Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probability of error of space-time coded OFDM systems with frequency offset in frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channels

In this paper, we analyze the performance of space-time coded (ST-coded) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with carrier frequency offset (CFO) in a frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channel. Closed-form analytical expressions are derived for the symbol error probability (SEP) for M-PSK and M-QAM modulation schemes. The SEP expressions derived are valid and exact for OFDM systems with highly frequency-selective wireless channels where the subcarrier channel responses are i.i. d. with Rayleigh fading. Also, for the case where imperfect channel knowledge is used for space-time decoding, we derive expressions for constellation phase-rotation and post-equalized SINR (signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio) degradation due to CFO. The numerical results demonstrate the sensitivity of the receiver error performance to CFO in ST-coded OFDM systems.
A Role for NF-κB Activity in Skin Hyperplasia and the Development of Keratoacanthomata in Mice

Background Previous studies have implicated NF-κB signaling in both cutaneous development and oncogenesis. However, these studies have been limited in part by the lethality that results from extreme over- or under-expression of NF-κB in available mouse models. Even cre-driven tissue specific expression of transgenes, or targeted deletion of NF-κB can cause cell death. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate a novel mouse model of enhanced NF-κB activity in the skin. Methods A knock-in homologous recombination technique was utilized to develop a mouse model (referred to as PD mice) with increased NF-κB activity. Results The data show that increased NF-κB activity leads to hyperproliferation and dysplasia of the mouse epidermis. Chemical carcinogenesis in the context of enhanced NF-κB activity promotes the development of keratoacanthomata. Conclusion Our findings support an important role for NF-κB in keratinocyte dysplasia. We have found that enhanced NF-κB activity renders keratinocytes susceptible to hyperproliferation and keratoacanthoma (KA) development but is not sufficient for transformation and SCC development. We therefore propose that NF-κB activation in the absence of additional oncogenic events can promote TNF-dependent, actinic keratosis-like dysplasia and TNF-independent, KAs upon chemical carcinogensis. These studies suggest that resolution of KA cannot occur when NF-κB activation is constitutively enforced.
Striatal Dopamine Release and Genetic Variation of the Serotonin 2C Receptor in Humans

Mesoaccumbal and nigrostriatal projections are sensitive to stress, and heightened stress sensitivity is thought to confer risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. Serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptors mediate the inhibitory effects of serotonin on dopaminergic circuitry in experimental animals, and preclinical findings have implicated 5-HT2C receptors in motivated behaviors and psychotropic drug mechanisms. In humans, a common missense single-nucleotide change (rs6318, Cys23Ser) in the 5-HT2C receptor gene (HTR2C) has been associated with altered activity in vitro and with clinical mood disorders. We hypothesized that dopaminergic circuitry would be more sensitive to stress in humans carrying the Ser23 variant. To test this hypothesis, we studied 54 healthy humans using positron emission tomography and the displaceable D2/D3 receptor radiotracer [11C]raclopride. Binding potential (BPND) was quantified before and after a standardized stress challenge consisting of 20 min of moderate deep muscular pain, and reduction in BPND served as an index of dopamine release. The Cys23Ser variant was genotyped on a custom array, and ancestry informative markers were used to control for population stratification. We found greater dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, and putamen among Ser23 carriers, after controlling for sex, age, and ancestry. Genotype accounted for 12% of the variance in dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. There was no association of Cys23Ser with baseline BPND. These findings indicate that a putatively functional HTR2C variant (Ser23) is associated with greater striatal dopamine release during pain in healthy humans. Mesoaccumbal stress sensitivity may mediate the effects of HTR2C variation on risk of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Shear Strength of Large Concrete Members with FRP Reinforcement

Increasing interest in the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement for reinforced concrete structures has made it clear that insufficient information about the shear performance of such members is currently available to practicing engineers. This paper summarizes the results of 11 large shear tests of reinforced concrete beams with glass FRP (GFRP) longitudinal reinforcement and with or without GFRP stirrups. Test variables were the member depth, the member flexural reinforcement ratio, and the amount of shear reinforcement provided. Results showed that the equations of the Canadian CSA shear provisions provide conservative estimates of the shear strength of FRP-reinforced members. Recommendations are given along with a worked example on how to apply these provisions including to members with FRP stirrups. It was found that members with multiple layers of longitudinal bars appear to perform better than those with a single layer of longitudinal reinforcing bars. Overall, it was concluded that t.
Stability and Control of Fluid Queueing Systems with Stochastically Switching Capacities

We consider a piecewise-deterministic queueing (PDQ) model to study trafﬁc queues due to stochastic capacity ﬂuctuations in transportation facilities. The saturation rate (capacity) of the PDQ model switches between a ﬁnite set of values (modes) according to a Markov chain. The inﬂow to the PDQ is controlled by a state-feedback policy. The main results of this article are stability conditions of PDQs, i.e. conditions under which the distribution of the queue length converges to a unique invariant probability measure. On one hand, a necessary condition for stability is that the average inﬂow does not exceed the average saturation rate. On the other hand, based on the Foster-Lyapunov criteria, we derive a sufﬁcient condition that requires a bilinear matrix inequality to admit positive solutions and the invariant probability measure to be unique. We also study the rate of convergence for stable PDQs. Furthermore, for PDQs with two modes, a necessary and sufﬁcient condition for stability is available. In addition, we present examples for the stability analysis of feedback control policies for single PDQs as well as a network of two PDQ links in parallel.
Malignant syphilis in an immunocompetent female patient*

Malignant syphilis is an uncommon manifestation of secondary syphilis, in which necrotic lesions may be associated with systemic signs and symptoms. Generally it occurs in an immunosuppressed patient, mainly HIV-infected, but might be observed on those who have normal immune response. Since there is an exponential increase in the number of syphilis cases, more diagnoses of malignant syphilis must be expected. We report a case in an immunocompetent female patient.
Parent personality traits and psychopathology associated with antisocial behaviors in childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Although a role for family and parent factors in the development of behavioral problems in childhood is often acknowledged, the roles of specific parental characteristics in relation to specific child actions need further elucidation. We studied parental "Big Five" personality traits and psychiatric diagnoses in relation to their children's antisocial diagnoses and naturalistically observed antisocial behaviors, in boys with and without the diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). First, regardless of comorbid antisocial diagnosis, boys with ADHD, more often than comparison boys, had mothers with a major depressive episode and/or marked anxiety symptoms in the past year, and fathers with a childhood history of ADHD. Second, compared to the nondiagnosed group, boys with comorbid ADHD + Oppositional Defiant or Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD) had fathers with lower Agreeableness, higher Neuroticism, and more likelihood of having Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Third, regarding linkages between parental characteristics and child externalizing behaviors, higher rates of child overt antisocial behaviors observed in a naturalistic summer program were associated primarily with maternal characteristics, including higher Neuroticism, lower Conscientiousness, presence of Major Depression, and absence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The association of maternal Neuroticism with child aggression was larger in the ADHD than in the comparison group. In contrast, higher rates of observed child covert antisocial behaviors were associated solely with paternal characteristics, including history of substance abuse and higher Openness. Results provide external validation in parent data for a distinction between overt and covert antisocial behaviors and support inclusion of parent personality traits in family studies. The interaction of maternal Neuroticism and child ADHD in predicting child aggression is interpreted in regard to a conceptualization of child by parent "fit. "
Satisfaction of women after mastectomy for nursing care.

PURPOSE The assessment of satisfaction of women after mastectomy for nursing care. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research was carried out on a group of 217 patients after radical mastectomy and took place at Surgical Clinic of Swietokrzyskie Oncology Centre in Kielce. Authors' assessment scale was used in research. RESULTS Tested patients assessed nurses' professional tasks in terms of therapy as very high. The lowest marks were given to nurses' tasks in terms of physical rehabilitation. On intermediate level in patients' assessment were nursing, prophylactic, psychosocial support and educational tasks. Patients after mastectomy in younger age group (less then 50 years) assessed nurses' therapy tasks (p < 0.05) significantly higher in comparison to group of women in the age of 50 and more. Married and professional active women assessed significantly higher therapeutic and nursing tasks. Moreover, therapeutic tasks were higher assessed by women with two-sided mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS 1) Patients assessed nurses' professional tasks realised in terms of therapy as very high, while nursing service as far as physical rehabilitation is concerned was assessed as very low. 2) The higher level of satisfaction from therapy tasks was seen in younger patients (under 50), married, professionally active, not longer than 1 year after the operation and with two-sided mastectomy.
Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria and the Bacterial Community Response in Gulf of Mexico Beach Sands Impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

ABSTRACT A significant portion of oil from the recent Deepwater Horizon (DH) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was transported to the shoreline, where it may have severe ecological and economic consequences. The objectives of this study were (i) to identify and characterize predominant oil-degrading taxa that may be used as model hydrocarbon degraders or as microbial indicators of contamination and (ii) to characterize the in situ response of indigenous bacterial communities to oil contamination in beach ecosystems. This study was conducted at municipal Pensacola Beach, FL, where chemical analysis revealed weathered oil petroleum hydrocarbon (C8 to C40) concentrations ranging from 3.1 to 4,500 mg kg−1 in beach sands. A total of 24 bacterial strains from 14 genera were isolated from oiled beach sands and confirmed as oil-degrading microorganisms. Isolated bacterial strains were primarily Gammaproteobacteria, including representatives of genera with known oil degraders (Alcanivorax, Marinobacter, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter). Sequence libraries generated from oiled sands revealed phylotypes that showed high sequence identity (up to 99%) to rRNA gene sequences from the oil-degrading bacterial isolates. The abundance of bacterial SSU rRNA gene sequences was ∼10-fold higher in oiled (0.44 × 107 to 10.2 × 107 copies g−1) versus clean (0.024 × 107 to 1.4 × 107 copies g−1) sand. Community analysis revealed a distinct response to oil contamination, and SSU rRNA gene abundance derived from the genus Alcanivorax showed the largest increase in relative abundance in contaminated samples. We conclude that oil contamination from the DH spill had a profound impact on the abundance and community composition of indigenous bacteria in Gulf beach sands, and our evidence points to members of the Gammaproteobacteria (Alcanivorax, Marinobacter) and Alphaproteobacteria (Rhodobacteraceae) as key players in oil degradation there.
Early prediction of sustained virological response at day 3 of treatment with albinterferon‐α‐2b in patients with genotype 2/3 chronic hepatitis C

Background: Albinterferon‐α‐2b (albIFN) is a long‐acting fusion polypeptide composed of albumin and IFN‐α‐2b. In a phase 2 study of albIFN 1500 μg q2wk or q4wk in patients with genotype 2/3 chronic hepatitis C, albIFN demonstrated sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 62–77% (intent‐to‐treat population).
Intake of Flavonoids, Carotenoids, Vitamins C and E, and Risk of Stroke in Male Smokers

Background and Purpose Antioxidants may protect against atherosclerosis and thus prevent cerebrovascular disease. We studied the association between dietary antioxidants and subtypes of stroke. Methods The study cohort consisted of 26 593 male smokers, aged 50 to 69 years, without a history of stroke. They were participants of the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study in Finland. The men completed a validated dietary questionnaire at baseline. Incident cases were identified through national registers. Results During a 6.1-year follow-up, 736 cerebral infarctions, 83 subarachnoid hemorrhages, and 95 intracerebral hemorrhages occurred. Neither dietary flavonols and flavones nor vitamin E were associated with risk for stroke. The dietary intake of &bgr;-carotene was inversely associated with the risk for cerebral infarction (relative risk [RR] of highest versus lowest quartile 0.74, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.91), lutein plus zeaxanthin with risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.93), and lycopene with risks of cerebral infarction (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.92) and intracerebral hemorrhage (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.86). Vitamin C intake was inversely associated with the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.74). After simultaneous modeling of the antioxidants, a significant association remained only between &bgr;-carotene intake and risk for cerebral infarction (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.99). Conclusions Dietary intake of &bgr;-carotene was inversely associated with the risk for cerebral infarction. No association was detected between other dietary antioxidants and risk for stroke.
The three‐dimensional architecture of the notochordal nucleus pulposus: novel observations on cell structures in the canine intervertebral disc

Cells from the nucleus pulposus of young (< 2 years) and old (> 5 years) non‐chondrodystrophoid dogs were studied using routine histology, confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The architecture of cell structures – from the tissue scale down to subcellular scale – was reported. Clusters of notochordal cells were observed in young nuclei pulposi, ranging from 10 to 426 cells each. These clusters resisted mechanical disruption and showed evidence of cell–cell signalling via gap junctions. Cells (30–40 µm in diameter) within the clusters had a physaliferous appearance, containing numerous large inclusions which ranged from 1 to 20 µm in diameter. The inclusions were surrounded by a dense actin cortex but were not contained by a lipid bilayer. The contents of the inclusions were determined not to be predominantly carbohydrate or neutral lipid as assessed by histochemical staining, but the exact composition of the contents remained uncertain. There were striking differences in the cell architecture of young vs. old nuclei pulposi, with a loss of both cell clusters and physaliferous cells during ageing. These observations demonstrate unique cell structures, which may influence our understanding of the differences between notochordal and chondrocytic cells in the nucleus pulposus. Such differences could have substantial impact upon how we think about development, degeneration and repair of the intervertebral disc.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF NETCAGE VERSUS SEA-BAG PRODUCTION SYSTEMS FOR SALMON AQUACULTURE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Conventional open netcage systems for salmon aquaculture are under scrutiny and criticism partially because they are believed to generate adverse environmental impacts on other resource users and the surrounding environment. One alternative to preventing or miniming these impacts is to use enclosed systems. Experience indicates that these enclosed systems are technically feasible and environmentally promising, but they are economically demanding because of high capital and operating costs. Therefore, an economic analysis of open netcage and sea-bag systems for salmon aquaculture was conducted to examine the profitability of salmon aquaculture operations between these two systems. The study shows that netcage systems are more financially profitable than sea-bag systems when environmental costs are either not or only partially considered. Sea-bag systems can be financially profitable only when they produce fish that achieve a price premium. Sensitivity analyses reveal that market price has the most important impact on the profitability of both systems; changes in discount rates, fish density, feed costs, and environmental costs also have major impacts on the profitability of netcage systems. Changes in the length of the growth cycle, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio have minor impacts on the profitability of sea-bag systems.
Alcohol and Cardiovascular Disease—Modulation of Vascular Cell Function

Alcohol is a commonly used drug worldwide. Epidemiological studies have identified alcohol consumption as a factor that may either positively or negatively influence many diseases including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and dementia. Often there seems to be a differential effect of various drinking patterns, with frequent moderate consumption of alcohol being salutary and binge drinking or chronic abuse being deleterious to one’s health. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the many effects of alcohol consumption is beginning to emerge, as well as a clearer picture as to whether these effects are due to the direct actions of alcohol itself, or caused in part by its metabolites, e.g., acetaldehyde, or by incidental components present in the alcoholic beverage (e.g., polyphenols in red wine). This review will discuss evidence to date as to how alcohol (ethanol) might affect atherosclerosis that underlies cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and the putative mechanisms involved, focusing on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell effects.
Common Fixed Point of Multivalued Generalized -Weak Contractive Mappings

Fixed point and coincidence results are presented for multivalued generalized -weak contractive mappings on complete metric spaces, where is a lower semicontinuous function with and for all . Our results extend previous results by Zhang and Song (2009), as well as by Rhoades (2001), Nadler (1969), and Daffer and Kaneko (1995).
Regulation of gamma interferon production by natural killer cells in scid mice: roles of tumor necrosis factor and bacterial stimuli

CB-17 scid mice exhibit a T-cell-independent but gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-dependent immunity to Listeria monocytogenes. In this study, we analyzed the specific cellular interactions involved in this process. scid mouse-derived natural killer (NK) cells cultured with heat-killed (HK) L. monocytogenes and macrophages secreted IFN-gamma. No IFN-gamma was produced in cultures containing HK L. monocytogenes but lacking macrophages. However, medium derived from macrophages incubated with HK L. monocytogenes or other microorganisms stimulated IFN-gamma production by isolated NK cells. Treatment of macrophage-conditioned supernatants with neutralizing monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) significantly reduced their capacity to stimulate NK cells to produce IFN-gamma. Yet, purified recombinant TNF-alpha by itself was unable to stimulate NK cells. Thus, TNF was necessary but not sufficient to induce maximal IFN-gamma production by NK cells. Sonicated L. monocytogenes stimulated production of IFN-gamma by NK cells that was resistant to anti-TNF. Stimulation was markedly enhanced by the addition of recombinant TNF-alpha. These studies demonstrated that activation of scid NK cells for secretion of IFN-gamma requires two signals: TNF-alpha and a second product which may be of bacterial origin and may require processing by mononuclear phagocytes. We suggest that the T-cell-independent production of IFN-gamma by NK cells provides the host with a rapid mechanism to temporarily heighten nonspecific resistance to infection until such time as T-cell-dependent sterilizing immune responses can be generated.
Elastic Properties of Randomly Oriented Short Fiber-Glass Composites

Simplified equations are presented for the elastic properties of randomly oriented short fiber-glass composites. The suggested equations for the Young's modulus, the shear modulus and the Poisson ratio are given in terms of the fiber-glass content and the Young's moduli of the constit uents. The equations are applicable for fiber-glass volume fractions in the range 0.1 to 0.4. The theoretical results are compared with experimental values, and the achieved good correlation, shows the utility of the pro posed approximations.
Quadriceps and Grip Strength Are Related to Vitamin D Receptor Genotype in Elderly Nonobese Women

Osteoporotic fragility fractures are related to bone density and injury, which are both related to muscle strength. The influence of genetic factors, such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism on bone mineral density (BMD), is documented but still controversial, and is not known for muscle strength. In the present study, we investigated the association between the VDR BsmI polymorphism and BMD (femoral neck [FN], lumbar spine [LS], and proximal forearm [FA]) and muscle strength (quadriceps and grip strength) in 501 healthy women older than 70 years. No association was found between the VDR genotypes and BMD in elderly women. However, in nonobese women (body mass index <30 kg/cm2), the BMD in the FN was 5% higher in women with the bb BsmI genotype than in women with the BB genotype (p < 0.05). After correction for muscle strength, no association was found. A significant association between the VDR genotypes and quadriceps and grip strength was observed. In nonobese women, a 23% difference in quadriceps strength (p < 0.01) and 7% in grip strength (NS) was observed between the bb and BB genotype of the VDR. After correction for confounding factors and BMD, this association was significant for quadriceps and grip strength. These results indicate a major association of an allelic variant at the VDR locus with muscle strength in elderly nonobese women, which could explain a small association between VDR polymorphism with BMD in the femoral neck in nonobese women. No such associations were found in obese women, suggesting that factors related to obesity obscure such an association.