Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On a Synchronization Problem in Asynchronous DS/CDMA System (5th Workshop on Stochastic Numerics)

$\mathrm{A}\mathrm{b}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{t}-\mathrm{R}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{y}$ studies on spreading sequences (SS) codes generated by aMarkov chain have been extensively discussed since it was reported that, for an asynchronous $\mathrm{D}\mathrm{S}/\mathrm{C}\mathrm{D}\mathrm{M}\mathrm{A}$ system, SS codes can achieve smaller bit error rate (BER) than linear feedback shift register (LFSR) sequences. However these results follow from the assumption that the receiver is completely synchronized. In this paper we treat the case where the transmitted signal and its corresponding correlation receiver is incompletely synchronized within a fraction of achip and give the distribution of autocorrelation functions of SS codes generated by aMarkov chain. We also give the BER when anearly synchonized correlator is employed.
Laughing Matters: Humour in the Language Classroom

Introduction 1. Funny Starts 2. Jokes and Wisecracks 3. Puns and Puzzles 4. Proverbs and Quotations 5. Poems and Songs 6. Pictures and Images 7. Stories and Anecdotes 8. Sketches and Dialogues 9. Errors and Failures 10. Children and Schools.
Cattle Fattening Practices in West Hararghe: Potentials and Constraints of Beef Cattle Production in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The present study was conducted to investigate the status of beef cattle production system, major available beef cattle feed, constraints, and challenges of cattle fattening in Gemechis, Mesela, Tulo and Oda Bultum District, Western Hararge Zone, Oromia National Regional State. To select the districts and individual cattle fatteners, purposive selection techniques were applied based on their potentiality and beef cattle ownership, respectively. Accordingly a total of 120 cattle fatteners were included and interviewed using pre tested structured questionnaire. In addition to semi-structured questionnaire, group discussions and key informant interviews were carried out to support the survey data. As the assessment result showed fattening length in highland regions was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those of midland regions with mean value of 5.0±0.18 and 4.1±0.18 respectively. Green feeds from maize and sorghum origin which includes thinning contributes a major role as livestock feed during wet season whereas crop residues (mainly maize and sorghum stover) in wet season and wheat bran ‘frushika’ are the dominant feed resources supplement for cattle fatteners in the study area. Feed shortage and marketing of fattened animals were major constraints reported by the farmers. Beef marketing constraints prioritized by the respondents in the study area included problems created by brokers (77.5%), seasonality of market price variation (14.17%), low market price (0.83%) and others (7.5%). It can be concluded that cattle fattening could be one potential strategy to improve the income of the fatteners if utilizes seasonally available feed resources by improving utilization efficiency and controlled cattle marketing system by governmental bodies for sustainable market service, to protect the negative influence and interference of the broker’s.
Physiological response of marandu grass seeds exposed to NPK fertilizer

ABSTRACT: To facilitate seeding process of forage species, a common practice is to mix seeds with fertilizers in monocropping and intercropping or in implementing integrated livestock production systems. However, in prolonged periods of contact, the fertilizer’s salinity and acidity negatively affect the seeds’ physiological quality. Therefore, this study intends to verify the effect of ten periods (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours) of exposure to granular NPK fertilizer 04-30-16 on the vigor and germination of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu seeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replication. The fertilizer and seed mixture registered a negative effect on seed moisture content, electrical conductivity, emergence, emergence speed index, and seedling and radicle length as the period of exposure to the fertilizer increased from 3 to 120 hours.
Alliance A031201: A phase III trial of enzalutamide (ENZ) versus enzalutamide, abiraterone, and prednisone (ENZ/AAP) for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

5008 Background: Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is an important growth mechanism in mCRPC, providing the rationale for treatment with AR axis inhibitors such as ENZ and AAP. Targeting AR with anti-androgens such as ENZ can result in compensatory autocrine and paracrine androgenic stimulation. Therefore, using ENZ with the androgen biosynthesis inhibitor AAP to dampen these resistance mechanisms could improve clinical outcomes relative to ENZ alone. Methods: Men with progressive mCRPC by Prostate Cancer Working Group 2 criteria were eligible. Prior treatment with taxanes for mCRPC and any prior treatment with ENZ or AAP was exclusionary. Patients (pts) were randomized 1:1 to ENZ or ENZ/AAP at standard FDA-approved doses. Randomization was stratified by prior chemotherapy and Halabi prognostic three risk groups. Castrating therapy was maintained. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) defined as the date of randomization from date of death or last follow-up. The log-rank test had 90% power to detect a hazard ratio for OS of 0.77 with a one-sided type I error rate of 0.025. Secondary endpoints included radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) and on-treatment PSA declines. Exploratory endpoints included imaging changes, and changes in serum biomarkers such as androgens, angiokines, and circulating microRNA and RNA. The primary analysis was based on the stratified log-rank test adjusting on the stratification factors. Results: Between January 2014 and August 2016, 1311 men were randomized: 657 to ENZ and 654 to ENZ/AAP. Groups were well balanced between arms, including stratification variables. 15.6% of pts were high risk, 35.3% intermediate, and 48.1% low. Median OS was 33.6 mo (95% CI 30.5-36.4) and 32.7 mo (29.9-35.4) respectively, two-sided p = 0.53. Fifty percent PSA decline rate was 80% vs. 76.5%. Grade 3-5 adverse events (AE) (all attributions) were 55.6% and 68.8% respectively. Treatment discontinuation due to AEs occurred in 5% and 12%, pt withdrawal in 5% and 13%, and progression or death in 57% and 48% of pts respectively. Conclusions: Addition of abiraterone acetate to enzalutamide did not prolong survival in men with mCRPC. The combination resulted in more AEs than enzalutamide alone. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882, U24CA196171; https://acknowledgments.alliancefound. org . Clinical trial information: NCT01949337.
Sugarbeet tolerance when dimethenamid-P follows soil-applied ethofumesate and S-metolachlor

Abstract Sugarbeet growers only recently have combined ethofumesate, S-metolachlor, and dimethenamid-P in a weed control system for waterhemp control. Sugarbeet plant density, visible stature reduction, root yield, percent sucrose content, and recoverable sucrose were measured in field experiments at five environments between 2014 and 2016. Sugarbeet stand density and stature reduction occurred in some but not all environments. Stand density was reduced with PRE application of S-metolachlor at 1.60 kg ai ha–1 and S-metolachlor at 0.80 kg ha–1 + ethofumesate at 1.68 kg ai ha–1 alone or followed by POST applications of dimethenamid-P at 0.95 kg ai ha–1. Sugarbeet visible stature was reduced when dimethenamid-P followed PRE treatments. Stature reduction was greatest with ethofumesate at 1.68 or 4.37 kg ha–1 PRE and S-metolachlor at 0.80 kg ha–1 + ethofumesate at 1.68 kg ha–1 PRE followed by dimethenamid-P at 0.95 kg ha–1 POST. Stature reduction ranged from 0 to 32% 10 d after treatment (DAT), but sugarbeet recovered quickly and visible injury was negligible 23 DAT. Although root yield and recoverable sucrose were similar across herbicide treatments and environments, we caution against the use of S-metolachlor at 0.80 kg ha–1 + ethofumesate at 1.68 kg ai ha–1 PRE followed by dimethenamid-P at 0.95 kg ha–1 in sugarbeet.
APACT: phase III, multicenter, international, open-label, randomized trial of adjuvant nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (nab-P/G) vs gemcitabine (G) for surgically resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

4000 Background: In metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC), nab-P/G demonstrated significantly longer overall survival (OS) vs G. APACT assessed efficacy & safety of nab-P/G vs G in surgically resected PC. Methods: Treatment (tx)-naive patients (pts) with histologically confirmed PC, macroscopic complete resection, ECOG PS 0/1, & CA19-9 < 100 U/mL were eligible. Stratification factors: resection status (R0/R1), lymph node status (LN+/−), & geographic region. Tx was initiated ≤ 12 wks postsurgery. Pts received nab-P 125 mg/m2 + G 1000 mg/m2 or G 1000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 of six 28-day cycles. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) by independent reviewer (IR); IRs received baseline clinical data & scans. Secondary endpoints were OS & safety. ≈438 DFS events were needed for 90% power to detect an HR for disease recurrence or death of 0.73 with nab-P/G vs G at a 2-sided significance level of 0.05. Results: 866 pts were randomized. Median age was 64 y (range, 34 - 86); most pts had ECOG PS 0 (60%), LN+ (72%), & R0 (76%). 69% of pts completed 6 tx cycles ( nab-P/G, 66%; G, 71%). Median follow up for OS was 38.5 mo. Median IR-assessed DFS (439 events) was 19.4 mo ( nab-P/G) vs 18.8 mo (G) (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.729 - 1.063; stratified log-rank P = 0.1824). Investigator-assessed DFS (571 events) was 16.6 mo ( nab-P/G) vs 13.7 mo (G) (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.694 - 0.965; nominal P = 0.0168). Interim OS (427 events) was 40.5 mo ( nab-P/G) vs 36.2 mo (G) (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.680 - 0.996; nominal P = 0.045). Grade ≥ 3 TEAEs were reported in 86% vs 68% of pts with nab-P/G vs G. The most common grade ≥ 3 hematologic & nonhematologic TEAEs with nab-P/G vs G were neutropenia (49% vs 43%) & fatigue (10% vs 3%). TEAEs led to death in 2 pts in each arm. Conclusions: IR DFS with nab-P/G was not significantly longer vs G; median DFS with G was longer than historical data. DFS by investigator (sensitivity analysis) and interim OS were improved with nab-P/G vs G (HR 0.82 for both). Adjuvant nab-P/G may be an option for pts who are ineligible for FOLFIRINOX. Additional OS follow-up may better support nab-P/G as an option in the adjuvant setting. Clinical trial information: NCT01964430.
The clinical value of narrow band imaging endoscopy in diagnosing intestinal metaplasia

Objective To investigate the morphologic features of gastric intestinal metaplasia(IM)using narrow band imaging(NBI)endoscopy and its feasibility and accuracy for diagnosis of IM combined with histopathology.Methods The endoscopic examination was performed on 40 patients and suspected lesions associated with IM was further observed by NBI combined with magnifying endoscopy.The biopsy specimens were obtained from regions containing villous mucosa for pathological examination.Those results were analyzed.Results In 40 patients examined with NBI,villous patterns were visualized in lesions with IM.IM was pathologically confirmed in 28 patients.Of which,49 biopsy specimens were diagnosed pathologically as intestinal metaplasia,and 45 specimens were diagnosed by NBI.The sensitivity and specificity was 92% and 86%. In 40 patients examined with routine endoscopy,IM was pathologically confirmed in 23 patients.Of which,31 biopsy specimens were diagnosed pathologically as intestinal metaplasia,10 specimens were diagnosed by routine endoscopy.The sensitivity and specificity was 32%,and 96%. The detective rate of IM could be increased if biopsy specimen was obtained from villous region with help of NBI endoscopy(P0.05). [WTHZ]Conclusion It has been demonstrated that NBI combined with magnifying endoscopy may improve the diagnosis of IM by clearly observing microvasculature and targeted-biopsy in villous region,which is helpful in early diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Students and recorded lectures: survey on current use and demands for higher education

Online recordings of lectures provide students with anytime-anyplace access to lectures. Research shows that students prefer courses accompanied by online recordings and an increasing number of universities provide recorded lectures. This paper presents the results of a study into the use of recorded lectures at two universities in the Netherlands. The goal of the study is to gain a better understanding of the way that this group of students use recorded lectures. This understanding will enable the creation of usage scenarios that need to be supported. Our results show that students use recorded lectures as a replacement for missed lectures and for study tasks, like preparing for an exam. A large proportion of the students report that they watch 75100% of a recorded lecture when the view one. The fact that students did not mention the quality of the actual lectures appears not to influence the use of the recorded lectures. Recorded lectures for courses that only use the blackboard are viewed less often. There are also interesting differences in the use of recorded lectures of the different groups of students at the two universities. To increase the credibility and validity of the results, we need a more direct way to measure the use of recorded lectures by students. Methodological triangulation using the log data for the recorded lectures can provide this. Keywords: recorded lectures; web lectures; online lectures; video lectures (Published: 24 September 2012) Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2012, 20 : 17299 - http://dx.doi. org/10.3402/rlt.v20i0. 17299
Reproduction and life span characterization of Artemia urmiana in Lake Urmia, Iran (Branchiopoda: Anostraca)

Urmia Lake is one of the largest permanent hypersaline lakes in the world. The lake can be characterized as an oligotrophic lake concerning phytoplankton production. Due to low precipitation in recent years in Urmia Lake’s catchment area, the water level has declined as much as 4 m compared to 15 years ago. Irrespective of its recent evolution, Urmia Lake has always shown fluctuations in historical and geological times which may cause some ecological partition. Regarding allopatric speciation model of Artemia we assume that several populations of Artemia are generated during last years and living in Urmia Lake. To investigate Artemia population diversity in Urmia Lake, Artemia urmiana Gunther 1890 cysts were collected from five sites in Lake Urmia, Iran. These sites in part represent areas with different physicochemical conditions. To detect possible differences between stations, discriminant analysis (DA) was performed on data of survival, growth, and reproduction at two salinities (75 and 150 g.l-1) in laboratory culture tests. The performed DA implied that for the reproductive and life span characters, in both salinities, the stations of Golmankhaneh can be determined as the separated group among the studied stations which can be considered for industrial projects and evolutionary studies.
Response of Tomato to Metribuzin

Metribuzin [4-amino-6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazine-5(4H) one] injured and reduced growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) but did not inhibit germination or emergence of several other species. In cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), metribuzin did not have a specific site of uptake, being equally toxic when placed in the root, shoot, or seed zone. Tomato was more susceptible to metribuzin when the plants were grown under high humidity, high temperature, maintained under low light intensities before spraying, had their leaves rubbed with glass wool, or had a surfactant in the spray solution. The increased toxicity under low light was not overcome by exogenous sucrose. About 4% of the available metribuzin was absorbed by tomato leaves or roots and was translocated in the xylem. Tomato plants 13 cm in height were less susceptible to metribuzin injury than 8-cm high plants.
Review First line symptomatic therapy for painful diabetic neuropathy: A tricyclic antidepressant or gabapentin?

Diabetes is a high prevalence disease leading amo ng others to painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) were considered as first line therapy for symptomatic pain therapy. While their efficacy is reasonably well established, their adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile limits their usefulness. Third generation antidepressants like venlafaxine could overcome these limitations but data concerning their efficacy are limited. Among clinicians a new therapeutic trend is occurring: gabapentin, a drug initially marketed as an antie pileptic, is becoming increasingly popu lar as the first line therapy for PDN. Gabapentin is a ligand for the alpha 2/delta modulatory subunit of calcium channels, thus decreasing intracellular calcium availability. Initial data on the effectiveness of gabapentin in PDN indicates an efficacy comparable with secondary amine TCAs. The reason for gabapentin’s popularity is the benign ADR profile and the lack of relevant drug-drug or drug-food interactions.
Description of Daily Nutritional Intake of Pregnant Women in Temanggung District, Central Java, Indonesia

Background: The nutritional status of pregnant women are affected by daily nutritional intake. Daily nutritional intake during pregnancy depends on total macronutrient intake and micronutrient intake. The aim of the study is to describe daily nutritional intake from pregnant women in Temanggung,Central Java, Indonesia.Method: This study was conducted from September – December 2016 in Temanggung. This was a cross sectional study and the respondents were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Total sample of this study were 60 pregnant women. Intakes of macronutrients (Energy, and Protein), and micronutrients were calculated based on Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) Semi Quantitative and using Nutrisoft software, Demographic data were obtained by interviewing.Results Of the total 60 pregnant women, 40 (66,7%) were unemployed. The majority of educational level of the respondents (48,3%) were Junior High School. The mean gestational age were 6,70 ± 1,109 months. The mean intake of energy in 60 pregnant women was 2153,9833 ± 369 kcalConclusion: The majority of pregnant women in this study have adequate intake of both macro and micronutrient besides iron and folic acid.
The Public Workforce System: Serving Older Job Seekers and the Disability Implications of an Aging Workforce

A confluence of demographic, economic, and health factors have intersected to make the employment situation of older Americans a matter of urgent national importance. Demographically, the U.S. labor force is aging. Economically, more and more workers are reaching traditional retirement age only to find that they cannot afford to retire and must keep working to make ends meet. And from a health standpoint, as people age they become more likely to acquire a disability or reduced functional capacity, which may affect their ability to remain in the workforce. The challenge for American policymakers and employers is how to enable an aging workforce to keep working in spite of the labor market, economic, and aging challenges older workers face.
Down regulation of Hmgcr in response to Influenza A infection is independent of the IFN response in human cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that the product of the Interferon stimulated gene Ch25h, 25-Hydroxycholestrol, provides an immediate and rapid mechanism for down-regulating sterol biosynthesis, through the inhibition of Hmgcr gene expression and proteolytic degradation of HMGCR protein. Further studies provide evidence that inhibition of the sterol biosynthesis pathway by 25-HC has broad antiviral effects. In this study, Influenza A virus (IAV) replication was inhibited in cells treated with Fluvastatin or where Hmgcr expression was inhibited with an siRNA. Treatment of A549 cells with 25-HC however, resulted in a 2-fold enhancement of IAV replication despite the fact that 25-HC promotes the proteolytic degradation of HMGCR. A549 cells infected with IAV revealed a rapid loss of HMGCR protein, a reduction in Hmgcr gene expression as well as an increase in the expression of Ch25h, that were all independent of the IFN pathway. Infection of both wild-type and Ch25h−/− murine BMDMs with IAV also revealed a rapid loss of HMGCR abundance indicating that 25-HC independent mechanisms exist for promoting proteolytic degradation of HMGCR. These data for the human A549 cell line contrast with the induction of Ch25h and subsequent loss of HMGCR in murine cells that has been shown to be dependent on IFN signalling. Importance Cholesterol, a lipid, is mainly produced by the liver or obtained from everyday foods. It is an essential element of the structure of cells and is vital for maintaining the normal function of human body. In cells, cholesterol can be oxidised to oxysterols by biological catalysts, known as enzymes. Certain oxysterols have recently emerged as important elements in the immune response to micro-organisms. This project studied a key enzyme, which is a component of the cholesterol metabolism, known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR). A set of experiments were designed and performed to study the behaviour of HMGCR following viral infections. This study lays the foundation for re-building a map of cholesterol metabolism and the immune response to viral infection. It will be useful for understanding the importance of cholesterol metabolism in infection and exploring novel antiviral strategies.
Effects of Combined Program of Laughter and Exercise vs Exercise-Only Program in Pneumoconiosis Patients

Previous studies have focused on the physical health, but mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also important in pneumoconiosis patients. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of a combined program of laughter and exercise and an exercise-only program on physical and mental health of patients with pneumoconiosis. Intervention was conducted with 20 participants in each the experimental and the comparison groups, three times a week for five weeks. The experimental group received a combined intervention of laughter and exercise, and the comparison group received exercise-only intervention. In results, no significant difference in physical health variables between the two groups, but within-group preand post-data comparison showed that peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2) was significantly increased in the experimental group, and subjectively perceived dyspnea was significantly reduced in both groups. As for the mental health variables, no significant difference in depression was found, while anxiety and the quality of life were significantly improved in the experimental group. Thus, the combined program of laughter and exercise had a significant effect on mental health and a partial effect on physical health in patients with pneumoconiosis. 1