Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On first-order Markov modeling for the Rayleigh fading channel

Previous models for the received signal amplitude of the flat-fading channel that use first-order finite-state Markov chains are examined. The stochastic properties of a proposed first-order model based on these models are examined. The limitations of using an information theoretic metric, which is sometimes used to justify a first-order Markov chain as a sufficient model for very slowly fading channels, are discussed. A simple method of qualitatively comparing autocorrelation functions is instead proposed. The usefulness of the first-order Markov chain in representing the flat-fading channel is examined by looking at two specific problems in wireless system applications that represent two disparate cases. The first case involves analysis over a short duration of time, relative to the inverse of the normalized Doppler frequency, while the second involves analysis over a long duration of time. Contrary to previous reports, the results indicate that first-order Markov chains are not generally suitable for very slowly fading channels. Rather, first-order Markov chains can be suitable for very slowly fading applications, which require analysis over only a short duration of time.
What is the origin of Staphylococcus aureus in the early postoperative sinonasal cavity?

Despite increasing evidence of a role for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the origin of this organism in the postsurgical sinonasal cavity had been unclear. Recently, we suggested that the increased culture rate of S. aureus following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) may be related to biofilm activity. This study, therefore, was designed to evaluate the origin of early postoperative sinonasal S. aureus and assess the early postoperative outcomes in patients culture‐positive for this organism.
Clinical and laboratory differentiation of cirrhosis and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction in children

Background and Aim: Differentiation between cirrhosis and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) in children presenting with features of portal hypertension is important for cost‐effective management and proper resource utilization. We undertook this study to differentiate clinical and laboratory features between these two groups of patients.
Biological effects after prenatal irradiation (embryo and fetus). A report of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.

In its 1990 recommendations, the ICRP considered the radiation risks after exposure during prenatal development. This report is a critical review of new experimental animal data on biological effects and evaluations of human studies after prenatal radiation published since the 1990 recommendations.Thus, the report discusses the effects after radiation exposure during pre-implantation, organogenesis, and fetogenesis. The aetiology of long-term effects on brain development is discussed, as well as evidence from studies in man on the effects of in-utero radiation exposure on neurological and mental processes. Animal studies of carcinogenic risk from in-utero radiation and the epidemiology of childhood cancer are discussed, and the carcinogenic risk to man from in-utero radiation is assessed. Open questions and needs for future research are elaborated. The report reiterates that the mammalian embryo and fetus are highly radiosensitive. The nature and sensitivity of induced biological effects depend upon dose and developmental stage at irradiation. The various effects, as studied in experimental systems and in man, are discussed in detail. It is concluded that the findings in the report strengthen and supplement the 1990 recommendations of the ICRP.
Impact of Cinacalcet Hydrochloride on the Achievement of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) Guideline Targets: A post‐hoc Analysis of the KRN1493 Study

The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) released the Guidelines for the Management of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Chronic Dialysis Patients (JSDT guidelines), which set target ranges for calcium (8.4–10.0 mg/dL), phosphorus (3.5–6.0 mg/dL) and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) (60–180 pg/mL); however, achieving the guideline targets is difficult and challenging. In this post‐hoc analysis, we evaluate the impact of cinacalcet on the achievement of the JSDT targets. After a treatment period of 14 weeks, 26% of the cinacalcet group achieved intact PTH levels within the target ranges (P < 0.001, compared with the control group). A significantly greater proportion achieved the targets for calcium and phosphorus, as compared with control patients (65% vs. 45%, P = 0.015; 68% vs. 47%, P = 0.009, respectively). The proportion of patients in whom serum calcium and phosphorus were controlled to within the target ranges increased from 21% at baseline to 44% (P < 0.001). The combined targets of three parameters were achieved by 17% of cinacalcet‐treated patients, while none of the control patients achieved these parameters simultaneously (P < 0.001). Cinacalcet treatment also efficaciously reduced elevated serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Even in patients with baseline intact PTH levels >500 pg/mL, where parathyroidectomy has been recommended in the JSDT guidelines, 20% of the cinacalcet group achieved the target intact PTH levels. Longer‐term cinacalcet treatment aimed at the JSDT targets may lead to further reductions in PTH secretion. Further studies are required to examine the potential benefit of cinacalcet and to revise the current guidelines relating to adequate use of cinacalcet.
Two-dimensional transmitted dose measurements using a scanning liquid ionization chamber EPID

The use of a scanning liquid ionization chamber electronic portal imaging device (SLIC-EPID) for two-dimensional transmitted dosimetry was investigated and a calibration method was developed using extended dose range (EDR2) film. In order to convert pixel value to dose, the acquired SLIC-EPID pixel values were calibrated using an ionization chamber on the central axis. The relationship between pixel values, dose rate and absorbed dose was identified for various linac output repetition rates. To correct EPIs for dosimetric purposes, the off-axis ratio of dose profiles measured by EPIDs and EDR2 film was used to derive correction factor matrices (CFMs) for a range of source-to-EPID distances (SEDs). The corrected relative dose maps acquired for different conditions, including open and wedged fields, measured using a SLIC-EPID were compared with EDR2 film images using a gamma function algorithm with distance to agreement (DTA) = 2.5 mm and dose difference (ΔDmax) = 1% criteria. The results showed that (a) for two-dimensional dosimetric purposes, EPIDs must be calibrated using appropriate two-dimensional correction factors and (b) SLIC-EPIDs can be used to measure the transmitted dose with good accuracy.
Photophysical Properties of 7‐(diethylamino)Coumarin‐3‐carboxylic Acid in the Nanocage of Cyclodextrins and in Different Solvents and Solvent Mixtures

The photophysical properties of 7‐(diethylamino) coumarin‐3‐carboxylic acid (7‐DCCA) were studied in cyclodextrins (α, β, γ,‐CDs), different neat solvents and solvent mixtures by using steady state absorption, emission and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. We have observed that with gradual increase in concentration of β‐CD the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime decreased in a regular pattern whereas with gradual increase in concentration of γ‐CD the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime gradually increased. With addition of urea, the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of 7‐DCCA in CDs increased. Binding constant calculation shows that 7‐DDCA forms 1:1 complex with β‐CD and with γ‐CD it forms 1:1 and 1:2 (guest:host) inclusion complex. We proposed that the dye molecule formed capping complex with β‐CD by means of hydrogen bonding and after addition of urea the hydrogen bonding network broke down and part of dye molecule entered inside the cavity of β‐CD. The photophysics of 7‐DCCA was studied in dioxane‐water mixture and ethylene glycol‐acetonitrile mixture to know the effect of polarity and viscosity of the media. The photophysics of 7‐DCCA was also studied in different neat solvents. It was found that the photophysics of 7‐DCCA depended on the structural feature of the solvents and solvent mixtures.
Therapeutic Effect of Human Adipose‐Derived Stromal Cells Cluster in Rat Hind‐Limb Ischemia

We investigated whether transplantation of three‐dimensional cell masses (3DCM) of human adipose‐derived stromal cells (hASCs) cultured on a basic fibroblast growth factor‐immobilized substrate improved hind limb functional recovery by stimulating angiogenesis in an immune‐competent rat ischemic limb model. In vitro experiments confirmed that cells within 3DCMs differentiate toward the endothelial lineage one day after culture in normal medium. The therapeutic effect of 3DCMs was evaluated by transplanting hASCs, phosphate‐buffered saline alone, and the 3DCM into rat ischemic hind limbs. Blood flow was enhanced in the ischemic hind limb in the 3DCM‐injected group compared with the other groups. The ratio of human nuclear antigen (HNA) and hVEGF‐positive cells was significantly higher in the 3DCM‐injected group compared to hASC‐injected group. Human VEGF was observed in most HNA‐positive cells. Many hCD31 and hSMA‐positive cells were observed in vessel‐like structures in the 3DCM‐injected group. The 3DCM transplantation improved cell retention and angiogenic effects compared with ASC transplantation. These findings suggest that transplantation of 3DCMs may be an effective stem cell therapy for hind limb ischemia. Anat Rec, 297:2289–2298, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of Legislative and Fiscal Restrictions in Reducing Alcohol Related Crime and Traffic Accidents

The adverse effect which even low levels of alcohol consumption can have on traffic safety has been documented in a wide variety of studies. Typically one finds that 40 per cent to 50 per cent of all driver and motorcyclist fatalities have elevated blood levels (BALs). This has led to considerable research activity as to the most effective means of preventing alcohol related traffic accidents, especially in the legislative area.
Differential modulation of synaptic plasticity and local circuit activity in the dentate gyrus and CA1 regions of the rat hippocampus by corticosterone

Abstract Depending on its severity, timing and context, stress has been shown to have a differential regional effect on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. While the focus of attention in most recent studies is on excitatory synapses and generation, modifications of inhibitory synapses and local interneurons cannot be ignored. We have now examined the effects of corticosterone (CORT) on extrinsic afferent and local circuit plasticity of the perforant path on the dentate gyrus (DG) and the ventral hippocampal commissure on CA1. Local circuit activity was measured by responses to paired-pulse stimulation. Control rats expressed afferent long-term potentiation (LTP) and local circuit plasticity in both the DG and CA1. Administration of a high dosage of CORT-reduced paired-pulse inhibition and increased facilitation in DG but not in CA1, whereas administration of a moderate CORT dosage had no effect. Moderate CORT doses caused enhancement of LTP in the DG but not in CA1, while high CORT doses converted LTP to long-term depression in the CA1 but had no effect in the DG. CORT blocked theta burst stimulation-induced local circuit plasticity otherwise found in control DG. These findings suggest that elevation of the level of CORT results in a regionally differentiated physiological response. In addition, the results indicate that CORT affects aspects of local circuit activity and plasticity in the DG but less so in the CA1. It is possible that these differentiated alterations underlie some of the behavioral consequences and memory processes under stressful conditions.
Generalised Rigidity and Path-Rigidity for Agent Formations

The classical concept of rigidity characterises conditions under which distance constraints between agents in R enforce a rigid structure on the whole collection of agents. The present paper has two goals. Firstly, we propose a generalised theory for rigidity to allow heterogeneous agent states on non-Euclidean spaces and general non-linear relative state constraints. To do this, we characterise rigidity as an invariance property with respect to a topological group action that is introduced as a natural structure in the problem formulation. Secondly, we use this new framework to formulate a new concept of path-rigidity, which captures the property that allows a rigid formation to be steered continuously between any two configurations that are congruent. This is an important property for path planning and control of rigid formations. The main result of the second part of the paper provides a simple and easily checked condition to determine if a globally rigid formation is also path-rigid.
Frictional properties of shale reservoir rocks

We performed laboratory friction experiments on shale samples from three hydrocarbon reservoirs to assess compositional controls on fault slip behavior accompanying hydraulic stimulation. The samples span a range of clay and total organic content from ~10 to 60% by weight and demonstrate fine‐scale heterogeneity within each reservoir. Friction measurements demonstrate strong dependence of strength and rate‐state constitutive properties on shale composition. Shale samples with clay and organic content above ~30% by weight show coefficient of friction ~0.4 and consistently velocity‐strengthening behavior, while those below this threshold show increased strength and velocity‐weakening behavior. This transition in frictional strength and stability suggests a change in the shale grain packing framework from rigid clast supported to clay mineral and organic matter supported. Measurements of gouge dilatancy further support these relationships, showing a negative correlation with clay and organic content. Critical slip evolution distance exhibits similar dependence on composition, implying common micromechanical mechanisms for the observed transition in frictional behavior. We performed microstructural characterization of the experimental samples and observe changes in the gouge load‐bearing framework and shear localization features consistent with these mechanical data. While these results can be applied generally to infer slip stability on faults in clay‐bearing sedimentary rock, we employ the experimental data to place constraints on microearthquake magnitudes and the occurrence of slow shear slip on preexisting faults during hydraulic stimulation in shale reservoirs.
Pulmonary hyperpolarized 129Xe morphometry for mapping xenon gas concentrations and alveolar oxygen partial pressure: Proof‐of‐concept demonstration in healthy and COPD subjects

Diffusion‐weighted (DW) hyperpolarized 129Xe morphometry magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to map regional differences in lung tissue micro‐structure. We aimed to generate absolute xenon concentration ([Xe]) and alveolar oxygen partial pressure (pAO2) maps by extracting the unrestricted diffusion coefficient (D0) of xenon as a morphometric parameter.
Malnutrition in Food-surplus Areas: Experience from Nutritional Surveillance for Decentralized Planning in Haiti

In Haiti, a novel approach to nutritional surveillance was developed on the basis of a low-cost, simple-to-repeat set of household surveys in all nine administrative departments using sentinel community sites. This system allows each department to independently conduct follow-up surveys as needed. The results of the first round of surveys conducted in 1995 show lower malnutrition rates in typical food-deficient departments and high levels of malnutrition in several food-surplus areas. Further analyses underscore the importance of variables related to child-care practices and of care-enabling factors such as household food security, health environment, and caregivers’ time and education. These findings challenge the traditional thinking among a majority of Haitian policy makers who look at the malnutrition problem solely from the perspective of local food production.
Behavior of a rational recursive sequences

where the initial conditions are arbitrary nonzero real numbers. Recently there has been a great interest in studying the qualitative properties of rational difference equations. For the systematical studies of rational and nonrational difference equations, one can refer to the papers [1-41] and references therein. The study of rational difference equations of order greater than one is quite challenging and rewarding because some prototypes for the development of the basic theory of the global behavior of nonlinear difference equations of order greater than one come from the results for rational difference equations. However, there have not been any effective general methods to deal with the global behavior of rational difference equations of order greater than one so far. Therefore, the study of rational difference equations of order greater than one is worth further consideration. Aloqeili [5] has obtained the solutions of the difference equation
Soluble CD 40 Ligand and Soluble P-Selectin in Allergic Asthma Patients During Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

Background: The interactions between CD40 and its ligand, CD40L, control humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. CD40 ligation may promote asthma-associated infl ammatory responses in the airways. Many reports confi rm the infl ammatory basis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in asthmatics. Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 19 asthmatic patients (11 with EIB, 8 without EIB) and 8 healthy volunteers. We analyzed the changes in plasma concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) induced by intensive exercise. We also studied possible correlations with the results of measurements commonly associated with asthmatic infl ammation. Results: The study revealed statistically signifi cant higher baseline concentrations of sCD40L–but not sP-selectin–in the group of asthmatics with EIB than in those without. In the asthmatic patients with EIB, sCD40L and sP-selectin concentrations increased signifi cantly 30 minutes after exercise and returned to baseline 24 hours after exercise. Baseline concentrations of sCD40L correlated with baseline sP-selectin or fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FENO), an increase in sP-selectin 30 minutes after exercise, and changes in FENO or bronchial hyperresponsiveness 24 hours after exercise. A statistically signifi cant correlation between an increase in sCD40L concentrations 30 minutes after exercise and an increase in FENO 24 hours after exercise or baseline eosinophil cationic protein was observed. Conclusion: After exercise in the group of allergic asthmatics with EIB, upregulation of CD40L by increased expression of infl ammatory molecules and improved sensitivity of CD40-responsive cell types to the effects of proinfl ammatory cytokines may play an important role in the increased airway infl ammation observed after postexercise bronchoconstriction.
Traumatic abdominal wall hernia--four cases and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE To review blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) in our institution. METHOD Retrospective review of blunt abdominal trauma cases over a 6-month period. RESULTS Four patients with TAWH were identified. The mean age was 36 years. Three had been involved in vehicular collisions, and 1 had been assaulted with a large stone. All were diagnosed on presentation, 3 by computed tomography scan and 1 clinically. Two were repaired as emergencies, and 1 was repaired after 4 months. The 4th patient refused surgery. CONCLUSION This uncommon injury requires a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for intervention. CT scan offers the best imaging potential.
Human Posture Segmentation by Constrained Spectral Clustering

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for partitioning human posture represented by 3D point clouds sampled from the surface of human body. The algorithm is formed as a constrained extension of the recently developed segmentation method, spectral clustering (SC). Two folds of merits are offered by the algorithm: 1) as a nonlinear method, it is able to deal with the situation that data (point cloud) are sampled from a manifold (the surface of human body) rather than the embedded entire (3D) space; 2) by using constraints, it facilitates the integration of multiple similarities for human posture partitioning, and it also helps to reduce the limitations of spectral clustering. We show that the constrained spectral clustering (CSC) still can be solved by generalized eigen-decomposition. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Detailed DNA methylation profiles of the E-cadherin promoter in the NCI-60 cancer cells

E-cadherin (E-cad) is a transmembrane adhesion glycoprotein, the expression of which is often reduced in invasive or metastatic tumors. To assess E-cad's distribution among different types of cancer cells, we used bisulfite-sequencing for detailed, base-by-base measurement of CpG methylation in E-cad's promoter region in the NCI-60 cell lines. The mean methylation levels of the cell lines were distributed bimodally, with values pushed toward either the high or low end of the methylation scale. The 38 epithelial cell lines showed substantially lower (28%) mean methylation levels compared with the nonepithelial cell lines (58%). The CpG site at -143 with respect to the transcriptional start was commonly methylated at intermediate levels, even in cell lines with low overall DNA methylation. We also profiled the NCI-60 cell lines using Affymetrix U133 microarrays and found E-cad expression to be correlated with E-cad methylation at highly statistically significant levels. Above a threshold of ∼20% to 30% mean methylation, the expression of E-cad was effectively silenced. Overall, this study provides a type of detailed analysis of methylation that can also be applied to other cancer-related genes. As has been shown in recent years, DNA methylation status can serve as a biomarker for use in choosing therapy. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(2):391–403]
Phase II trial of R‐CHOP plus bortezomib induction therapy followed by bortezomib maintenance for newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma: SWOG S0601

Bortezomib is active in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), with approval in upfront and relapsed settings. Given inevitable recurrence following induction chemoimmunotherapy, maintenance approaches are a rational strategy to improve clinical outcomes. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of six cycles of R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) plus bortezomib (1·3 mg/m2 days 1 and 4 of 21 d cycles) followed by bortezomib maintenance (1·3 mg/m2 days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 3 months for 2 years). Sixty‐five eligible patients were enrolled. The treatment was well tolerated and toxicities were mainly haematological. The rate of grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathy was low (5%). With a median follow‐up of 6·8 years, 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was 62%, and 2‐year overall survival (OS) was 85%. At 5 years, PFS was 28% and OS was 66%. MCL International Prognostic Index scores were significantly associated with 2‐year PFS, but did not predict long‐term (≥5‐year) PFS. Baseline Ki‐67 index was significantly associated with survival. Combination R‐CHOP with bortezomib followed by maintenance bortezomib appears to improve outcomes compared historically with R‐CHOP alone, with prolonged remissions in a subset of patients. These results suggest that inclusion of bortezomib with induction chemotherapy and/or maintenance is promising in MCL and warrants further exploration.