Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some results for the fast MMSE-SIC detection in spatially multiplexed MIMO systems

We study the implementation algorithm for the MMSE-SIC detection with optimal detection order in a VBLAST system. We develop the LDLH decomposition based algorithm with backward substitution (LDBABS), which is shown to require as many multiplications as two other most efficient algorithms. We then propose a modified LDBABS algorithm that utilizes the scheme of incomplete LDLH decomposition together with the initial ordering information. The modified LDBABS algorithm is shown to require averagely fewer multiplications than any other implementation algorithm under the independent identically distributed Rayleigh fading channel. It is known that the real-valued MMSE-SIC detector with optimal detection order outperforms its complex-valued counterpart by approximately 1 dB. We finally propose a fast algorithm for the real-valued MMSE-SIC detector with optimal detection order. The number of real-valued multiplications required by this fast algorithm is approximately 1.57 times that required by the complex-valued LDBABS algorithm.
Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites

Progression in cement-based technology has driven the development of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) materials; such as concrete technology. Steel fibre and synthetic fibre are fundamental fibre types, which include glass, carbon, polyvinyl, polyolefin, waste fibre materials and polypropylene. The mechanical properties of FRC members are affected from these fibres individually and in hybrid aspects. The type, content and geometry of fibres are relied to these mechanical properties. A significant improvement in mechanical and dynamic properties of reinforced concrete members is enabled due to additional fibres into cementitious composites. Most mechanical properties are enhanced through intercept micro-cracks. The level of enhancement accomplished relied on the type and dosage of fibre as compared to plain concrete. Effective tensile strength, energy dissipation capacity and toughness are explained through FRC. The shear, punching and flexure are significantly increased through the level of enhancement accomplished. These fibres include polyvinyl, glass, carbon, polyolefin and polypropylene that improve the mechanical properties of concrete. The historical use of fibres and types of fibres are reported in this chapter. Similarly, the curing of steel, structural synthetic fibres, the mechanical properties of cement, the addition, placing, finishing and mixing are based on waste fibres, hybrid fibres, steel and structural synthetic.
On the ground state of a free massless (pseudo)scalar field in two dimensions

We investigate the ground state of a free massless (pseudo)scalar field in 1+1-dimensional space-time. We argue that in the quantum field theory of a free massless (pseudo)scalar field without infrared divergences (Eur. Phys. J. C24, 653 (2002)) the ground state can be represented by a tensor product of wave functions of the fiducial vacuum and of the collective zero-mode, describing the motion of the ``center of mass'' of a free massless (pseudo)scalar field. We show that the bosonized version of the BCS wave function of the ground state of the massless Thirring model obtained in (Phys.Lett. B563, 231 (2003)) describes the ground state of the free massless (pseudo)scalar field.
REVISITING RATING FORMAT RESEARCH: COMPUTER-BASED RATING FORMATS AND COMPONENTS OF ACCURACY

Prior to 1980, most research on performance appraisal focused on rating formats. Since then, most performance appraisal research has focused on the internal processes of raters. This study redirects the focus back onto rating format with a critical eye towards rating accuracy. Ninety subjects read several hypothetical descriptions of teacher behavior and then rated the teachers on different dimensions of teaching performance using computer-based rating formats. It was found that rating format does affect some measures of rating accuracy. In addition, support was found for the viability of a new rating format. Graphic rating scales with no anchors received higher accuracy scores on certain measures of accuracy, higher ratings for liking of the rating format, higher levels of comfort with the rating format, and higher levels of interrater reliability than either BARS or graphic rating scales with numerical anchors. This study supports the ideas that rating format research should be reexamined with a focus on rating accuracy and that computer-based graphic scales with no anchors should be considered as an alternative to more traditional rating methods.
Association between the alpha-adducin gene and hypertension in the HyperGEN Study.

This report from the HyperGEN Study, one of four networks participating in the NHLBI-sponsored Family Blood Pressure Program, presents the results of an association study based on 822 white and 572 black subjects (cases and controls) participating in the HyperGEN Network from five geographically diverse field centers. All cases met the Joint National Committee on Detection and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI) criteria for hypertension (Stage I or higher). Each subject was clinically examined for risk factors for hypertension as well as genotyped for the point mutation Gly460Trp at the alpha-adducin locus on chromosome 4p. In the white group, the prevalence of genotypes with one or more Trp alleles was 26% in normotensives, versus 33% in hypertensives randomly selected from the population, and 39% among the multiply affected hypertensive sibships. Overall, in whites, the Trp allele significantly increased the odds of hypertension (P = .0056), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17, 2.54). The alpha-adducin gene remained a significant independent predictor of hypertension in a multivariate logistic model even after correcting for other risk factors for hypertension, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, urine sodium (Na), and urine potassium (K), (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.03, 2.34). Through the use of regression trees, several gene-by-environment interactions were implicated, suggesting that alpha-adducin appears to be a particularly important risk factor (OR = 4.2) for older (age > 60.5 years), less lean (BMI < 25.8 kg/m2) subjects with moderately high triglycerides (between 145.5 and 218.5 mg/dL). In the black group, the relationship was less clear. Overall, it was protective against hypertension. The prevalence of genotypes with one or more Trp alleles was 24% among normotensive versus 11% in hypertensive black subjects randomly selected from the population, and 13% among multiply affected hypertensive sibships, resulting in an OR of 0.48 (P = .0231; 95% CI = 0.25, 0.90). However, the Trp genotype was no longer a significant independent predictor of hypertension risk in the multivariate logistic model (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.37, 1.67), suggesting that it may be operating through one or more of these other factors. Thus, we conclude that the alpha-adducin gene is a significant, independent risk factor for hypertension in whites, but not in blacks, and may play a particularly important role for subjects with certain constellations of other risk factors.
Manufacturing and characterization of poly(lactic acid) composites with hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite (HA), a naturally occurring calcium orthophosphate, possesses the most similar chemical composition to human bone. In this research work, composite materials were prepared using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a polymer matrix and HA as an osteoconductive filler for potential use in medical applications. Composites with varying HA content comprised in the 10–30 wt% range were obtained by extrusion-compounding followed by injection molding. The effect of the HA loading on overall properties was assessed by mechanical characterization using tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness standard tests. Main thermal transitions of PLA-HA composites were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and degradation/decomposition at high temperatures was followed by thermogravimetric analysis. Dynamical behavior was assessed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and the dimensional stability was studied by thermomechanical analysis (TMA). As per the results, PLA-HA composites with 20–30 wt% HA offer the best-balanced properties with a remarkable increase in the Young’s modulus. The glass transition temperature remained almost constant with slight changes of less than 1°C as measured by both DSC and TMA. TMA also revealed a remarkable decrease in the coefficient of linear thermal expansion. The overall results confirm the usefulness of these materials from a mechanical point of view for biomedical applications as they are characterized by high stiffness, tensile strength, and dimensional stability.
Variations of the superficial middle cerebral vein: classification using three-dimensional CT angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Classification of variations of the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) remains ambiguous. We propose a new classification system based on embryologic development for preoperative examination. METHODS Three-dimensional CT angiography was used to evaluate 500 SMCVs (in 250 patients). The outflow vessels from the SMCV were classified into seven types on the basis of embryologic development. The 3D CT angiograms in axial stereoscopic and oblique views and multiple intensity projection images were evaluated by the same neurosurgeon on two occasions. Inconsistent interpretations were regarded as equivocal. RESULTS Three-dimensional CT angiography clearly depicted the SMCV running along the lesser wing or the middle cranial fossa. However, the outflow vessel could not be confirmed as the sphenoparietal, cavernous, or emissary type in 39 (8%) of the sides. SMCVs running in the middle cranial fossa to join the transverse sinus or superior petrosal sinus were accurately identified. SMCVs were present in 456 sides: 62% entered the sphenoparietal sinus or the cavernous sinus and 12% joined the emissary vein. Nine vessels were the superior petrosal type, 10 the basal type, 12 the squamosal type, and 44 the undeveloped type. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional CT angiography can depict the vessels and their anatomic relationship to the bone structure, allowing identification of the SMCV variant in individual patients. Preoperative planning for skull base surgery requires such information to reduce the invasiveness of the procedure. With the use of our classification system, 3D CT angiography can provide exact and practical information concerning the SMCV.
Altered Expression of Regulators of Caspase Activity within Trophoblast of Normal Pregnancies and Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia

Apoptosis within villous trophoblast is increased in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia (PE). Caspase activity is regulated by the balance of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). This study investigated the expression and localisation of smac, HtrA2/Omi and IAPs in villous trophoblast in normal pregnancies and those complicated by PE. smac was significantly elevated in PE compared to normal pregnancies and staining was evident in syncytiotrophoblast (ST), cytotrophoblast (CT) and endothelial cells. Weak staining for HtrA2/Omi was present in ST cytoplasm in both normal and PE pregnancies. XIAP and survivin were not altered in PE. XIAP localized to ST cytoplasm, with weak staining in CT. Survivin localized to ST and CT cytoplasm, but also CT nuclei. In non-placental cells increased smac expression in the presence of normal IAP expression induces apoptosis. In conclusion, the increased expression of smac in villous trophoblast may have a role in increased apoptosis in PE.
Recent Management Controversies in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a important health concern that leads to significant morbidity for millions of Americans. Most recently, several areas of osteoporosis treatment have been debated, including calcium and vitamin D supplementation, duration of bisphosphonate therapy, and frequency of bone mineral density measurement. This article reviews the recent studies on these controversial topics and presents the current practice guidelines. Osteoporosis is a significant health concern that currently affects more than 10 million Americans, with an additional 34 million Americans at risk due to low bone mass. Osteoporotic fractures can lead to disabling pain, and nearly 30 % of patients with hip fractures require nursing home admission. In addition, 20 % of patients with hip fractures are no longer living one year after fracture. In 1994, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined osteoporosis as a T-score based on bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoporosis is present when BMD lies 2.5 standard deviations (SDs) or more below the mean value for young healthy women (i.e. a T-score of <-2.5 SDs). Osteoporosis is further defined by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) as a T-score of -2.5 or below in the spine (anteroposterior), femoral neck, or total hip, or the presence of fracture of the hip or spine (in the absence of other bone conditions). 1
Ultrasonic Characterization of Three Animal Mammary Tumors From Three-Dimensional Acoustic Tissue Models

This dissertation investigated how three-dimensional (3D) tissue models can be used to improve ultrasonic tissue characterization (UTC) techniques. Anatomic sites in tissue responsible for ultrasonic scattering are unknown, which limits the potential applications of ultrasound for tumor diagnosis. Accurate 3D models of tumor tissues may help identify the scattering sites. Three mammary tumors were investigated: a rat fibroadenoma, a mouse carcinoma, and a mouse sarcoma. A 3D acoustic tissue model, termed 3D impedance map (3DZM), was carefully constructed from consecutive histologic sections for each tumor. Spectral estimates (scatterer size and acoustic concentration) were obtained from the 3DZMs and compared to the same estimates obtained with ultrasound. Scatterer size estimates for three tumors were found to be similar (within 10%). The 3DZMs were also used to extract tissuespecific scattering models. The scattering models were found to allow clear distinction between the three tumors. This distinction demonstrated that UTC techniques may be helpful for noninvasive clinical tumor diagnosis.
Migration and young people’s mental health in Canada: A scoping review

Abstract Background: Young people’s mental health is a public health priority. Given the influences of migration and resettlement on mental health, synthesis of current research with young people from migrant backgrounds can help inform mental health promotion initiatives that account for and are responsive to their needs. Aims: This article distils the results of a review of published literature on the mental health of adolescent immigrants (ages 10–19) living in Canada. Method: Scoping review methods were used to define inclusion and exclusion criteria; inform the search strategies; and extract and synthesize key findings. Results: Fourteen articles met criteria for inclusion. Analysis of the studies indicate diversity in mental health indicators, e.g., mental distress, emotional problems and behavioral problems, as well as a wide range of influences on mental health from age at migration and length of stay to place of residence, income and discrimination. Conclusions: Findings support the need to account for the array of influences on young people’s mental health in relation to migration and to augment initiatives beyond the level of individual intervention.
Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) with simultaneous Fluorescence Lifetime and time-resolved Fluorescence Anisotropy Imaging (FLIM and tr-FAIM)

We report the simultaneous combination of three powerful techniques in uorescence microscopy: Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), Fluorescence Anisotropy Imaging (FAIM) and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), also called F3 microscopy. An exhaustive calibration of the setup was carried out with several rhodamine 6G (R6G) solutions in water-glycerol and from the combination of the FAIM and FRAP data, the hydrodynamic radius of the dye was directly calculated. The F3 data was analyzed with a home-built MATLAB script, and the setup is currently explored further with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Some molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are currently being run in order to help with the interpretation of the experimental anisotropy data.
Importance of early performance in CS1: two conflicting assessment stories

It is generally assumed that early success in CS1 is crucial for success on the exam and course as a whole. Particularities of students, densely-connected CS1 content, and recurring core topics each suggest that it is difficult to rebound from early misunderstandings. In this paper, we use Peer Instruction (PI) data, in addition to exam data, to explore relationships between in-class assessments and performance at the end of term and on the exam. We find that early course performance very quickly and strongly predicts performance on the final exam and that subsequent weeks provide no major increase in that predictive power. In contrast, early performance is similarly predictive of performance in the last weeks of PI questions, but subsequent weeks are increasingly more predictive. We speculate on what this means for the content of these assessments and potential future assessment practices.
Capacity of interference-limited three dimensional CSMA networks

In this paper, we study the throughput of interference-limited three dimensional (3D) CSMA networks. Specifically, we consider a network with a total of n nodes uniformly i.i. d. in a cube of edge length n1/3. Further, CSMA random access scheme is employed and the SINR model is used to simulate a successful transmission. We first give a sufficient condition on the transmit power required for the CSMA network to be asymptotically almost surely (a.a.s.) connected as n → ∞ under the SINR model. Then, we demonstrate constructively that a throughput of Θ(1/(n log2 n)1/3) is obtainable by each node for an arbitrarily chosen destination.
Mice with behavioral evidence of tinnitus exhibit dorsal cochlear nucleus hyperactivity because of decreased GABAergic inhibition

Tinnitus has been associated with increased spontaneous and evoked activity, increased neural synchrony, and reorganization of tonotopic maps of auditory nuclei. However, the neurotransmitter systems mediating these changes are poorly understood. Here, we developed an in vitro assay that allows us to evaluate the roles of excitation and inhibition in determining the neural correlates of tinnitus. To measure the magnitude and spatial spread of evoked circuit activity, we used flavoprotein autofluorescence (FA) imaging, a metabolic indicator of neuronal activity. We measured FA responses after electrical stimulation of glutamatergic axons in slices containing the dorsal cochlear nucleus, an auditory brainstem nucleus hypothesized to be crucial in the triggering and modulation of tinnitus. FA imaging in dorsal cochlear nucleus brain slices from mice with behavioral evidence of tinnitus (tinnitus mice) revealed enhanced evoked FA response at the site of stimulation and enhanced spatial propagation of FA response to surrounding sites. Blockers of GABAergic inhibition enhanced FA response to a greater extent in control mice than in tinnitus mice. Blockers of excitation decreased FA response to a similar extent in tinnitus and control mice. These findings indicate that auditory circuits in mice with behavioral evidence of tinnitus respond to stimuli in a more robust and spatially distributed manner because of a decrease in GABAergic inhibition.
Emotion recognition from peripheral physiological signals enhanced by EEG

Current multi-modal emotion recognition from physiological signals requires electroencephalogram(EEG) signals and peripheral physiological signals during both training and test. Compared with the peripheral physiological signals, it is more difficult to obtain EEG signals in our daily life. Therefore, we propose a novel approach to recognize emotions from peripheral signals by using EEG features as privileged information, which is only available during training. During training, first, peripheral physiological features and EEG features are extracted. Then, we construct a new peripheral physiological feature space using canonical correlation analysis with the help of EEG features. Finally we train a support vector machine(SVM) to map the new peripheral physiological features to the emotion labels. During test, only peripheral physiological features are used to recognize emotions from the constructed peripheral physiological feature space with the trained SVM model. The experimental results on two benchmark databases show that our proposed approach using EEG features as privileged information outperforms the method which recognizes emotions merely from the peripheral physiological signals.
Preventing Behavior Problems in Childhood and Adolescence: Evidence from Head Start

This paper shows that participation in Head Start decreases behavioral problems, grade repetition, and obesity of children at ages 12 and 13, and depression, criminal behavior, and obesity at ages 16 and 17. Head Start’s eligibility rules induce discontinuities in program participation as a function of income, which we use to identify program impacts. Since there is a range of discontinuities (they vary with family
Indices of Adiposity

In a clinical context, the term "overweight" usually connotes adiposity, an excess of body fat. In the absence of any direct or simple indirect methods of measuring total body fat, medical research workers often use formulae (indices) which relate body weight to stature. So far as we know, the uses and limitations of such formulae have never been critically examined. It is obvious that no formula relating weight to height can measure adiposity; the most we can hope for is that values of the index will be highly correlated with adiposity. The index cannot distinguish between heaviness due to adiposity, muscularity, or oedema, and, if adiposity is in question, should not be used in investigations where differential water retention may have an important influence on body weight, nor to compare groups of unusually muscular persons, such as athletes, with groups not so selected. Given these limitations, an index should provide a convenient and objective way of selecting for more detailed study, groups in which weight is unusually high or low. It should also be useful as a basis of standardization, and as a variable in mul tiple regression analyses. To perform these functions satisfactorily an index should have the following characteristics: