DTM) or orthophotos is not so big. New development in the field of image correlation allow matching rapidly and accurately images together, build a relative orientation of an image block, extract a DTM and produce orthoimage through a web server. The following paper focuses on the photogrammetric performance of an ultra light UAV equipped with a compact 12Mpix camera combined with online data processes provided by Pix4D. First, the step of image orientation is studied with the camera calibration step, thus the DTM extraction will be compared with conventional results from conventional photogrammetric software, new generation technique of pixel correlation and with reference data issued from high density laser scanning. The quality of orthoimage is presented in terms of quality and geometric accuracy.
Cold crystalloid versus warm blood cardioplegia for coronary artery bypass surgery.

PURPOSE Intermittent cold crystalloid cardioplegia by antegrade route to arrest the heart for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a commonly used technique. The aim of this study is to compare the intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia with cold crystalloid cardioplegia by means of measuring myocardial injury markers CKMB and troponin T. We also compared the results with antegrade and retrograde warm blood cardioplegia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients (n=30) undergoing CABG were prospectively randomized into group 1 (n=10) which received cold crystalloid cardioplegia by antegrade route, group 2 (n=10) which received warm blood cardioplegia by antegrade route and group 3 (n=10) which received antegrade/retrograde warm blood cardioplegia. RESULTS Preoperative and intraoperative variables were equal in all three groups. Control levels of troponin T and CKMB were in a normal range. Postoperative troponin T was significantly lower in group 3 compared to group 2 (p"=0.008") and to group 1 (p"=0.005"). CKMB is significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p"=0.013") and higher in group 2 than that in group 3 (p"=0.043"). CONCLUSION Antegrade with retrograde warm blood cardioplegia is a simple delivery method. Troponin T and CKMB levels were significantly lower, suggesting that this offered better myocardial protection than antegrade cold crystalloid and warm blood cardioplegia. We recommend its wider use.