Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Database-Assisted Spectrum Sharing in Satellite Communications: A Survey

This survey paper discusses the feasibility of sharing the spectrum between satellite telecommunication networks and terrestrial and other satellite networks on the basis of a comprehensive study carried out as part of the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme. The main area of investigation is the use of spectrum databases to enable a controlled sharing environment. Future satellite systems can largely benefit from the ability to access spectrum bands other than the dedicated licensed spectrum band. Potential spectrum sharing scenarios are classified as: a) secondary use of the satellite spectrum by terrestrial systems, b) satellite system as a secondary user of spectrum c) extension of a terrestrial network by using the satellite network; and d) two satellite systems sharing the same spectrum. We define practical use cases for each scenario and identify suitable techniques. The proposed scenarios and use cases cover several frequency bands and satellite orbits. Out of all the scenarios reviewed, owing to the announcement of many different mega-constellation satellite networks, we focus on analyzing the feasibility of spectrum sharing between geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems. The performance is primarily analyzed on the basis of widely accepted recommendations of the Radiocommunications Sector of the International Telecommunications Union. Finally, future research directions are identified.
Analysis of diffused planar and channel waveguides

A simple analytical method is presented which improves upon the Hermite-Gauss field proposed by S.K. Korotky et al. (1982) for diffused waveguides by taking into account the evanescent field in the cover region. The method is used to analyze the propagation characteristics of diffused planar and channel waveguides. >
The “problem” learner: Whose problem is it? AMEE Guide No. 76

Clinical teachers often work with students or residents whom they perceive as a “problem”. For some, it is a knowledge deficit that first alerts them to a problem; for others it is an attitudinal problem or distressing behaviour . And in some cases, it is difficult to know if the learner is, indeed, presenting with a problem. The goal of this Guide is to outline a framework for working with “problem” learners. This includes strategies for identifying and defining learners’ problems, designing and implementing appropriate interventions, and assuring due process. The potential stress of medical school and residency training will also be addressed, as will a number of prevention strategies. Identifying learners’ problems early – and providing guidance from the outset – can be an important investment in the training and development of future health professionals. It is hoped that this Guide will be of help to clinical teachers, program directors and faculty developers.
Radiation-Induced Eye Lens Changes and Risk for Cataract in Interventional Cardiology

Background: Recent studies have reported a significant increase in eye lens opacities among staff in the cardiac catheterization laboratory but indicated further studies are needed to confirm the findings. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of opacities in eyes of cardiologists, radiographers and nurses working in interventional cardiology. Methods: The eyes of 52 staff in interventional cardiology facilities and 34 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls were screened in a cardiology conference held in Kuala Lumpur by dilated slit-lamp examination, and posterior lens changes were graded. Individual cumulative lens X-ray exposures were calculated from responses to a questionnaire in terms of workload and working practice. Results: The prevalence of posterior lens opacities among interventional cardiologists was 53%, while in nurses and radiographers it was 45%. Corresponding relative risks were 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2–5.4) and 2.2 (95% CI: 0.98–4.9), for interventional cardiologists and support staff, respectively. Conclusions: This study confirms a statistically significant increase in radiation-associated posterior lens changes in the eyes of interventional cardiology staff.
Trusting tweets: The Fukushima disaster and information source credibility on Twitter

This paper focuses on the micro-blogging service Twitter, looking at source credibility for information shared in relation to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster in Japan. We look at the sources, credibility, and between-language differences in information shared in the month following the disaster. Messages were categorized by user, location, language, type, and credibility of information source. Tweets with reference to third-party information made up the bulk of messages sent, and it was also found that a majority of those sources were highly credible, including established institutions, traditional media outlets, and highly credible individuals. In general, profile anonymity proved to be correlated with a higher propensity to share information from low credibility sources. However, Japanese-language tweeters, while more likely to have anonymous profiles, referenced lowcredibility sources less often than non-Japanese tweeters, suggesting proximity to the disaster mediating the degree of credibility of shared content.
Micronutrients and HIV‐1 disease progression

ObjectiveTo determine whether nutritional status affects immunological markers of HIV-1 disease progression. DesignA longitudinal study, to evaluate the relationship between plasma levels of nutrients and CD4 cell counts, along and in combination with β2-microglobulin (β2M; AIDS index) over an 18-month follow-up. MethodsBicohemical measurements of nutritional status including plasma proteins, zinc, iron and vitamins B,, B2/ Be, B12 (cobalamin), A, E, C and folate and immunological markers [lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4) and β2M] were obtained in 108 HIV-1-seropositive homosexual men at baseline and over three 6-month time periods. Changes in nutrient status (e.g., normal to deficient, deficient to normal), were compared with immunological parameters in the same time periods using an autoregressive model. ResultsDevelopment of deficiency of vitamin A or vitamin B12 was associated with a decline in CD4 cell count (P= 0.0255 and 0.0377, respectively), while normalization of vitamin A, vitamin B12 and zinc was associated with higher CD4 cell counts (P= 0.0492, 0.0061 and 0.0112, respectively). These findings were largely unaffected by ziddvudine use. For vitamin B12, low baseline status significantly predicted accelerated HIV-1 disease progression determined by CD4 cell count (P= 0.041) and the AIDS index (P= 0.005). ConclusionsThese data suggest that micronutrient deficiencies are associated with HIV-1 disease progression and raise the possibility that normalization might increase symptom-free survival.
Comparison of MB/BacT and BACTEC 460 TB Systems for Recovery of Mycobacteria in a Routine Diagnostic Laboratory

ABSTRACT MB/BacT, BACTEC 460 TB, and Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium were evaluated in parallel for recovery of mycobacteria from 3,700 continuous clinical specimens in a routine laboratory. Mycobacteria were identified from 123 (3.3%) specimens. The recovery rates for all mycobacteria by the different systems were 91.0, 73.0, and 53.6% for BACTEC 460 TB, MB/BacT, and LJ medium, respectively. The recovery rates for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex were 97.1, 80.2, and 67.6%, respectively. The lack of sensitivity of the MB/BacT system was more pronounced with smear-negative specimens and resulted in a failure to detect three patients with infectious tuberculosis.
74 PHILBECK AND LOOMIS Stimulus Cues Perception Behavior Monocular Parallax Walking OugM Tnnslon Perceived Distance Stimulus Cues Perception Behavior Monocular Psrallax ?

It has not been established that walking without vision to previewed targets is indeed controlled by perceived distance. To this end, we compared walking and verbal report as distance indicators, looking for a tight covariation in responses that would indicate control by a common variable. Targets from 79-500 cm away were presented under dark and well-lit conditions. Both verbal reports and walking indicated overestimation of near targets and underestimation of far targets under dark viewing conditions. Moreover, the finding that verbally reported distance plotted essentially as a single-valued function of walked distance and vice versa is evidence that both indicators were responding to the same internal variable, ostensibly perceived distance. In addition, binocular parallax, absolute motion parallax, and angular elevation were evaluated as distance cues, and only angular elevation exerted a large influence on perceived distance.
High‐temperature repetitive nerve stimulation in myasthenia gravis

High temperature enhances the decrement on repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the limit of this phenomenon at high temperature is unknown. Three‐hertz ulnar RNS was performed in 7 patients with MG at a skin temperature of 32°C and then with the hand in a 44°C water bath. At 32°C, the mean decrement preactivation was 5% (range, 0–24%); after 1 min of exercise, the mean decrement reached a maximum of 11% (range, 1–34%) 2 min postactivation. At a hand temperature of 42°C, the mean decrement preactivation was 17% (range, 0–65%); after exercise, the mean decrement reached a maximum of 29% (range, 5–74%) 1 min postactivation. In 3 subjects, RNS was normal at 32°C, but a definite decrement developed with heating. These findings demonstrate that very high temperature can improve the sensitivity of ulnar RNS for postsynaptic neuromuscular transmission defects. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 21: 1414–1418, 1998
Hypersplenism: an independent risk factor for myocardial remodeling in chronic heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND During the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF), decreased cardiac functioning is often associated with congestion in the inferior vena vein, which in turn induces splenomegaly and subsequent hypersplenism. Hypersplenism has been shown to exacerbate endothelial dysfunction and adverse cardiac remodeling in HF mice. However, it is unknown whether this effect also occurs in CHF patients with hypersplenism. Here, we compared different patterns of myocardial remodeling between patients with and without hypersplenism. METHODS 33 CHF patients with hypersplenism were selected and carefully examined. Clinical data and baseline hemogram measurements were included in the evaluation. Another 35 CHF patients were randomly chosen as controls. All patients received formal HF treatment to ameliorate their symptoms and to preserve heart structure and functioning. Peripheral blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were cultured, and the experimenters were blinded to the patients' clinical characteristics. The biological properties of the cells were then compared. The groups were also compared in terms of the free plasma hemoglobin and heme levels, endothelial adhesion molecule expression, left ventricular ejection fraction (LvEF) and cardiovascular events (re-PCI, re-myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke and death due to cardiovascular or vascular causes). RESULTS The free plasma hemoglobin and heme levels were significantly higher in the CHF patients with hypersplenism compared with the controls (P<0.001). Additionally, the CHF patients with hypersplenism had increased levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-selectin and E-selectin (P<0.001). Echocardiography revealed a significant reduction in the LVEF in these patients compared with the controls at the 24(th) month (P=0.013). During a mean follow-up period of 24±1 months, cardiovascular events were observed in 16 patients in the CHF with hypersplenism group and 9 patients in the control group. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis further revealed a significant difference between the groups (P=0.021). The mRNA levels of endothelial NO synthase enzyme (eNOS) in EPCs from the CHF patients with hypersplenism were significantly lower than those in the control subjects (P<0.001). We also observed decreased proliferation potential of EPCs from the CHF patients with hypersplenism (P<0.001). Further, a significant increase in TUNEL(+) EPCs was observed in the CHF patients with hypersplenism after 6 h of stimulated ischemia compared with the control subjects (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS CHF patients with hypersplenism are susceptible to myocardial remodeling. Increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction caused by excess free plasma hemoglobin and heme may partially explain this causality.
The role of GABA-mediated inhibition in the rat ventral posterior medial thalamus. I. Assessment of receptive field changes following thalamic reticular nucleus lesions.

1. Changes in the receptive field (RF) properties of thalamic VPM neurons were assessed quantitatively using single-unit recording techniques following a selective excitotoxic lesion of the ipsilateral thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). The response profiles to controlled deflections of the contralateral vibrissae were obtained from 97 VPM neurons in normal and 102 VPM neurons in TRN-lesioned animals. 2. Histological signs of TRN lesions were detectable in Nissl-stained sections as early as 20 h after the release of kainic acid into TRN. 3. The average RF size of VPM neurons in normal animals was 2.39 +/- 0.18 whiskers (mean +/- SE). Immediately after the lesion of TRN, the average RF size in VPM was enlarged significantly and remained expanded for as long as 1 mo after the destruction of TRN (7.64 +/- 0.47 whiskers, P < 0.001). 4. Subsequent lesions of trigeminal subnucleus interpolaris (SpVi) in TRN-lesioned animals produced a marked reduction in the RF size of VPM neurons. The average VPM RF size for TRN/SpVi lesioned animals was 2.14 +/- 0.64 whiskers. 5. The loss of inhibition from TRN increased the average response probability and magnitude to the center RF whisker by 38 and 34%, respectively. The response probability and magnitude of the surround RF whiskers increased by 64 and 69%, respectively. The average response latencies to the center and surround RF whiskers were significantly longer after the lesion of TRN; subsequent lesions of SpVi in TRN-lesioned cases reduced the average response latencies of VPM neurons to those seen in normal animals. 6. The RF of VPM neurons in both normal and TRN lesioned cases displayed a strong anterior-posterior ("row") preference. Immediately adjacent anterior-posterior whiskers were twice as likely to elicit a response in VPM than immediately adjacent dorsal-ventral whiskers. 7. VPM units were tested for a preferential response to whisker movement in one of four directions (up, down, backward, and forward). The majority of the neurons in both normal and TRN-lesioned cases showed direction-selective responses, mostly in the up direction. Thus gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition in rat VPM does not appear to be responsible for direction selectivity of VPM neurons. 8. Virtually all neurons in rat VPM after TRN lesions displayed responses that were sustained for the duration of the stimulus (25.5% in normal vs. 88.2% in TRN-lesioned cases). VPM units showing sustained (tonic) responses maintained a high rate of spontaneous activity and, on average, responded to 2-3 times more whiskers than phasically responding units. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Her2 expression and gene amplification is rarely detectable in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas.

PURPOSE Her2 (ErbB2) transforms cells when overexpressed and is an important therapeutic target in breast cancer. Contrary to breast cancer, studies on Her2 overexpression and gene amplification in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region described largely different results. This study was undertaken to learn more on the prevalence and clinical significance of HER2 amplification and overexpression in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS Her2 expression and gene amplification was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on two tissue microarrays composed of 427 squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region and 222 oral squamous cell carcinomas. Results were compared with clinicopathological features. RESULTS Her2 expression and gene amplification was rarely detectable in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region and unrelated to tumor phenotype or survival of the patients with oral squamous carcinoma. DISCUSSION Our results demonstrate that Her2 protein and gene amplification was only detectable in a small subset of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region as well as oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, it can be speculated that those few patients with Her2 overexpressing and gene amplificated tumors may possibly benefit from an anti-Her2 therapy.
Negative Pressure Dressings as an Alternative Technique for the Treatment of Infected Wounds

Coverage of wounds caused by infection and subsequent treatment often are variable because of the location of the wound and wound size. Although much research has been done to expand the indications of negative pressure wound treatment systems, little investigation has been done to quantify the reduction of wound size for vacuum-assisted closure treatment in the presence of infection. In this series, 14 patients who had wounds caused by infections were treated with the vacuum-assisted wound closure system. All wounds were greater than 20 cm2. The duration of treatment averaged 10 days (range, 2–27 days), and the initial wound size averaged 70 cm2 (range, 22.5–288 cm2). After the course of treatment, the final wound size averaged 39 cm2 (range, 10–147 cm2). The average wound size reduction was 43%. This method seems to enhance the rapidity of wound reduction, and because it is a closed system of treatment, it has the added benefit of minimizing exposure of staff and other patients to communicable diseases. Vacuum-assisted wound closure systems add another option in the care of musculoskeletal infections.
The effect of the MHC locus on autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes

Objective: To investigate whether the presence of autoantibodies specific for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is determined by the major genetic susceptibility locus for the disease at the HLA genes, using the T1D Genetics Consortium data. Methods: We analysed anti-IA-2 and anti-GAD 65 autoantibody data from 2282 T1D patients from 1117 multiplex families. HLA genotyping was available for all cases and their parents and association with autoantibody positivity was tested by the transmission disequilibrium test. Results: Association of anti-IA-2 with the HLA genes was detected at high statistical significance. HLA-DRB1*0401 confers both the strongest type 1 diabetes risk, and positive association of anti-IA-2, whereas the DRB1*03- DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 haplotype, associated less strongly with T1D, showed a significant negative association with anti-IA-2 positivity. Interestingly, HLA-A*24 is also negatively associated with anti-IA-2, independently of the DRB1*03- DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 haplotype. No statistically significant association was identified between anti-GAD65 and HLA. Conclusions: This study highlights that IA-2 as an autoantigen depends on HLA genotype and suggests new insights into the mechanism of loss of immune tolerance.
Air Effects on the External SGEMP Response of a Cylinder

Effects of air on the external SGEMP response of a cylinder in the x-ray deposition region (50 to 100 km) are examined. The gross external response of a missile is modeled using an object exposed to a variety of x-ray and air environments. Responses are computed using a macroparticle treatment for both primary and secondary electrons which move self-consistently in the electromagnetic fields. Surface currents of approximately 10,000 A/m are coupled to the cylinder for air pressures corresponding to 50 to 60 km. Preionization of the air results in coupled currents up to 5,000 A/m at higher altitudes. These currents are both significantly higher than any postulated to date. It is also significant that they can occur with large electric fields such as result in the vacuum case.
Interoceptive sensitivity predicts sensitivity to the emotions of others

Some theories of emotion emphasise a close relationship between interoception and subjective experiences of emotion. In this study, we used facial expressions to examine whether interoceptive sensibility modulated emotional experience in a social context. Interoceptive sensibility was measured using the heartbeat detection task. To estimate individual emotional sensitivity, we made morphed photos that ranged between a neutral and an emotional facial expression (i.e., anger, sadness, disgust and happy). Recognition rates of particular emotions from these photos were calculated and considered as emotional sensitivity thresholds. Our results indicate that participants with accurate interoceptive awareness are sensitive to the emotions of others, especially for expressions of sadness and happy. We also found that false responses to sad faces were closely related with an individual's degree of social anxiety. These results suggest that interoceptive awareness modulates the intensity of the subjective experience of emotion and affects individual traits related to emotion processing.
EVALUATION OF DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY

Depression is a common symptom in cancer patients, which is difficult to be detected and consequently to be treated. It deteriorates over the the course of cancer treatment, persists long after the end of therapy and influences negatively the quality of life . Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the levels of depression that experience patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method and material: The sample study included 159 patients with cancer, who received chemotherapy in one day-clinic department. Data was collected by using the self-completed questionnaire «Zung Self Rating Depression Scale» (SDS). Statistical analysis was carried out using t-test, Anova and SPSS-15. Results: From the 159 patients studied, percentage of 34% was men and 66% women. According to the level of depression, 67,7% experienced normal levels of depression, 21,5% mild, 10,2% moderate and 0,6% severe depression. The statistical analysis showed that patients >70 years old experienced higher levels of depression, compared to those of <50 and 51-60 years old, p=0,025 and p=0,005, respectively. In regard to the occupation, it was found that, pensioners experienced higher levels of depression compared to employees, public or private and free lancers, p=0,014 and p=0,018 respectively, while, they didn’t differ statistically significant from those of domestic duties, p=0,765. In regard to the educational status, patients of primary education experienced higher level of depression compared to those of secondary and higher/university education, p=<0,001 and p=0,012 respectively. Patients who received chemotherapy but with no response experienced higher levels of depression compared to those who received adjuvant chemotherapy, p=0,050. Patients who received antidepressant or hypnagogic medication experienced higher levels of depression compared to those who were not under medication or received symptomatic-alleviative medication p=<0,001 and p=0,001 respectively. Similarly, higher levels of depression experienced patients who were not nourished adequately, p=<0,001, as well as those who had a co-existing disease, p=0,029. Conclusions: Health professionals should be fully informed about depression and its dimensions. Early diagnosis of depression consists a matter of great importance for a medical treatment and planning of care based mainly on the personal needs of each individual.