Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pilot-based channel estimation in two-way amplify-and-forward relay networks

In this paper, we propose a pilot based channel estimation technique in two-way relay networks. We propose to transmit a pilot symbol together with the data symbol during transmission. In absence of Channel State Information (CSI), destination uses the pilot symbol to estimate the channel. In this system, the relay amplifies the pilot and the data symbol then forward them to the destination using amplify and forward (AF) protocol. We assume that the relay gain is fixed, so the relay does not need to estimate the channel, the destination only estimate the channel. We apply well-known Least-square (LS) and minimum mean-square error (MMSE) channel estimation methods to estimate the channel.
The essence of overeducation in China

This paper provides an Analysis of the over-education of graduates in China. It first reviews some theoretical explanation about over-education, then proceeds to argue how over-education can form in the context of the industrial upgrading and labor market segmentation by using Beveridge Curve. The coexistence of a large number of job vacancies and unemployment is the result of both education deepening and job searching with mismatch. To establish the over-education more directly, a logical framework diagram has been constructed. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of policy measures for both individuals and the government.
Use of long-term vaccination with a killed vaccine to prevent fecal shedding of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in dairy herds.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether vaccination with a killed vaccine prevents fecal shedding of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis, to compare effectiveness of a culture and cull program in vaccinated and nonvaccinated herds, and to compare paratuberculosis-related preventive management in vaccinated and nonvaccinated herds. SAMPLE POPULATION 58 commercial Dutch dairy herds. DESIGN Cross-sectional study (study A) in vaccinated (n = 25) and nonvaccinated (29) herds of dairy cows. Longitudinal study (study B) in vaccinated (n = 2) and nonvaccinated (2) herds of dairy cows. PROCEDURE In study A, fecal samples were obtained from adult cows in herds with and without a history of vaccination with a killed vaccine. Management measures were evaluated. In study B, fecal samples were obtained 4 times at 6-month intervals from cows older than 6 months. Cows that had positive test results were removed from the herd directly after the outcome of the culture. RESULTS In study A, differences were not detected among the 25 herds that were vaccinated; culture results were positive for M avium subsp paratuberculosis in 4.4% of herds. In 29 herds that had not been vaccinated, culture results were positive in 6.7%. In study B, the percentage of positive results on culture decreased from 10.9% and 5.7% to 3.5% and 0%, respectively in the 2 vaccinated herds. In the 2 nonvaccinated herds, percentages decreased from 6.1% and 16.5% to 0% and 2.3%, respectively. Management practices were different between herds that were vaccinated and herds that were not; owners of herds that were not vaccinated followed more preventive management procedures and practiced less feeding of raw milk to calves. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Vaccination of calves with a killed vaccine does not prevent transmission of M avium subsp paratuberculosis; therefore, hygienic practices remain essential in herd management.
Macrophage activation by a DNA/cationic liposome complex requires endosomal acidification and TLR9‐dependent and ‐independent pathways

Previously, we showed that bacterial DNA and vertebrate DNA/cationic liposome complexes stimulate potent inflammatory responses in cultured mouse macrophages. In the present study, we examined whether endocytosis and subsequent acidification are associated with these responses. The endocytosis inhibitor, cytochalasin B, reduced tmor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) production by a plasmid DNA (pDNA)/cationic liposome complex. The endosomal acidification inhibitor, monensin, inhibited cytokine production by pDNA or a calf thymus DNA/liposome complex. These results suggest, similarly to CpG motif‐dependent responses, that endocytosis and subsequent endosomal acidification are also required for these inflammatory responses. It is intriguing that another inhibitor of endosomal acidification, bafilomycin A, stimulated the production of TNF‐α mRNA and its protein after removal of the pDNA/liposome complex and inhibitors, although it inhibited the release of interleukin‐6. Similar phenomena were observed in the activation of macrophages by CpG oligodeoxynucleotide, calf thymus DNA, and Escherichia coli DNA complexed with liposomes. Moreover, bafilomycin A also induced a high degree of TNF‐α release after stimulation with naked pDNA. These results suggest that bafilomycin A increases TNF‐α production induced by DNA at the transcriptional level via an as‐yet unknown mechanism. Furthermore, we investigated the contribution of Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9), the receptor of CpG motifs, to the cell activation by the DNA/cationic liposome complex using the macrophages from TLR9−/− mice. We observed a reduced inflammatory cytokine release from macrophages of TLR9−/− mice compared with wild‐type mice. However, the cytokine production was not completely abolished, suggesting that the DNA/cationic liposome complex can induce macrophage activation via TLR9‐dependent and ‐independent pathways.
STUDIES IN CLINICAL SHOCK AND HYPOTENSION; THE VALUE OF BEDSIDE HEMODYNAMIC OBSERVATIONS.

Hemodynamic studies have been performed at the bedsides of 50 patients with hypotension or clinical shock. Data important to the management of the patient were obtained quickly and with minimal discomfort. In a number of cases cited, hemodynamic and clinical improvement could be related to the employment of therapeutic approaches suggested by the studies but not considered on clinical grounds. Particularly important were observations of femoral-arterial pressure significantly higher than sphygmomanometer cuff pressures, recognition of heart failure, therapeutic application of blood volume expansion, and individualization of the choice of vasopressor drug. Proper management of the hemodynamic abnormality of hypotension and shock requires an assessment of the circulatory status of the individual patient.
31 ОРИГІНАЛЬНІ СТАТТІ АСТМА ТА АЛЕРГІЯ , No

АСТМА ТА АЛЕРГІЯ, No 1 • 2015 Allergic reactions (AR) range from 5 to 10 % in the structure of adverse reactions to drugs [18, 33]. They can cause death of the patient, reduce the quality of life, lead to a prolongation of treatment, the use of suboptimal doses of alternative drugs and a lot of additional investigational tests. Antibacterial drugs are the most common cause of drug AR (Figure). They are not able to directly stimulate the release or activation of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, like histamine, prostoglandin, leukotrienes, kinins, responsible for pseudoallergic reactions as cause only true AR [46]. The presence of AR complicates choice of antibiotic, its timely and rational prescription, which increases the risk of adverse effects at the patients with bacterial infections.
Optimal sizing and operational strategy of hybrid renewable energy system using homer

Nowadays, the power system utility has started to consider the green power technology in order for the world to have a healthier environment. The wind energy and solar energy system are chosen in designing a hybrid renewable power system as they do not release any emission to the atmosphere. In addition, by maximizing the use of the renewable energy, the diesel generator used in the system could also be reduced. Therefore, this paper will discuss on the optimization of the renewable energy hybrid system based on the sizing and operational strategy of generating system. The optimization software used in this analysis is the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER). The sensitivity analysis is also performed to obtain the optimal configuration of hybrid renewable energy based on different combinations of generating system.
Initial Development of a Modified Trail Making Test for Individuals with Impaired Manual Functioning

The Trail Making Test (TMT), a widely used neuropsychological test, is highly effective in detecting brain damage. A shortcoming of the test is that it requires drawing lines and thus is impractical for use with persons suffering manual impairment. The 3 studies described herein were designed to describe and evaluate a nonmanual Trail Making Test (NMTMT) that would be suitable for use with manually impaired individuals. The NMTMT utilizes color to permit oral reporting of the stimuli constituting a series of numbers (Part A) or alternating series of numbers and letters (Part B). The studies, which involved a total of 200 university students, indicate that the standard TMT and the NMTMT are moderately related to each other and have similar patterns of association and nonassociation with other neuropsychological measures. Participants with scores falling near the bottom of the NMTMT distribution have a high probability of scoring at least 1 standard deviation below the mean of the TMT distribution for Part B. The clinically important relationship of Part A to Part B seems to be retained in the NMTMT. It is concluded that the NMTMT shows promise as a substitute for the TMT when the TMT cannot be used.
An Adaptive Power Oscillation Damping Controller by STATCOM With Energy Storage

This paper deals with the design of an adaptive power oscillation damping (POD) controller for a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) equipped with energy storage. This is achieved using a signal estimation technique based on a modified recursive least square (RLS) algorithm, which allows a fast, selective, and adaptive estimation of the low-frequency electromechanical oscillations from locally measured signals during power system disturbances. The proposed method is effective in increasing the damping of the system at the frequencies of interest, also in the case of system parameter uncertainties and at various connection points of the compensator. First, the analysis of the impact of active and reactive power injection into the power system will be carried out using a simple two-machine system model. A control strategy that optimizes active and reactive power injection at various connection points of the STATCOM will be derived using the simplified model. Small-signal analysis of the dynamic performance of the proposed control strategy will be carried out. The effectiveness of the proposed control method to provide power oscillation damping irrespective of the connection point of the device and in the presence of system parameter uncertainties will be verified through simulation and experimental results.
IL 28 B Gene polymorphisms in prediction of PEG-IFN-α therapy in HCV Egyptian patients

Background: Chronic HCV is one of the commonest reasons for ceaseless liver malady worldwide with around 15% of populace tainted in Egypt. Certain SNPs present close to the IL28B gene were found to affect the spontaneous clearance and also treatment result of HCV. To analyze the relationship between different IL28B variations and the relapse of HCV disease after consolidated treatment with ribavirin and pegylated interferon (pegIFN). Methods: Forty HCV genotype all patients got 1.5 mg/kg/week peg-interferon alfa-2b in addition to 800-1400 mg/d ribavirin (weight-balanced) for 48 weeks IL28B polymorphism rs12979860 was concentrated on in responders and relapsers at week 72. Results: Out of 40 patients receiving treatment, 7 (17.0 %) were relapsers. By stratifying patients on the principle of the IL-28/60 genotype CC versus (CT&TT), CC patients demonstrated lower relapse rates (12.5%) compared to CT/TT patients (87.5%) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: IL28B polymorphism can forecast response to PEG-IFN-α treatment in HCV patients List of abbreviations:  HCV Hepatitis C infection  pegIFN pegylated interferon  RBV: ribavirin  SVR: supported virological reaction  DAAs: Direct acting antivirals  SNP: single nucleotide polymorphism  IL28B: Interleukin 28B  IP10 : Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-inducible protein-10
Flexible group communication protocol for distributed systems

The group protocol has to support applications with enough quality (QoS) and types of service in change of QoS supported by the underlying network and QoS requirements of applications. A flexible group service is supported for applications by cooperation of multiple autonomous agents. A group protocol to coordinate the cooperation of the agents is composed of a collection of functions like retransmission and receipt confirmation. Each agent dynamically and autonomously takes a class of module for each protocol function in change of QoS supported by networks and required by application.
Low-dose exercise training does not influence cardiac autonomic control in healthy sedentary men aged 55 – 75 years

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a realistic, feasible, and commonly used fitness training programme on cardiac autonomic control in 14 sedentary men aged 62.0 ± 6.1 years (mean ± s). All participants performed a one-year fitness training programme in which training intensity and frequency were specifically chosen to be compliant for the majority of the participants (2 – 3 sessions per week at moderate intensity). At the same time, a reference group consisting of 15 sedentary age-matched men (age 64.2 ± 6.5 years) did not change their habitual physical activity. Measurements were performed before and after the training intervention. Cardiac autonomic control was inferred from resting values (supine and standing) of heart rate variability (HRV) computed in the frequency domain over 10-min intervals. Endurance capacity was evaluated during a maximal incremental bicycle ergometer test. In spite of an increase in peak oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2peak) by 6.4% after training, heart rate in the training group remained unchanged at rest and at the same metabolic demand. No changes in resting parameters of HRV were shown for either groups or positions. Results from this study provide no evidence of a clinically meaningful increase in the vagal modulation to the sinus node at rest after one year of low-volume and moderate-intensity fitness training in men aged 55 – 75 years.
A Putative Chloroplast Thylakoid Metalloprotease VIRESCENT3 Regulates Chloroplast Development in Arabidopsis thaliana*

The chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis and many other essential plant metabolic processes, and chloroplast development is an integral part of plant growth and development. Mutants defective in chloroplast development can display various color phenotypes including the intriguing virescence phenotype, which shows yellow/white coloration at the leaf base and greening toward the leaf tip. Through large scale genetic screens, we identified a series of new virescent mutants including virescent3-1 (vir3-1), vir4-1, and vir5-1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. We showed that VIR3 encodes a putative chloroplast metalloprotease by map-based cloning. Through site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that the conserved histidine 235 residue in the zinc binding motif HEAGH of VIR3 is indispensable for VIR3 accumulation in the chloroplast. The chloroplast localization of VIR3 was confirmed by the transient expression of VIR3-GFP in leaf protoplasts. Furthermore, taking advantage of transgenic lines expressing VIR3-FLAG, we demonstrated that VIR3 is an intrinsic thylakoid membrane protein that mainly resides in the stromal lamellae. Moreover, topology analysis using transgenic lines expressing a dual epitope-tagged VIR3 indicated that both the N and C termini of VIR3 are located in the stroma, and the catalytic domain of VIR3 is probably facing the stroma. Blue native gel analysis indicated that VIR3 is likely present as a monomer or part of a small complex in the thylakoid membrane. This work not only implicates VIR3 as a new factor involved in early chloroplast development but also provides more insight into the roles of chloroplast proteases in chloroplast biogenesis.
Putative functional polymorphisms of MMP9 predict survival of NSCLC in a Chinese population

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in cancer progression and their over‐expression is often associated with unfavorable survival of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Because genetic variants can alter expression level or biological activity of MMPs, we hypothesized that potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key MMP genes may be associated with the survival of NSCLC patients. We selected and genotyped 14 putative functional SNPs in six MMP genes (MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP7, MMP9 and MMP12) using PCR‐RFLP methods in 561 NSCLC patients. Kaplan‐Meier method with the log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard models were used for the survival analyses. The C‐1562T, Arg279Gln and Arg668Gln polymorphisms in MMP9 were significantly associated with survival of patients with NSCLC (log‐rank p values = 0.032, 0.038 and 0.036, respectively). The C‐1562T and Arg668Gln loci were in complete linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 1). Patients carrying the 668Gln allele had improved survival with a median survival time (MST) of 51.6 months, compared with 21.8 months for those with the 668Arg/Arg genotype (log‐rank p = 0.010). In contrast, the 279Gln/Gln genotype was associated with a significantly shortened MST (17.3 months, log‐rank p = 0.030) in the recessive model. In the final multivariate Cox regression model, 279Gln/Gln was identified as an independent prognostic factor with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.60 (95% confidence interval 1.07–2.41). The MMP9 Arg279Gln and Arg668Gln SNPs are potential predictors of survival in NSCLC patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optical absorption coefficient, time of thermal relaxation, time of surface threshold, and time of heat incubation for PMMA samples at the CO2 laser-beam wavelength of 10.6 microm.

OBJECTIVE This paper discusses in detail the mathematical identification of the optical absorption alpha (cm(1)) of Beer's law, a crucial parameter to study the development of laser beam craters into dry poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) samples exposed to steady CO(2) laser beams emitting radiation at lambda = 10.6 microm in continuous- wave (CW) mode. Three additional time-dependent coefficients have been determined as well. In clinical applications, these results are important in order to precisely quantify and forecast the ablation capabilities of the CO(2) laser beam, to optimize its usage in the operating room, and to address the safety issues related to surgical interventions on human tissue. BACKGROUND DATA Currently, the data available in the literature do not allow the identification of the numerical value of alpha (cm(1)) for PMMA at lambda = 10.6 microm with enough, and therefore satisfactory, accuracy. Additionally, the correct identification of the optical absorption of PMMA would allow the isolation, with better accuracy, of other key time-dependent coefficients, such as relaxation time, surface threshold time, and heat incubation time, which are all described in the literature in a qualitative rather than quantitative fashion. Correct bone cement preparation depends on the value of alpha (cm(1)) of the PMMA in order to avoid unwanted complications in patients during cement removal via laser techniques. METHODS The laser in use was configured in different combinations with the following parameters: transverse electromagnetic modes (TEMnm), output power (I0), exposure times (te), and focal lengths (fk). Several PMMA blocks (1 cm x 4 cm x 4 cm) were exposed to CW radiation of three commercially available CO(2) medical laser devices showing a TEM11 mode. Each block was exposed to the beam on a horizontal and well-polished surface of each sample. Four focal lengths (2.5", 5", 7.5", and 15.75" [400 mm]) were used to focus the beam on the well-polished and dry surface of the PMMA samples. The resulting dimensions of the craters were measured after each exposure, which has been kept at a 10-Watt CW beam. Exposure time ranged from 0.5 to 2 sec. RESULTS The value of alpha = 502 (cm(1)) for PMMAat 10.6 microm was identified, matching other results reported in the literature for similar compact media in the absence of water content, such as PMMA. The time of thermal relaxation was 9.358 x 10(4) sec, the time of surface threshold was 9.365 x 10(4) sec, and the time of heat incubation was 3.6 x 10(7) sec (all three for PMMAat 10.6 microm for any exposure). Using the calculated value of alpha, one of the practical clinical recommendations would be, for instance, to reduce or to abolish the utilization of colorant dopants in the preparation of the bone cement mixture and therefore reduce the danger of bone damage possible during the removal of bone cement via laser techniques. Other examples refer to other clinical bone and dental treatments.
Disparities in collaborative patient-provider communication about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination

ABSTRACT Background. Healthcare providers may vary their communications with different patients, which could give rise to differences in vaccination coverage. We examined demographic disparities in parental report of collaborative provider communication and implications for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Methods. Participants were 4,124 parents who completed the National Immunization Survey-Teen about daughters ages 13–17. We analyzed disparities in collaborative communication (mutual information exchange, deliberation, and decision) and whether they mediated the relationship between demographic characteristics and HPV vaccine initiation. Results. Half of parents (53%) in the survey reported collaborative communication. Poor, less educated, Spanish-speaking, Southern, and rural parents, and parents of non-privately insured and Hispanic adolescents, were least likely to report collaborative communication (all p<.05). These disparities in communication accounted for geographic variation in HPV vaccination, specifically, the higher rates of uptake in the Northeast versus the South (mediation z=2.31, p<.01) and in urban/suburban vs. rural areas (mediation z=2.87, p<.01). These disparities were also associated with vaccination among subgroups with relatively high coverage, minimizing what could have been even higher uptake among Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white adolescents (mediation z=−3.04, p<.01) and non-privately versus privately insured adolescents (mediation z=−3.67, p<.001). Controlling for provider recommendation attenuated some of these associations (but all p<.10). Conclusions. Collaborative communication showed widespread disparities, being least common among underserved groups. Collaborative communication helped account for differences—and lack of differences—in HPV vaccination among some subgroups of adolescent girls. Leveraging patient-provider communication, especially for underserved demographic groups, could improve HPV vaccination coverage.
Short-term and long-term fading of in-body to out-of-body channel in MICS band

Although the medical implant communication service (MICS) band is a good candidate for implant applications, there are no models for in-body to out-of-body channels in this frequency band. The real experiment with an implant antenna is difficult. So, an approximate test is done using an on-body antenna covered by a layer of fresh meat. Three scenarios of heart implant-walking, wrist implant-walking and heart implant-realistic are considered. Short-term and long-term fading were decoupled. Stationarity tests state that both of the walking scenarios are stationary where the realistic scenario that includes sitting down and standing up in random times and orientations is non-stationary. Several distribution functions were tested to fit with the short-term and long-term data. The results show that the short-term fadings of heart and wrist implant-walking scenarios are best described by normal and Weibull distributions respectively, where the log-logistic distribution describes the long-term fading of walking scenarios best.