Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large System Analysis of Cognitive Radio Network via Partially-Projected Regularized Zero-Forcing Precoding

In this paper, we consider a cognitive radio (CR) network in which a secondary multiantenna base station (BS) attempts to communicate with multiple secondary users (SUs) using the radio frequency spectrum that is originally allocated to multiple primary users (PUs). Here, we employ partially-projected regularized zero-forcing (PP-RZF) precoding to control the amount of interference at the PUs and to minimize inter-SUs interference. The PP-RZF precoding partially projects the channels of the SUs into the null space of the channels from the secondary BS to the PUs. The regularization parameter and the projection control parameter are used to balance the transmissions to the PUs and the SUs. However, the search for the optimal parameters, which can maximize the ergodic sum-rate of the CR network, is a demanding process because it involves Monte-Carlo averaging. Then, we derive a deterministic expression for the ergodic sum-rate achieved by the PP-RZF precoding using recent advancements in large dimensional random matrix theory. The deterministic equivalent enables us to efficiently determine the two critical parameters in the PP-RZF precoding because no Monte-Carlo averaging is required. Several insights are also obtained through the analysis.
Dual role of mitochondria in producing melatonin and driving GPCR signaling to block cytochrome c release

Significance This paper describes the finding that mitochondria synthesize and release melatonin and have their selective G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the outer membrane. We further demonstrate that mitochondrial melatonin type 1 receptors respond to melatonin by activating heterotrimeric G proteins located in the intermembrane space and inhibit stress-mediated cytochrome c release. This remarkable insight changes our classical understanding of biological GPCR function by showing that a cellular organelle both synthesizes and has a signaling receptor for a specific ligand. Implicit with our original work is the existence of an automitocrine signaling pathway by which melatonin prevents neurodegeneration associated with mitochondrial cytochrome c release and downstream caspase activation. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are classically characterized as cell-surface receptors transmitting extracellular signals into cells. Here we show that central components of a GPCR signaling system comprised of the melatonin type 1 receptor (MT1), its associated G protein, and β-arrestins are on and within neuronal mitochondria. We discovered that the ligand melatonin is exclusively synthesized in the mitochondrial matrix and released by the organelle activating the mitochondrial MT1 signal-transduction pathway inhibiting stress-mediated cytochrome c release and caspase activation. These findings coupled with our observation that mitochondrial MT1 overexpression reduces ischemic brain injury in mice delineate a mitochondrial GPCR mechanism contributing to the neuroprotective action of melatonin. We propose a new term, “automitocrine,” analogous to “autocrine” when a similar phenomenon occurs at the cellular level, to describe this unexpected intracellular organelle ligand–receptor pathway that opens a new research avenue investigating mitochondrial GPCR biology.
Targeting the transforming growth factor-β signaling during pre-implantation development in embryos of cattle, sheep and goats

Abstract Recently, application of chemical inhibitors against differentiation signaling pathways has improved establishment of mESCs. In this study, we applied inhibitors of TGF-β (SB431542) and BMP4 (Noggin) from cleavage to blastocyst stage in cattle, goat and sheep embryos. SB significantly decreases blastocyst rate and total cell number (TCN) in sheep blastocysts, whereas only TCN was significantly decreased in cattle blastocysts. In contrast to SB, Noggin significantly improved cattle blastocyst development but decreased TCN. However, Noggin treatment led to a significant increase in TCN in sheep blastocysts. Regarding pluripotency triad (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2) and cell lineage commitment (REX1, CDX2, GATA4), SB led to a significant reduction in SOX2 expression in goat and cattle, while Noggin increased at least one or two of pluripotent markers in these species. Taken together, this data suggests that inhibition of TGF-β by Noggin may be more favorable for derivation of stem cells in farm animals.
Interleaved neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduces muscle fatigue

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be delivered over a muscle belly (mNMES) or nerve trunk (nNMES). Both methods generate contractions that fatigue rapidly due, in part, to non‐physiologically high motor unit (MU) discharge frequencies. In this study we introduce interleaved NMES (iNMES), whereby stimulus pulses are alternated between mNMES and nNMES. iNMES was developed to recruit different MU populations with every other stimulus pulse, with a goal of reducing discharge frequencies and muscle fatigue. Methods: Torque and electromyography were recorded during fatigue protocols (12 min, 240 contractions) delivered using mNMES, nNMES, and iNMES. Results: Torque declined significantly 3 min into iNMES and 1 min into both mNMES and nNMES. Torque decreased by 39% during iNMES and by 67% and 58% during mNMES and nNMES, respectively. Conclusions: iNMES resulted in less muscle fatigue than mNMES and nNMES. Delivering NMES in ways that reduce MU discharge frequencies holds promise for reducing muscle fatigue during NMES‐based rehabilitation. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 179–189, 2017
Gold mining as a source of mercury exposure in the Brazilian Amazon.

Amalgamation has been used for more than 4500 years in mining processes. Mercury has been extensively used in South America by Spanish colonizers for precious metal recovery. It is estimated that between 1550 and 1880, nearly 200,000 metric tonnes of mercury was released to the environment. During the present gold rush, Brazil is first in South America and second in the world in gold production (with 90% coming from informal mining or garimpos). At least 2000 tonnes of mercury has been released to the environment in the present gold rush. From the mid 1980s, environmental research has been carried out in impacted Amazon rivers, later followed by human exposure studies. The river basins studied were the Tapajós, Madeira, and Negro, but also some man-made reservoirs and areas in central Brazil. The analyses mainly involved sediments, soil, air, fish, human hair, and urine. The results show high variability, perhaps related to biological diversity, biogeochemical differences in the river basins, and seasonal changes. High mercury values also occur in some areas with no known history of gold mining. The results available document a considerable impact on environmental mercury concentrations and frequent occurrence of human exposure levels that may lead to adverse health effects.
An Investigation into Acoustic Analysis Methods for Endangered Species Monitoring: A Case of Monitoring the Critically Endangered White-Bellied Heron in Bhutan

Passive acoustic recording has great potential for monitoring soniferous endangered and cryptic species. However, this approach requires analysis of long duration environmental acoustic recordings that span months or years. There is a variety of approaches to analysing acoustic data. However, it is unclear which approaches are best suited for monitoring of endangered species in the wild. Specifically, this study is undertaking acoustic monitoring of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) in Bhutan. Four different acoustic analysis methods are investigated in terms of their detection accuracy, involvement of human experts, and overall utility to ecologists for target species monitoring work. Our experimental results show that human pattern detection using a visualization technique has detection performance on par with a cluster-based recogniser, while a machine learning classifier implemented using the same acoustic features suffers from very low precision. Further, specific cases of false positives and false negatives by the different methods are investigated and discussed in terms of their overall utility for ecological monitoring. Based on our experimental results, we demonstrate how an integrated semi-automated approach of human visual pattern analysis with a recogniser is a robust system for acoustic monitoring of target species.
SEANO: Semi-supervised Embedding in Attributed Networks with Outliers

In this paper, we propose a novel framework, called Semi-supervised Embedding in Attributed Networks with Outliers (SEANO), to learn a low-dimensional vector representation that systematically captures the topological proximity, attribute affinity and label similarity of vertices in a partially labeled attributed network (PLAN). Our method is designed to work in both transductive and inductive settings while explicitly alleviating noise effects from outliers. Experimental results on various datasets drawn from the web, text and image domains demonstrate the advantages of SEANO over state-of-the-art methods in semi-supervised classification under transductive as well as inductive settings. We also show that a subset of parameters in SEANO is interpretable as outlier score and can significantly outperform baseline methods when applied for detecting network outliers. Finally, we present the use of SEANO in a challenging real-world setting -- flood mapping of satellite images and show that it is able to outperform modern remote sensing algorithms for this task.
Subharmonic Response of Polymer Contrast Agents Based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition.

The subharmonic threshold for ultrasound contrast agent has been defined as a 20-25 dB difference between fundamental and subharmonic (2/1) spectral components of the backscatter signal. However, this Fourier-based criteria assumes a linear, time-invariant signal. A more appropriate criterion for short cycle and frequency modulated waveforms is proposed with an adaptive signal-processing approach based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method. The signal is decomposed into an orthogonal basis known as Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) and a subharmonic threshold is defined with respect to the energy ratio of the subharmonic IMF component to that of the incident signal. The method is applied to backscatter data acquired from two polymer-shelled contrast agents (Philips #38, mean diameter 2.0 m) and Point Biomedical (#12027, mean diameter 3.9 m). The acoustic backscatter signals are investigated for a single contrast agent subjected to monofrequency (20 MHz, 20 cycles) and chirp (15-25 MHz, 20 cycles) forcing for incident pressures ranging from 0.5 to 2.4 MPa. In comparison to the spectral peak difference (20 dB) criterion, the EMD method is more sensitive in determining subharmonic signals.
Shoe contact dermatitis.

Allergy to shoes is a fairly common problem in a dermatologist's practice. In a five-vear period 43 cases were documented. Shoe dermatitis is often incorrectly diagnosed as fungus infection, atopic eczema, or psoriasis. Employing only clinical criteria in the diagnosis of foot dermatoses can be misleading since shoe contact dermatitis may involve such "atypical" areas as the soles and is often not symmetrical. Proper patch testing with portions of the patient's own shoes is essential in making a diagnosis and is helpful from the standpoint of treatment. A shoe "screening tray" of rubber additives and other chemicals is a useful adjunct. As rubber-based adhesives or lining materials are the most commonly encountered offenders, finding suitable nonallergenic foot-wear can be a difficult problem. The majority of patients do well once the diagnosis is made.
Initial romanian experience with green light hps 120 w laser in bph

Introduction and objectives:Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy (PVP) is a relatively new technology for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We reviewed our initial experience regarding the efficacy and safety of this technique for symptomatic and obstructive BPH. Material and methods: During the last year, 35 patients with a mean age of 65.3 years (between 53 and 80) and symptomatic BPH were treated by laser prostatectomy using KTP/532 laser energy at 120W. The procedure was performed through a 21F continuous-flow cystoscope with normal saline as irrigant. All patients underwent standard urologic evaluation using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the urinary peak flow rate (Qmax), ultrasound measurement of prostate volume and residual urine volume, assay of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE). The mean prostatic volume was 45cm3 (range 30–70cm3). The patients were reassessed postoperatively at 3 and 6 months. Results: In all cases, KTP laser vaporization was successfully performed, with a mean operating time of 57 minutes (range 20-120 minutes). In most cases, we used just one fibre, the mean energy released being 170.000 Joules (range 80.000-270.000). The mean hospital stay was 24 hours. No major complications occurred intraoperatively or postoperatively, and no transfusions were necessary. All patients were catheter-free after 1 month. At 3 and 6 months, the mean urinary peak flow increased from the preoperative value of 8.5mL/sec to 23.7mL/sec and 21.2mL/sec, respectively. The mean IPSS decreased from 19.0 to 9.5 and 7.5 at 3 and 6 months, and the mean post-voiding residual volume (PVR) decreased from 90.5 to 30.5mL and 15.0 mL. Two patients were admitted for secondary hematuria and urinary infection, and 7 patients presented irritative low urinary tract symptoms during their first postoperative check-up. Conclusions: BPH photoselective vaporization using 120W Green Light laser is a safe and easy to learn technique, with good functional results and a low rate of complications.
CNO in evolved intermediate mass stars

In order to investigate the possible influence of rotation on the efficiency of the first dredge-up we determined atmospheric parameters, masses, and abundances of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in a sample of evolved intermediate mass stars. We used high resolution spectra and conducted a model atmosphere analysis. The abundances were calculated through spectral synthesis and compared to the predictions of rotating and non-rotating evolutionary models. Almost all those objects in our sample where carbon and nitrogen abundances could be determined show signs of internal mixing. The stars, however, seem to be mixed to different extents. Among the mixed stars we identify five in our sample with abundances in agreement with the non-rotating models, four stars that seem to be mixed beyond that, and one star that seems to be slightly less mixed than predicted for the first dredge-up. There are also five stars that seem to be slightly more mixed than expected, but their abundances are in marginal agreement with both rotating and non-rotating models. Such differences in the extent of the mixing are not predicted by the standard models and imply the action of other mixing mechanisms than solely the convective dredge-up. We also identified for the first time an important correlation between the [N/C] ratio and the stellar mass.
Hierarchical Radio Resource Optimization for Heterogeneous Networks With Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (eICIC)

Interference is a major performance bottleneck in Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) due to its multi-tier structure. We propose almost blank resource block (ABRB) for interference control in HetNet. When an ABRB is scheduled in a macro BS, a resource block (RB) with blank payload is transmitted and this eliminates the interference from this macro BS to the pico BSs. We study a two timescale hierarchical radio resource management (RRM) scheme for HetNet with dynamic ABRB control. The long term controls, such as dynamic ABRB, are adaptive to the large scale fading at a RRM server for co-Tier and cross-Tier interference control. The short term control (user scheduling) is adaptive to the local channel state information at each BS to exploit the multi-user diversity. The two timescale optimization problem is challenging due to the exponentially large solution space. We exploit the sparsity in the interference graph of the HetNet topology and derive structural properties for the optimal ABRB control. Based on that, we propose a two timescale alternative optimization solution for user scheduling and ABRB control. The solution has low complexity and is asymptotically optimal at high SNR. Simulations show that the proposed solution has significant gain over various baselines.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Aids in Distinguishing Metastatic Recurrence from Second Primary Cancers.

BACKGROUND Metastatic recurrence after treatment for locoregional cancer is a major cause of morbidity and cancer-specific mortality. Distinguishing metastatic recurrence from the development of a second primary cancer has important prognostic and therapeutic value and represents a difficult clinical scenario. Advances beyond histopathological comparison are needed. We sought to interrogate the ability of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to aid in distinguishing between these clinical scenarios. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified three prospective cases of recurrent tumors in patients previously treated for localized cancers in which histologic analyses suggested subsequent development of a distinct second primary. Paired samples from the original primary and recurrent tumor were subjected to hybrid capture next-generation sequencing-based CGP to identify base pair substitutions, insertions, deletions, copy number alterations (CNA), and chromosomal rearrangements. Genomic profiles between paired samples were compared using previously established statistical clonality assessment software to gauge relatedness beyond global CGP similarities. RESULTS A high degree of similarity was observed among genomic profiles from morphologically distinct primary and recurrent tumors. Genomic information suggested reclassification as recurrent metastatic disease, and patients received therapy for metastatic disease based on the molecular determination. CONCLUSIONS Our cases demonstrate an important adjunct role for CGP technologies in separating metastatic recurrence from development of a second primary cancer. Larger series are needed to confirm our observations, but comparative CGP may be considered in patients for whom distinguishing metastatic recurrence from a second primary would alter the therapeutic approach. The Oncologist 2017;22:152-157Implications for Practice: Distinguishing a metastatic recurrence from a second primary cancer can represent a difficult clinicopathologic problem but has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Approaches to aid histologic analysis may improve clinician and pathologist confidence in this increasingly common clinical scenario. Our series provides early support for incorporating paired comprehensive genomic profiling in clinical situations in which determination of metastatic recurrence versus a distinct second primary cancer would influence patient management.
Increasing synoptic scale variability in atmospheric CO 2 at Hateruma Island associated with increasing East-Asian emissions

Abstract. In-situ observations of atmospheric CO2 and CH4 at Hateruma Island (24.05° N, 123.80° E, 47 m a.s.l), Japan shows large synoptic scale variations during a 6-month period from November to April, when the sampled air is predominantly of continental origin due to the Asian winter monsoon. Synoptic scale variations are extracted from the daily averaged values for the years between 1996 and 2007, along with the annual standard deviations (σCO2 and σCH4 for CO2 and CH4, respectively) for the relevant 6-month period. During this 6-month period the absolute mixing ratios of CO2 and CH4 at Hateruma are also elevated compared to those at two sites in the central North Pacific Ocean. The temporal change in σCO2 shows a systematic increase over the 12-year period, with elevated excursions in 1998 and 2003; there is no clear increase in σCH4. We also find that the σCO2/σCH4 ratio increases gradually from 1996 to 2002 and rapidly after 2002 without any extreme deviations that characterised σCO2. The σCO2/σCH4 ratio correlates closely with the recent rapid increase in fossil carbon emissions from China, as indicated in the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) database. This methodology can be applied to multiple chemical tracers of sufficient lifetime, for tracking overall changes in regional emissions.
Visual Search Behavior in Individuals With Retinitis Pigmentosa During Level Walking and Obstacle Crossing.

Purpose Investigate the visual search strategy of individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) when negotiating a floor-based obstacle compared with level walking, and compared with those with normal vision. Methods Wearing a mobile eye tracker, individuals with RP and normal vision walked along a level walkway or walked along the walkway negotiating a floor-based obstacle. In the level walking condition, tape was placed on the floor to act as an object attracting visual attention. Analysis compared where individuals looked within the environment. Results In the obstacle compared with level walking condition: (1) the RP group reduced the length of time and the number of times they looked Ahead, and increased the time and how often they looked at features on the ground (Object and Down, P < 0.05); and (2) the visual normal group reduced the time (by 19%) they looked Ahead (P = 0.076), and increased the time and how often they looked at the Object (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal vision group, in both level walking and obstacle conditions, the RP group reduced the time looking Ahead and looked for longer and more often Down (P < 0.05). Conclusions The RP group demonstrated a more active visual search pattern, looking at more areas on the ground in both level walking and obstacle crossing compared with visual normals. This gaze strategy was invariant across conditions. This is most likely due to the constricted visual field and inability to rely on inferior peripheral vision to acquire information from the floor within the environment when walking.