Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive User Cooperation with HARQ for the Uplink of a Turbo-Coded System

Coded cooperation has been proposed to increase the diversity or cell coverage in the uplink of a cellular network. In the method, a relay transmits incremental redundancy (IR) of the source's codeword in cooperation stage. However, for a turbo coded system, IR is not always a best way especially when the first code segment is corrupted badly. Thus, we propose an adaptive cooperation method using different HARQ schemes by estimating the reliability of the first code segment. From simulation results, it is shown that the proposed method improves the performance irrespective of the SNR values of cooperating users.
Nomad Biosensors: A New Multiplexed Technology for the Screening of GPCR Ligands

Nomad Technology (Innoprot [Innovative Technologies in Biological Systems], Derio, Spain), a novel tool for multiplexing high-throughput cell-based G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) assays, is described in this work. This new technology comprises a family of fluorescent biosensors called Nomad Biosensors that allow for the measurement of responses mediated by G proteins through their interactions with second-messenger transduction proteins. GPCRs are one of the largest protein families of receptors in eukaryotes, and their signaling mediates important physiological processes within cells. Thus, GPCRs are associated with a wide variety of diseases, and considered major targets in therapeutic research. Nomad constitutes a novel tool for unraveling the mechanism of GPCR signal transduction by simultaneously tracing different pathways. GPCR activation changes the structural folding of the biosensor and promotes its vesicularization, as well as an increase in the fluorescence intensity. Based on this technology, the MPXNomad cellular model was developed to discriminate between the Ca2+-mediated pathway and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–mediated pathway. To validate this model, endothelin receptor B (ETBR) was coexpressed into the MPXNomad cell line and assessed with a specific agonist, an antagonist, and a chemical library of compounds. Nomad Technology optimizes the identification of novel GPCR ligands and enables the testing of large numbers of compounds.
Biosynthesis and Functions of Mycothiol, the Unique Protective Thiol of Actinobacteria

SUMMARY Mycothiol (MSH; AcCys-GlcN-Ins) is the major thiol found in Actinobacteria and has many of the functions of glutathione, which is the dominant thiol in other bacteria and eukaryotes but is absent in Actinobacteria. MSH functions as a protected reserve of cysteine and in the detoxification of alkylating agents, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and antibiotics. MSH also acts as a thiol buffer which is important in maintaining the highly reducing environment within the cell and protecting against disulfide stress. The pathway of MSH biosynthesis involves production of GlcNAc-Ins-P by MSH glycosyltransferase (MshA), dephosphorylation by the MSH phosphatase MshA2 (not yet identified), deacetylation by MshB to produce GlcN-Ins, linkage to Cys by the MSH ligase MshC, and acetylation by MSH synthase (MshD), yielding MSH. Studies of MSH mutants have shown that the MSH glycosyltransferase MshA and the MSH ligase MshC are required for MSH production, whereas mutants in the MSH deacetylase MshB and the acetyltransferase (MSH synthase) MshD produce some MSH and/or a closely related thiol. Current evidence indicates that MSH biosynthesis is controlled by transcriptional regulation mediated by σB and σR in Streptomyces coelicolor. Identified enzymes of MSH metabolism include mycothione reductase (disulfide reductase; Mtr), the S-nitrosomycothiol reductase MscR, the MSH S-conjugate amidase Mca, and an MSH-dependent maleylpyruvate isomerase. Mca cleaves MSH S-conjugates to generate mercapturic acids (AcCySR), excreted from the cell, and GlcN-Ins, used for resynthesis of MSH. The phenotypes of MSH-deficient mutants indicate the occurrence of one or more MSH-dependent S-transferases, peroxidases, and mycoredoxins, which are important targets for future studies. Current evidence suggests that several MSH biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes are potential targets for drugs against tuberculosis. The functions of MSH in antibiotic-producing streptomycetes and in bioremediation are areas for future study.
Prediction of Anti-VEGF Response in Diabetic Macular Edema After 1 Injection

Purpose: With multiple anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and steroid therapies available for diabetic macular edema (DME), there is a need for early determination of the best treatment for a particular patient to prevent irreversible vision loss from chronic DME. In this study, we classify patients as responders or nonresponders to anti-VEGF monotherapy in the treatment of DME after a single anti-VEGF injection. Methods: The study was designed as a single-center, retrospective, interventional case series. We included patients who received 3 consecutive monthly injections with the same anti-VEGF agent. We excluded patients who were treated for DME in the preceding 3 months with any form of anti-VEGF therapy. Visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) data were followed for 1 year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed in order to identify the cutoff values for identifying responders. Results: One hundred seven eyes were reviewed, with 40 eyes of 34 patients meeting all inclusion criteria. Based on ROC curve analysis, a reduction in CRT by >15% at 1 month identified eyes that responded to treatment and had a >25% reduction in CRT at 3 months (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.92). Conclusion: Diabetic macular edema eyes that have early response to anti-VEGF treatment by reduction in CRT will have significant response to treatment by 3 months.
Unifying Themes in Microbial Associations with Animal and Plant Hosts Described Using the Gene Ontology

SUMMARY Microbes form intimate relationships with hosts (symbioses) that range from mutualism to parasitism. Common microbial mechanisms involved in a successful host association include adhesion, entry of the microbe or its effector proteins into the host cell, mitigation of host defenses, and nutrient acquisition. Genes associated with these microbial mechanisms are known for a broad range of symbioses, revealing both divergent and convergent strategies. Effective comparisons among these symbioses, however, are hampered by inconsistent descriptive terms in the literature for functionally similar genes. Bioinformatic approaches that use homology-based tools are limited to identifying functionally similar genes based on similarities in their sequences. An effective solution to these limitations is provided by the Gene Ontology (GO), which provides a standardized language to describe gene products from all organisms. The GO comprises three ontologies that enable one to describe the molecular function(s) of gene products, the biological processes to which they contribute, and their cellular locations. Beginning in 2004, the Plant-Associated Microbe Gene Ontology (PAMGO) interest group collaborated with the GO consortium to extend the GO to accommodate terms for describing gene products associated with microbe-host interactions. Currently, over 900 terms that describe biological processes common to diverse plant- and animal-associated microbes are incorporated into the GO database. Here we review some unifying themes common to diverse host-microbe associations and illustrate how the new GO terms facilitate a standardized description of the gene products involved. We also highlight areas where new terms need to be developed, an ongoing process that should involve the whole community.
Does Methadone Exposure During Avian Development Alter Sex Ratio of Survivors

Aim: Methadone is commonly used to treat pregnant heroin users and presumed to be safe for developing offspring. An avian model, free of confounding maternal variables, was used to investigate sex differences from methadone exposure during development. Place and Duration of Study: Studies were conducted at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY between June 2012 and May 2013. Methodology: In the first experiment, methadone in phosphate buffered saline was administered to fertilized eggs at one of two doses (0.458 mg/kg or 1.75 mg/kg) for one of three durations of exposure (Late, Incubation Days 12 to 19; Mid to Late, Days 9 to 19; or Early to Late, Days 5 to 19) with six eggs in each dose x duration condition and six controls (N = 42 eggs). Feathers were taken from eggs with developed embryos from this study for DNA analysis. DNA analysis was not attempted on embryos that had died early in development and decomposed before eggs were opened on Day 20. In a second experiment, methadone (1.00 mg/kg) was administered to eggs from which embryos were sacrificed at four time points during development to investigate growth Original Research Article Dingman et al.; BJMMR, 6(3): 254-264, 2015; Article no.BJMMR. 2015.201 255 retardation in methadone exposed embryos as compared with controls. Feathers were taken from randomly selected eggs exposed from Day 8 to Day 19 for sexing (N = 10 exposed and N = 10 controls. Results: Methadone exposure significantly affected embryo viability. The sex ratio of exposed specimens was 2:1 in favor of females, a departure from the normal 1:1 ratio. The results suggest that most of the embryos that died during incubation were male. Conclusion: The skewed sex ratio observed in this study suggests a sex difference in mortality from methadone exposure during development.
Alkali Metal Cation Transport and Homeostasis in Yeasts

SUMMARY The maintenance of appropriate intracellular concentrations of alkali metal cations, principally K+ and Na+, is of utmost importance for living cells, since they determine cell volume, intracellular pH, and potential across the plasma membrane, among other important cellular parameters. Yeasts have developed a number of strategies to adapt to large variations in the concentrations of these cations in the environment, basically by controlling transport processes. Plasma membrane high-affinity K+ transporters allow intracellular accumulation of this cation even when it is scarce in the environment. Exposure to high concentrations of Na+ can be tolerated due to the existence of an Na+, K+-ATPase and an Na+, K+/H+-antiporter, which contribute to the potassium balance as well. Cations can also be sequestered through various antiporters into intracellular organelles, such as the vacuole. Although some uncertainties still persist, the nature of the major structural components responsible for alkali metal cation fluxes across yeast membranes has been defined within the last 20 years. In contrast, the regulatory components and their interactions are, in many cases, still unclear. Conserved signaling pathways (e.g., calcineurin and HOG) are known to participate in the regulation of influx and efflux processes at the plasma membrane level, even though the molecular details are obscure. Similarly, very little is known about the regulation of organellar transport and homeostasis of alkali metal cations. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date vision of the mechanisms responsible for alkali metal cation transport and their regulation in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to establish, when possible, comparisons with other yeasts and higher plants.
The Human Female Reproductive Tract: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Atlas

The authors have employed scanning electron microscopy to provide new insight into the microanatomy of the female genital tract. The beautifully produced book, with magnificent illustrations, covers in systematic fashion the "surface" appearance of the epithelium from the vagina to the ovary, under various conditions. The atlas shows the surface patterns of vagina, ectocervix and endocervix, endometrium, tubes, and ovary, under various hormonal conditions and anatomical states. A substantial portion of the book is given to the placenta. In the plates, each covering a single topic, the authors provide successive increases in magnification, from approximately 200 up to 5,000 or 10,000. The viewer derives a sense of structure of fantastic clarity and depth. A modest amount of text is given on pages facing the illustrations. The quality of the photographs is superb, the legends are clear and informative, and the whole book is an artistic triumph, as well as an
Functional Outcome of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke

Background and Purpose: To test whether multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR) is effective in improving functional outcome in chronic stroke. Methods: Retrospective review of functional outcome of MDR in 136 consecu tive patients with first single stroke. Patients were divided into early group (E: days after stroke ( 90, n = 47) and late group (L: > 90, n = 89). Outcome was assessed by using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Stroke Impairment As sessment Set (SIAS). Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, type of stroke, and side of stroke. The mean length of stay was significantly longer (p < 0.05) in E (138 days) than in L (114 days). The mean FIM (admission/discharge) was 88/103 in E and 88/97 in L. The mean SIAS was 11/14 in E and 10/13 in L. There was no signif icant difference in gain of FIM and SIAS score between the groups. There was also no difference in gain of FIM between E and L in three subgroups based on admission FIM score (severe disability: 18-53, moderate: 54-89, mild: 90-126). Conclusions: MDR is effective in improving functional outcome of stroke patients regardless of starting point of MDR or initial severity of disability. Key Words: Stroke—Rehabilitation—Functional Independence Measure (FIM)—Stroke Impair ment Assessment Set (SIAS).
MIMO OFDM System with Virtual Receive Antennas

In our earlier work, a novel concept of virtual receive antennas (VRA) was proposed and is a viable solution for single carrier spatial multiplexing system with less number of physical receive antennas. In this paper, we investigate the VRA system in spatially multiplexed orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system, which is a promising scheme for next generation of downlink communication. To create VRA in OFDM, various fractionally spaced timing offset is imposed to each transmit substream, and oversampling at the receiver filter output. To explore the potential of the VRA-OFDM system, this paper analyzes its system capacity and error rate performance. Results show that the VRA-OFDM system can achieve higher ergodic capacity and outage rate, and lower outage probability than conventional MISO-OFDM system. Due to the created virtual antennas, ordered successive interference cancellation (OSIC) can be used in the VRA-OFDM system, which favours the use of VRA in downlink communication due to lower complexity. Meanwhile, if maximum likelihood (ML) detection is used, the VRA-OFDM system shows better BER performance than the conventional overloaded MISO-OFDM ML receiver.
Multi-Cell Interference Aware Resource Allocation for Half-Duplex Relay Based Cooperation

The goal of our work is to limit inter-cell interference in two hops cooperative communication systems.We propose to exploit the standard half-duplex limitation of relays so as to coordinate in time and frequency the resource allocation of a cluster of neighbor cells, and then to adapt resource allocation to changes in the communication context. Simulation results show how our proposed allocation modes permit to outperform classical modes in terms of cooperation effectiveness, power consumption and perceived Quality of Service (QoS).
Strengths-Based Practice with Family Caregivers of the Chronically Ill: Qualitative Insights

Using a strengths-based perspective, this paper looks at the experiences of family caregiving to the chronically ill. Qualitative research allows researchers and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the family caregiver experience, adding breadth to the assessment and intervention process. Themes generated from a qualitative inquiry on the impact of the care-giving experience for the caregiver are explored and discussed in terms of implications for strengths-based practice, thus providing a positive experience for the caregiver and care recipient.
Short-term Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention Program on Eating Behaviors, Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risks in Korean Adults

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a lifestyle modification program for Korean adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors on their health behaviors and health status. Methods: A total of 448 adults with abdominal obesity and additional cardiovascular disease risk factors(high blood pressure, low HDL-cholesterol, high triglyceride or high blood glucose) were randomly assigned to either an intensive intervention group (IIG, n=216) or a minimal intervention group(MIG, n=232). Participants in the IIG received lifestyle modification program which consisted of health counseling with nutrition assessment, health booklet and health diary, while those in MIG received minimal information. Results: The participants in the IIG significantly improved dietary habits(p<.05), retrained eating(p<.001), external eating(p<.01) behaviors, leisure time physical activity(p<.05), dietary self-efficacy(p<.01), exercise self-efficacy(p<.01) and MetS score(p<.001) after 3 months. In addition, the participants in the IIG showed more improvement in dietary habits(p<.05) compared with those in the MIG. Conclusion: The lifestyle modification program was effective in improving some health
Specialist clinicians' practice and views regarding methadone/buprenorphine supervision and contingency management: a national survey

Abstract Aims and methods: The aim of the study was to determine the current models of supervised consumption of methadone/buprenorphine practised, and to establish the extent to which contingency management is used, and in what forms. A postal questionnaire was sent to all lead specialist clinicians in the field of substance misuse in England in 2010 (n = 194). Results: The response rate was 66% (n = 129). Clinicians generally supervised patients for a period of 3 months, although considerable flexibility was used depending on individual circumstances. The majority of patients consumed their methadone/buprenorphine on pharmacy premises 6 d per week. Supervised consumption arrangements were believed by respondents to cause a minority of patients to drop out of treatment and prevent a minority from starting treatment. Contingency management is widely used throughout England, with the most common forms relating to changes in supervision or dispensing arrangements. Conclusion: There is marked heterogeneity in clinicians’ practice of supervised consumption, suggesting uncertainty regarding the optimal approach. Further research, such as an RCT, is required.
Area Spectral Efficiency of Soft-Decision Space-Time-Frequency Shift Keying Aided Slow Frequency Hopping Multiple Access

Slow Frequency Hopping Multiple Access (SFHMA) is capable of providing inherent frequency diversity and of beneficially randomising the effects of cochannel interference. It may also be advantageously combined with our novel Space-Time-Shift Keying (STFSK) scheme. The proposed system's area spectral efficiency is investigated in various cellular frequency reuse structures. Furthermore, it is compared to both classic Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) aided SFHMA as well as to GMSK assisted Time Division/ Frequency Division Multiple Access (TD/FDMA). The more sophisticated third-generation Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and the fourth generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems were also included in our comparisons. We demonstrate that the area spectral efficiency of the STFSK aided SFHMA system is higher than those of the GMSK aided SFHMA and TD/FDMA systems as well as that of the WCDMA, but it is only 60% that of the LTE system.
Toxicology of food dyes

Abstract Background: Food dyes, synthesized originally from coal tar and now petroleum, have long been controversial because of safety concerns. Many dyes have been banned because of their adverse effects on laboratory animals or inadequate testing. Conclusions: This review finds that all of the nine currently US-approved dyes raise health concerns of varying degrees. Red 3 causes cancer in animals, and there is evidence that several other dyes also are carcinogenic. Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. At least four dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) cause hypersensitivity reactions. Numerous microbiological and rodent studies of Yellow 5 were positive for genotoxicity. Toxicity tests on two dyes (Citrus Red 2 and Orange B) also suggest safety concerns, but Citrus Red 2 is used at low levels and only on some Florida oranges and Orange B has not been used for several years. The inadequacy of much of the testing and the evidence for carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and hypersensitivity, coupled with the fact that dyes do not improve the safety or nutritional quality of foods, indicates that all of the currently used dyes should be removed from the food supply and replaced, if at all, by safer colorings. It is recommended that regulatory authorities require better and independent toxicity testing, exercise greater caution regarding continued approval of these dyes, and in the future approve only well-tested, safe dyes.
Staged Diabetes Management

This systematic treatment program consists of practical solutions to the detection and treatment of diabetes, its complications, and such areas as metabolic syndrome, pre-diabete,s and diabetes in children using evidence-based medicine. The text reviews the fundamental basis of diabetes management and then addresses treatment of each type of diabetes and the major microand macrovascular complications.
Spectrum Sensing for Networked System Using 1-Bit Compressed Sensing with Partial Random Circulant Measurement Matrices

Recently developed compressed sensing theory enables signal acquisition and reconstruction from incomplete information with high probability provided that the signal is sparsely represented in some basis. This paper applies compressed sensing for spectrum sensing in a networked system. To tackle the calculation and communication cost problems, this paper also applies structured compressed sensing and 1-bit compressed sensing. Measurement using the partial random circulant matrices can reduce the calculation cost at the sacrifice of a slightly increased number of measurements by utilizing the fact that a circulant matrix is decomposed by multiplications of structured matrices. This paper investigates the tradeoff between calculation cost and compression performance. 1-bit compressed sensing extracts only sign data (1-bit quantization) from measured data, and reconstructs the original signal from the extracted sign data. Therefore, 1-bit compressed sensing can save communication costs associated with spectrum sensing in a networked system. This paper evaluates the efficiency of 1-bit compressed sensing. In addition, this paper also proposes a block reconstruction algorithm for 1-bit compressed sensing that uses the block sparsity of the signals. Empirical study shows that partial random circulant matrices work as efficient as completely random measurement matrices for spectrum sensing and that 1-bit compressed sensing can be used for spectrum sensing with greatly reduced communication costs.