Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Allocation Scheme in Multiuser OFDM Systems with Time-Varying Channels

Previously, a scheme in [1] is proposed for the subcarrier, bit, and power allocation problem to minimize the total transmit power for multiuser orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems in downlink transmission. However, it is a batch mode which may not be so efficient in terms of computational complexity for slowly time-varying channel environments. The solution of the current frame can be obtained with slight modification from that of the previous frame in an adaptive fashion. By utilizing this property, we propose a scheme to obtain the solution in the adaptive fashion, which offers comparable performance with a reduced complexity compared to the previously proposed method and other existing suboptimal methods. Based on a derived expression composed of the channel gains, the numbers of assigned subcarriers, and the data rates along with the new proposed processing procedures, the proposed adaptive scheme is able to track the channel variation for the solution adjustment in a faster speed compared to the original batch mode method. Simulation results reveal that the proposed adaptive scheme has the competitive performance compared with those of the optimal and the existing schemes while the computational complexity and the number of iterations are both reduced.
Chronic Pain and Surgery: A Review of New Insights from Sensory Testing

ABSTRACT Chronic pain is increasingly recognized as an undesirable outcome after surgery. Predicting risk of postoperative chronic pain, as well as chronic pain prevention or treatment, requires understanding of the processes underlying its development. Quantitative sensory testing research over the last decade has made it possible to start understanding the alterations in central pain processing associated with chronic pain and its development. Chronic pain syndromes are typically characterized by a pronociceptive state of pain processing, e.g., generalized hyperalgesia as a sign of supraspinal central sensitization and poor inhibitory or even facilitatory descending modulation. In the perioperative context, development and progression of chronic pain are accompanied by signs congruent with a shift towards a pronociceptive state. Preoperatively, hyperalgesia and poor descending inhibitory modulation appear to increase the risk of subsequent chronic pain. Postoperatively, abnormal persistence and spread of hyperalgesia, compatible with rostral neuraxial spread of central sensitization, are increasingly linked to the development and progression of chronic pain. These findings, which need further confirmation, suggest that perioperative quantitative sensory testing of pain sensitivity and pain modulation has the potential to become a valuable clinical tool for assessing risk of chronic pain development and for managing its prevention and treatment.
AFEL: Towards Measuring Online Activities Contributions to Self-directed Learning

More and more learning activities take place online in a selfdirected manner. Therefore, just as the idea of self-tracking activities for fitness purposes has gained momentum in the past few years, tools and methods for awareness and self-reflection on one’s own online learning behavior appear as an emerging need for both formal and informal learners. Addressing this need is one of the key objectives of the AFEL (Analytics for Everyday Learning) project. In this paper, we discuss the different aspects of what needs to be put in place in order to enable awareness and self-reflection in online learning. We start by describing a scenario that guides the work done. We then investigate the theoretical, technical and support aspects that are required to enable this scenario, as well as the current state of the research in each aspect within the AFEL project. We conclude with a discussion of the ongoing plans from the project to develop learner-facing tools that enable awareness and selfreflection for online, self-directed learners. We also elucidate the need to establish further research programs on facets of self-tracking for learning that are necessarily going to emerge in the near future, especially regarding privacy and ethics.
Discovery and Visualization of Hierarchical Overlapping Communities from Bibliography Information

A bibliographic database houses vital information pertinent to the research community. By extracting implicit hidden information in such data collections, social networks can be used to represent the various data inter-relationships.In this paper, we propose a new method for the discovery and visualization of research communities from bibliography information. We utilize the hierarchical overlapping communities (HOC) algorithm to identify the hierarchical overlapping communities based on the common neighborhood,and E-Spring algorithm to visualize the derived communities.This method has been validated by visualizing synthetic datasets, and research communities obtained from the DBLP bibliography data.
Measurements of lateral penumbra for uniform scanning proton beams under various beam delivery conditions and comparison to the XiO treatment planning system.

PURPOSE The main purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the dependency of lateral penumbra (80%-20% distance) of uniform scanning proton beams on various factors such as air gap, proton range, modulation width, compensator thickness, and depth, and (2) compare the lateral penumbra calculated by a treatment planning system (TPS) with measurements. METHODS First, lateral penumbra was measured using solid-water phantom and radiographic films for (a) air gap, ranged from 0 to 35 cm, (b) proton range, ranged from 8 to 30 cm, (c) modulation, ranged from 2 to 10 cm, (d) compensator thickness, ranged from 0 to 20 cm, and (e) depth, ranged from 7 to 15 cm. Second, dose calculations were computed in a virtual water phantom using the XiO TPS with pencil beam algorithm for identical beam conditions and geometrical configurations that were used for the measurements. The calculated lateral penumbra was then compared with the measured one for both the horizontal and vertical scanning magnets of our uniform scanning proton beam delivery system. RESULTS The results in the current study showed that the lateral penumbra of horizontal scanning magnet was larger (up to 1.4 mm for measurement and up to 1.0 mm for TPS) compared to that of vertical scanning magnet. Both the TPS and measurements showed an almost linear increase in lateral penumbra with increasing air gap as it produced the greatest effect on lateral penumbra. Lateral penumbra was dependent on the depth and proton range. Specifically, the width of lateral penumbra was found to be always lower at shallower depth than at deeper depth within the spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) region. The lateral penumbra results were less sensitive to the variation in the thickness of compensator, whereas lateral penumbra was independent of modulation. Overall, the comparison between the results of TPS with that of measurements indicates a good agreement for lateral penumbra, with TPS predicting higher values compared to measurements. CONCLUSIONS Lateral penumbra of uniform scanning proton beams depends on air gap, proton range, compensator thickness, and depth, whereas lateral penumbra is not dependent on modulation. The XiO TPS typically overpredicted lateral penumbra compared to measurements, within 1 mm for most cases, but the difference could be up to 2.5 mm at a deep depth and large air gap.
How Important Is Having Amenities Within Walking Distance to Middle-Aged and Older Adults, and Does the Perceived Importance Relate to Walking?

Objective: This study examined how important walking to amenities (e.g., food store, park) is to middle-aged and older adults and whether this relates to walking. The relationship between walking to amenities and overall activity level was also explored. Method: The study was based on interviews conducted with 778 individuals aged 45 to 94 years. Overall activity level was measured objectively using pedometers. Results: A large proportion of participants did not think it was very important to have amenities within walking distance, and the majority of participants drove to get there, even among individuals who reported it was very important to have the amenities within walking distance. Self-reported walking to certain amenities (e.g., park) was associated with overall activity. Discussion: The study underscores the impact of a car culture where the tendency to drive is paramount. It suggests the need to promote the importance of walking as part of an active, healthy lifestyle.
Effects of quantitative easing on the USA economy: A test for policy effectiveness

The catastrophic disruption in the USA financial system in the wake of the financial crisis prompted the Federal Reserve to launch a Quantitative Easing (QE) programme in late 2008. In line with Pesaran and Smith (2014), I use a policy effectiveness test to assess whether this massive asset purchase programme was effective in stimulating the economic activity in the USA. Specifically, I employ an Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL), in order to obtain a counterfactual for the USA real GDP growth rate. Using data from 1983Q1 to 2009Q4, the results show that the beneficial effects of QE appear to be weak and rather short-lived. The null hypothesis of policy ineffectiveness is not rejected, which suggests that QE did not have a meaningful impact on output growth.
From Procedural Justice to Procedural Injustice: Understanding Prison Staff and Inmate Conflict

This article focuses on the idea of procedural justice in prison. Prison employees in our case study explain that using respectful language improves their interactions with the inmates. However, some interviewees describe harsh language and threats used against the inmates. We identify this as procedural injustice where they force the inmates to comply by threatening them with harsh punishment. The choice to use respectful behaviour is dependent on whether or not inmates question their authority. Training needs to focus on helping prison workers present themselves as legitimate authority figures rather than authoritarians.
The contribution of small accommodations to a sustainable tourism industry

ABSTRACT Given the central role of small accommodations to the tourism industry in Australia, this study investigated the drivers and challenges of small accommodation providers (SAPs) to engage in sustainability practices. In-depth interviews were undertaken with accommodation providers in the wine region of McLaren Vale in South Australia. The main drivers in implementing sustainability were identified as cost reduction competitiveness, societal legitimization and lifestyle-values. Key challenges included personal, financial and operational. Moreover, SAPs identified an opportunity to influence guests’ sustainable behaviour, but their limited knowledge and a concern for a negative impact on guest experience prevented them from implementing relevant strategies. This research letter contributes to the literature on small accommodation lodgings and provides practical recommendations to local agencies wanting to support small accommodations in implementing sustainable practices.
Nitrogen Mustard-Induced Corneal Injury Involves DNA Damage and Pathways Related to Inflammation, Epithelial-Stromal Separation, and Neovascularization

Purpose: To evaluate the toxic effects and associated mechanisms in corneal tissue exposed to the vesicating agent, nitrogen mustard (NM), a bifunctional alkylating analog of the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard. Methods: Toxic effects and associated mechanisms were examined in maximally affected corneal tissue using corneal cultures and human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells exposed to NM. Results: Analysis of ex vivo rabbit corneas showed that NM exposure increased apoptotic cell death, epithelial thickness, epithelial-stromal separation, and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, cyclooxygenase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. In HCE cells, NM exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability and proliferation, which was associated with DNA damage in terms of an increase in p53 ser15, total p53, and H2A.X ser139 levels. NM exposure also induced caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage, suggesting their involvement in NM-induced apoptotic death in the rabbit cornea and HCE cells. Similar to rabbit cornea, NM exposure caused an increase in cyclooxygenase 2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in HCE cells, indicating a role of these molecules and related pathways in NM-induced corneal inflammation, epithelial-stromal separation, and neovascularization. NM exposure also induced activation of activator protein 1 transcription factor proteins and upstream signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt protein kinase, suggesting that these could be key factors involved in NM-induced corneal injury. Conclusions: Results from this study provide insight into the molecular targets and pathways that could be involved in NM-induced corneal injuries laying the background for further investigation of these pathways in vesicant-induced ocular injuries, which could be helpful in the development of targeted therapies.
Association of Rice and Rice-Product Consumption With Arsenic Exposure Early in Life.

IMPORTANCE Rice-a typical first food and major ingredient in various infant foods-contains inorganic arsenic (As), but the extent of As exposure from these foods has not been well characterized in early childhood. OBJECTIVE To determine the types and frequency of rice and rice-containing products consumed by infants in the first year of life and the association with As biomarker concentrations. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Included were infants from singleton births of pregnant women enrolled in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study from 2011 to 2014 whose parents were interviewed during their first year of life. Enrolled women from selected clinics were aged 18 to 45 years, living in the same residence since their last menstrual period, in households served by a private water system, and had no plans to move during pregnancy. Data on infants' intake of rice and rice products were collected from interviews with their parents at 4, 8, and 12 months' follow-up and from a 3-day food diary at 12 months from March 2013 to August 2014. EXPOSURES Infants' intake of rice and rice products. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Total urinary As and the sum of As species measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Commonly reported infant rice snacks were tested for As. RESULTS We obtained dietary data on 759 of 951 infants (79.8% participation rate). Of these, 391 infants (51.7%) were male, and the mean (SD) gestational age was 39.4 (1.7) weeks. An estimated 80% were introduced to rice cereal during their first year. At 12 months, 32.6% of infants (42 of 129) were fed rice snacks. Among infants aged 12 months who did not eat fish or seafood, the geometric mean total urinary As concentrations were higher among those who ate infant rice cereal (9.53 µg/L) or rice snacks (4.97 µg/L) compared with those who did not eat rice or rice products (2.85 µg/L; all P < .01). Infant rice snacks contained between 36 and 568 ng/g of As and 5 to 201 ng/g of inorganic As. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our findings indicate that intake of rice cereal and other rice-containing foods, such as rice snacks, contribute to infants' As exposure and suggest that efforts should be made to reduce As exposure during this critical phase of development.
Personality Disorders and Psychological Functioning Among Latina Women with Eating Disorders

Abstract Little is known about personality disorders (PD) and comorbidities among Latinas with eating disorders (ED). The dysregulation and chronicity of PDs can complicate and augment the symptomatology of EDs. This set of analyses provides a preliminary examination of PD and psychopathology in a sample of Latina women with ED. Participants (N = 34) were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Eating Disorders Examination, and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III to assess personality pathology, and questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory-II and Brief Symptom Inventory) to assess psychological functioning. Results indicated the most common clinically significant trait in the sample was depressive personality (50% of the sample had a score of 75 or higher on this trait). For Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED), avoidant (41%) and depressive (65%) personalities, respectively, were the most common clinically significant traits. Anxiety disorders were the most common psychiatric diagnoses, and 52.9% of the sample reported both clinically significant PD traits and other major psychopathology. There were no significant differences between the BED and BN groups on prevalence of PD traits and psychopathology. This pilot study highlights the need for further examination of PD and psychopathology in Latinas with ED. Unlike previous research with White women, we found no differences on PD and psychopathology between BED and BN, and the most prevalent PDs among Latinas were different than White women. Personality and psychological functioning should be assessed in all patients with ED, with ongoing research focused on identifying patterns in understudied groups such as Latinas, a practice that may improve treatment for this underserved population.
Evaluation of the Intermodulation Product Performance of Reflector Antennas and Related Structures by Microwave Imaging

This paper describes new developments that have been made in the adaptation of microwave imaging to locate sources of intermodulation product (IMP) generation upon microwave reflectors and related structures, and to predict the directions of IMP radiation. The objective of this study is two fold. Firstly to provide a means of evaluating the IMP performance of reflector antennas and, by locating the sources of IMP present, to show how it might be possible to improve the IMP performance by reducing or eliminating these sources; secondly, the imaging process enables the study of the causes and effects of IMP generation upon reflectors and similar structures. For conventional microwave imaging and antenna metrology, the object under investigation is illuminated at a single frequency and acts as a passive scatterer to this illumination. In the present case however, the object is illuminated by high-power source feeds at at least two different frequencies, inducing an active response in the form of IMP radiation. Where the structure constitutes a distributed source, the relationship of the IMP beams to the illumination may be determined.
Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cytopathicity by Using a New Method for Quantitating Viral Dynamics in Cell Culture

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes complex metabolic changes in infected CD4+ T cells that lead to cell cycle arrest and cell death by necrosis. To study the viral functions responsible for deleterious effects on the host cell, we quantitated the course of HIV type 1 infection in tissue cultures by using flow cytometry for a virally encoded marker protein, heat-stable antigen (HSA). We found that HSA appeared on the surface of the target cells in two phases: passive acquisition due to association and fusion of virions with target cells, followed by active protein expression from transcription of the integrated provirus. The latter event was necessary for decreased target cell viability. We developed a general mathematical model of viral dynamics in vitro in terms of three effective time-dependent rates: those of cell proliferation, infection, and death. Using this model we show that the predominant contribution to the depletion of viable target cells results from direct cell death rather than cell cycle blockade. This allows us to derive accurate bounds on the time-dependent death rates of infected cells. We infer that the death rate of HIV-infected cells is 80 times greater than that of uninfected cells and that the elimination of the vpr protein reduces the death rate by half. Our approach provides a general method for estimating time-dependent death rates that can be applied to study the dynamics of other viruses.
A Survival Analysis of Australian Equity Mutual Funds

Determining which types of mutual (or managed) investment funds are good financial investments is complicated by potential survivorship biases. This project adds to a small recent international literature on the patterns and determinants of mutual fund survivorship. We use statistical techniques for survival data that are rarely applied in finance. Of specific interest is the hazard rate of fund closure, which gives the variation over time in the conditional probability of fund closure given fund survival to date. For a sample of 251 retail investment funds in Australia from 1980 to 1999 we identify a hump-shaped hazard function that reaches its maximum after about five or six years, a pattern similar to the UK findings of Lunde, Timmermann and Blake (1999). We also consider the impact of monthly and annual fund performance (gross and relative to a market benchmark). Returns relative to the benchmark are much more important than gross returns, with higher relative returns associated with lower hazard of fund closure. There appears to be an asymmetric response to performance, with positive shocks having a larger impact on the hazard rate than negative shocks.
MIC and time-kill study of antipneumococcal activities of RPR 106972 (a new oral streptogramin), RP 59500 (quinupristin-dalfopristin), pyostacine (RP 7293), penicillin G, cefotaxime, erythromycin, and clarithromycin against 10 penicillin-susceptible and -resistant pneumococci

Broth MICs and time-kill studies were used to test the activity of RP 59500 (quinupristin-dalfopristin), RPR 106972, pyostacine (RP 7293), erythromycin, clarithromycin, and cefotaxime for four penicillin-susceptible (MICs of 0.008 to 0.03 microgram/ml), two penicillin-intermediate (MIC of 0.25 microgram/ml), and four penicillin-resistant (MIC of 2.0 to 4.0 micrograms/ml) strains of pneumococci: 6 of 10 strains were resistant to macrolides (MICs of > or = 0.5 microgram/ml). MICs of RP 59500 (0.5 to 1.0 microgram/ml), RPR 106972 (0.125 to 0.25 microgram/ml), and pyostacine (0.125 to 0.25 microgram/ml) did not alter with the strain's penicillin or macrolide susceptibility status. Three penicillin-susceptible strains and one penicillin-intermediate strain were susceptible to macrolides (MICs of < or = 0.25 microgram/ml); the macrolide MICs for the remaining strains were > or = 4.0 micrograms/ml. Cefotaxime MICs rose with those of penicillin G, but all strains were inhibited at MICs of < or = 2.0 micrograms/ml. RP 59500 was bactericidal for all strains after 24 h at 2 x MIC and yielded 90% killing of all strains at 6 h at 2 x MIC; at 8 x MIC, RP 59500 showed 90% killing of six strains within 10 min (approximately 0.2 h). In comparison, RPR 106972 was bactericidal for 9 of 10 strains at 2 x MIC after 24 h and yielded 90% killing of all strains at 2 x MIC after 6 h; 90% killing of six strains was found at 8 x MIC at 0.2 h. Results for pyostacine were similar to those of RPR 106972. Erythromycin and clarithromycin were bactericidal for three of four macrolide-susceptible strains after 24 h at 4 x MIC. Clarithromycin yielded 90% killing of three strains at 8 x MIC after 12 h. Cefotaxime was bactericidal for all strains after 24 h at 4 x MIC, yielding 90% killing of all strains after 6 h at 4 x MIC. All three streptogramins yielded rapid killing of penicillin- and erythromycin-susceptible and -resistant pneumococci and were the only compounds which killed significant numbers of strains at 0.2 h.