Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new derivation of least-squares-fitting principle for OFDM channel estimation

Many channel estimation and data detection algorithms of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system have been proposed. Some of these algorithms are based on the principle of linear minimum mean-square error (LMMSE) estimation, which is theoretically optimal. There are also some algorithms developed based on the least-squares-fitting (LSF) principle, which finds a regression polynomial to fit a block of tentative channel estimates in the least-squares sense. The LSF principle is a non-statistical approach, while the LMMSE algorithm is statistical and it needs to known or estimate the channel statistics like correlation matrices and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This letter proposes a novel viewpoint of the LSF principle. We show that the non-statistical LSF principle can be derived alternatively from the statistical LMMSE principle by eigenvector approximation. This constructs a link between these two principles. The mean-square estimation error (MSEE) analysis shows that there are common terms in the MSEE expressions of these two principles. This further validates the constructed link. Based on the derived link and MSEE analysis, we also give some characteristics and discussions of the LSF principle.
Intestinal infections in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Etiology and response to therapy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of pathogenic gastrointestinal microorganisms in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and diarrhea, and to determine if treatment for identifiable microorganisms improves symptoms. DESIGN Prospective, consecutive sample study. SETTING Referral-based clinic and wards, National Institutes of Health. PATIENTS Twenty of twenty-two consecutive homosexual males with AIDS and diarrhea, and 10 homosexual males with AIDS without diarrhea. INTERVENTIONS All patients had a complete physical examination; serial stool examinations for viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan pathogens; and esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy to obtain duodenal fluid and mucosal tissue to analyze for enteric pathogens or histopathology. Patients with diarrhea had a malabsorption evaluation. Patients with treatable pathogenic microorganisms received standard antimicrobial therapy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The 20 patients with AIDS and diarrhea had greater weight loss, lower mean numbers of helper-inducer (OKT4) lymphocytes, and a higher incidence of extraintestinal opportunistic infections than the 10 patients without diarrhea. One or more enteric pathogen was identified in 17 of 20 patients (85%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 65% to 96%) with diarrhea. Only 1 patient without diarrhea was infected with an enteric pathogen. Nineteen of twenty patients with diarrhea and all 10 patients without diarrhea had chronic inflammatory changes in their intestinal biopsy specimens. Sixteen patients with identifiable enteric pathogens and diarrhea were treated; 11 (69%; 95% CI, 43% to 87%) showed microbiologic, histologic, or clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS Thorough diagnostic evaluation can lead to the identification of enteric pathogens in a high percentage of patients with AIDS and diarrhea. Specific therapy can lead to symptomatic improvement.
Using UML and object-coordination-nets for workflow specification

The specification of intra- and inter-organizational workflows in a manner which scales up to complex workflows across division and company borders is a central issue for present-day workflow modeling. The approach described integrates standard object oriented structure modeling using UML diagrams with Petri net techniques for specifying behavior in order to provide an adequate support for modeling all aspects of workflows. The approach puts its emphasis on structuring and abstraction techniques to manage the size and complexity of real life applications. A contract mechanism is used to ensure the independence of different companies and to permit the reuse of partial workflows in a manner which is secure for the offering as well as the usage side.
Supply Voltage Dependence of Heavy Ion Induced SEEs on 65 nm CMOS Bulk SRAMs

Soft Error Rates (SER) of hardened and unhardened SRAM cells need to be experimentally characterized to determine their appropriate applications in radiation environments. This characterization is especially important when low supply voltage is preferred. In this paper, we developed an SRAM test chip with four cell arrays including two types of unhardened cells (standard 6T and subthreshold 10T) and two types of hardened cells (Quatro and DICE). This test chip was fabricated in a 65 nm bulk technology and irradiated by heavy ions at different supply voltages. Experimental results show that the SERs of 6T and 10T cells present significant sensitivities to supply voltages when the particle linear energy transfers (LETs) are relatively low. For Quatro and DICE cells, one does not consistently show superior hardening performance over the other. It is also noted that Quatro cells show significant advantage in single event resilience over 10T cells although they consume similar areas. TCAD simulations were carried out to validate the experimental data. In addition, the error amount distributions follow a Poisson distribution very well for each type of cell array.
[Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus].

INTRODUCTION Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common disease, affecting up to 13.1% of the Portuguese population. In addition to the known micro and macrovascular complications, drug side effects constitute a major concern, leading to changes in the treatment guidelines, which favor safety over efficacy. Metformin is the first-line pharmacological treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, it has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in up to 30% of treated patients. The authors describe the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in a diabetic population and explore the possible underlying factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective, observational study. Clinical and laboratory data of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients whose vitamin B12 status was evaluated in the last decade (2005 - 2016) were analyzed. Patients with known malabsorptive syndromes or having undergone bariatric surgery were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis of the data was done and the results were considered statistically significant at p values < 0.05. RESULTS The study included a total of 1007 patients (58% women) with a mean age of 66.4 ± 12.2 years and 11 ± 10.4 years of type 2 diabetes mellitus duration. These patients had a high prevalence of complications: diabetic renal disease 47.7%, neuropathy 9.2%, retinopathy 14.9%, coronary artery disease 8.4%, cerebrovascular disease 10.9%, and peripheral arterial disease 5.5%. Vitamin B12 deficiency (< 174 ng / dL) was present in 21.4% of the population and this subgroup was older (68.4 vs 65.8 years, p = 0.006), had a longer type 2 diabetes mellitus duration (13.35 vs 10.36 years; p = 0.001), higher prevalence of retinopathy (20.9% vs 13.3%; p = 0.005) and thyroid dysfunction (34% vs 23.7%; p = 0.002). Vitamin B12 deficiency was also more frequent in patients treated with metformin (24.7% vs 15.8%; p = 0.017), antiplatelet agents (25.4% vs 16.2%, p < 0.001), and calcium channel blockers (26.8% vs 18.2%; p = 0.001). After adjustment for possible confounders, the variables associated with B12 deficiency were: metformin, hypothyroidism, age and type 2 diabetes mellitus duration. DISCUSSION Despite the retrospective design, the results report a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in the type 2 diabetic population. This study also demonstrates that the B12 deficiency risk is higher in older people, with longer diabetes mellitus duration, hypothyroidism and treated with metformin. CONCLUSION Further studies are needed to identify the risk factors for the B12 deficit. The recognition of these variables will contribute to optimize the screening and prevention of the B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY Foliar Antioxidant Enzyme Responses in Cotton after Aphid Herbivory

Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii G.) populations in the field have fluctuated over the past years, yet it is unknown whether infestation by these insects alters cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) physiology. Although it is important to determine if aphids contribute to plant stress, there is only limited information on plant stress responses after aphid herbivory. In an attempt to quantify plant stress, the activity of cotton foliar antioxidant enzymes after aphid feeding was examined. Cotton aphids were collected from cotton fields at Lonoke, AR, and reared in the laboratory. Fifty aphids were transferred to cotton (G. hirsutum ‘Stoneville 474’) leaves of the same age and size, and were allowed to increase in numbers without restriction. Leaf samples were collected for protein extraction and antioxidant enzyme assays after 6 d and 9 d of aphid exposure. Enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. The initial population of 50 aphids increased to 137 aphids per leaf after 6 d. Of the antioxidant enzymes tested, only GR activity increased in aphid-infested leaves. After day 9 of infestation, there were 255 aphids per leaf, but the activity of foliar antioxidant enzymes was not different from control plants. In general, antioxidant enzyme activity in cotton plants was not altered by the levels of infestation and feeding duration used in this study.
The role of intranasal splints in the prevention of post-operation nasal adhesions

Introduction Intranasal splints, which are widely used following nasal surgery, were first described by Salinger and Cohen in 1955. While the first splints were fashioned from any suitable material such as strips of X-ray film or even the polythene tops of coffee cans (Wright, 1969), a variety of preformed splints are now available including ingenious devices which maintain pressure on the septum by using inbuilt magnets (Goode, 1982). Splints were initially introduced to support the reconstructed septum, but since then have also been advocated as a means of holding septal grafts in place following dermatoplasty or grafting of septal perforations (Goode, 1982), and they have been used as a means of securing haemostatic packs in place in the treatment of anterior epistaxes (Fischer etal., 1981). Their important role in the prevention and treatment of intranasal adhesions has been pointed out by Gilchrist (1974).
Resuscitation interventions in a tertiary level pediatric emergency department: implications for maintenance of skills.

OBJECTIVE To describe the frequency and proportion of successful resuscitation interventions in a pediatric emergency department (PED). METHODS AND MATERIAL This was a retrospective chart review of children at the BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) PED who were admitted to the BCCH pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in 2004 and 2005. Demographic data, diagnosis, and resuscitation interventions in the PED and within the first 24 hours of PICU admission were recorded. The training of the operator and the number of attempts needed were also recorded. RESULTS There were 75,133 PED visits; 304 of 329 (92.4%) who met inclusion criteria were reviewed. Diagnoses included respiratory distress (n=115, 35%), trauma (n=50, 15%), sepsis (n=36, 11%), seizures (n=37, 11%), and cardiac disease (n=22, 7%). Ninety-nine patients required intubation. Intubations in the PED were performed by residents (20%), pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows (15%), PEM attending staff (29%), and PICU fellows (12%); 81% of these were successful on the first attempt. In the PED, seven central lines were placed, seven intraosseous needles were inserted, 15 patients required inotropes, and 9 patients required chest compressions. CONCLUSION Critical illness in our emergency department is a rare event; hence, opportunities to resuscitate, secure airways, and place central venous catheters are limited. Additional training, close working relationships between the PED and the PICU teams, and resuscitation protocols for early PICU involvement may be needed.
Fetal Facial Profile in Pallister-Killian Syndrome

Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) is a sporadic chromosomal anomaly, caused by a tissue-specific mosaic distribution of an additional isochromosome 12p. About 60 cases of prenatal diagnosis of PKS have been reported. Only 1 case of PKS is described on the basis of prenatal screening, presenting increased nuchal translucency. An abnormal fetal facial profile is described prenatally as sonographic evidence of PKS. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis in a fetus undergoing second-level scan due to positive triple screen with ultrasound features of PKS.
Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome Among Korean Adults: Nondrinker Versus Lifetime Abstainer as a Reference Group

Background: Discrepant results regarding the association between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome may be partly attributable to the different selection of the reference group. Methods: Data from a representative sample of 6,432 Korean adults in 2008 were analyzed. Results: Using lifetime abstainers as the reference group, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among men was increased in ex-drinkers [3.15 (1.69–5.89)], responsible drinking [0.1–39.9 g/day; 1.77 (1.0–3.13)], and hazardous drinking [≥40 g/day; 2.06 (1.05–4.07)]. Conclusions: Alcohol consumption in men, but not in women, is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Novel CACNA1F mutations in Japanese patients with incomplete congenital stationary night blindness.

PURPOSE Although it was reported that congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) could be divided into complete and incomplete CSNB clinically in 1986, it was not until 1998 that the two types were found to be distinct clinical diseases by molecular genetic analysis. The purpose of this article is to report mutations in the retina-specific calcium channel alpha1-subunit gene (CACNA1F) in Japanese patients with incomplete CSNB and to describe the clinical features of these patients. METHODS Seven patients from five separate Japanese families with incomplete CSNB were examined. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes of the peripheral blood, and all 48 exons of the CACNA1F were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed, including best corrected visual acuity, slit lamp and fundus examinations, fundus photography, and electroretinography. RESULTS A mutation in the CACNA1F was identified in all the patients. The identified mutations were a missense mutation (Gly609Asp); a nonsense mutation (Arg913stop); a splice donor site mutation of G to C at nucleotide 2571+1; a G insertion at nucleotide 709, resulting in a frame shift with a predicted stop codon at codon 247; and a 4-bp deletion at nucleotides 271 to 274, with a replacement by an abnormal 34-bp sequence. Clinically, each patient had essentially normal fundi, mildly reduced corrected visual acuity, and slight myopia or hyperopia with astigmatism. Electrophysiologically, the mixed rod-cone ERG showed a negative configuration with recordable oscillatory potentials. The rod ERG was recordable but subnormal, and the cone and 30-Hz flicker ERGs were markedly depressed. CONCLUSIONS Five novel mutations were identified in the CACNA1F in five Japanese families with incomplete CSNB, leading to the conclusion that in most Japanese patients, incomplete CSNB is caused by a CACNA1F mutation.
Exploring the effective connectivity of resting state networks in Mild Cognitive Impairment: An fMRI study combining ICA and multivariate Granger causality analysis

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was recognized as the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that the cognitive and memory decline in AD and MCI patients is coupled with abnormal functions of focal brain regions and disrupted functional connectivity between distinct brain regions, as well as losses of small-world attributes. However, the causal interactions among the spatially isolated but function-related resting state networks (RSNs) are still largely unexplored in MCI patients. In this study, we first identified eight RSNs by independent components analysis (ICA) from resting state functional MRI data of 16 MCI patients and 18 age-matched healthy subjects respectively. Then, we performed a multivariate Granger causality analysis (mGCA) to evaluate the effective connectivity among the RSNs. We found that MCI patients exhibited decreased causal interactions among the RSNs in both intensity and quantity compared with normal controls. Results from mGCA indicated that the causal interactions involving the default mode network (DMN) became weaker in MCI patients, while stronger causal connectivity emerged related to the memory network and executive control network. Our findings suggested that the DMN played a less important role in MCI patients. Increased causal connectivity of the memory network and executive control network may elucidate the dysfunctional and compensatory processes in the brain networks of MCI patients. These preliminary findings may be helpful for further understanding the pathological mechanisms of MCI and provide a new clue to explore the neurophysiological mechanisms of MCI.
Initial healing rates as predictive factors of venous ulcer healing: The use of a laser‐based three‐dimensional ulcer measurement

There is a need for practical methods to predict the healing time of venous leg ulcers. In a prospective cohort study of 81 patients with venous leg ulcers, we used a recently described laser‐based three‐dimensional measurement of the ulcers at days 0 and 28 to estimate the predictive power of horizontal (HIHR) and vertical initial healing rates (VIHR) for wound healing by week 24. The rates were calculated by Gilman's equation [(A1−A2)/((p1+p2)/2)(0–4)] and by its modification [(V1−V2)/((A1+A2)/2)(0–4)], respectively. The influence of risk factors on both the initial healing rates was also studied. The HIHR and VIHR are important predictors of healing at 24 weeks. They are not influenced by age, ulcer duration, initial ulcer area, and insufficient sapheno‐femoral junction, and/or calf perforating veins. Together with ulcer duration, they are independent predictors of the 24‐week healing (the area under ROC curve equals to 0.9). VIHR gives us additional information and significantly improves the prediction of 24‐week healing.
Wound Healing in Porcine Skin Following Low‐output Carbon Dioxide Laser Irradiation of the Incision

Wound healing of scalpel incisions to the depth of adipose tissue closed with conventional methods was compared with closure by low-output carbon dioxide laser irradiation. In 3 Pitman-Moore minipigs wound healing was evaluated at intervals from 1 to 90 days by the following methods: clinical variables of wound healing; formation of the basement membrane components bullous pemphigoid antigen, laminin, and fibronectin; and histological evaluation of the regeneration of the epidermis, neovascularization, and elastin and collagen formation. There was no significant difference in healing between wounds closed by the various conventional methods and by the low-output carbon dioxide laser.
Nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability in patients with eating disorders

Patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa often have signs of autonomic dysfunction potentially deleterious to the heart. The aim of this study was to ascertain the nonlinear properties of heart rate variability in patients with eating disorders. A group of 33 women with eating disorders (14 anorexia, 19 bulimia) and 19 healthy controls were included in the study. Conventional time- and frequency-domain heart rate variability measurements, along with nonlinear heart rate variability measurements including the short-term fractal scaling exponent α and approximate entropy (ApEn) were calculated. Anorexia nervosa patients exhibited decreased values of α, while bulimia nervosa patients had decreased values of ApEn. Low-frequency heart rate variability was decreased in patients with anorexia. In conclusion, these results are compatible with the view that a more severe alteration of cardiac autonomic function is present in anorexia than in bulimia.
Study of Dialyzer Membrane (Polyflux 210H) and Effects of Different Parameters on Dialysis Performance

Problems frequently encountered in kidney malfunction include abnormal fluid levels in the body, increased acid levels, abnormal levels of Urea, Glucose, Endothelin, β2-Microglobulin and Complement Factor D. Parameters characterizing the structure of dialyzers are very important because they decide overall clearance of toxin molecules and at the same time should allow retaining useful molecules in the blood. In this paper, a cross sectional image of the dialyzer membrane with details of the porosity is presented. A multilayered membrane model with different porosity for each layer, describes the actual structure of Polyflux 210H membrane. This model is developed using Finite Element Software—COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3. A blood flow with substances like—Urea, Glucose, Endothelin, β2-Microglobulin, Complement Factor D and Albumin is introduced. For a certain blood flow rate, the toxins diffuse through the membrane and on the other side of the membrane a dialysate flow removes the toxins. Here, different parameters, such as flow rate of blood and dialysate, length and radius of the fiber are changed to simulate how these changes affect toxin clearance and the removal of useful molecules.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Treatment of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

PROBLEM: Efficacy of immunotherapy for treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (SA) has been controversial. The low treatment effect of white blood cell immunization lead to investigations of alternative treatments including intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin (Ig). To evaluate the efficacy of IVIg for treatment of recurrent SA, a prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo‐controlled trial was performed.
Protection against vanadium-induced testicular toxicity by testosterone propionate in rats

Vanadium is a well recognized industrial hazard known to adversely affect male reproductive functions. The intricate mechanistic aspects of this metal and the role of oxidative stress in the deterioration of testicular functions are investigated in the current study. The experiment also focused on the effects of testosterone propionate in testicular and sperm functions in the rat intoxicated with vanadate. Vanadium exposure resulted in a more prominent spermatogenic arrest and consistently abolished the conversion of round to mature spermatids along with decreased epididymal sperm number and increased percentage of abnormal sperm. This is followed by a precipitous decline in the level of serum testosterone and gonadotropins and consequently the testicular steroidogenic and antioxidant enzymes were inhibited. Vanadium induces degeneration in the genital organs of rats and exhibits high indices of lipid oxidative damage. In response to exogenous testosterone propionate (TP) administration, spermatogonial cell populations remained suppressed, while the spermatogenesis was restored quantitatively. In contrast, the hormone treatment had no effect on the dramatically decreased serum FSH level after vanadate treatment. Moreover, TP could ameliorate the toxicity, as indicated by decreased testicular lipid peroxidation with marginal but significant increase in the activities of all the measured enzymes following vanadate-treatment. Taken together all these studies establish that vanadium is a testicular toxicant that perturbs the male reproductive system adversely. However, hormone replacement therapy by testosterone propionate may provide partial protection. The results suggest the feasibility of using endocrine regimens to impede deleterious effects of vanadium on the male reproductive system.