Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The design and analysis of successive decoding for channels with memory

by Teng Li Many communication systems have to cope with channels with unknown and time-varying state, including fading, inter-symbol interference, and more general finite-state Markov channels. This work proposes a novel successive decoding paradigm, or more specifically, a time-multiplexed transmission of multiple codes with multi-staged reception, to address the two fundamental aspects of these channels: the estimation of achievable information rate and the design of a practical coding system. The first part of this work shows that successive decoding under a deep rectangular interleaver essentially decomposes the original channel into a set of asymptotic memoryless subchannels with semi-infinite preceding training symbols. The achievable information rate of the original channel under a given input distribution can be efficiently computed from this set. Furthermore, the conventional coding system that separates estimation from decoding can operate on these memoryless channels without loss of mutual information. These results allow us to characterize accurately the binary-input capacity of correlated fading channels and to operate within 1.1 dB to the binary-input capacity using AWGN channel optimized LDPC codes. Teng Li The second part of this work deals with the design of more practical successive decoding with a small number of levels. The main idea is to incorporate an irregular interleaving pattern and when necessary iterative estimation decoding within each level. These techniques provide a more flexible configuration of successive decoding for balancing the performance and the delay. The analysis of the achievable rate and the extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) charts are proposed for code rate allocation and for the efficient optimization of interleavers. Both the optimal random interleaver and a good construction of the deterministic interleaver are numerically shown to have performance very close to its binary-input capacity with a small number of levels. To my wife and parents
Cancer inhibition in nude mice after systemic application of U6 promoter-driven short hairpin RNAs against PLK1.

BACKGROUND RNA interference initiated by small interfering RNAs effectively suppresses gene expression, but the suppression is transient, which limits the therapeutic use of this technique. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a key cell cycle regulator that is overexpressed in various human tumors. We used a xenograft mouse model to determine whether an RNA interference-based strategy that used short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to suppress PLK1 expression could inhibit tumor growth in vivo. METHODS HeLa S3 cervical and A549 lung cancer cell lines were transfected with plasmids containing U6 promoter-driven shRNAs against human PLK1 or control (parental or scrambled) plasmids. Plasmids were treated with the nuclease inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) as protection against nucleases in murine blood. Nude mice carrying xenograft tumors were injected with shRNA plasmids, and their xenograft tumor growth was assessed. Northern and western blot analyses were used to measure PLK1 mRNA and protein expression, respectively, in transfected cultured cells and in xenograft tumors. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Levels of PLK1 mRNA and protein were lower in HeLa S3 and A549 cancer cells transfected with PLK1 shRNA plasmids than in corresponding cells transfected with control parental or scrambled PLK1S shRNA plasmids. Proliferation of cells transfected with PLK1 shRNA was lower than that of cells transfected with either control plasmid, and proliferation of cells transfected with ATA-treated PLK1 shRNA plasmids was even lower. In mice with human xenograft tumors, PLK1 shRNA expression from ATA-treated plasmids reduced tumor growth to 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12% to 26%; P =.03) and from untreated plasmids reduced tumor growth to 45% (95% CI = 26% to 64%; P =.1) of that of tumors in mice treated with scrambled control PLK1S shRNA plasmids. CONCLUSIONS The combination of shRNA-mediated gene silencing with effective in vivo gene delivery strategies appears to generate a long-lasting silencing signal.
Effects of Volitional Spine Stabilization and Lower Extremity Fatigue on Trunk Control During Landing in Individuals With Recurrent Low Back Pain.

STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. BACKGROUND Recurrent low back pain (LBP) and neuromuscular fatigue are independently thought to increase the risk of spine injury. Volitional preemptive abdominal contraction (VPAC) is thought to improve lumbar spine and pelvis control in individuals with recurrent LBP. The effects of VPAC on fatigued landing performance in individuals with recurrent LBP are unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of VPAC and lower extremity fatigue on trunk control during landing in a population of individuals with recurrent LBP. METHODS Thirty-two recurrent LBP (mean ± SD age, 21.2 ± 2.7 years) and 33 healthy (age, 20.9 ± 2.3 years) subjects performed 0.30-m drop-jump landings with and without VPAC and fatigue. Trunk, pelvis, and hip biomechanical and electromyographic variables were obtained using 3-D motion capture. Hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance. RESULTS Volitional preemptive abdominal contraction resulted in significantly earlier muscle onsets across all muscles, with and without fatigue, in both groups (mean ± SD, 0.058 ± 0.019 seconds earlier; P≤.001) and altered lumbar lateral flexion (1.4° ± 14.8° greater right lateral flexion; P = .002). Fatigue significantly delayed muscle onsets (0.040 ± 0.014 seconds later; P≤.001) and altered pelvic obliquity (1.4° ± 11.0° greater; P≤.001) and trunk side flexion (2.0° ± 14.8° less; P≤.001). The recurrent LBP group exhibited delayed muscle onsets (0.039 ± 0.031 seconds later; P≤.004) and 4.2° less hip abduction at initial contact (P≤.008) in comparison to healthy controls. CONCLUSION Volitional preemptive abdominal contraction decreases some of the detrimental effects of fatigue on landing biomechanics and thus may reduce spine injury risk in individuals with recurrent LBP.
The hearing aid ‘effect’ revisited in young adults

Abstract Hearing impairment is a common ailment in older adults. However, the acceptance ofhearing aids by hearing-impaired individuals remains poor. The main reasons given by hearing-impaired individuals for not acquiring a hearing aid are primarily psychosocial in nature. Research suggests that individuals with hearing loss believe that wearing hearing aids will cause them to be perceived as old and/or less competent. The purpose of the present study was to determine the perceptions of young adults towards hearing loss and hearing aids and to compare them to the perceptions of older adults with hearing impairment. A version of the ‘Attitudes Toward Loss of Hearing Questionnaire’ was administered to young adults and older adults with hearing loss. Results suggest that young adults do not associate hearing aids with ageing or diminished cognitive function, although findings suggest reticence towards wearing amplification. The implications of this study are discussed in terms of increasing public awareness of hearing loss.
Resurrecting Seva (Social Service): Dalit and Low-caste Women Party Activists as Producers and Consumers of Political Culture and Practice in Urban North India

This article examines Dalit (ex-untouchable) and low-caste women activists within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Underrepresented in Indian political history, these women frequently portray political activities as seva or social service, thus recalling upper caste/class notions of self-sacrifice and philanthropy of colonial memory. Seva, however, finds no place within the history of Dalit politics articulated through a language of rights. This article argues there exists an interlocking relation between the resurgence of seva and the process of upward class mobility that was a precondition to both the creation of the BSP and women's political participation within it. Further, it suggests that women activists appropriate and re-enact gender idioms and models coined in colonial India, refashioning them for the exigencies of contemporary politics. In turn, this points to the presence of shared structures of gendered political agency cutting across time, class, and caste among Dalit/low-caste communities usually considered as “other. ” In addition, this ethnographic focus on agency challenges the usual trope of Dalit/low-caste women as “victims,” offering a critique of the burgeoning field of Dalit studies.
Membrane association of cathepsin B can be induced by transfection of human breast epithelial cells with c-Ha-ras oncogene.

Alterations in trafficking and increases in expression of the lysosomal proteases cathepsins B, D and L have been observed in transformed cells and malignant tumors, including human breast carcinoma. ras and the related rab proteins participate in the vesicular transport processes required for normal trafficking of lysosomal enzymes. In addition, transfection of murine fibroblasts with the ras oncogene has been shown to increase the expression of cathepsins L and B. As human cancers are primarily epithelial in origin, we have investigated whether there are alterations in the trafficking and expression of cathepsin B in MCF-10 human breast epithelial cells transfected with wild-type and mutated ras. In all cells examined, i.e. mortal MCF-10M cells, immortal MCF-10A or MCF-10F cells, and transfected MCF-10A cells (transfected with the neomycin resistance gene (MCF-10Aneo) or cotransfected with wild-type proto-oncogenic ras (MCF-10AneoN) or mutated oncogenic ras (MCF-10AneoT)), levels of mRNA transcripts for cathepsin B were similar. However, alterations in trafficking of cathepsin B were observed in the cells transfected with oncogenic ras. In these cells there was an increased association of cathepsin B activity and cathepsin B protein with plasma membrane/endosomal fractions and a more peripheral distribution of immunofluorescent staining for cathepsin B. At the electron microscopic level, immunogold labeling for cathepsin B was localized to the cell membrane as well as to vesicles in the microvilli and adjacent to the cell membrane. In the parental MCF-10A cells, in contrast, cathepsin B was localized to vesicles in the perinuclear region. The cathepsin B associated with plasma membrane/endosomal fractions in the cells transfected with oncogenic ras was mature cathepsin B as demonstrated by immunoblot analysis. This was confirmed further by showing an absence of peripheral immunofluorescent staining in these cells using an antibody specific for the propeptide of cathepsin B. Thus, we have demonstrated by multiple techniques that transfection of human breast epithelial cells with oncogenic ras results in alterations in the trafficking of cathepsin B similar to those observed previously in human and animal tumors of both epithelial and mesenchymal origin.
Nature of the perineural space invaded by prostatic carcinoma

The concept of perineural lymphatics is widely accepted, particularly in reference to prostatic carcinoma. A study of serial sections of many tissue blocks from 12 prostatic carcinomas revealed involvement of perineurium in only five cases; however, the assumption that these tumor cells are in lymphatics is unlikely because of the absence of an endothelial lining and the involvement of the entire circumference of the nerve by tumor in some instances. Experimental studies were performed to further investigate the perineurium. When India ink was injected into the lymphatics of the prostatic capsule of dogs, none was found in perineural areas either grossly or microscopically. Inoculation of Walker 256 carcinoma directly into the perineurium of femoral nerves of rats resulted in variable spread within the nerve and along tissue spaces in the perineurium, with no evidence of invasion of lymphatics or regional lymph nodes. Electron microscopy of canine and human nerves did not reveal any evidence of lymphatics in the perineurium. Therefore, the authors conclude that spread of malignant tumors along nerves in the prostate and elsewhere is not within performed lymphatics but within tissue planes of least resistance.
X-ray computed tomography of two mammoth calf mummies

Abstract Two female woolly mammoth neonates from permafrost in the Siberian Arctic are the most complete mammoth specimens known. Lyuba, found on the Yamal Peninsula, and Khroma, from northernmost Yakutia, died at ages of approximately one and two months, respectively. Both specimens were CT-scanned, yielding detailed information on the stage of development of their dentition and skeleton and insight into conditions associated with death. Both mammoths died after aspirating mud. Khroma's body was frozen soon after death, leaving her tissues in excellent condition, whereas Lyuba's body underwent postmortem changes that resulted in authigenic formation of nodules of the mineral vivianite associated with her cranium and within diaphyses of long bones. CT data provide the only comprehensive approach to mapping vivianite distribution. Three-dimensional modeling and measurement of segmented long bones permits comparison between these individuals and with previously recovered specimens. CT scans of long bones and foot bones show developmental features such as density gradients that reveal ossification centers. The braincase of Khroma was segmented to show the approximate morphology of the brain; its volume is slightly less (∼2,300 cm3) than that of neonate elephants (∼2,500 cm3). Lyuba's premaxillae are more gracile than those of Khroma, possibly a result of temporal and/or geographic variation but probably also reflective of their age difference. Segmentation of CT data and 3-D modeling software were used to produce models of teeth that were too complex for traditional molding and casting techniques.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and cell proliferation of gastric epithelial mucosa: correlation to macroscopic and microscopic diagnosis

Our aim was to compare the expression of EGFR and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in different histological and endoscopic diagnostic groups, in cases of Helicobacter pylori infection, in vivo. Paraffin embedded human gastric biopsy samples (86) were analysed by EGFR and PCNA immunohistochemistry and classified both on the basis of histology and endoscopic findings. In normal epithelia (NE), a positive correlation was found between PCNA and EGFR and in H. pylori‐negative gastritis with and without intestinal metaplasia (P < 0.01). On the other hand, a negative correlation was detected between the two immunohistochemical findings in H. pylori‐associated gastritis with intestinal metaplasia (HPGIM) and in the atrophic gastritis (AG) group. In HPGIM the percentage of EGFR‐positive cells was significantly lower (32.4 ± 30.4) when compared to either the NE (50.3 ± 23.7) or H. pylori‐negative gastritis with intestinal metaplasia (HNGIM) (48.3 ± 23.7). In AG, EGFR was significantly lower when compared to the NE (P < 0.05). Based on the endoscopic findings, a significant decrease of EGFR expression was found in gastric ulcer cases as compared to NE, gastritis or erosion cases (P < 0.01). PCNA showed no significant alterations between the NE and gastritis, AG groups. The presence of H. pylori has an inverse effect on PCNA and EGFR expression in HPGIM.
The Effects Of Technology Acceptance Factors On Customer E-Loyalty and E-Satisfaction In Malaysia

The rapid growth of Internet shopping has led to increasing interest in how to inspire customer e-loyalty and e-satisfaction in Malaysia. By using TAM and TRA as the theoretical base, this study aims to investigate the impact of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment on customer e-loyalty and e-satisfaction. SPSS and SmartPLS (M3) are used as the main analytical tool. 395 respondents participated in the study and empirical results indicated that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use positively impacted customer e-loyalty and e-satisfaction. Several implications, limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research are outlined.
The Incidence of Primary Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Vietnam

Goals: To determine the susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from a Vietnamese population to 5 antibiotics. Background: The incidence of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori infection is increasing worldwide and has become a leading cause for failure of treatment. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is very important to provide optimal regimens in a clinical setting. Study: We isolated 103 H. pylori strains from the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected patients from 2 areas in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi) in 2008. Epsilometer test was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations of amoxicillin, clarithromycin (CLR), metronidazole (MNZ), levofloxacin, and tetracycline. Results: Among the 103 strains, the resistance rates were 0% (amoxicillin), 33% (CLR), 69.9% (MNZ), 18.4% (levofloxacin), and 5.8% (tetracycline). The resistant strains showed a high-level of resistance (≥256 µg/mL) to CLR, 23.5% (8/34), and MNZ, 29.1% (21/72). The resistance rate for CLR was significantly higher in Ho Chi Minh than in Hanoi (49% vs. 18.5%, P=0.001). Resistance to both CLR and MNZ was most commonly observed (24.3%). Two strains (1.9%) were resistant to 4 of the 5 antibiotics. No significant association was observed between antibiotic resistance rates and age, sex, or clinical outcomes of the patients. Conclusions: High incidence of resistance to CLR and MNZ suggests that standard triple therapies may not be useful as first-line treatment in Vietnam. Alternative strategies such as bismuth-based quadruple therapies or sequential therapy may be more effective in Vietnam.
Type-2 diabetes and carotid stenosis: a proposal for a screening strategy in asymptomatic patients

The objective of this prospective observational study was to establish the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic diabetic population and to determine predictive factors for a screening optimization. A total of 300 consecutive type-2 diabetic subjects (166 males, 134 females) underwent a physical examination and duplex carotid scanning. Patients with a recent cerebrovascular event (±6 weeks) or previous carotid surgery were excluded. The prevalence of carotid stenosis ≥60% or occlusion was 4.7%; the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 68.3%. Risk factors for stenosis ≤60% or occlusion were the presence of diabetic retinopathy (OR: 3.62; 95% CI: 1.12-11.73), ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.85 (OR: 3.94; 95% CI: 1.21-12.84) and a personal history of neurological disorders (OR: 4.54; 95% CI: 1.16-17.81). Being female was a protective factor (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.78). The two factors in the analysis limited to the male population were an ABI < 0.85 (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.04-12.84) and a personal history of coronary heart disease (OR: 3.34; 95% CI: 1.01-11.01). If male diabetics without either of these two factors are excluded, the negative predictive value for carotid stenosis is 96.6%. In conclusion, the prevalence of atherosclerotic carotid disease in diabetic patients is high. In these patients, the probability of finding >60% stenosis is highest among men with a history of coronary heart disease or an ABI <0.85.
Cardiopulmonary effects of anesthesia induced and maintained with isoflurane in cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine the cardiopulmonary effects of anesthesia induced and maintained with isoflurane (ISO) in cats. ANIMALS 8 healthy cats between 1 and 5 years old. PROCEDURE Anesthesia was induced with ISO in oxygen. Two anesthetic depths were maintained in each cat; mean alveolar concentrations (MAC) were 1.3 and 2.0 times MAC. Ventilation was either spontaneous or controlled. Each cat received each treatment combination according to a Latin square design. Cardiopulmonary measurements were made after 20 minutes of constant conditions with each combination of anesthetic depth and ventilatory mode. RESULTS Cardiac index was not different between ISO doses, but 2.0 MAC ISO reduced arterial blood pressure and total peripheral resistance. Cardiac index and systolic arterial blood pressure were reduced by controlled ventilation. The PaCO2 and pulmonary artery pressure were highest in association with 2.0 MAC ISO during spontaneous ventilation. Changes in pHa were attributable to changes in PaCO2. CONCLUSIONS 2.0 MAC ISO causes hypotension and hypercapnia; however, cardiac index is maintained. Hypercapnia may be abolished with controlled ventilation, but at the expense of reduced cardiac index. 1.3 MAC ISO results in minimal cardiopulmonary depression, especially when healthy cats are allowed to breathe spontaneously. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hypoventilation associated with untoward physiologic responses to 2.0 MAC may be overcome with controlled ventilation, but results in marked reduction in cardiovascular performance; thus, use of 2.0 MAC ISO should be avoided in cats.
The prevalance of trichiniasis in swine in the United States, 1966-70.

THE pork industry of the United States, in 1966, requested the development of a program to eliminate Trichinella spiral.s from pork (1). Attention since that time has centered on the development of procedures which could be used as epidemiologic tools for various facets of a trichinae elimination program. These included the pooled sample method (2, 3) and modifications of the fluorescent antibody test (4, 5). Coincidental with the development of such a program, several questions had to be answered regarding trichiniasis in swine. 1. Does the reservoir in swine constitute a public health hazard? 2. Will the disease be eliminated from swine without the benefit of a specific program? 3. Is the disease at a readily attackable level?
Impact of HIV on liver fibrosis in men with hepatitis C infection and haemophilia

Summary. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of liver disease in haemophilia. Few data exist on the proportion with liver fibrosis in this group after long‐term HCV and HIV co‐infection. We conducted a cross‐sectional multi‐centre study to determine the impact of HIV on the prevalence and risk factors for fibrosis in haemophilic men with chronic hepatitis C. Biopsies were independently scored by Ishak, Metavir and Knodell systems. Variables were tested for associations with fibrosis using logistic regression and receiver operating curves (ROC). Of 220 biopsied HCV(+) men, 23.6% had Metavir ≥F3 fibrosis, with higher mean Metavir fibrosis scores among HIV/HCV co‐infected than HCV mono‐infected, 1.6 vs. 1.3 (P = 0.044). Variables significantly associated with fibrosis included AST, ALT, APRI score (AST/ULN × 100/platelet × 109/L), alpha‐fetoprotein (all P < 0.0001), platelets (P = 0.0003) and ferritin (P = 0.0008). In multiple logistic regression of serum markers, alpha‐fetoprotein, APRI and ALT were significantly associated with ≥F3 fibrosis [AUROC = 0.77 (95% CI 0.69, 0.86)]. Alpha‐fetoprotein, APRI and ferritin were significant in HIV(−) [AUROC = 0.82 (95% CI 0.72, 0.92)], and alpha‐fetoprotein and platelets in HIV(+) [AUROC = 0.77 (95% CI 0.65, 0.88]. In a multivariable model of demographic and clinical variables, transformed (natural logarithm) of alpha‐fetoprotein (P = 0.0003), age (P = 0.006) and HCV treatment (P = 0.027) were significantly associated with fibrosis. Nearly one‐fourth of haemophilic men have Metavir ≥3 fibrosis. The odds for developing fibrosis are increased in those with elevated alpha‐fetoprotein, increasing age and past HCV treatment.