Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Secrecy Capacity of the Helper-Assisted Gaussian Wiretap Channel with Multi-Antennas

We investigate the secrecy capacity of Gaussian wiretap channel with a source, an external helper, an eavesdropper and a single-antenna legitimate receiver where the former three terminals are equipped with $N_a$, $N_j$ and $N_e$ antennas, respectively. Generally, an analytical form of the secrecy capacity in this scenario is difficult to obtain. Instead, we recast the original nonconvex secrecy rate maximization (SRM) problem into a sequence of convex optimization problems. In doing so, the secrecy capacity can be obtained using a combination of convex optimization and a one-dimensional search. On the other hand, to gain more insight into how the secrecy capacity behaves, we study the secure degrees of freedom (s.d.o.f.) and quantify its connection with system parameters, where our result proves that the s.d. o.f. equal to 1 can be achieved if and only if N_e<N_a+N_j-1. As a by-product, we give a suboptimal but closed-form solution to the original SRM problem for the scenario where N_e<N_a+N_j-1.Numerical results are presented to validate the theoretical findings and illustrate the efficacy of the proposed schemes.
Reduction in platelet count after aortic valve replacement: comparison of three bioprostheses.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Concerns have recently been raised regarding postoperative decreases in platelet count (PC) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Sorin Freedom Solo (SFS) stentless bioprosthesis. In order to assess the relevance and the clinical impact of this phenomenon, variations in PC were monitored in patients with SFS valves, and compared to changes of PC in patients after AVR with two other bioprostheses, the Medtronic Mosaic (MOS) porcine valve and the Sorin Mitroflow (MIT) pericardial valve. METHODS Three groups of patients (25 in each group) who had undergone AVR with a biological prosthesis were compared. The patients were similar in terms of their preoperative characteristics, including mean age, NYHA functional class, risk factors, EuroSCORE, and mean PC. The PC was monitored on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5, and again at discharge. Thrombocytopenia was considered to be 'present' when the PC was < 150,000/microl, and 'severe' when the PC was < 30,000/microl. RESULTS No significant inter-group differences were observed in the duration of extracorporeal circulation or cross-clamp times. The mean postoperative PCs for MOS valves were 154,000 +/- 56,000/microl, 154,000 +/- 54,000/microl, 161,000 +/- 85,000/microl, and 228,000 +/- 95,000/microl at days 1,3, and 5, and at discharge, respectively. For MIT valves, these values were 126,000 +/- 37,000/microl, 113,000 +/- 38,000/microl, 130,000 +/- 46,000/microl, and 170,000 +/- 50,000/microl, respectively. For SFS valves, the values were 99,000 +/- 27,000/microl, 67,000 +/- 9000/microl, 78,000 +/- 54,000/microl, and 96,000 +/- 32,000/microl, respectively. Severe thrombocytopenia was never observed in any patient. A significant decrease in PC occurred with SFS when compared to MOS valves (on days 1, 3, 5, and at discharge, p < 0.001) and to MIT valves (on days 3, 5, and at discharge, p < 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed older age (p = 0.001) and the SFS valve (p = 0.0002) to be incremental risk factors for developing severe or moderate thrombocytopenia after AVR. CONCLUSION A reduction in PC occurred with all bioprostheses on postoperative day 1, while a significant reduction in PC was continued for SFS valves on postoperative days 3 and 5, when compared to MOS and MIT valves. A normalization of PC at discharge was observed only with MOS valves. Thrombocytopenia after AVR with biological prostheses was not associated with any major postoperative complication.
The carboxy terminus of pp60c-src is a regulatory domain and is involved in complex formation with the middle-T antigen of polyomavirus

A large number of mutations were introduced into the carboxy-terminal domain of pp60c-src. The level of phosphorylation on Tyr-416 and Tyr-527, the transforming activity (as measured by focus formation on NIH 3T3 cells), kinase activity, and the ability of the mutant pp60c-src to associate with the middle-T antigen of polyomavirus were examined. The results indicate that Tyr-527 is a major carboxy-terminal element responsible for regulating pp60c-src in vivo. A good but not perfect correlation exists between lack of phosphorylation at Tyr-527 and increased phosphorylation at Tyr-416, between elevated phosphorylation on Tyr-416 and activated kinase activity, and between activated kinase activity and transforming activity. Phosphorylation of Tyr-527 was insensitive to the mutation of adjacent residues, indicating that the primary sequence only has a minor role in recognition by kinases or phosphatases which regulate it in vivo. Three mutants which have in common a modified Glu-524 residue were phosphorylated on Tyr-416 and Tyr-527 and were weakly transforming. This suggests that other mechanisms besides complete dephosphorylation of Tyr-527 can lead to increased phosphorylation of Tyr-416 and activation of the transforming activity of pp60c-src. Furthermore, the residues between Asp-518 and Pro-525 were required to form a stable complex with middle-T antigen. The proximity of these sequences to Tyr-527 suggests a model in which middle-T activates pp60c-src by binding directly to this region of the molecular and thereby preventing phosphorylation of Tyr-527. Alternatively, middle-T binding may mediate a conformational change in this region, which in turn induces an alteration in the level of phosphorylation at Tyr-527 and Tyr-416.
Heterologous Gene Expression from Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus Replicon Particles

ABSTRACT We have recently isolated a transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) infectious construct designated TGEV 1000 (B. Yount, K. M. Curtis, and R. S. Baric, J. Virol. 74:10600–10611, 2000). Using this construct, a recombinant TGEV was constructed that replaced open reading frame (ORF) 3A with a heterologous gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP). Following transfection of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, a recombinant TGEV (TGEV-GFP2) was isolated that replicated efficiently and expressed GFP. Replicon constructs were constructed that lacked either the ORF 3B and E genes or the ORF 3B, E, and M genes [TGEV-Rep(AvrII) and TGEV-Rep(EcoNI), respectively]. As the E and M proteins are essential for TGEV virion budding, these replicon RNAs should replicate but not result in the production of infectious virus. Following cotransfection of BHK cells with the replicon RNAs carrying gfp, GFP expression was evident by fluorescent microscopy and leader-containing transcripts carrying gfp were detected by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Subsequent passage of cell culture supernatants onto permissive swine testicular (ST) cells did not result in the virus, GFP expression, or the presence of leader-containing subgenomic transcripts, demonstrating the single-hit nature of the TGEV replicon RNAs. To prepare a packaging system to assemble TGEV replicon particles (TGEV VRP), the TGEV E gene was cloned into a Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) replicon expression vector and VEE replicon particles encoding the TGEV E protein were isolated [VEE-TGEV(E)]. BHK cells were either cotransfected with TGEV-Rep(AvrII) (E gene deletion) and VEE-TGEV(E) RNA transcripts or transfected with TGEV-Rep(AvrII) RNA transcripts and subsequently infected with VEE VRPs carrying the TGEV E gene. In both cases, GFP expression and leader-containing GFP transcripts were detected in transfected cells. Cell culture supernatants, collected ∼36 h posttransfection, were passed onto fresh ST cells where GFP expression was evident ∼18 h postinfection. Leader-containing GFP transcripts containing the ORF 3B and E gene deletions were detected by RT-PCR. Recombinant TGEV was not released from these cultures. Under identical conditions, TGEV-GFP2 spread throughout ST cell cultures, expressed GFP, and formed viral plaques. The development of infectious TGEV replicon particles should assist studies of TGEV replication and assembly as well as facilitate the production of novel swine candidate vaccines.
Improving Class Firewall Regression Test Selection by Removing the Class Firewall

One regression test selection technique proposed for object-oriented programs is the Class firewall regression test selection technique. The selection technique selects test classes for regression test, which test changed classes and classes depending on changed classes. However, in empirical studies of the application of the technique, we observed that another technique found the same defects, selected fewer tests and required a simpler, less costly, analysis. The technique, which we refer to as the Change-based regression test selection technique, is basically the Class firewall technique, but with the class firewall removed. In this paper we formulate a hypothesis stating that these empirical observations are not incidental, but an inherent property of the Class firewall technique. We prove that the hypothesis holds for Java in a stable testing environment, and conclude that the effectiveness of the Class firewall regression testing technique can be improved without sacrificing the defect detection capability of the technique, by removing the class firewall.
Association Between Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity and Tinnitus, NHANES 2005–2006

Purpose: Internet-based claims suggest that physical activity may help to relieve tinnitus symptoms. The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the association between accelerometer-assessed physical activity and tinnitus (i.e., ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ears). Method: Data were obtained from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on 963 adolescents (aged 12–19 years old) and 473 older adults (aged 70–85 years old). Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer, and participants were asked several tinnitus-related questions. Results: The weighted prevalence of tinnitus was 8.9% and 25.3% for adolescents and older adults, respectively. For every 1-min increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, adolescents were 4% less likely to have tinnitus lasting more than 3 months compared with less than 3 months (OR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.93, 0.99]). For older adults with hypertension, for every 60-min increase in light-intensity physical activity, they were 21% less likely to have tinnitus zcompared with not having tinnitus (OR = 0.790, 95% CI [0.649, 0.963]). Conclusion: Overall, we conclude that physical activity was associated with tinnitus status in a nationally representative sample of adolescents and older adults. If additional studies confirm these findings, then audiologists and other hearing specialists are encouraged to promote physical activity among their patients to help treat and prevent tinnitus.
Computerised Measurement of Contact Angles

The measurement of the contact angle formed by a droplet of liquid placed on a horizontal surface – the so-called sessile drop – has been of interest to scientists and others for at least 200 years, since Young first reported his observations [1]. From this parameter, much valuable information can be calculated, notably surface energy values. These in turn can provide information on surface contamination or the wettability of a surface [2]. For this reason, the measurement of contact angles is of importance in a wide range of scientific and technological fields, including medicine, surface science, surface engineering, and industries producing inks and coatings for plastics and textile goods as described by Adamson [3], Hansen [4], Zisman, and coworkers [5]. The earliest measurements, such as that of Young, used a protractor or a similar graduated scale for measuring the angle. Various other techniques were developed, such as the so-called half-angle method, discussed below. The assumption that the sessile drop was spherical, or formed part of a sphere, underpinned the basis of these methods wherein the contact angle values were computed using the principles of Euclidian geometry. The two most widely-used such methods were: – Constructing a tangent by drawing a line orthogonal to the drop radius that intersects the point of contact with the horizontal surface – the triphase point; – The so-called half-angle method uses a line drawn from the triphase point to the apex of the circle (Fig. 1). This is of course valid only for perfect circles. Over the years, there have been modest advances, notably US Patent 5,268,733 where an image of the drop is projected onto a protractor screen [6]. Rather than being calibrated in degrees, the screen is calibrated at half-scale. The protractor can be moved to the triphase point, and the trace that intersects the apex will give the contact angle. This approach is inherently imprecise since the apex is a flat region covering a range of angles. There have also been several specialized advances customized for production-line environments [7]. Computerised Measurement of Contact Angles By Darren L. Williamsa, Anselm T. Kuhnb, Mark A. Amanna, Madison B. Hausingera, Megan M. Konarika and Elizabeth I. Nesselrodea
Evaluation of harmonic cancellation techniques for sinusoidal signal generation in mixed-signal BIST

The on-chip generation of high quality at-speed sinusoidal stimuli is a key point for enabling a wide variety of mixed-signal BIST (Built-In Self-Test) strategies. Efficient test stimulus generators for BIST applications should have the attributes of high spectral quality and reduced circuitry resources, which make the design of these generators a challenging task. This work compares the application of two different harmonic cancellation strategies to a family of simple on-chip sinusoidal generators. The application of advanced spectral manipulation techniques not only may improve the spectral quality of the generated signals, but it may also ease up the design of these on-chip generators by relaxing some design constraints. This work evaluates the spectral performance and design trade-offs derived from the application of the considered harmonic cancellation techniques. Simulation results are provided in order to illustrate our analysis.
Non-invasive assessment of right ventricular function in the late follow-up of the Senning procedure

Deteriorating ventricular function is a major concern after the Senning operation. A Doppler-derived non-geometric measurement, the so-called myocardial performance index, has been described for use in adults and children. We aimed to assess the utility of this index as a method for quantification of right ventricular function in patients in the late follow-up of the Senning procedure, and to correlate the right ventricular ejection fraction and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure as derived using echocardiography with the ejection fraction determined using magnetic resonance imaging. We studied 44 patients within a mean postoperative period of 15.3 years. We calculated the right ventricular myocardial performance index by pulsed wave Doppler interrogation of tricuspid inflow and aortic outflow, the ejection fraction by Simpson's rule, and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure by continuous wave Doppler from tricuspid regurgitation. Mean values of right ventricular myocardial performance index, ejection fraction, and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure were 0.50, 39 percent and 1,398 millimetres of mercury per second, respectively. A cut-off value of 0.47 for the right ventricle myocardial performance index was determined, with a sensitivity of 75 percent and a specificity of 62.5 percent. We found no correlation between ejection fraction and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure as estimated by echocardiography and the ejection fraction as shown by magnetic resonance imaging (r2 equal to 0.29 and 0.04 respectively). We concluded, first, that patients with preserved right ventricular function had values for the right ventricular myocardial performance index lower than 0.47, and second, that ejection fraction and the first derivative of right ventricular pressure as determined echocardiographically did not correlate with values derived using magnetic resonance imaging.
Correlation of qualitative and quantitative MRI parameters with neurological status: a prospective study on patients with spinal trauma.

INTRODUCTION Spinal trauma is relatively more common in young active individuals. Although its mortality is low, it is an important cause of long term disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately depict presence and extent of spinal cord injury (SCI) in these patients. This study was aimed to look for various qualitative and quantitative MRI findings which are predictive of initial neurological deficit in patients with spinal trauma and final outcome on follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was conducted on 50 patients with suspected acute cervical or dorsal spinal trauma presenting for MRI study. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score was used for assessing neurological status at the time of presentation, at the time of discharge/2weeks and at 3-6 months follow up. Various MRI qualitative and quantitative parameters were evaluated for correlation with severity of spinal injury. RESULTS Normal baseline MRI (pattern 0) was seen in 12 subjects and was associated with incomplete SCI in 4 subjects (ASIA grade D) followed by complete recovery in all patients on follow-up examination. Pattern I (haemorrhage) was associated with complete spinal cord injury. Pattern II (oedema) was associated with incomplete SCI and good functional recovery on follow up.Pattern III (contusion) was associated with intermediate severity of injury. Compression and transection patterns were associated with complete neurological deficit at presentation and increased mortality at subsequent follow-up. All the three quantitative parameters i.e. lesion length,maximum (bony) canal compromise (MCC), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) were significantly increased in patients with complete SCI as compared to those with incomplete SCI. The best predictors for baseline ASIA score were MCC, cord oedema and cord haemorrhage. For the final ASIA score, the best predictors were baseline ASIA score and cord haemorrhage. CONCLUSION MRI is excellent imaging modality for detecting and assessing severity of spinal trauma. In our study, presence of cord haemorrhage, MCC and cord oedema were best predictors of baseline neurological status at presentation, whereas baseline ASIA score and cord haemorrhage were best predictors of final neurological outcome.
THE EFFECTS OF PLYOMETRIC VS.DYNAMIC STABILIZATION AND BALANCE TRAINING ON POWER, BALANCE, AND LANDING FORCE IN FEMALE ATHLETES

Neuromuscular training protocols that include both plyometrics and dynamic balance exercises can significantly improve biomechanics and neuromuscular performance and reduce anterior cruciate ligament injury risk in female athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of plyometrics (PLYO) versus dynamic stabilization and balance training (BAL) on power, balance, strength, and landing force in female athletes. Either PLYO or BAL were included as a component of a dynamic neuromuscular training regimen that reduced measures related to ACL injury and increased measures of performance. Nineteen high school female athletes participated in training 3 times a week for 7 weeks. The PLYO (n = 8) group did not receive any dynamic balance exercises and the BAL (n = 11) group did not receive any maximum effort jumps during training. Pretraining vs. post-training measures of impact force and standard deviation of center of pressure (COP) were recorded during a single leg hop and hold. Subjects were also tested for training effects in strength (isokinetic and isoinertial) and power (vertical jump). The percent change from pretest to posttest in vertical ground reaction force was significantly different between the BAL and PLYO groups on the dominant side (p < 0.05). Both groups decreased their standard deviation of center of pressure (COP) during hop landings in the medial/lateral direction on their dominant side, which equalized pretested side to side differences. Both groups increased hamstrings strength and vertical jump. The results of this study suggest that both PLYO and BAL training are effective at increasing measures of neuromuscular power and control. A combination of PLYO and BAL training may further maximize the effectiveness of preseason training for female athletes.
Localization using dual orthogonal stereo acoustic sensor method in underwater sensor networks

The dual orthogonal stereo sensor (DOSS) method uses acoustic waves to determine the distance and direction of an object in an underwater environment. A DOSS system is composed of one acoustic signal generator in the center and four acoustic signal receivers in an orthogonal stereo configuration. In this paper, we propose several algorithms with dual orthogonal stereo sensors that measure the range and angle using the time of flight. We simulate the algorithms with dual orthogonal stereo sensors for 3D localization using simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Finally, we compare and analyze the results of all the simulations.
Automated detection of Optic Disc for the analysis of retina using color fundus image

Optic Disc (OD) behaves as a landmark in a fundus image for the localization of other major parts of the eye like macula region, fovea and the network of blood vessels. OD can be seen as a quite distinct bright region in a colored fundus image. In our proposed method the high intensity value of the optic disc is used for its detection. First the optic disc is detected by applying preprocessing steps for enhancement like Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE), contrast stretching transformation and extended minima transformation. OD free image is obtained by applying morphological opening and closing operations on the preprocessed image. A sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100%, 98.25% and 98.65% is achieved respectively on 1200 images from publically available database MESSIDOR. Compared with state of the art, the proposed technique has reasonable accuracy using less computing power and processing time.
Activity monitors can detect brisk walking in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE Brisk walking forms the foundation of aerobic training regimes within a pulmonary rehabilitation service for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Repeated bouts of aerobic training are encouraged in the domestic environment. This study was designed to examine the discriminatory properties of an activity monitor, to assess if brisk walking can be identified clearly from all other activities of daily living. Secondly, the authors examined the overall level of activity generated by patients with COPD compared with a healthy control population. METHODS Eleven patients with COPD and nine age-matched healthy controls were recruited. All subjects were required to wear an activity monitor for 48 hours. Subjects simultaneously recorded their activity (grouped into 10 categories) to the nearest minute. RESULTS The data indicated that the monitors can detect brisk walking as a distinct activity in patients and a control population. The healthy individuals achieve a significantly higher level of activity than patients, but that the duration of this high intensity activity (i.e., brisk walking) is significantly lower than the patient group. Total activity was not correlated with age, sex, or forced expiratory volume in 1 second. CONCLUSION Activity monitors have the capacity to discriminate brisk walking from other domestic activities and can be used to identify low levels of domestic activity in the patient population.