Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the channel estimation error on the array processing based decoder for QO-STBC

An array processing based decoder for the quasi-orthogonal space-time block code (QO-STBC) has been analyzed in our former work. It is investigated in terms of complexity and symbol error ratio (SER) under the assumption that perfect channel state information (CSI) is known to the receiver. As in wireless communication scenarios, it is prohibitive to get the perfect knowledge of channel. So it is worth to investigate how the array processing based decoder will be effected by imperfect CSI. In this work, the impact caused by channel estimation error on the performance of the QO-STBC is evaluated. Based on the analysis and simulation results, we can see that the channel estimation error does degrade the SER performance a lot in high signal to noise ratio (SNR) regime. Mean square error (MSE) is employed to measure how the degradation depends on the correctness of the estimator. To make this method applicable, channel estimators should be probably chosen.
A 1.3 V noise-cancelling low noise amplifier for ultra wideband applications

An ultra wideband (UWB) noise-cancelling low-noise amplifier (NCLNA) is proposed in this paper. A common-gate input stage with an input matching network is implemented to make input resistance matching to 50-ohm. The power consumption of the presented NCLNA can be lower by using current-reuse architecture. A noise cancelling technique is adopted to decrease the noise generated by the first common-gate stage. The designed NCLNA is implemented in 180 nm CMOS technology. The simulated results show that the noise figure is among 2.65-3.45 dB within the full bandwidth of 3.1-10.6 GHz. The maximum gain is 15.33 dB in the desired UWB band. Both the input and output reflection coefficients are below -10 dB. The linearity IIP3 is -5.5 dBm at 6 GHz. The core circuit consumption is 9.13mW under a 1.3 V supply voltage.
Effect of rebamipide on gastric ulcer healing caused by Helicobacter pylori and/or NSAIDs or non NSAIDs-non H. pylori.

BACKGROUND Rebamipide, a gastro-protective drug, acts on stimulation of prostaglandin and mucus glycoprotein synthesis, inhibition of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and neutrophils activation. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of rebamipide (mucosta) on healing of gastric ulcer caused by various etiologies. MATERIAL AND METHOD Thirty patients with gastric ulcer underwent gastric antral and body biopsies for histopathology. Group classifications depended on H. pylori status using CLO test, histology or urea breath test and history ofNSAIDs taking. All patients received rebamipide 100 mg, three times a day, for 8 weeks. The symptoms and adverse effects were assessed in 4 weeks and 8 weeks after prescription. At the end of the present study, an endoscopy was repeated to evaluate ulcer healing and biopsy for gastric inflammation grading. RESULTS According to the ulcer cause, there were seven patients with H. pylori+ NSAIDs+, nine patients with H. pylori + NSAIDs-, three patients with H. pylori - NSAIDs +, and 11 patients with H. pylori - NSAIDs-. The ulcers were completely healed in most patients with a history of NSAIDs use. There was a significant improvement of symptom scores from baseline in all groups (5.9 vs. 0.6, p < 0.001). The improvement of gastric inflammation scores were favorable in NSAIDs users (2.38 vs. 1.75, p = 0.011). All patients were satisfied as there were few adverse effects. CONCLUSION Rebamipide is effective and well tolerated for treatment of gastric ulcers especially those caused by NSAIDs, as it promotes the improvement of gastric inflammation scores, clinical symptoms, and ulcer healing.
Swallowing safety in Parkinson's disease after zona incerta deep brain stimulation

The objective of this study was to examine swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease before and after caudal zona incerta deep brain (cZI DBS) surgery. The aims were to examine the effect of cZI DBS on swallowing safety regarding liquid and solid food, as well as to identify the effect of cZI DBS on body mass index (BMI) and specific items from part II of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).
Power conditioning applications of 700V GaN-HEMTs cascode switch

A hybrid cascoded GaN switch configuration is demonstrated in power conversion applications. A novel metal package is proposed for the packaging of a D-mode GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT) cascoded with an integrated power MOSFET and a Schottky barrier diode. The normally-off cascode circuit provides a maximum drain current of 14.6 A and a blocking capability of 700 V. Analysis of 200 V/ 1 A power conversion characteristics are discussed and show the excellent switching performance in load circuits. Switching characteristics of the integral SiC Schottky barrier diode are also demonstrated. Finally, a flyback AC-DC converter is used to evaluate the benefit of GaN cascode switches. These results show that high-voltage GaN-HEMTs can be switching devices for an ultralow-loss converter circuit.
In vivo muscle fibre behaviour during counter‐movement exercise in humans reveals a significant role for tendon elasticity

Six men performed a single ankle plantar flexion exercise in the supine position with the maximal effort with counter movement (CM, plantar flexion preceded by dorsiflexion) and without counter movement (NoCM, plantar flexion only) produced by a sliding table that controlled applied load to the ankle (40 % of the maximal voluntary force). The reaction force at the foot and ankle joint angle were measured using a force plate and a goniometer, respectively. From real‐time ultrasonography of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during the movement, the fascicle length was determined. The estimated peak force, average power, and work at the Achilles’ tendon during the plantar flexion phase in CM were significantly greater than those in NoCM. In CM, in the dorsiflexion phase, fascicle length initially increased with little electromyographic activity, then remained constant while the whole muscle‐tendon unit lengthened, before decreasing in the final plantar flexion phase. In NoCM, fascicle length decreased throughout the movement and the fascicle length at the onset of movement was longer than that of the corresponding phase in CM. It was concluded that during CM muscle fibres optimally work almost isometrically, by leaving the task of storing and releasing elastic energy for enhancing exercise performance to the tendon.
NbN-MgO-NbN junctions prepared on room-temperature quartz substrates for quasiparticle mixers

NbN tunnel junctions are of great interest for THz heterodyne receivers because their large gap voltage of 5 mV yields an upper frequency limit of 4/spl Delta//h=2.4 THz for quasiparticle mixing. AC losses in NbN films, however, imply that a NbN matching circuit can be used at most to the NbN gap frequency, 2/spl Delta//h=1.2 THz. Another issue is the poor thermal conductivity of NbN films which complicates heat extraction from the junction. One solution to these problems are hybride mixer chips in which NbN junctions are integrated into appropriate superconducting or normal metal matching circuits. Both for waveguide mixers and quasioptical mixers quartz substrates are the first choice. We report on a room-temperature process for NbN-MgO-NbN junction fabrication which permits the realization of hybride mixer chips on quartz substrates. Appropriate plasma conditions for NbN film deposition are created by employing a second Nb target as a selective nitrogen pump. NbN films on quartz substrates without and with intermediate layers of Nb, Al, Al/SiO/sub 2/, and Nb/SiO/sub 2/ have critical temperatures above 15 K and normal state resistivities from 100 to 130 /spl mu//spl Omega/cm. In the first step, NbN junctions with nominal areas of 0.36 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ and current densities of 10 kA/cm/sup 2/ at 5.5 mV were integrated into Nb films forming the tuning circuit and a dipole antenna. The lowest receiver noise temperature in the 350 GHz range was 245 K double side band.
The Budget Outlook: Options for Restoring Fiscal Discipline

[© Brookings Institution] The official federal budget outlook has deteriorated dramatically since early 2001, due to last year's tax cut, the economic slowdown, and the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The official projections, however, are overly optimistic. In addition to the pressures from the long-anticipated increase in entitlement spending as the nation ages, the government now also faces growing spending needs for defense and homeland security. These trends imply that future taxes must rise, future spending outside of defense and the elderly must decline, or obligations to the elderly and to defense be reduced. Faced with these constraints, the Bush administration proposes reduced spending for low-income households and substantial increases in federal borrowing. But rather than propose higher taxes or even reconsider some of the cuts passed last year, the administration advocates substantial new tax cuts, including making the 2001 tax cut permanent. The proposed tax cuts disproportionately benefit high-income households and would significantly worsen the budget outlook. A more responsible fiscal policy would freeze the tax cut at its current level, which would save enough revenue, relative to a permanent extension, to keep Social Security solvent through 2075. Strictly following the letter of the law and allowing the cuts to expire as scheduled in 2010 would save twice as much revenue over the same period.
Nicotine, cigarette smoking and cardiac arrhythmia: an overview

Tobacco smoke is the single most important modifiable risk factor for coronary diseases and the leading preventable causes of death in the US. While the effect of cigarette smoking on the progression of atherosclerotic diseases is established and well studied, the role of cigarette smoking on cardiac arrhythmia is less clearly defined. In fact the pathophysiological mechanism of cigarette smoking-induced cardiac arrhythmia is very likely a complex one where the pro-fibrotic effect of nicotine on myocardial tissue with consequent increased susceptibility to catecholamine might play a role. Moreover, other constituents of cigarette smoking, such as carbon monoxide and oxidative stress, are likely to contribute to the generation of arrhythmias. Finally, cigarette smoking may induce coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which also might cause arrhythmia independently. The objective of this paper is to summarize the published studies relating to cardiac arrhythmia induced by cigarette smoking, and to identify a pathophysiological mechanism by which cigarette smoking might induce cardiac arrhythmia.
Effects of single or combined dietary supplementation of β-glucan and kefir on growth performance, blood characteristics and meat quality in broilers

Abstract 1. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary β-glucan and kefir (a fermented milk product) on growth performance, blood profiles, relative organ weight and meat quality in broilers. 2. A total of 375 day-of-hatch mixed sex ROSS 308 broilers (BW of 46 ± 0.1 g) were used in a 5-week experiment and randomly allotted to one of the following dietary treatments: (1) NC, basal diet; (2) PC, basal diet + 40 mg/kg of avilamycin; (3) B, NC + 0.1% β-glucan; (4) K, NC + 0.1% kefir; (5) BK, NC + 0.1% β-glucan + 0.1% kefir. 3. During weeks 0–3, broilers in B, K and BK treatments had higher body weight gain (BWG) than those in NC treatment. During weeks 4–5, BK treatment had a higher BWG than NC treatment. Overall, broilers given PC, K and BK diets had higher BWG than those given NC diet. The feed efficiency ratio (FCR) was improved by PC treatment. 4. Relative liver weight was increased by B treatment, whereas the relative weight of breast meat and gizzard was higher in BK group than that in NC group. Broilers given PC, B and BK diets had greater breast meat redness value and reduced drip loss at d 5 and d 7. The cooking loss was also reduced by B and BK treatments compared with NC treatment. 5. In conclusion, the results suggested that inclusion of 0.1% β-glucan and 0.1% kefir, either individually or combined, would improve growth performance and benefit meat quality in broiler chickens.
Cybersecurity Compliance in the Financial Sector

The financial industry represents a vast assortment of firms, agencies and institutions with operations ranging from small community banks to massive, international corporations. Managing the financial sector in the U.S. presents a herculean task to lawmakers and regulators charges with its oversight. The management of cybersecurity takes on greater complexity in considering multinationals with global partners and operations in countries with varying levels of cybersecurity sophistication. This paper investigates laws and regulations within the financial industry applicable to cybersecurity It analyzes both compliance and regulatory issues across the financial sector at federal and state levels. It also reviews similarities and differences among compliance environments created by financial regulations. The paper distinguishes the cybersecurity operational differences and repercussions that result from the joint requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley, Sarbanes-Oxley, and Dodd-Frank Acts on both small and large institutions. Finally, this paper contrasts the values and issues created by increasing compliance requirements for the financial sector.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A public health issue with economic consequences.

BACKGROUND Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become endemic worldwide in hospitals, and community-associated MRSA is spreading into the community at large. OBJECTIVES To estimate the current cost of MRSA in Canada and to assess the magnitude of this public health issue. METHODS An extensive review of the literature was conducted to gather epidemiology, health care resource utilization and cost data for MRSA in Canadian settings. The current MRSA burden was estimated using available cost data and the most recent epidemiology data. RESULTS The rate of MRSA in Canadian hospitals increased from 0.46 to 5.90 per 1000 admissions between 1995 and 2004, while community-associated MRSA continued to spread into the community. Patients harbouring MRSA required prolonged hospitalization (average 26 days of isolation per patient), special control measures, expensive treatments and extensive surveillance. Total cost per infected MRSA patient averaged $12,216, with hospitalization being the major cost driver (81%), followed by barrier precautions (13%), antimicrobial therapy (4%) and laboratory investigations (2%). The most recent epidemiological data, combined with available cost data, suggest that direct health care cost attributable to MRSA in Canada, including cost for management of MRSA-infected and-colonized patients and MRSA infrastructure, averaged $82 million in 2004 and could reach $129 million in 2010. CONCLUSION MRSA is a costly public health issue that needs to be tackled if the growing burden of this disease in Canadian hospitals and in the community is to be limited.
Heterogeneity of Mycolactones Produced by Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium ulcerans: Implications for Virulence

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a severe necrotizing skin disease endemic in tropical countries. Clinical evidence suggests that M. ulcerans isolates from Asia, Mexico, and Australia may be less virulent than isolates from Africa. In vivo studies suggest that mycolactone, a polyketide-derived macrolide toxin, plays a major role in the tissue destruction and immune suppression which occur in cases of Buruli ulcer. Mycolactones were extracted from 34 isolates of M. ulcerans representing strains from Africa, Malaysia, Asia, Australia, and Mexico. Thin-layer chromatography, mass spectroscopic analysis, and cytopathic assays of partially purified mycolactones from these isolates revealed that M. ulcerans produces a heterogeneous mixture of mycolactone variants. Mycolactone A/B, the most biologically active mycolactone species, was identified by mass spectroscopy as [M+Na]+ at m/z 765.5 in all cytotoxic isolates except for those from Mexico. Mycolactone C [M+Na]+ at m/z 726.3 was the dominant mycolactone species in eight Australian isolates, and mycolactone D [M+Na]+m/z 781.2 was characteristic of two Asian strains. Mycolactone species are conserved within specific geographic areas, suggesting that there may be a correlation between mycolactone profile and virulence. In addition, the core lactone, [M+Na]+m/z 447.4, was identified as a minor species, supporting the hypothesis that mycolactones are synthesized by two polyketide synthases. A cytopathic assay of the core lactone showed that this molecule is sufficient for cytotoxicity, although it is much less potent than the complete mycolactone.
Domestic Violence: An Analysis of Puplic Policy

Domestic violence" and "violence to women" is one of the popular sub- jects of controversy among the people. Every kind of violence either to family members or to women is regarded as a common social problem in all circles. The study aimed at analyzing the public policy about the domestic violence through the data obtained from the field research. The study was enriched with secondary data as well as the literature review on the issue. At the end of the study, those taking an active part in the process of forming public policy were also offered certain suggestions.
Exercise Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 28 February 2004. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. Abstract Background: No intervention has proven effective in modifying long-term disease prognosis in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but exercise therapy is considered to be an important part of symptomatic and supportive treatment for these patients.
Tramadol: a new centrally acting analgesic.

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage and administration of tramadol are reviewed. Tramadol is a synthetic analogue of codeine that binds to mu opiate receptors and inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake. It is rapidly and extensively absorbed after oral doses and is metabolized in the liver. Analgesia begins within one hour and starts to peak in two hours. In patients with moderate postoperative pain, i.v. or i.m. tramadol is roughly equal in efficacy to meperidine or morphine; for severe acute pain, tramadol is less effective than morphine. Oral tramadol can also be effective after certain types of surgery. Tramadol and meperidine are equally effective in postoperative patient-controlled analgesia. In epidural administration for pain after abdominal surgery, tramadol is more effective than bupivacaine but less effective than morphine. In patients with ureteral calculi, both dipyrone and butylscopolamine are more effective than tramadol. For labor pain, i.m. tramadol works as well as meperidine and is less likely to cause neonatal respiratory depression. Oral tramadol is as effective as codeine for acute dental pain. In several types of severe or refractory cancer pain, tramadol is effective, but less so than morphine; for other types of chronic pain, such as low-back pain, oral tramadol works as well as acetaminophen-codeine. Common adverse effects of tramadol include dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and sedation. The abuse potential seems low. The recommended oral dosage is 50-100 mg every four to six hours. Tramadol is an effective, if expensive, alternative to other analgesics in some clinical situations.
Targeting of focal adhesion kinase by small interfering RNAs reduces chondrocyte redifferentiation capacity in alginate beads culture with type II collagen

Type II collagen is a major protein that maintains biological and mechanical characteristics in articular cartilage. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is known to play a central role in integrin signaling of cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, and chondrocyte–type II collagen interactions are very important for cartilage homeostasis. In this study, we focused on phosphorylation of FAK and MAP kinase in chondrocyte–type II collagen interaction and dedifferentiation, and the effects of FAK knockdown on chondrocyte‐specific gene expression and cell proliferation were determined. The addition of exogenous type II collagen to chondrocytes increased levels of tyrosine phosphorylation, p‐FAKY397, and p‐ERK1/2. In contrast, expression levels of p‐FAKY397 and p‐ERK1/2, but not p‐Smad2/3, were decreased in dedifferentiated chondrocytes with loss of type II collagen expression. Type II collagen expression was significantly increased when dedifferentiated chondrocytes were transferred to alginate beads with TGF‐β1 or type II collagen, but transfected cells with small interfering RNA for FAK (FAK‐siRNA) inhibited mRNA expression of type II collagen and SOX‐6 compared to the control. These FAK‐siRNA‐transfected cells could not recover type II collagen even in the presence of TGF‐β1 or type II collagen in alginate beads culture. We also found that FAK‐siRNA‐transfected cells decreased cell proliferation rate, but there was no effect on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) secretion. We suggest that FAK is essentially required in chondrocyte communication with type II collagen by regulating type II collagen expression and cell proliferation. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 623–630, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interplay between Chromatin and trans-Acting Factors on the IME2 Promoter upon Induction of the Gene at the Onset of Meiosis

ABSTRACT The IME2 gene is one of the key regulators of the initiation of meiosis in budding yeast. This gene is repressed during mitosis through the repressive chromatin structure at the promoter, which is maintained by the Rpd3-Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex. IME2 expression in meiosis requires Gcn5/histone acetyltransferase, the transcriptional activator Ime1, and the chromatin remodeler RSC; however, the molecular basis of IME2 activation had not been previously defined. We found that, during mitotic growth, a nucleosome masked the TATA element of IME2, and this positioning depended on HDAC. This chromatin structure was remodeled at meiosis by RSC that was recruited to TATA by Ime1. Stable tethering of Ime1 to the promoter required the presence of Gcn5. Interestingly, Ime1 binding to the promoter was kept at low levels during the very early stages in meiosis, even when the levels of Ime1 and histone H3 acetylation at the promoter were at their highest, making a 4- to 6-h delay of the IME2 expression from that of IME1. HDAC was continuously present at the promoter regardless of the transcriptional condition of IME2, and deletion of RPD3 allowed the IME2 expression shortly after the expression of IME1, suggesting that HDAC plays a role in regulating the timing of IME2 expression.
Chemical skin burns.

Copious lavage with water is the cornerstone of treatment for most types of chemical burns. Particularly dangerous are burns from hydrofluoric acid, which may act as both an alkali and an acid in its effects on the tissues. There are specific antidotes for certain types of chemical burns. For phenol burns, polyethylene glycol solutions are better solvents than water.