Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Successive Sub-Array Activation for Massive MIMO-NOMA Networks

In this paper, we propose a novel successive sub-array activation (SSAA) diversity scheme for a massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system in combination with non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). A single-cell multi-cluster downlink scenario is considered, where the base station (BS) sends redundant symbols through multiple transmit sub-arrays to multi-antenna receivers. An in-depth analytical analysis is carried out, in which an exact closed-form expression for the outage probability is derived. Also, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) outage approximation is obtained and the system diversity order is determined. Our results show that the proposed scheme outperforms conventional full array massive MIMO setups.
Reseach on an Innovative Digital Intelligent Ecological Model Based on the BlockChain Cloud in China

Digital economy has become the new driving force of China’s economic development. Therefore, this paper creatively designs a three-tier digital intelligent ecological model based on the framework of the block chain cloud. Its core part is ethereum protocol, mainly including smart contract, whisper, swarm, etc. Through it to abstract, condense and adapt to the economic, social, cultural and life scenes related to the industrial Park, it contributes an innovative integrated industrial park platform which is decentralized, autonomous, intelligent and ecological. The construction and implementation path, measures and guarantee of the platform system are also considered.
The Meaning of Surviving Three Years after a Heart Transplant—A Transition from Uncertainty to Acceptance through Adaptation

The rationale was to longitudinally follow-up interviews performed with heart recipients at their one-year examination in order to deepen the understanding of the meaning of surviving a heart transplant. The aim was to explore the meaning of surviving three years after a heart transplant compared to one year and to identify what constitutes the change process. A phenomenological–hermeneutic method was used. This multicenter study was carried out at the two hospitals in Sweden where heart transplants are performed. A total of 13 heart recipients who survived three years after a heart transplant were invited to participate in this three-year follow-up study and 12 accepted, 3 women and 9 men, with a mean age of 51.25 years. The naïve understanding revealed that the heart recipients strongly accepted their life situation and that time had enabled this acceptance of limitations through adaptation. The thematic structural analyses cover six themes illustrating the meaning of acceptance and adaptation, i.e., accepting life as it is, adapting to post-transplant limitations, adapting to a changed body, social adaptation, showing gratitude and trusting oneself and others. In conclusion, achieving acceptance and a solid sense of self-efficacy after heart transplantation is a time-consuming process that involves courage to face and accept the reality and adapt in every life dimension.
Multilevel LVDC Distribution System With Voltage Unbalancing and Disturbance Rejection Control Topology

With the emergence of power electronic technology and advancements in highly efficient electric power converters, DC-DC converters play a significant role in DC networks and DC distribution systems. Not being fully understood, nevertheless, the stability, protection and safety of DC systems present an open challenge for the research community. In this study, a high quality low voltage DC distribution system has been proposed, which provides a constant power in the event of voltage disturbance (sag), fluctuations, and fault. A three wire line system is adopted: +375 V line, neutral and −375 V line. Furthermore, the required DC power is transformed from DC or AC voltages by using load side converters, and these power converters do not need any transformers to adopt the proper DC voltage. In this research work double-closed-loop control strategy, the outer voltage control loop and inner current loop (decoupled without the exact value of boost inductance) are proposed. If short circuit or any fault occurs on the load side, the proposed strategy prevents the effect of remaining load. Also, the grid reconnection and disconnection is very smooth. Furthermore, a voltage balancer is proposed near to low voltage side. To confirm the effectiveness of the suggested control topology, simulations are performed in Matlab/Simulink and PSCAD software. The results obtained from simulation show that the suggested control system topology can provide excellent power in various conditions.
Acute effects of kinesiology tape tension on soleus muscle h-reflex modulations during lying and standing postures

Kinesiology tape (KT) has been widely used in the areas of sports and rehabilitation. However, there is no gold standard for the tape tension used during a KT application. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KT application with different tension intensities on soleus muscle Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation during lying and standing postures. Fifteen healthy university students were tested with 3 tape tension intensities during separate visits with a randomized sequence: tape-on no tension (0KT), moderate (about 50% of the maximal tape tension: (ModKT), and maximal tape tension (MaxKT). During each experimental visit, the H-reflex measurements on the soleus muscle were taken before, during, and after the KT application for both lying and standing postures. The H-wave and M-wave recruitment curves were generated using surface electromyography (EMG). There was a main effect for posture (p = 0.001) for the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-wave and M-wave (Hmax/Mmax) ratio, showing the depressed Hmax/Mmax ratio during standing, when compared to the lying posture. Even though the tension factor had a large effect (ηp2 = 0.165), different tape tensions showed no significant differential effects for the Hmax/Mmax ratio. The spinal motoneuron excitability was not altered, even during the maximal tension KT application on the soleus muscle. Thus, the tension used during a KT application should not be a concern in terms of modulating the sensorimotor activity ascribed to elastic taping during lying and standing postures.
γ‐Aminobutyric AcidA Receptor α5‐Subunit Creates Novel Type II Benzodiazepine Receptor Pharmacology

Abstract: A cDNA encoding a protein with 70% amino acid identity to the previously characterized γ‐aminobutyric acidA (GABAA receptor α‐subunits was isolated from a rat brain cDNA library by homology screening. As observed for α1‐, α2‐, and α3‐subunits, coexpression of this new α‐subunit (α5) with a β‐ and γ2‐subunit in cultured cells produces receptors displaying high‐affinity binding sites for both muscimol, a GABA agonist, and benzodiazepines. Characteristic of GABAA/benzodiazepine type II sites, receptors containing α2‐, α3‐ or α5‐subunits have low affinities for several type I‐selective compounds. However, α5‐subunit‐containing receptors have lower affinities for zolpidem (30‐fold) and Cl 218 872 (three‐fold) than measured previously using recombinantly expressed type II receptors containing either α2‐ or α3‐subunits. Based on these findings, a reclassification of the GABAA/benzodiazepine receptors is warranted.
Three-dimensional visualization of brain tumor progression based accurate segmentation via comparative holographic projection

We propose a new optical method based on comparative holographic projection for visual comparison between two abnormal follow-up magnetic resonance (MR) exams of glioblastoma patients to effectively visualize and assess tumor progression. First, the brain tissue and tumor areas are segmented from the MR exams using the fast marching method (FMM). The FMM approach is implemented on a computed pixel weight matrix based on an automated selection of a set of initialized target points. Thereafter, the associated phase holograms are calculated for the segmented structures based on an adaptive iterative Fourier transform algorithm (AIFTA). Within this approach, a spatial multiplexing is applied to reduce the speckle noise. Furthermore, hologram modulation is performed to represent two different reconstruction schemes. In both schemes, all calculated holograms are superimposed into a single two-dimensional (2D) hologram which is then displayed on a reflective phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) for optical reconstruction. The optical reconstruction of the first scheme displays a 3D map of the tumor allowing to visualize the volume of the tumor after treatment and at the progression. Whereas, the second scheme displays the follow-up exams in a side-by-side mode highlighting tumor areas, so the assessment of each case can be fast achieved. The proposed system can be used as a valuable tool for interpretation and assessment of the tumor progression with respect to the treatment method providing an improvement in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Effect of a patient-led educational session on pre-clerkship students’ learning of professional values and on their professional development

ABSTRACT Background While there are several curricula using patients as educators, little has been published on how they affect student learning and professional development. Objective To explore what 1st year medical students learn about professional values from a patient-led educational experience and how it affects their professional development. Design We piloted a pediatric patient and family-led educational session during the molecular medicine course, with the goal of sharing the experience of caring for a child with a chronic illness. Following the session, students were required to submit a written reflection on what they learned and the impact the session had on them. All reflections from one academic year were qualitatively analyzed by two investigators and organized using HyperRESEARCH software. A content analysis approach was used to generate codes and emergent themes. Two theoretical lenses guided the analyses: Arnold’s framework on professional values and the lens of professional identity formation, described as a process by which health care professionals “think, act and feel like a physician. Results Students gained an appreciation of professional values, especially humanism and excellence, and how clinician role models reinforce these values. Reflective writings demonstrated recognition among learners that their identity involved being active participants in health care delivery and not just as passive classroom learners. Students were motivated to study diligently and be patient advocates; some questioned their skills in dealing with ambiguity and with the health-care system, resulting in a sense of helplessness. Conclusion Students learn the importance of professional attributes and of clinician role models through a pediatric family teaching experience. They are motivated, displaying glimpses of their future role as caregivers and patient advocates; however, some also express fear and doubt their own abilities. Based on this, a debriefing session has been introduced to prevent a negative effect on learner self-efficacy.
Early Parenting Intervention Effects on Brain Responses to Maternal Cues Among High-Risk Children.

OBJECTIVE Early adversity is correlated with increased risk for negative outcomes, including psychopathology and atypical neurodevelopment. The authors aimed to test the causal impact of an early parenting intervention (the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up; ABC) on children's neural processing of parent cues and on psychosocial functioning in a longitudinal randomized clinical trial. METHODS Participants (N=68, mean age, 10.0 years [SD=0.8 years]) were 46 high-risk children whose parents were randomly assigned to receive either the ABC intervention (N=22) or a control intervention (N=24) while the children were infants, in addition to a comparison sample of low-risk children (N=22). During functional MRI scanning, children viewed pictures of their own mothers and of a stranger. RESULTS Children in the ABC condition showed greater maternal cue-related activation than children in the control condition in clusters of brain regions, including the precuneus, the cingulate gyrus, and the hippocampus, regions commonly associated with social cognition. Additionally, greater activity in these regions was associated with fewer total behavior problems. There was an indirect effect of early intervention on middle childhood psychosocial functioning mediated through increased activity in brain regions in response to maternal cues. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that early parenting intervention (in this case the ABC intervention) can enhance brain regions supporting children's social cognitive development. In addition, the findings highlight these brain effects as a possible neural pathway through which ABC may prevent future behavior problems among high-risk children, yielding psychosocial benefits that endure through at least middle childhood without the need to intervene with the child directly.
Associations between social connections, their interactions, and obesity differ by gender: A population-based, cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Objectives To quantify the link between four different types of social ties and objective measures of abdominal and general obesity, and to explore their inter-relationships in association with obesity using a gender-sensitive analysis. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 28,238 adults (45–85 years) from the baseline Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Comprehensive cohort (2012–15). Social ties (marital status, living arrangement, social network size, and social participation) and measured anthropometry (body mass index, waist circumference) were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models with interaction terms conditioned on known confounders. Results We found that being single, widowed or divorced/separated was associated with worse anthropometric outcomes in women, including higher odds of both abdominal and general obesity, and that associations were enhanced when combined with limited social participation, lone-living and greater social network size. Few clear associations were observed in men. Limited social participation (no social activities at least once/month) among women was associated with larger waist circumference (+4.19 cm [95% CI: 1.86, 6.52]) and higher odds of both abdominal and general obesity. By contrast, associations appeared to be reversed in men: lone-living and smaller social networks were associated with lower odds of obesity, compared to co-living and larger social networks. We also found that more regular social participation can potentially mitigate the adverse associations between non-partnership (single, divorced) and obesity in women. Overall, the combined influence of two types of social tie deficits on excess weight measures was more pronounced in women than men. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of considering how the role of social ties for obesity prevention may differ for women and men. Frequent social participation and number of social contacts may matter for assessing whether divorced, single or lone-living older women are at risk of obesity while living arrangement and social contacts may matter for obesity in men.
Field hockey sport-specific postures during unanticipated sidestepping: Implications for anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention

ABSTRACT Much research has investigated whole-body postures and associated knee joint loading during unanticipated sidestepping (UnSS). However, no research has considered sport-specific postures in field hockey. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in trunk and lower limb angle and lower extremity joint moment waveforms during UnSS while holding a hockey stick in a flexed posture (HS-UnSS) and traditional UnSS. Additionally, we aimed to determine if differences in posture during HS-UnSS were associated with changes in knee joint moments. Twelve elite female field hockey athletes underwent 3D motion analysis during UnSS and HS-UnSS. Athletes increased trunk (0–100% of stance phase, hip (0–15%), knee (12–29%; 39–59%; 78–100%) and ankle (41–57%) flexion angles, and increased hip flexion (19–24%; 42–45%; 75–84%) and external rotation moments (75–80%) during HS-UnSS compared with UnSS (p < 0.05). Flexed postures observed during HS-UnSS did not influence knee flexion and valgus moments when compared with UnSS (p > 0.05), however knee external rotation moments reduced. Changes in trunk flexion were positively associated with peak knee internal rotation moments from UnSS to HS-UnSS (r = 0.779, p = 0.005). These findings indicate that field hockey players sidestep with significantly different techniques when holding a hockey stick, which should be considered in injury prevention training protocols.
Pre-pregnancy body dissatisfaction and weight-related outcomes and behaviors during pregnancy

Abstract To examine relationships among pre-pregnancy body dissatisfaction (BD) and gestational weight gain (GWG), and related attitudes/behaviors. Pre-pregnancy BD was self-reported in early pregnancy. Weight-related attitudes/behaviors were self-reported and physical activity was objectively measured during pregnancy. Overall, 92% of the women reported BD, with 69% desiring a smaller pre-pregnancy size than their actual pre-pregnancy size. Ideal pre-pregnancy weight was 20.7 ± 28 pounds less than self-reported pre-pregnancy weight. Only weight-control strategies used at 35 weeks were associated with BD (p = 0.008). Pre-pregnancy BD may not predict risk for excess GWG and some weight-related issues during pregnancy.
Quantifying the Impact of Axillary Surgery and Nodal Irradiation on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema and Local Tumor Control: Long-Term Results From a Prospective Screening Trial.

PURPOSE To independently evaluate the impact of axillary surgery type and regional lymph node radiation (RLNR) on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) rates in patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 2005 to 2018, 1,815 patients with invasive breast cancer were enrolled in a lymphedema screening trial. Patients were divided into the following 4 groups according to axillary surgery approach: sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone, SLNB+RLNR, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) alone, and ALND+RLNR. A perometer was used to objectively assess limb volume. All patients received baseline preoperative and follow-up measurements after treatment. Lymphedema was defined as a ≥ 10% relative increase in arm volume arising > 3 months postoperatively. The primary end point was the BCRL rate across the groups. Secondary end points were 5-year locoregional control and disease-free-survival. RESULTS The cohort included 1,340 patients with SLNB alone, 121 with SLNB+RLNR, 91 with ALND alone, and 263 with ALND+RLNR. The overall median follow-up time after diagnosis was 52.7 months for the entire cohort. The 5-year cumulative incidence rates of BCRL were 30.1%, 24.9%, 10.7%, and 8.0% for ALND+RLNR, ALND alone, SLNB+RLNR, and SLNB alone, respectively. Multivariable Cox models adjusted for age, body mass index, surgery, and reconstruction type showed that the ALND-alone group had a significantly higher BCRL risk (hazard ratio [HR], 2.66; P = .02) compared with the SLNB+RLNR group. There was no significant difference in BCRL risk between the ALND+RLNR and ALND-alone groups (HR, 1.20; P = .49) and between the SLNB-alone and SLNB+RLNR groups (HR, 1.33; P = .44). The 5-year locoregional control rates were similar for the ALND+RLNR, ALND-alone, SLNB+RLNR, and SLNB-alone groups (2.8%, 3.8%, 0%, and 2.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION Although RLNR adds to the risk of lymphedema, the main risk factor is the type of axillary surgery used.
The Spatial Segregation of Zooplankton Communities with Reference to Land Use and Macrophytes in Shallow Lake Wielkowiejskie (Poland)

The spatial distribution of zooplankton in relation to two types of land-use (forested and pastoral-arable) of a lake's surroundings and to various habitats (helophytes, elodeids, nymphaeids and open water) was examined along 16 parallel transects on a macrophyte-dominated lake (area – 13.3 ha; mean depth – 1.4 m). The type of habitat was the main determinant of zooplankton community structure. Dissected-leaved elodeids harboured the richest and most abundant community with typically littoral (e.g., Colurella uncinata) and pelagic species (e.g., Keratella cochlearis). Two species (Polyarthra major and P. vulgaris) selectively chose the open water and one (Lecane quadridentata) the Typha stand. No spatial differentiation in zooplankton abundance was recorded between the two types of the catchment area. One possible explanation may be the shallowness and small area of this lake which may support full mixing and no difference in physical-chemical gradients. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular Imaging of Fluorinated Probes for Tau Protein and Amyloid-β Detection

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and results in progressive neurodegeneration. The incidence rate of AD is increasing, creating a major public health issue. AD is characterized by neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and senile plaques composed of amyloid-β (Aβ). Currently, a definitive diagnosis of AD is accomplished post-mortem. Thus, the use of molecular probes that are able to selectively bind to NFTs or Aβ can be valuable tools for the accurate and early diagnosis of AD. The aim of this review is to summarize and highlight fluorinated molecular probes that can be used for molecular imaging to detect either NFTs or Aβ. Specifically, fluorinated molecular probes used in conjunction with 19F MRI, PET, and fluorescence imaging will be explored.
Malay statistical parametric speech synthesis with intelligibility improvement using artificial intelligence

Speech synthesis is important nowadays and could be a great aid in various applications. So it is important to build a simple, reliable, light-weight, ease of use speech synthesizer. However, conventional speech synthesizers require tedious human efforts to prepare high quality recorded database, and the intelligibility of synthetic speech may decrease due to the appearance of polyphone (character with more than 1 pronunciation) because the speech synthesizer may not contain the definition of the polyphones. Moreover, the ready speech synthesizers in market are mostly built in Unit Selection method, which is large in database size and relying on Malay linguist knowledge. In this study, statistical parametric speech synthesis method has been adopted using lab speech and free speech data harvested online. The intelligibility improvement has been achieved using Active Learning and Feedforward Neural Network with Back-Propagation. The amount of training data used remained the same throughout this study. The result was evaluated using perception test. The listening test showed that the intelligibility of synthetic speech has been improved about 20%- 30% using the artificial intelligence technique. Volunteers were invited to take part in Active Learning experiment. The result showed no controversy between the result done by volunteers and the correct answer. In conclusion, a light-weight Malay speech synthesizer has been created without relying on Malay linguist knowledge. Using free source as training data can ease the human effort in preparing training database and using artificial intelligence technique can improve the intelligibility of synthetic speech under the same amount of training data used.