Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Multiuser Detection Algorithm for Outer Space DS-UWB Ad-hoc Network with Strong Narrowband Interference

Formation flying is an important technology that enables high cost-effective organization of outer space aircrafts. The ad-hoc wireless network based on direct-sequence ultra-wideband (DS-UWB) techniques is seen as an effective means of establishing wireless communication links between aircrafts. In this paper, based on the theory of matched filter and error bits correction, a hybrid detection algorithm is proposed for realizing multiuser detection (MUD) when the DS-UWB technique is used in the ad-hoc wireless network. The matched filter is used to generate a candidate code set which may contain several error bits. The error bits are then recognized and corrected by an novel error-bit corrector, which consists of two steps: code mapping and clustering. In the former step, based on the modified optimum MUD decision function, a novel mapping function is presented that maps the output candidate codes into a feature space for differentiating the right and wrong codes. In the latter step, the codes are clustered into the right and wrong sets by using the K-means clustering approach. Additionally, in order to prevent some right codes being wrongly classified, a sign judgment method is proposed that reduces the bit error rate (BER) of the system. Compared with the traditional detection approaches, e.g., matched filter, minimum mean square error (MMSE) and decorrelation receiver (DEC), the proposed algorithm can considerably improve the BER performance of the system because of its high probability of recognizing wrong codes. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can almost achieve the BER performance of the optimum MUD (OMD). Furthermore, compared with OMD, the proposed algorithm has lower computational complexity, and its BER performance is less sensitive to the number of users.
Obesity May Impair the Early Outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty a Prospective Study of 100 Patients

Background and Aims: Obesity has been linked to the development of osteoarthritis of the knee and increases the probability to fall into total knee arthroplasty. In this study we compared short-term outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in non-obese and obese patients. Material and Methods: A total of 100 patients underwent TKA between October 2006 and March 2007. They were divided into two groups based on the body mass index: 52 of the patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 48 non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2). The short-term outcome was studied using clinical, functional and radiological analysis. The mean of the follow-up period was 3 months. Results: There were five complications (2 wound infections, phlebitis, nerve injury and massive edema) in obese patients group compared with no complications in non-obese (p = 0.028). The obese patients had also worse postoperative range of motion (110o̱ vs.118o̱, p = 0.001) than non-obese and the number of technical errors was 17 in obese and 5 in non-obese group, respectively (p = 0.007). Conclusions: We suggest that obesity may impair the early outcome of total knee arthroplasty and obese patients should be informed about the increased risk of complications related to TKA.
A passivity criterion for real-time haptic simulation of viscoelastic soft tissues

Passivity analysis provides a convenient measure to assess the stability of haptic systems interacting with virtual environments. Passivity analysis of haptic sampled-data systems coupled with virtual environments requires knowledge of parameters of the employed environment model. Kelvin–Voigt models have been popularly used to describe viscoelastic behavior of soft tissues being simulated in a virtual environment. This paper employs a standard linear solid model that has been recently shown to be better suited to represent the behavior of the actual soft tissues, and provides passivity analysis of the haptic systems interacting with virtual viscoelastic soft tissues based on the standard linear solid model. The analysis results in a new criterion for design and control of passive haptic interfaces. The effect of the employed discretization method on passivity is also discussed. Experimental results show that the new passivity criterion is less conservative. This criterion increases the domain of soft-tissue environments that can be interacted with passively by the haptic interface.
The North Carolina contribution to the CAPRISA 004 study: the Global Health Initiative in action.

The results of the CAPRISA (Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa) 004 study have invigorated the world of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection prevention [1]. This trial is promising step toward giving women a new tool to protect themselves against HIV infection because it is the first in which a topical pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) agent (ie, 1% tenofovir gel) showed a statistically significant decrease in the risk of HIV infection. The tenofovir gel yielded a 39% reduction in risk among all users and a 54% reduction among the most frequent users. Encouragingly, tenofovir gel also showed an overall 51% decrease in the risk of new herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections [1]. The premise of PrEP was developed in part from the observations that and similar antiretroviral drugs can disrupt the life cycle of in HIV prevention scientists who conducted trials of topical and oral PrEP formulations hypothesized if a drug such tenofovir was in the blood stream or genital on exposure HIV, the virus might be destroyed before it could infiltrate host cells. an individual to the would be viscous single-dose applicators.
Design of dual-band pattern reconfigurable cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna

A novel dual-band dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with reconfigurable radiation pattern has been proposed. The antenna adopts cylindrical dielectric resonator (DR) and coplanar waveguide ground fed, which has the potential to achieve dual-band characteristic. Some parallel parasitic strips on the bottom with two pairs of switches are printed on the two opposite sides of the cylindrical DR. The lengths of parasitic elements change in a way of reflector and director of Yagi antenna by controlling the switches ON or OFF, which makes the proposed DRA work at two modes with different radiation pattern characteristic.
An Efficient Approximation Scheme for Variable-Sized Bin Packing

In the classical bin packing problem one is required to pack a given list of items into the smallest possible number of unit-sized bins. Because this problem is NP-complete, researchers have tried to find efficient approximation algorithms that solve this problem in a reasonable amount of time. If we let $A(I)$ be the number of bins used by algorithm A to pack a list of items I, and ${\textit{OPT}}(I)$ be the minimum number of bins necessary to pack I, one defines the asymptotic performance ratio of A to be ${{A(I)} / {{\textit{OPT}}(I)}}$, as ${\textit{OPT}}(I)$ tends to infinity. De la Vega and Lueker presented an approximation scheme, which for any $ \in > 0$, yields an approximation algorithm with performance ratio $1 + \varepsilon $. This scheme has time complexity polynomial in n, the number of items, but exponential in ${1 / \varepsilon }$. Karmarkar and Karp extended this scheme to one that has time complexity polynomial in n and ${1 / \varepsilon }$. In the variable-sized bin packing problem, one.
Experience of fertility preservation among younger people diagnosed with cancer

Of the 293,600 cancers diagnosed annually in the UK, 11% occur in the 15- to 49-year age group. Fertility preservation options exist for those faced with the loss of fertility as a consequence of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to explore experiences, attitudes and perceptions of fertility advice and treatment among cancer survivors, and the subsequent impact upon their lives. Eighteen people aged 19–42 years with a diagnosis of cancer made more than 5 years earlier and, registered with general practices in North East England, were interviewed using a grounded approach. Survival was the universal focus of patients at the point of diagnosis and they commonly failed to appreciate the effect of treatment upon future fertility. A positive experience was linked to the quality of information about fertility preservation or action offered, but this needed to be tailored to the patients' age, stage in their life course, relationships and fears. Possible loss of future fertility only becomes important beyond survival but patients wanted their potential future fertility addressed sensitively at the time of diagnosis and backed up by access to written or web-based patient information, or a fertility specialist.
The Circumstantial Event Ontology (CEO)

In this paper we describe the ongoing work on the Circumstantial Event Ontology (CEO), a newly developed ontology for calamity events that models semantic circumstantial relations between event classes. The circumstantial relations are designed manually, based on the shared properties of each event class. We discuss and contrast two types of event circumstantial relations: semantic circumstantial relations and episodic circumstantial relations. Further, we show the metamodel and the current contents of the ontology and outline the evaluation of the CEO.
4,6-α-Glucanotransferase, a Novel Enzyme That Structurally and Functionally Provides an Evolutionary Link between Glycoside Hydrolase Enzyme Families 13 and 70

ABSTRACT Lactobacillus reuteri 121 uses the glucosyltransferase A (GTFA) enzyme to convert sucrose into large amounts of the α-d-glucan reuteran, an exopolysaccharide. Upstream of gtfA lies another putative glucansucrase gene, designated gtfB. Previously, we have shown that the purified recombinant GTFB protein/enzyme is inactive with sucrose. Various homologs of gtfB are present in other Lactobacillus strains, including the L. reuteri type strain, DSM 20016, the genome sequence of which is available. Here we report that GTFB is a novel α-glucanotransferase enzyme with disproportionating (cleaving α1→4 and synthesizing α1→6 and α1→4 glycosidic linkages) and α1→6 polymerizing types of activity on maltotetraose and larger maltooligosaccharide substrates (in short, it is a 4,6-α-glucanotransferase). Characterization of the types of compounds synthesized from maltoheptaose by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), methylation analysis, and 1-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed that only linear products were made and that with increasing degrees of polymerization (DP), more α1→6 glycosidic linkages were introduced into the final products, ranging from 18% in the incubation mixture to 33% in an enriched fraction. In view of its primary structure, GTFB clearly is a member of the glycoside hydrolase 70 (GH70) family, comprising enzymes with a permuted (β/α)8 barrel that use sucrose to synthesize α-d-glucan polymers. The GTFB enzyme reaction and product specificities, however, are novel for the GH70 family, resembling those of the GH13 α-amylase type of enzymes in using maltooligosaccharides as substrates but differing in introducing a series of α1→6 glycosidic linkages into linear oligosaccharide products. We conclude that GTFB represents a novel evolutionary intermediate between the GH13 and GH70 enzyme families, and we speculate about its origin.
Coordinate regulation of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase activity and phospholipid N-methylation in yeast.

Membranes isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain ATCC 26615, catalyze the decarboxylation of exogenous phosphatidylserine added as an aqueous dispersion in detergent. Active preparations of the decarboxylase can be obtained by extracting salt-washed membranes with 0.5% Cutscum . The properties of the phosphatidylserine decarboxylase activity associated with a particulate fraction and the detergent extracts have been characterized by assaying the enzymatic conversion of exogenous [14C]phosphatidylserine to [14C]phosphatidylethanolamine. The yeast decarboxylase does not require a divalent cation and is inhibited by hydroxylamine and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate. The rate of decarboxylation of exogenous phosphatidylserine catalyzed by membranes prepared from cells grown in the presence of choline is reduced by approximately 60% compared to membranes from cells grown in a choline-deficient medium. Relatively smaller reductions in phosphatidylserine decarboxylase activity are also seen in cells grown in the presence of mono- or dimethylethanolamine. In vitro incorporation studies with [14C]serine demonstrate that endogenous, prelabeled phosphatidylserine can be utilized for the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine by the coupled action of the hydroxylamine-sensitive decarboxylase and the phospholipid N-methyltransferases in the presence of 2 mM S-adenosylmethionine. A similar comparative enzymatic study shows that the rates of synthesis and decarboxylation of [14C]phosphatidylserine, as well as phospholipid N-methylation, are lower for membranes prepared from cells grown in the presence of choline relative to identical preparations from cells grown in the absence of choline. These studies describe the properties of particulate and detergent-solubilized phosphatidylserine decarboxylase activity in S. cerevisiae and provide evidence that its activity is regulated in coordination with other enzymes in the pathway for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis involving N-methylation.
Serum and red blood cell folate in depression

Serum folate concentrations were estimated in patients with major depressive disorders, lithium‐treated patients, detoxified alcoholic patients and normal controls. Red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations were also estimated in subgroups of patients with major depressive disorder and normal controls. Results showed significantly lower serum and RBC folate concentrations in patients with major depressive disorder than in normal controls. Lower serum folate concentrations were associated with greater seventy of depression. There was no association between serum and RBC folate concentrations and endogenicity of depression or the presence of weight loss.
Numerical Simulation and Experiment on Optical Packet Header Recognition Utilizing Reservoir Computing Based on Optoelectronic Feedback

An optoelectronic feedback reservoir computing (RC) system that can identify optical packet headers for an optical packet switching (OPS) network is proposed and implemented by the numerical simulation and the experiment in this paper. First, a simulation system of optical packet header recognition based on the optoelectronic feedback RC is established through optimizing its parameters. It is shown that the optoelectronic feedback RC system can correctly identify optical packet headers with lengths from 3 bits to 32 bits and that the recognition word-error rate (WER) is 0. Then, an experiment system consistent with the optimal simulation system is set up, whose WER for the 3-bit header recognition is only 1.25%. The experimental results also indicate that the bias voltage of the Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) has a significant impact on recognition results. When the RC system is in the critical state between the multiple-period oscillation and the chaos, the maximal Lyapunov exponent is slightly larger than 0, and the recognition normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) reaches its minimal value.
Tests of Linkage and/or Association of Genes for Vitamin D Receptor, Osteocalcin, and Parathyroid Hormone With Bone Mineral Density

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a major determinant of osteoporotic fractures (OFs). The heritability of BMD ranges from 50% to 90% in human populations. Extensive molecular genetic analyses have been performed through traditional linkage or association approaches to test and identify genes or genomic regions underlying BMD variation. The results, particularly those concerning the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, have been inconsistent and controversial. In this study, we simultaneously test linkage and/or association of the genes for VDR, osteocalcin (also known as bone Gla protein [BGP]), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) with BMD in 630 subjects from 53 human pedigrees. Each of these pedigrees was ascertained through a proband with an extreme BMD value at the hip or spine (Z score ≤ −1.28). For the raw BMD values, adjusting for significant covariate effects of age, sex, and weight, we performed tests for linkage alone, association alone, and then both linkage and association. For the spine BMD, at the two markers (ApaI and FokI) inside the VDR gene we found evidence for linkage (p < 0.05) and for both linkage and association by the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT; p < 0.05); association was detected (p < 0.07) with regular statistical testing by analyses of variance (ANOVA). In addition, significant results were found for association alone (p < 0.05), linkage alone (p = 0.0005), and for linkage and association (p = 0.0019) for the intragenic marker HindIII of the BGP gene for the hip BMD. Through testing for association, linkage, and linkage and association simultaneously, our data support the VDR gene as a quantitative trait locus (QTL) underlying spine BMD variation and the BGP gene as a QTL underlying hip BMD variation. However, our data do not support the PTH gene as a QTL underlying hip or spine BMD variation. This is the first study in the broad field of bone genetics that tests candidate genes as QTLs for BMD by testing simultaneously for association alone, for linkage alone, and for association and linkage (via the TDT).
Design of a subspace tracking based speech enhancement system

In this paper, we describe a design of the signal subspace speech enhancement based on subspace tracking algorithm. The proposed architecture incorporates a perceptual filterbank, which is derived from psycho-acoustic model for subband processing. Considering hardware solutions to the subspace tracking algorithm, we derive a VLSI architecture of the algorithm without delayed updating. The experiments were performed using the TAICAR in-car noisy speech database. Simulation results are presented to validate our algorithm and hardware architectures.
Neutralizing paintings with a projector

A painting needs illumination to be visible. If the illumination is provided by an LCD data projector, different regions of the painting can be illuminated separately. Modern projectors have large color gamuts and can provide a wide range of illumination effects. One possible effect is to project a captured digital image of the painting onto the painting; the resulting superposition of like colors intensifies the contrast and saturation of the image. The opposite effect is to project the complement of the image onto the painting to "neutralize" it. When carefully done, with correct registration, the painting fades into a nearly uniform gray. Although a simple idea, in practice it is not trivial to accurately find the complementary color for each part of the painting, even when it is captured by a calibrated digital camera. This research examines the problems of accurately capturing the image, combining the projector gamut with typical paint reflectances, and determining the available range of complementary projector colors and the final lightness of the neutral image. The work was initially inspired by a student's fine art project, wherein computer animation was superimposed on a painting, bringing it to life.
Association of CCL13 Levels in Serum and Synovial Fluid With the Radiographic Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective CCL13, a recently identified CC chemokine, plays an important role in the process of joint destruction, which is considered a common cause for osteoarthritis (OA). This study aims to examine the relation of CCL13 levels in serum and synovial fluid (SF) with the radiographic severity of OA. Methods CCL13 levels in serum and SF were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in 240 patients with knee OA and 134 control subjects. The progression of OA was classified using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) system by evaluating x-ray changes observed in anteroposterior knee radiography. Results Knee OA patients had higher levels of serum CCL13 compared with control subjects. Knee OA patients with KL grade 4 showed significantly elevated CCL13 levels in serum and SF compared with those with KL grades 2 and 3. Knee OA patients with KL grade 3 had significantly higher SF levels of CCL13 compared with those with KL grade 2. CCL13 levels in serum and SF of knee OA patients were significantly correlated with disease severity evaluated by KL grading criteria. Conclusions CCL13 levels in serum and SF were correlated with the radiographic severity of OA. CCL13 levels in serum and SF may serve as a biomarker for the progression of OA.
Treatment of endometriosis of uterosacral ligament and rectum through the vagina: description of a modified technique.

BACKGROUND Endometriosis is common in women of childbearing age, whereas involvement of the rectosigmoid requiring resection is rare. Laparoscopy has become a standard procedure in the management of endometriosis. The optimum way to diagnose endometriosis is by direct visualization of the implants. Usually for the removal of the specimen, an additional larger abdominal incision is needed. METHODS Here we report on cases of four patients with a uterosacral ligament and rectal endometriosis who were successfully treated with combined laparovaginal resection, using a modification of an existing technique. They had been complaining of rectal bleeding and lower abdominal pain in relation to their menstrual cycle. The aim of this technique is to achieve a careful and margin-free resection of the area involved. This can be done without any large incisions of the abdominal wall. The hypogastric nerves remain preserved on both sides. RESULTS The intra- and post-operative courses were uneventful. No blood transfusions were needed. Haemoglobin decrease was usually < or =1 mmol/l. The average tumour diameter was 3.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS Our technique circumvents a larger abdominal incision. This combined laparoscopic-transvaginal approach, avoiding the extension of port-site incisions, represents a viable option for the treatment of bowel endometriosis.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Web-Based Continuing Education Course in Injury Prevention and Control

Training in injury prevention and control represents a major deficit in the fields of health promotion and public health. Internet-based distance learning is an innovative method of offering continuing education to professionals, but this approach has not yet been widely researched or implemented with public health audiences. VINCENTweb involved the development and evaluation of a no-cost continuing education course on injury prevention and control presented exclusively on the World Wide Web. The course was evaluated using online surveys at baseline and follow-up. Participants, especially those with lower education levels, provided positive feedback about the course and reported high levels of learning and satisfaction. This article describes the development and evaluation of VINCENTweb and discusses the implications for developing future Internet-based courses in public health.
Clinicopathological evaluation of renal allograft treated with anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibody

Abstract: Twenty‐seven living‐donor kidney recipients were treated with the antibody against CD25 as the induction immunosuppressive agent. They did not develop acute rejection within 1 month after transplantation, and mean serum creatinine level at 1 month was 1.0 ± 0.4 mg/dL. There were no findings of acute rejection or drug‐induced nephrotoxity in protocol biopsies at 1 month following transplantation. After 1 month had passed, acute rejection occurred in three cases. The pathological grade of acute rejection varied from borderline to grade III by Banff classification. The careful inspection is necessary to find out the occurrences of acute rejection more than 2 months after transplantation because immunological situation has been changing around this period.