Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radio Interface Evolution Towards 5G and Enhanced Local Area Communications

The exponential growth of mobile data in macronetworks has driven the evolution of communications systems toward spectrally efficient, energy efficient, and fast local area communications. It is a well-known fact that the best way to increase capacity in a unit area is to introduce smaller cells. Local area communications are currently mainly driven by the IEEE 802.11 WLAN family being cheap and energy efficient with a low number of users per access point. For the future high user density scenarios, following the 802.11 HEW study group, the 802.11ax project has been initiated to improve the WLAN system performance. The 3GPP LTE-advanced (LTE-A) also includes new methods for pico and femto cell's interference management functionalities for small cell communications. The main problem with LTE-A is, however, that the physical layer numerology is still optimized for macrocells and not for local area communications. Furthermore, the overall complexity and the overheads of the control plane and reference symbols are too large for spectrally and energy efficient local area communications. In this paper, we provide first an overview of WLAN 802.11ac and LTE/LTE-A, discuss the pros and cons of both technology areas, and then derive a new flexible TDD-based radio interface parametrization for 5G local area communications combining the best practices of both WiFi and LTE-A technologies. We justify the system design based on local area propagation characteristics and expected traffic distributions and derive targets for future local area concepts. We concentrate on initial physical layer design and discuss how it maps to higher layer improvements. This paper shows that the new design can significantly reduce the latency of the system, and offer increased sleeping opportunities on both base station and user equipment sides leading to enhanced power savings. In addition, through careful design of the control overhead, we are able to improve the channel utilization when compared with LTE-A.
Behaviour of the double concave Friction Pendulum bearing

The double concave Friction Pendulum (DCFP) bearing is an adaptation of the well‐known single concave Friction Pendulum bearing. The principal benefit of the DCFP bearing is its capacity to accommodate substantially larger displacements compared to a traditional FP bearing of identical plan dimensions. Moreover, there is the capability to use sliding surfaces with varying radii of curvature and coefficients of friction, offering the designer greater flexibility to optimize performance. This paper describes the principles of operation of the bearing and presents the development of the force–displacement relationship based on considerations of equilibrium. The theoretical force–displacement relationship is then verified through characterization testing of bearings with sliding surfaces having the same and then different radii of curvature and coefficients of friction. Lastly, some practical considerations for analysis and design of DCFP bearings are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total, Added, and Free Sugars: Are Restrictive Guidelines Science-Based or Achievable?

Sugar consumption, especially added sugars, is under attack. Various government and health authorities have suggested new sugar recommendations and guidelines as low as 5% of total calories from free sugars. Definitions for total sugars, free sugars, and added sugars are not standardized, nor are there accepted nutrient databases for this information. Our objective was to measure total sugars and added sugars in sample meal plans created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Utilizing the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) nutritional database, results found that plans created by the USDA and AND averaged 5.1% and 3.1% calories from added sugar, 8.7% and 3.1% from free sugar, and 23.3% and 21.1% as total sugars respectively. Compliance with proposed added sugar recommendations would require strict dietary compliance and may not be sustainable for many Americans. Without an accepted definition and equation for calculating added sugar, added sugar recommendations are arbitrary and may reduce intakes of nutrient-rich, recommended foods, such as yogurt, whole grains, and tart fruits including cranberries, cherries, and grapefruit. Added sugars are one part of excess calorie intake; however, compliance with low added sugar recommendations may not be achievable for the general public.
A superior desensitizer--potassium nitrate.

Potassium nitrate obtained favorable results when it was used as a desensitizing agent for tooth hypersensitivity. Potassium nitrate was used as a desensitizing agent for tooth hypersensitivity. Two forms of the potassium nitrate were prepared: one form used saturated solutions, or 15%, 10%, 5%, 2%, and 1% solutions; the other form was a paste that contained 10% potassium nitrate. Both forms obtained favorable results.
Effects of Gravitational Load on Jaw Movements in Speech

External loads arising as a result of the orientation of body segments relative to gravity can affect the achievement of movement goals. The degree to which subjects adjust control signals to compensate for these loads is a reflection of the extent to which forces affecting motion are represented neurally. In the present study we assessed whether subjects, when speaking, compensate for loads caused by the orientation of the head relative to gravity. We used a mathematical model of the jaw to predict the effects of control signals that are not adjusted for changes to head orientation. The simulations predicted a systematic change in sagittal plane jaw orientation and horizontal position resulting from changes to the orientation of the head. We conducted an empirical study in which subjects were tested under the same conditions. With one exception, empirical results were consistent with the simulations. In both simulation and empirical studies, the jaw was rotated closer to occlusion and translated in an anterior direction when the head was in the prone orientation. When the head was in the supine orientation, the jaw was rotated away from occlusion. The findings suggest that the nervous system does not completely compensate for changes in head orientation relative to gravity. A second study was conducted to assess possible changes in acoustical patterns attributable to changes in head orientation. The frequencies of the first (F1) and second (F2) formants associated with the steady-state portion of vowels were measured. As in the kinematic study, systematic differences in the values of F1 and F2 were observed with changes in head orientation. Thus the acoustical analysis further supports the conclusion that control signals are not completely adjusted to offset forces arising because of changes in orientation.
Influence of inoculum size of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on in vitro activities and in vivo efficacy of fluoroquinolones and carbapenems.

OBJECTIVES We investigated the effect of inoculum size on MIC, bactericidal activity and the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) of carbapenems (imipenem, panipenem and meropenem) and injectable quinolones (pazufloxacin and ciprofloxacin) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and also the relationship between in vivo systemic infection by changing the inoculum size injected in mice. RESULTS Increasing the bacterial inoculum (10(5)-10(8) cfu/mL) had no significant effect on the MIC of any of the tested antimicrobial agents. With the standard inocula (10(6) cfu/mL) of both test strains, all the antimicrobial agents showed bactericidal activity; however, increasing the inoculum size to >10(8) cfu/mL resulted in a reduction in bactericidal activity of all the antimicrobial agents against S. aureus Smith. In contrast, increasing the inoculum size of P. aeruginosa exerted only a minimal influence on the bactericidal activity of fluoroquinolones, but resulted in a reduction in the bactericidal activity of carbapenems. With the standard inoculum size of S. aureus Smith, pre-incubation with fluoroquinolones and carbapenems, except for meropenem, was sufficient to produce PAEs. When the inoculum was increased, the duration of the PAEs of these antimicrobial agents was reduced; however, those of fluoroquinolones were longer than carbapenems. Inoculum size had a greater influence on the in vivo efficacy of carbapenems than that of fluoroquinolones. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that decreased bactericidal activity, or the in vitro PAE of carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, is related to the reduced in vivo protective effect against infection caused by high inoculum with S. aureus or P. aeruginosa.
Application of Cerebrospinal Fluid Host Protein Biosignatures in the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis in Children from a High Burden Setting

Background The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) especially in children is challenging. New tests are urgently needed for the diagnosis of the disease, especially in resource-limited settings. Methods We collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from children presenting with symptoms requiring investigation for meningitis at a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Children were later classified as TBM or no TBM using published case definitions. Using a multiplex platform, we investigated the concentrations of biomarkers comprising a previously established 3-marker biosignature (VEGF, IL-13, and LL-37) and other potentially useful host biomarkers as diagnostic candidates for TBM. Findings Out of 47 children, age, 3 months to 13 years, 23 were diagnosed with TBM and six (16%) were HIV-infected. We validated the previously identified CSF biosignature (sensitivity of 95.7% (95% CI, 79.0-99.2%) and specificity of 37.5% (95% CI, 21.2-57.3%)). However, substitution of IL-13 and LL-37 with IFN-γ and MPO, respectively, resulted in improved accuracy (area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.92-1.00, up to 91.3% (21/23) sensitivity and up to 100% (24/24) specificity). An alternative four-marker biosignature (sICAM-1, MPO, CXCL8, and IFN-γ) also showed potential, with an AUC of 0.97. Conclusion We validated a previously identified CSF biosignature and showed that refinement of this biosignature by incorporation of other biomarkers diagnosed TBM with high accuracy. Incorporation of these biomarkers into a point-of-care or bedside diagnostic test platform may result in the improved management of TBM in children.
Association of Pretherapeutic Expression of Chemotherapy-Related Genes with Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Barrett Carcinoma

Purpose: We analyzed pretherapeutic gene expression patterns of patients with locally advanced adenocarcinomas of the esophagus with regard to response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Experimental Design: Pretherapeutic, paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed endoscopic esophageal tumor biopsies of 38 patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinomas (Barrett adenocarcinoma) were included. All patients underwent two cycles of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy with or without additional paclitaxel followed by abdominothoracal esophagectomy. RNA expression levels of 5-FU metabolism-associated genes thymidylate synthase, thymidine phosphorylase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, MAP7, and ELF3, of platinum- and taxane-related genes caldesmon, ERCC1, ERCC4, HER-2/neu, and GADD45, and of multidrug resistance gene MRP1 were determined using real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. Expression levels were correlated with response to chemotherapy, histopathologically assessed in surgically resected specimens. Results: Responding patients showed significantly higher pretherapeutic expression levels of MTHFR (P = 0.012), caldesmon (P = 0.016), and MRP1 (P = 0.007). In addition, patients with high pretherapeutic MTHFR and MRP1 levels had a survival benefit after surgery (P = 0.013 and P = 0.015, respectively). Additionally, investigation of intratumoral heterogeneity of gene expression of relevant genes (MTHFR, caldesmon, HER-2/neu, ERCC4, and MRP1), verified in nine untreated Barrett adenocarcinomas by examination of five distinct tumor areas, revealed no significant heterogeneity in gene expression indicating that expression profiles obtained from biopsy material may yield a representative genetic expression profile of total tumor tissue. Conclusions: Our results indicate that determination of mRNA levels of few genes may be useful for the prediction of the success of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in individual cancer patients with locally advanced Barrett adenocarcinoma.
Brain Sodium, Potassium, and Osmolality: Effects on Anesthetic Requirement

We determined the effects of hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, hyperosmolality and hypoosmolality on halothane requirement (MAC) in dogs. Hyperkalemia did not change cerebrospinal fluid potassium or MAC. Hypernatremia proportionately increased cerebrospinal fluid sodiunl and osmolality. MAC c-ncomitantly increased 43%. Serum hyperosmolality achieved by administration of 12 and 25% dextrose increased cerebrospinal fluid osmolality without appreciably altering cerebrospinal fluid sodium or MAC. Infusion of 5% dextrose produced hypo-osmolaiity of blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid sodium was diluted and MAC was reduced by-24%.
Characterization of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor‐expressing neurons in the mouse hippocampus

The hippocampal formation is part of an anatomical system critically involved in learning and memory. Increasing evidence suggests that dopamine plays an important role in learning and memory as well as in several forms of synaptic plasticity. However, the precise identification of neuronal populations expressing D1 or D2 dopamine receptors within the hippocampus is still lacking. To clarify this issue, we used BAC transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the promoter of dopamine D1 or D2 receptors. In Drd1a‐EGFP mice, sparse GFP‐expressing neurons were detected among glutamatergic projecting neurons of the granular layer of the dentate gyrus and GABAergic interneurons located in the hilus. A dense immunofluorescence was observed in the outer and medial part of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus as well as in the inner part of the molecular layer of CA1 corresponding to the terminals of pyramidal neurons of the entorhinal cortex defining the perforant and the temporo‐ammonic pathway respectively. Finally, scattered D1 receptor‐expressing neurons were also identified as GABAergic interneurons in the CA3/CA1 fields of the hippocampus. In Drd2‐EGFP transgenic mice, GFP was exclusively detected in the glutamatergic mossy cells located in the polymorphic layer of the dentate gyrus. This pattern was confirmed in Drd2‐Cre mice crossed with NLS‐LacZ‐TaumGFP:LoxP and RCE:LoxP reporter lines. Our results demonstrate that D1 and D2 receptor‐expressing neurons are strictly segregated in the mouse hippocampus. By clarifying the identity of D1 and D2 receptor‐expressing neurons in the hippocampus, this study establishes a basis for future investigations aiming at elucidating their roles in the hippocampal network. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cohesive Strength Improvement Mechanism Of Kaolinite Near the Anode During Electroosmotic Chemical Treatment

Injection of CaCl2 and Na2SiO3 solutions into clay suspensions during electroosmosis often improves the cohesive strength of clays near the anode and cathode, whereas the cohesive strength of clays between the electrodes remains weak. Although the main improvement mechanism for the cohesive strength of clays near the cathode was demonstrated to be a pozzolanic reaction (formation of calcium silicate hydrate cement), the mechanism of improved cohesive strength near the anode is still not understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism for the improvement of cohesive strength near the anode and, thus, make it possible to determine a way to enhance the range in improvement using kaolinite as the test clay. The test was performed by first injecting CaCl2 solution during electroosmosis until the optimum volume of CaCl2 was attained. This was followed by treatment with Na2SiO3 solution for different lengths of time. The results indicate that the anode region after treatment was acidic (pH = 4) because the electrolysis of water causes acidification near the anode. As Na2SiO3 solution was injected through the anode, the mechanism of cohesive strength improvement of the treated clay near the anode was attributed to the silicic acid polymerization effect provided by the Na2SiO3 solution. The silicic acid may link the clay particles together to form a gel network in a low pH environment. The clay gel network structure developed rigidity as the water content was reduced. In addition, as the volume of injected Na2SiO3 solution was increased, the cohesive strength near the anode also increased.
DNA damage in cytologically normal urothelial cells of patients with a history of urothelial cell carcinoma.

In order to determine if patients with a history of previous urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) but with current normal urinary cytology have DNA damage in urothelial cells, the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay was conducted with cells obtained by urinary bladder washings from 44 patients (28 with a history of previous UCC). Increased DNA damage was observed in cytologically "normal" urothelial cells of patients with a history of UCC when compared with referents with no similar history and after correcting the data for smoking status and age (P < 0.018). Increased DNA damage also correlated with the highest tumor grade, irrespective of time or course of the disease after clinical intervention (Kendall tau correlation, 0.37, P = 0.016). Moreover, aneuploidy, as assessed by DNA content ratio (DCR; 75th/25th percentile of total DNA fluorescence of 50 comets/patient) was unaltered by smoking status, but increased with UCC grade: 1.39 +/- 0.12 (median +/- 95% confidence interval; referents); 1.43 +/- 0.11 (Grade I UCC; P = 0.264, against referents); 1.49 +/- 0.16 (Grade II UCC; P = 0.057); 1.57 +/- 0.16 (Grade III UCC; P = 0.003). Micronucleated urothelial cells (MNC) were also scored on Giemsa-stained routine cytological smears and were found not to correlate with DNA damage or DCR. MNC frequencies were higher for patients with a history of UCC and/or smoking than referents with neither history, but there was no statistical difference between groups. Taken together, these results suggest that the normal-appearing urothelium of patients resected for UCC still harbor genetically unstable cells.
Physiological basis of the low calcium response in Yersinia pestis

It is established that duplication in vitro of that amount of Ca2+ (2.5 mM) and Mg2+ (1.5 mM) present in blood permits vegetative growth of Yersinia pestis with repression of virulence factors encoded by the Lcr plasmid (Lcr+); similar simulation of intracellular fluid (no Ca2+ and 20 mM Mg2+) promotes bacteriostasis with induction of these virulence determinants. However, proliferation of yersiniae in mice occurs primarily within necrotic focal lesions (supplied by Ca(2+)-deficient host cell cytoplasm) within visceral organs rather than in Ca(2+)-sufficient blood. The present study addressed this enigma by defining conditions necessary for achieving vegetative growth of Lcr+ yersiniae at 37 degrees C in simulated intracellular fluid. Maximum optical densities were increased by substitution of K+ for Na+ and elimination of Cl-; the combination of Na+ plus L-glutamate was selectively toxic to Lcr+ cells. This phenomenon was attributed in part to the absence of aspartase in Y. pestis (a lesion known to facilitate massive accumulation of L-aspartate via transamination of the oxalacetate pool by L-glutamate). Replacement of L-glutamate by exogenous L-aspartate or alpha-ketoglutarate reversed this toxicity by favoring retention of oxalacetate. Proliferation of Lcr+ cells in a medium containing K+ and L-aspartate but lacking added Ca2+ and Na+ was markedly enhanced by increasing the concentration of fermentable carbohydrate. Accordingly, in the worst-case scenario (i.e., added Na+, Cl-, and L-glutamate), Lcr+ yersiniae underwent restriction of growth after one doubling, and in the best-case scenario (i.e., added K+ and L-aspartate), the organisms completed more than five doublings, thereby achieving full-scale growth. Both of these Ca(2+)-deficient media promoted maximum induction of Mg(2+)-induced V antigen, a virulence factor encoded by the Lcr plasmid.
Unblinding following trial participation: Qualitative study of participants’ perspectives

Background The implications of offering unblinding to trial participants to treatment arm after trial completion have been little explored. Purpose We sought to explore trial participants’ perspectives on whether they would like to be unblinded as to the treatment arm to which they were allocated following involvement in a large randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 38 women who had participated in a trial during suspected preterm labour and had received the results of a long-term follow-up study that identified adverse outcomes for children in some of the treatment groups. Participants were sampled purposively. Analysis was based on the constant comparative method. Results Most women reported that they wanted to know the treatment arm to which they had been allocated. While the primary motive for some was curiosity, many others wanted to know as part of an attempt to understand or explain their child’s current health problems. These women were motivated by a search for a coherent causal narrative, even though unblinding was unlikely to be able to meet their aspirations. Some participants identified potential disadvantages in discovering their treatment allocation, including feeling responsible for their child’s health status, and some women were very clear that they did not want to know their treatment group. Limitations A purposive sample was used and the extent to which it represents the views of all participants in the study is not established. Conclusions Important challenges arise in offering to unblind trial participants, whatever the trial results. Participants may need help and support to understand the limitations of the knowledge they gain through being unblinded and to decide whether they wish to know to which treatment arm they were allocated.
FACTORS RELATED TO INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of insomnia symptoms and its relationship with nutritional aspects, gastrointestinal symptoms and chronic diseases among people living with HIV. Methods: a cross-sectional study of 307 people living with HIV in antiretroviral therapy attended by the Specialized AIDS Service of the municipality of Santos (SP), Brazil. The variables evaluated were insomnia symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms and chronic noncommunicable diseases. Results: the prevalence of insomnia symptoms was 79.2%. There was a greater proportion of people living with HIV with insomnia symptoms who had weight changes after HIV diagnosis, unpleasant stomach sensations, poor digestion, poor appetite, respiratory and skin diseases. Conclusion: the high prevalence of insomnia symptoms was related to the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as respiratory and dermatological diseases.