Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serial concatenated trellis coded modulation with rate-1 inner code

We develop new, low complexity turbo codes suitable for bandwidth and power limited systems, for very low bit and word error rate requirements. Motivated by the structure of previously discovered low complexity codes such as repeat-accumulate (RA) codes with low density parity check matrix, we extend the structure to high-level modulation such as 8PSK, and 16QAM. The structure consists of a simple 4-state convolutional or short block code as an outer code, and a rate-1, 2 or 4-state inner code. Two design criteria are proposed: the maximum likelihood design criterion, for short to moderate block sizes, and an iterative decoding design criterion for very long block sizes.
Evaluation of the Prevalence of Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries Using PUFA/pufa Index in a Group of Iranian Children

Background: Untreateddentalcarieshaveconsiderableconsequencesonthegrowthanddevelopmentof childrenandtheirqual-ity of life. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in a sample of Iranian children based on the pufa/PUFA diagnostic index. Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, 360 students between the ages of 6 - 12 years were selected using cluster sampling. Oral clinical examinations were performed by one pedodontist. DMFT, dmft, PUFA and pufa scores were recorded. The height and weightof childrenwerealsomeasuredtocalculatebodymassindex(BMI). Descriptiveﬁndingsarereportedintermsof frequencies and percentages, as well as means and standard deviations. The data were analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 using Fisher’s Exact Test, the Mann Whitney U test, and logistic regression. The level of signiﬁcance was set at P = 0.05. Results: Theoverallcariesexperienceandtheoverallprevalenceof untreateddentalcariesinthestudypopulationwas93.0% (mean value of 4.39 ± 2.78) and 30.0% (mean value of 0.57 ± 1.15), respectively. Components of d/D and p/P had the highest frequencies. Males and females showed no signiﬁcant diﬀerences in terms of prevalence or severity of untreated dental caries (P > 0.05). The prevalence and mean value of pufa score were signiﬁcantly higher in under-weight subjects than in normal children (P < 0.05). Under-weight subjects had 10 and 3.5 times greater risk of pufa and PUFA development, respectively. Conclusions: Our results emphasize the need for further attention to public dental care programs and dental care measures.
Effects of intensity and amount of exercise on measures of insulin and glucose: Analysis of inter-individual variability

Aim To determine the separate effects of exercise amount and intensity on the rate of response for glucose and insulin variables, where rate of response was defined as the number of individuals with improvement in glucose and insulin values that was beyond the day-to-day variability of measurement. Methods Participants were 171 sedentary, middle-aged abdominally obese adults who completed a 24-week intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to (1) no-exercise control (n = 51), (2) low-amount, low-intensity exercise (LALI, n = 38), (3) high-amount, low-intensity exercise (HALI, n = 52), or (4) high-amount, high-intensity exercise (HAHI, n = 30). Two-hour glucose, insulin area under the curve (AUC), and fasting insulin were measured during a 2-hour, 75g oral glucose challenge. The day-to-day variability for these measures was calculated to be ±2.2 mmol/L, ±940.2 pmol/L, and ±38.9 pmol/L, respectively. Results At 24 weeks, the number of nonresponders for 2-hr glucose was 98.0%, 86.8%, 94.2%, 86.7% in the control, LALI, HALI, and HAHI groups, respectively. The number of nonresponders for insulin AUC was 88.0%, 75.7%, 75.0%, 80.0% in the control, LALI, HALI, and HAHI groups, respectively. The number of nonresponders for fasting insulin was 88.2%, 84.2%, 84.6%, 93.3% in the control, LALI, HALI, and HAHI groups, respectively. The rate of response was not different between control and any of the exercise groups for any measure (p>0.05). Conclusion The improvement in glucose and insulin measures did not exceed the day-to-day variability of measurement for approximately 80% of the participants independent of exercise amount or intensity.
Increases in estrogen receptor‐α concentration in breast cancer cells promote serine 118/104/106‐independent AF‐1 transactivation and growth in the absence of estrogen

A common phenotype in breast cancer is the expansion of the estrogen receptor‐α (ER+) cell population and an inappropriate elevation of ERα protein, the latter predisposing patients for a poorer prognosis than those with lower levels of the receptor. A tetracycline‐inducible ERα overexpression model was developed in the MCF‐7 cell line to assess induction of endogenous gene activation and growth in response to elevations in ERα protein. Heightened levels of ERα resulted in aberrant promoter occupancy and gene activation in the absence of hormone, which was independent of ligand and AF‐2 function. This increased receptor activity required the amino‐terminal A/B domain and was not inhibited by tamoxifen, which supports an enhancement of AF‐1 function, yet was independent of serine‐104, 106, and 118 phosphorylation. Ligand‐independent transcription was accompanied by an increase in growth in the absence of hormonal stimulation. The results suggest that elevated levels of ERα in breast cancer cells can result in activation of receptor transcriptional function in a manner distinct from classical mechanisms that involve ligand binding or growth factor‐induced phosphorylation. Further, they describe a potential mechanism whereby increases in ERα concentration may provide a proliferative advantage by augmenting ERα function regardless of ligand status. —Fowler, A. M. , Solodin, N. , Preisler‐Mashek, M. T. , Zhang, P., Lee, A. V. , Alarid, E. T. Increases in estrogen receptor‐α concentration in breast cancer cells promote serine 118/104/106‐independent AF‐1 transactivation and growth in the absence of estrogen. FASEB J. 18, 81–93 (2004)
The economics of financing and funding public transport projects

The Fisher Separation Theorem postulates that the investment decision (‘to build or not to build’) can be made independently of the decision about how the project should be financed and funded. This postulate has usually been made in the context of private sector decisions but it has also been the ‘default’ position taken in public transport investments. In this paper we assess how applicable Fisher’s theorem is for public transport services that are usually provided by government. We show that there are often welfare costs associated with different financing and funding instruments and that these costs have implications for the investment decision. The paper discusses how these costs arise and how they should be treated in the economic cost-benefit analysis. We begin with a discussion on the key terms used in the paper, namely the differences between investment, financing and funding. Next, we review the economic cost-benefit analysis approach used to assess projects. Typically, the decision to invest in a public transport project is underpinned by the results of a cost-benefit analysis. Cost-benefit analysis of public transport projects is well established in Australia and New Zealand, however the consideration of the financing and funding aspects in the cost-benefit analysis is less formalised. The next section identifies the financing and funding options available for public transport projects and we then draw on a case study from Wellington to demonstrate the linkages between the investment decision and the financing and funding aspects of the project. We then provide an illustrative example of how the financing and funding decisions will affect the investment decision and the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) hurdle rate. We conclude that the investment, financing and funding decisions should not be considered separately due to the welfare effects that the financing and funding decisions have on society.
CB694, a novel antimitotic with antitumor activities

During the course of a mechanism‐based screening program aimed at identifying new antimitotic agents, a novel microtubule depolymerizing piperazine derivative, 1‐(5‐chloro‐2‐methoxybenzoyl)‐4‐(3‐chlorophenyl) piperazine, was identified. The compound, designated CB694, caused inhibition of proliferation of a wide range of cancer cell lines, with an average IC50 of 85 nM. A multidrug‐resistant cell line was sensitive to inhibition by CB694, suggesting that this compound is a poor substrate for transport by P‐glycoprotein. CB694 caused formation of abnormal mitotic structures in HeLa cells. Specifically, CB694 caused a concentration‐dependent increase in bipolar spindles with lagging chromosomes and, with slightly higher concentrations, formation of multipolar mitotic spindles. These mitotic abnormalities occurred at concentrations that did not cause significant changes in the appearance or quantity of interphase microtubules. Coincident with the formation of abnormal mitotic spindles, CB694 caused G2/M arrest. CB694 inhibited the assembly of purified tubulin with an IC50 of 2.3 μM. Colchicine binding was strongly inhibited by CB694, suggesting that it binds to tubulin at the colchicine site. Bcl‐2 phosphorylation and activation of ERK and JNK and caspase 3‐dependent cleavage of PARP were observed in MDA‐MB‐435 cells treated with CB694. CB694 caused phosphorylation of Aurora A within 8 hr of treatment, and increases in Aurora A protein levels were coincident with mitotic accumulation. The efficacy of CB694 against a syngeneic murine transplantable solid tumor, Mammary 16/C, was also evaluated. CB694 was well tolerated and showed antitumor activity. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality biased thread retrieval using the voting model

Thread retrieval is an essential tool in knowledge-based forums. However, forum content quality varies from excellent to mediocre and spam; thus, search methods should find not only relevant threads but also those with high quality content. Some studies have shown that leveraging quality indicators improves thread search. However, these studies ignored the hierarchical and the conversational structures of threads in estimating topical relevance and content quality. In that regard, this paper introduces leveraging message quality indicators in ranking threads. To achieve this, we first use the Voting Model to convert message level quality features into thread level features. We then train a learning to rank method to combine these thread level features. Preliminary results with some features reveal that representing threads as collections of messages is superior to treating them as concatenations of their messages. The results show also the utility of leveraging message content quality as compared to non quality-based methods.
Efficient algorithm for polygon orthogonal partitioning in stranded-cell LEF generation flow

Digital standard cell library become an essential part of digital design flow and the success of integrated circuits; however, with the growing complexity in cell models, generation of a large digital cell library has increased the required processing jobs by 1000x in recent years. Recently users can find library files sized in gigabytes instead of megabytes, which requires a system that runs reliably and rapidly. Moreover, in nanometre technologies, design teams require more corners and complex models that can take 10 times longer than previous technologies. Place and route tools do not require full cell layout view; another abstract view needs to be generated for every standard cell, which is known by library exchange format (LEF). Correct Back-end library creation (LEF) is one of cornerstone for successful digital implementation. Place and route tools as well as layout verification tools rely on detailed LEF view information in digital libraries to accurately realize and verify the final design layout. In this paper, we are proposing new algorithms to partition any GDSII polygon into smaller rectangular polygons. Since current industrial tools do not support nonrectangular polygons, partitioning is one of the main steps in the GDSII to LEF conversion process. The new algorithm is polygon area-based rather than traditional techniques, which are relay on point-based algorithms. The new algorithm makes use of high capabilities of different layout tools in polygon processing to generate the LEF view from GDSII design. The proposed algorithm has been verified using large amount of digital cells from different technologies as 0.13um, 90nm and 45nm.
Evaluation of Trajectory Planning Models for Arm-Reaching Movements Based on Energy Cost

Abstract Computational studies have suggested that many characteristics of reaching trajectories in a horizontal plane can be effectively predicted by certain models, including, the minimum end point variance model and minimum torque change model. It has also been reported that these characteristics appear to differ from those obtained by the minimum energy cost model that has been reported to explain the characteristics of locomotor patterns. Do these results imply that the human nervous system uses different strategies to resolve the redundancy problem for different tasks? In order to reexamine the optimality of reaching trajectories from a viewpoint of energy cost, we considered the corrective submovements to compensate for positional error due to signal-dependent noise in motor commands and computed the expected value of the total energy costs required to reach a target by repetition of submovements planned by each of the following models: the minimum energy cost model, minimum end point variance model, and minimum torque change model. The results revealed that when the noise is large, the total energy cost required by the minimum end point variance model and the minimum torque change model can be lower than that required by the minimum energy cost model which assumes minimizing energy cost under noise-free condition. This result indicates that the minimization of the expected value of the energy cost would be an important factor in determining the reaching trajectories.
Cardiac Dynamics of the Langendorff Perfused Heart 1

Abstract The Langendorff perfused heart is studied in a closed system with (i) automatic regulations to maintain constancy of the perfusion column (Krebs-Henseleit + 0.5% albumin or 25–30% washed erythrocyte suspension), (ii) continuous recording of rate, coronary flow, and supravalvular aortic pressure. A microcomputer with software interface is used for storage treatment and on-line analysis of the recorded variables. In 38 preparations perfused with Krebs-Henseleit, minimal diastolic (61.2 ± 2.8 mm Hg) is significantly below and peak systolic (98.7 ± 3.6 mm Hg) significantly above perfusion pressure (80 mm Hg). Pressure difference between minimal diastolic and peak systolic (ΔP) is 37.5 ± 1.8 mm Hg. Increases in perfusion pressure will be associated with increases of coronary flow and ΔP, which is also increased by isoprenaline administration. Oxygen consumption decreased by 76% when perfusion pressure was lowered from 80 to 60 mm Hg in hearts perfused with a 30% erythrocyte suspension. All of these experimental results were interpreted as indicating that ΔP measured in this system resulted from an ejected volume (x acceleration) from the heart. The ejected volume corresponds to a valvular leak caused by the rigid nature of the system which is devoid of aortic compliance. ΔP may be considered an index of left ventricular performance, an indication that the Langendorff preparation studied under the present conditions is a working heart. A 100-μ1 volume constant infusion syringe for time administration of cardioactive drugs may be inserted at the base of the perfusion column to obtain dose-response effects.
Benefits and Weaknesses of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme

The British Heart Foundation and the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association have allocated funds to develop cardiac rehabilitation programmes. We have recently completed and now evaluate an exercise-based rehabilitation course reinforced with advice about return to normal activity for 110 patients who had suffered acute myocardial infarction. Patients admitted to the Plymouth cardiac care unit were randomised into groups: a control group to receive standard hospital care, and a rehabilitation group who, in addition, received an exercise programme reinforced with advice. Patients were assessed at entry to the study and at intervals thereafter. Assessment was by questionnaire and objective tests consisting of a 12-minute walking test and weekly outpatient pedometry. In the rehabilitation group patients were able to walk further and faster, return to work earlier, undertake more housework, and resume normal sexual activity; they were less short of breath and did not experience more angina. However, the rehabilitation course brought little benefit to the patients' perception of well-being and their anxiety about health or their outlook on life. Exercise and advice are important components of a rehabilitation programme, but more attention needs to be given to the psychological aspects of recovery from a heart attack.
Identification of miRNAs that modulate glucocerebrosidase activity in Gaucher disease cells

Gaucher disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Although it is a monogenic disease, there is vast phenotypic heterogeneity, even among patients with the same genotype. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in many biological processes and diseases. To determine whether miRNAs can affect glucocerebrosidase activity, we performed a screen of 875 different miRNA mimics. The screen was performed using Gaucher fibroblasts, and glucocerebrosidase activity was used as the initial outcome parameter. We found several miRNAs that either up- or down-regulated glucocerebrosidase activity. In follow-up assays, we confirmed that one specific miRNA (miR-127–5p) down-regulated both glucocerebrosidase activity and protein levels by down-regulation of LIMP-2, the receptor involved in proper trafficking of glucocerebrosidase from the endoplasmic reticulum to the lysosome. A conditioned media assay demonstrated that cells treated with this miRNA secreted glucocerebrosidase into the extracellular environment, supporting impaired LIMP-2 function. Two other miRNAs, miR-16–5p and miR-195–5p, were found to up-regulate glucocerebrosidase activity by greater than 40% and to enhance expression and protein levels of the enzyme. In conclusion, we show that miRNAs can alter glucocerebrosidase activity in patient cells, indicating that miRNAs can potentially act as modifiers in Gaucher disease.
Single-round selection yields a unique retroviral envelope utilizing GPR172A as its host receptor

The recognition by a viral envelope of its cognate host-cell receptor is the initial critical step in defining the viral host-range and tissue specificity. This study combines a single-round of selection of a random envelope library with a parallel cDNA screen for receptor function to identify a distinct retroviral envelope/receptor pair. The 11-aa targeting domain of the modified feline leukemia virus envelope consists of a constrained peptide. Critical to the binding of the constrained peptide envelope to its cellular receptor are a pair of internal cysteines and an essential Trp required for maintenance of titers >105 lacZ staining units per milliliter. The receptor used for viral entry is the human GPR172A protein, a G-protein-coupled receptor isolated from osteosarcoma cells. The ability to generate unique envelopes capable of using tissue- or disease-specific receptors marks an advance in the development of efficient gene-therapy vectors.
Sliding mode control for switched nonlinear systems under asynchronous switching

In this paper, an integral sliding mode control approach is employed to analyze the mean-square exponential stability for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear stochastic systems under asynchronous switching signals. Firstly, an integral sliding surface is designed and a sufficient condition for its existence are presented to guarantee the mean-square exponential stability of switched systems in the sliding motion. Then variable controllers are designed such that switched systems remain in the sliding motion from the initial time instant. Due to the asynchronous switching between system modes and the corresponding controllers, the results presented allow the closed-loop systems to be unstable in the mismatched periods. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Labour migration amidst ecological change

One of the grand questions for research on the impacts of climate change is whether people can rely on migration to safeguard progress towards development even while experiencing severe environmental hardship. This is the ‘migration as adaptation’ hypothesis. Labour migration theory proposes assumptions about the use of migration by people faced with economic uncertainty and limited access to capital to raise standards of development. This paper asks how environmental stress affects labour migration, and evaluates the labour migration arising from a spectrum of ecological stress, from increasingly variable precipitation to catastrophic flooding in Honduras and Malawi. Evidence suggests that environmental stress changes the nature of labour migration. New environmental forms of mobility do not take forms predicted by labour migration theory; migrations are not made with the purpose of exploiting economic opportunities; they do not take place on the basis of rational choice, particularly as displaced persons are frequently emotionally stressed; and among environmental migrants are those less likely to be able to absorb costs and extract benefits associated with migration (i.e. the unwell, the elderly or the unskilled). Nevertheless, social networks still remain the principal medium for conferring access to labour alternatives and resources to invest in migration. In the end, the remittances that environmental migrants send are less likely to be used for investment in development.
Influence of conversion from cyclosporine A to tacrolimus on insulin sensitivity assessed by euglicaemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in patients after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown diabetogenic properties of calcineurin inhibitors, but the mechanism of more pronounced diabetogenic effect of tacrolimus (TAC) has not been completely elucidated. The study was designed to answer 2 questions: Does conversion from CyA to TAC influence tissue insulin sensitivity in patients after kidney transplantation? Are there any additional factors influencing insulin sensitivity in these patients? MATERIAL/METHODS Fifteen non-diabetic kidney transplant recipients, receiving CyA-based regimen were recruited to the study. Enrolled patients required conversion to TAC-based treatment due to CyA adverse effects. Euglicaemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed shortly before and 3 months after conversion from CyA to TAC. RESULTS Two out of 15 patients developed PTDM shortly after conversion. Mean insulin sensitivity indices: glucose cell uptake (M value) and glucose cell uptake to insulin plasma concentration ratio (M/I) did not change significantly after 3 months of TAC treatment compared to initial values. Significant negative correlations between increase of body mass and both: changes of M values (-0.576; p=0.02) and M/I ratios (-0.819; p<0.001) were observed. Similar correlations were observed between changes of BMI and M values (-0.575; p=0.02) or M/I ratios (-0.800; p<0.001). A significant positive correlation between changes of eGFR values and M/I ratios (0.591; p=0.03) was noted. CONCLUSIONS Tissue insulin sensitivity estimated by hyperinsulinemic, euglycaemic clamp technique did not change significantly after conversion from CyA to TAC therapy in patients after kidney transplantation. Weight gain and eGFR decrease are associated with decrease of insulin sensitivity in these patients.