Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability of reservation-contention resolution diversity slotted ALOHA for satellite networks

Random access (RA) schemes for satellite networks (SATNETs) have been attracting renewed interest, with an increase in bursty traffic in SATNETs and military satellite communications (MILSATCOM). In particular, reservationcontention resolution diversity slotted ALOHA (R-CRDSA), an enhancement of CRDSA, is the latest RA scheme. R-CRDSA can achieve maximum throughput with fewer replicas and greater stability than CRDSA. In this paper, the stability of R-CRDSA is investigated. The stability must be analyzed before an RA scheme is used; it is the most important property of an RA scheme because a RA scheme's dynamics may make it unusable in a practical system. We formulate a model of the stability of the R-CRDSA scheme with which we can not only evaluate the stability of a system configuration but also predict the range of stable states. Therefore, this model can be used for the design of SATNETs and various service models planned for next-generation MILSATCOM.
A Fast Binary Adder with Conditional Carry Generation

This paper presents a fast binary adder in static CMOS realization. While the carry derivation is similar to that in a conditional-sum adder, the proposed adder is also similar to that of a spanning tree carry lookahead adder in the sense that only selected carry bits are generated and the sum bits are produced by carry-select adders. In a 1.2 /spl mu/m static CMOS realization, the proposed adder adds two 32-bit operands in 3.28 ns. This delay is measured from the assertion of the input to the arrival of the slowest sum bit.
FDR step-down and step-up procedures for the correlated case

Controlling the false discovery rate has been increasingly utilized in high dimensional screening studies where multiplicity is a problem. Most methods do not explicitly take the correlation between the data or the test statistics into account, with consequent loss of power. In this paper, we use least favorable configurations to obtain critical values for both step-down and step-up procedures, valid for both dependent and independent hypotheses. The concept of a "minimum critical value" (MCV) is introduced. For the step-down case with MCV = 0, our step-down procedure is the same as that of Troendle (2000). It is conjectured that, for a given MCV, there is no uniformly more powerful step-down FDR procedure. Empirical results suggest that, for maximizing power, the "optimum" MCV is a decreasing function of the number of false hypotheses. Various tables are given, with a special "condensed" table valid for numbers of hypotheses from 30 to 10,000 and ρ = . 5 specifically designed for the case where few false hypotheses are anticipated or where a satisfactory outcome is the discovery of a few false hypotheses. Intermediate values for the latter table may be obtained by interpolation. An application to high dimensional genomic data is given.
Facile preparation of soluble poly(2-aminothiazole)-based composite coating for enhanced corrosion protection in 3.5% NaCl solution

Conducting polymer-based coating is the prospective alternative in consideration of environment-friendly coatings for corrosion protection of metallic substrate. Minimally-researched poly(2-aminothiazole) (PAT) with well-dispersion and good processability was synthesized successfully via radical polymerization and explored to prepare novel PAT/epoxy composite coatings on Q235 steel. The anticorrosive performance of PAT-based composite coatings was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization technique and scanning vibrating electrode technique in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution. The corrosion protective mechanism of poly(2-aminothiazole) was proved by the identification of rust layer beneath the composite coating.
Removal of Persisting Pupillary Membrane with Refractive Lens Exchange

Persistent pupillary membrane (PPM) develops as a result of embryogenesis disorders, which is a reverse development of tunica vasculosa lentis that supplies nutrition to the lens in the first six month of fetal life [9]. Involution of the central part of the membrane pupillaris occurs at seven or eight months of gestation. Persisting pupillary membrane is observed when this atrophy is incomplete [5]. The reserve development of the membrane also occurs after an infant is born, more intensively during the first year of the life [8]. Remnants of membrane pupillaris as PPM vary in a wide range beginning from thin cobweblike strands seen on a slit lamp to dense straining membranes covering a pupil space and inducing amblyopia [1]. Membrane strands can be connected with the cornea or the lens, but more often with other parts of the iris and between themselves [9]. SI “Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of NAMS of Ukraine”; Odessa (Ukraine)
PIAS3 activates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in non‐small cell lung cancer cells independent of p53 status

Protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (PIAS3) is an endogenous inhibitor of STAT3 that negatively regulates STAT3 transcriptional activity and cell growth and demonstrates limited expression in the majority of human squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. In this study, we sought to determine whether PIAS3 inhibits cell growth in non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of PIAS3 promotes mitochondrial depolarization, leading to cytochrome c release, caspase 9 and 3 activation and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage. This intrinsic pathway activation was associated with decreased Bcl‐xL expression and increased Noxa expression and was independent of p53 status. Furthermore, PIAS3 inhibition of STAT3 activity was also p53 independent. Microarray experiments were performed to discover STAT3‐independent mediators of PIAS3‐induced apoptosis by comparing the apoptotic gene expression signature induced by PIAS3 overexpression with that induced by STAT3 siRNA. The results showed that a subset of apoptotic genes was uniquely expressed only after PIAS3 expression. Thus, PIAS3 may represent a promising lung cancer therapeutic target because of its p53‐independent efficacy and its potential to synergize with Bcl‐2 targeted inhibitors.
Prevalence and risk factors of acquiring Strongyloides stercoralis infection among patients attending a tertiary hospital in Thailand

Abstract Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Strongyloides stercoralis infection in adult patients attending Siriraj Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Methods: A case–control study was carried out between July 2008 and April 2010. Case and control were identified from 6022 patients for whom results of faecal examination were available. A case was a patient who had S. stercoralis larva detected from faecal examination. Control was randomly selected from patients without S. stercoralis larvae detected in three consecutive faecal examinations. The proportion of control to case was 2 : 1. Demographic and clinical data for the day of diagnosis and retrospectively up to 15 days preceding the date of faecal examination were reviewed from their medical records. Results: Overall, 149 (2.47%) patients had S. stercoralis larvae positive. There were 105 males (70.5%), with the mean (SD) age of 53.9 (17.2) years. A total of 300 controls were selected. Male gender (odds ratio (OR) = 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.78–4.27)), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (OR = 3.23, 95% CI 1.43–7.29), and eosinophilia (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.33–2.47) were found to be independent risk factors associated with S. stercoralis infection in this setting. Corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive treatment, and other concomitant illnesses were not associated with increased risk of S. stercoralis infection. Conclusion: In this setting, strongyloidiasis was seen more often in male patients with eosinophilia and with HIV infection. Prevention of fatal complication caused by S. stercoralis by regular faecal examination, or serology for early detection and treatment of undiagnosed S. stercoralis infection, is warranted in these high-risk patients.
Typing of human papillomavirus in women with cervical lesions: Prevalence and distribution of different genotypes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) are distributed widely and persistent infection with high‐risk (HR) HPV is recognized as a necessary cause of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of different HR‐HPV genotypes in 199 women with cervical pre‐invasive lesions undergoing conservative treatment. A Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test was used to identify individual HPV genotypes in cervical samples. It was observed that the most prevalent HPV genotypes were HPV 16 (52.6%), HPV 51 (13.5%), and HPV 31 (10.9%); HPV 18 was found in 7.3% of the patients. Stratifying the different HPV genotypes according to the severity of the cervical lesion, a strong association between the increasing severity of the histological diagnosis and the detection of more carcinogenic HR‐HPV type was found, and in all but one cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 3 the presence of at least one HR‐HPV could be detected, with more than 70% of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 3 patients bearing HPV 16. Multiple infections, comprising between 2 and 6 HPV types, were found in 43% of patients; however, the presence of more than 1 HR‐HPV type was not associated with an increased risk of high grade lesions. In conclusion, this data show that HPV 16, 51, 31, 52, and 18 were the prevalent types found in patients with cervical lesion undergoing conservative treatment, with a high prevalence of HPV 16 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 3 patients. No association between multiple infection and severity of the lesion could be found. J. Med. Virol. 81:271–277, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some of the Properties of Binderless Particleboard Manufactured from Bamboo

Bambo particles as a waste byproduct from bamboo processing industry are suggested to be a promising material for binderless particleboard. The quality of binderless particleboard is affected by several factors, such as pretreatment, pressing method, pressing condition, moisture content, and particle size. This study was focused on the effect of particle size and moisture content on the physical and mechanical properties of binderless particleboard from Petung bamboo ( Dendrocalamus asper Backer) and conducted using the completely randomized design with two factors. Bamboo particles in three types of particle size, i.e. coarse (10~20 mesh), medium (20~60 mesh), and fine (passed 60 mesh), were used as materials for binderless board. Each particle size was then prepared for two moisture content conditions: air dry and 20±2%. Binderless boards were prepared by hot pressing at temperature of 200°C for 15 min, and the properties of the binderless boards were then evaluated according to the Japanese Industrial Standard for particleboard, JIS A 5908. The results showed that the binderless boards made from 20±2% moisture content particles showed better mechanical and dimensional properties than those made from air-dried particles. The binderless particleboard made from medium size and the moisture content of 20±2% recorded a modulus of rupture of 94 kg/cm², water absorption of 29%, thickness swelling of 5%, internal bond strength of 2.7 kg/cm², and modulus of elasticity of 19.490 kg/cm².
Atrial and ventricular electrical and contractile remodeling and reverse remodeling owing to short-term pacing-induced atrial fibrillation in horses.

BACKGROUND In humans, atrial fibrillation (AF) induces electrical, contractile, and structural remodeling leading to AF stabilization. Little is known about AF-induced atrial remodeling in horses. HYPOTHESIS Induced AF produces rapid atrial electrical and contractile remodeling in horses. ANIMALS Six horses, 5 animals completed the study. METHODS Each horse was instrumented with a pulse generator and pacemaker to maintain AF by burst pacing and to study atrial and ventricular electrophysiology (AF cycle length [AFCL], AF duration, and atrial/ventricular effective refractory period [AERP/VERP] at different pacing cycle lengths [PCL]). Left atrial and ventricular contractile remodeling were assessed echocardiographically by calculation of fractional changes in atrial and ventricular dimensions, respectively, during the cardiac cycle. Measurements were performed at baseline, a 7-day AF period and a 2-day recovery period. RESULTS Atrial electrical and contractile remodeling could be demonstrated after 4 and 12 hours of AF, respectively. A progressive shortening of the AERP (261 +/- 39-171 +/- 18 ms at a PCL of 1,000 ms, P < .0001), an attenuation of the AERP rate adaptation, a decrease in AFCL (239 +/- 39-194 +/- 7 ms, P < .0001), and a decrease in atrial FS (12 +/- 3% to 0 +/- 2%, P < .05) occurred. AF duration increased progressively and became persistent in 2 animals. VERP did not change significantly. Upon restoration of sinus rhythm, values returned to baseline within 48 hours. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Atrial electrical and contractile remodeling appears rapidly. After 7 days of AF, reverse remodeling occurred within 2 days. These observations suggest that early conversion of AF might be beneficial for success rate and early return to training.
Improvements in HCV-related Knowledge Among Substance Users on Opioid Agonist Therapy After an Educational Intervention

Objectives:Lack of knowledge about hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a principal barrier to substance users’ engagement into care for the infection. As a step toward their increased engagement into HCV care, the objective of this study was to deliver an HCV-related educational intervention to substance users on opioid agonist therapy and to assess the change in HCV-related knowledge after the intervention. Methods:We designed a comprehensive and interactive hepatitis C-related educational intervention, composed of two 30 to 60-minute sessions conducted during 2 consecutive weeks. Patients’ knowledge about hepatitis C was assessed immediately before and after the intervention using a 7-item questionnaire. Results:A total of 110 patients completed both educational sessions. Patients’ mean age was 54.7 ± 7.8 years, 58.7% were men, 70.4% African American, and 30% were Hispanic. We observed a significant increase in HCV-related knowledge after completion of the educational intervention. Whereas 65.45% of patients answered 5 or more questions correctly before the intervention, 83.64% had 5 or more questions answered correctly on the posteducational quiz (P < 0.001). Male sex, ever receiving an HCV diagnostic test before the educational intervention, and a higher level of HCV knowledge on the preeducational quiz were found to be significantly associated with HCV-related knowledge after the educational intervention. Conclusions:Patients’ knowledge about hepatitis C was found to be significantly improved after the educational intervention. Therefore, HCV-related education could be the first step toward effective enrollment of patients on opioid agonist therapy into hepatitis C care.
Validity and reliability of the French translation of the VISA-A questionnaire for Achilles tendinopathy

Abstract Purpose: The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles tendinopathy questionnaire (VISA-A) evaluates the clinical severity of Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to translate the VISA-A into French and to study the reliability and validity of this French version, the VISA-AF. Method: The VISA-A was translated into French to produce the VISA-AF using a validated methodology in six steps. Thereafter, several psychometric properties of this French version such as test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity and floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. Therefore, we recruited 116 subjects, distributed into 3 groups: pathological patients (n = 31), at-risk athletes (n = 63) and healthy people (n = 22). Results: The final version of the VISA-AF was approved by an expert committee. On a scale ranging from 0 to 100, the average scores of the VISA-AF obtained were 59 (± 18) for the pathological group, 99 (± 1) for the healthy group and 94 (± 7) for the at-risk group. The VISA-AF shows excellent reliability, low correlations with the discriminant subscales of the SF-36 and moderate correlations with the convergent subscales of the SF-36. Conclusions: The French version of the VISA-A is equivalent to its original version and is a reliable and valid questionnaire for French-speaking patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Implication for Rehabilitation The VISA-AF questionnaire is a reliable translation of the original VISA-A, from English into French, which is one of the most widespread languages in the world. The VISA-AF questionnaire is now a valid instrument that can be used by clinicians and researchers to assess the severity of pain and disability of French-speaking subjects with Achilles tendinopathy. The VISA-AF is a questionnaire to assess the severity of Achilles tendinopathy symptoms but is not a diagnostic tool.
Identifying relative cut-off scores with neural networks for interpretation of the minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire

Quality of life (QoL) is an important end point in heart failure (HF) studies. The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire (MLHFQ) is the instrument most widely used to evaluate QoL in Heart Failure (HF) patients. It is a questionnaire containing 21 questions with scores ranging from 0 to 105. A best cut-off value for MLHFQ scores to identify those patients with good, moderate or poor QoL has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: To determine a cut-off score for the MLHFQ based on the neural network (NN) approach. These cut-off scores will help discriminate between HF patients having good, moderate or poor QoL. METHODS: This research was carried out in the context of a longitudinal cohort study of new patients attending specialized HF clinics in six participating centers in Quebec, Canada. Patients completed a questionnaire that included the MLHFQ. In addition to this scale, self-perceived health status and clinical information related to the severity of HF were obtained including: the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, 6 minute walk test and survival status. We analyzed the database using NN and conventional statistical tools. The NN is a statistical program that recognizes clusters of MLHFQ and relates similar QoL measures to one another. Among the 531 eligible patients, 447 patients with complete questionnaires were used to build randomly two sets for training (learning set) and for testing (validation set) the NN. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 65 years and 24% were women. The median MLHFQ score was 45 (inter-quartile range: 27 to 64). NN identified 3 distinct clusters of MLHFQ that represent the full spectrum of possible scores on the MLHFQ. We estimated that a score of < 24 on the MLHFQ represents a good QoL, a score between 24 and 45 represents a moderate QoL, and a score > 45 represents a poor QoL. Validation with the different severity measures confirmed these categories. These cut-offs allowed us to reach a good total accuracy (91%). These cutoffs were strongly correlated with survival status (p = 3D 0.004), self-perceived health status (p = 3D0.0032), NYHA functional class (p<0.0001) and standardized 6 minutes walk test (p = 3D0.05) CONCLUSION: The identification of three levels of MLHFQ should be useful in clinical decision making.
The C/O ratio at low metallicity: constraints on early chemical evolution from observations of Galactic halo stars

Aims. We present new measurements of the abundances of carbon and oxygen derived from high-excitation C i and O i absorption lines in metal-poor halo stars, with the aim of clarifying the main sources of these two elements in the early stages of the chemical enrichment of the Galaxy. Methods. We target 15 new stars compared to our previous study, with an emphasis on additional C/O determinations in the crucial metallicity range −3 < [Fe/H] < −2. The stellar effective temperatures were estimated from the profile of the Hβ line. Departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium were accounted for in the line formation for both carbon and oxygen. The non-LTE effects are very strong at the lowest metallicities but, contrary to what has sometimes been assumed in the past due to a simplified assessment, of different degrees for the two elements. In addition, for the 28 stars with [Fe/H] < −1 previously analysed, stellar parameters were re-derived and non-LTE corrections applied in the same fashion as for the rest of our sample, giving consistent abundances for 43 halo stars in total. Results. The new observations and non-LTE calculations strengthen previous suggestions of an upturn in C/O towards lower metallicity (particularly for [O/H] < −2). The C/O values derived for these very metal-poor stars are, however, sensitive to excitation via the still poorly quantified inelastic H collisions. While these do not significantly affect the non-LTE results for C i, they greatly modify the O i outcome. Adopting the H collisional cross-sections estimated from the classical Drawin formula leads to [C/O] ≈ 0a t [O/H] ≈− 3. To remove the upturn in C/O, near-LTE formation for O i lines would be required, which could only happen if the H collisional efficiency with the Drawin recipe is underestimated by factors of up to several tens of times, a possibility which we consider unlikely. Conclusions. The high C/O values derived at the lowest metallicities may be revealing the fingerprints of Population III stars or may signal rotationally-aided nucleosynthesis in more normal Population II stars.
Construct Specification and Misspecification within the Application of Push-Pull-Mooring Theory of Switching Behaviour

This paper principally addresses the issue of construct specification and misspecification within the context of the application of Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) theory of consumer switching behaviour (CSB), and what implications it has for practicing marketing researchers. Despite the prospects of the PPM framework as a dominant paradigm for current and future research, there is evidence of divergent specification of constructs for the PPM framework in empirical studies. This study addresses this problem by applying empirical guidelines to determine the correct specification for the PPM framework, and uses an empirical illustration to demonstrate the potential consequence of misspecifying the PPM constructs in business. The findings indicate that about 67% level of construct misspecification exist in available research applying the PPM model in CSB literature. Pull, Push, and Mooring effects are identified as multi-dimensional construct that should follow a first-order reflective, second-order formative specification in the application of the full model. The findings also indicate that misspecification has potentially negative consequence on the validity, content and parsimony of measurement models in the PPM framework. Recommendations for practicing researchers are discussed. The paper furthers our understanding of construct specification and misspecification in theory development in business research.