Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectrum Allocation and QoS Provisioning Framework for Cognitive Radio With Heterogeneous Service Classes

Cognitive radio (CR) networks will enable dynamic spectrum re-use and thereby accelerate the adoption of high bandwidth services in available licensed frequencies with better channel characteristics. However, the possibility of the licensed user reclaiming the channel raises additional concerns on how best to reserve resources for secondary users (SUs) that are likely to have different qualities of service (QoSs) depending on their application requirements. This paper addresses the problem of spectrum resource management for co-located SUs with both streaming and intermittent data by efficiently identifying the number of backup channels that will ensure seamless end to end service. The contributions of this paper are threefold: First, a comprehensive analytical framework based on queueing theory is devised to calculate the theoretical delay in accessing the spectrum depending on the required QoS, with guidelines on how to optimize the set of back-up channels for possible future use; second, a method of spectrum allocation for SUs with these different QoS demands is formulated, especially as they co-exist and affect the performance of each other; third, a case study of applying these techniques in a novel application area of wireless medical telemetry is presented. Results reveal that the simulated spectral efficiency of the channel allocation using our approach matches closely with our theoretical predictions, within a 5% bound.
Impact of receive correlation on the performance of V-BLAST system

In this paper, we study the error performance of Vertical Bell Labs Layered Space-Time (V-BLAST) using maximum likelihood (ML) receiver in the presence of receive correlated fading channel. The squared Euclidean distance is observed to be weighted Chi-square distributed random variable. Based on the observation, we present a new exact expression of the pairwise error probability (PEP) and the union bound of the BER. The asymptotic result is used to quantify the loss of the diversity order and the penalty of SNR. It is shown the loss of diversity order equals to the difference of the number of receiver antennas and the rank of receive correlation matrix, and, in the case of full rank of correlation matrix, the penalty of SNR is determined by the determinant of the receive correlation matrix. Simulation results are given to corroborate the theoretical analysis.
A Uniform Axiomatic View of Lists, Multisets, and Sets, and the Relevant Unification Algorithms

The first-order theories of lists, multisets, compact lists (i.e., lists where the number of contiguous occurrences of each element is immaterial), and sets are introduced via axioms. Such axiomatizations are shown to be very well-suited for the integration with free functor symbols governed by the classical Clark's axioms in the context of (Constraint) Logic Programming. Adaptations of the extensionality principle to the various theories taken into account is then exploited in the design of unification algorithms for the considered data structures. All the theories presented can be combined providing frameworks to deal with several of the proposed data structures simultaneously. The unification algorithms proposed can be combined (merged) as well, to produce engines for such combination theories.
Stable Rhodopsin/Arrestin Complex Leads to Retinal Degeneration in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa

Over 100 rhodopsin mutation alleles have been associated with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). These mutations appear to cause photoreceptor cell death through diverse molecular mechanisms. We show that K296E, a rhodopsin mutation associated with ADRP, forms a stable complex with arrestin that is toxic to mouse rod photoreceptors. This cell death pathway appears to be conserved from flies to mammals. A genetics approach to eliminate arrestin unmasked the constitutive activity of K296E and caused photoreceptor cell death through a transducin-dependent mechanism that is similar to light damage. Expressing K296E in the arrestin/transducin double knock-out background prevented transducin signaling and led to substantially improved retinal morphology but did not fully prevent cell death caused by K296E. The adverse effect of K296E in the arrestin/transducin knock-out background can be mimicked by constant exposure to low light. Furthermore, we found that arrestin binding causes K296E to mislocalize to the wrong cellular compartment. Accumulation of stable rhodopsin/arrestin complex in the inner segment may be an important mechanism for triggering the cell death pathway in the mammalian photoreceptor cell.
Transient myocardial ischaemia after acute myocardial infarction does not induce ventricular arrhythmias.

OBJECTIVE--To see whether transient myocardial ischaemia on ambulatory monitoring after myocardial infarction is associated with ventricular arrhythmias. DESIGN--A prospective study. SETTING--The coronary care unit, general medical wards, and cardiorespiratory department of a major teaching hospital. PATIENTS--203 consecutive patients without specific exclusion criteria admitted with acute myocardial infarction. INTERVENTIONS--24 hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring for ventricular arrhythmias and ST depression both early (mean 6.3 days after infarction, n = 201) and late (mean 38 days, n = 177). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Episodes of myocardial ischaemia were identified during ambulatory monitoring by transient ST depression of > or = 1.0 mm lasting for > or = 30 s. Ventricular arrhythmias were single extrasystoles, couplets, or ventricular tachycardia. RESULTS--All ventricular arrhythmias were significantly more frequent in late than early monitoring. The arrhythmias included couplets (in 83/174 (48%) v 49/200 (25%) of patients, p = 0.0000028) and ventricular tachycardia (29/174 (17%) v 15/199 (8%), p = 0.0064). Patients with ST depression (29 early; 56 late), compared with those without ischaemia, did not experience a significant increase in single extrasystoles, couplets (31% v 23% early; 47% v 48% late), or ventricular tachycardia (3% v 8% early; 18% v 16% late). Even patients with frequent (> or = 3 episodes), and deep (> or = 1.5 mm) or prolonged (> or = 20 min) ST depression had no increase in arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS--Ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction are not associated with transient myocardial ischaemia during daily activities. This study does not support the belief that to abolish silent ischaemia would reduce the incidence of sudden death due to uncontrollable ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction.
BANK NETWORKS AND MONETARY POLICY TRANSMISSION

This paper argues that the existence of bank networks is important for banks' reactions to monetary policy. For the example of Germany, it is found that small banks access the interbank market indirectly through the large head institutions of their respective network organizations. The interbank flows within these networks allow smaller banks to manage their funds in a fashion that helps them in keeping their loan portfolio with nonbanks relatively unaffected after a monetary contraction. This implies that tests for a bank-lending channel in countries with comparable bank networks should not rely on a size criterion only, and explains why several recent contributions have found a prominent role for banks' liquidity positions. (JEL:C32, E52, G21) Copyright (c) 2004 by the European Economic Association.
Editing logically complex discourse meanings

WYSIWYM What You See Is What You Meant is a new methodology for edit ing knowledge representations by interacting with a generated NL feedback text which presents both the knowledge already de ned and the options for extending and mod ifying it This paper concerns novel problems that arise when this methodology is extended to deal with certain familiar and supposedly well understood semantic phe nomena The basics of WYSIWYM editing are brie y explained followed by dis cussion of the problems to do with coreference and quanti cation and some partial solutions including an experimental DRT based prototype Then we turn to more di cult problems in the area of quanti cation and sketch some directions in which solutions may be found
Hepatitis C Virus in Arab World: A State of Concern

Hepatitis C virus has been considered to be one of the most important devastating causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic cellular carcinoma. The prevalence of such virus varies greatly over the world. Arab world has a unique geography and consists over nineteen countries who share the same heritage and customs and do speak the same language. In this area, the epidemiology of hepatitis C is not well understandable. Hepatitis C virus was found to be endemic in Arabia. The serostatus of such virus was found to be variable among these countries with uniform patterns of genotypes. Such prevalence varies tremendously according to the risk factors involved. Blood and blood products, haemodialysis, intravenous, and percutaneous drug users, and occupational, habitual, and social behavior were found to be the important factors involved. Hepatitis C will have major social, economic, and even political burdens on such young and dynamic societies. Thus, strategies and clear policy of intervention are urgently needed to combat the consequences of HCV both regionally and at state level of each country.
Adaptive Evolution and Divergence of SERPINB3: A Young Duplicate in Great Apes

A series of duplication events led to an expansion of clade B Serine Protease Inhibitors (SERPIN), currently displaying a large repertoire of functions in vertebrates. Accordingly, the recent duplicates SERPINB3 and B4 located in human 18q21.3 SERPIN cluster control the activity of different cysteine and serine proteases, respectively. Here, we aim to assess SERPINB3 and B4 coevolution with their target proteases in order to understand the evolutionary forces shaping the accelerated divergence of these duplicates. Phylogenetic analysis of primate sequences placed the duplication event in a Hominoidae ancestor (∼30 Mya) and the emergence of SERPINB3 in Homininae (∼9 Mya). We detected evidence of strong positive selection throughout SERPINB4/B3 primate tree and target proteases, cathepsin L2 (CTSL2) and G (CTSG) and chymase (CMA1). Specifically, in the Homininae clade a perfect match was observed between the adaptive evolution of SERPINB3 and cathepsin S (CTSS) and most of sites under positive selection were located at the inhibitor/protease interface. Altogether our results seem to favour a coevolution hypothesis for SERPINB3, CTSS and CTSL2 and for SERPINB4 and CTSG and CMA1. A scenario of an accelerated evolution driven by host-pathogen interactions is also possible since SERPINB3/B4 are potent inhibitors of exogenous proteases, released by infectious agents. Finally, similar patterns of expression and the sharing of many regulatory motifs suggest neofunctionalization as the best fitted model of the functional divergence of SERPINB3 and B4 duplicates.
Aquaporin-4 Water Channel Protein in the Rat Retina and Optic Nerve: Polarized Expression in Müller Cells and Fibrous Astrocytes

The water permeability of cell membranes differs by orders of magnitude, and most of this variability reflects the differential expression of aquaporin water channels. We have recently found that the CNS contains a member of the aquaporin family, aquaporin-4 (AQP4). As a prerequisite for understanding the cellular handling of water during neuronal activity, we have investigated the cellular and subcellular expression of AQP4 in the retina and optic nerve where activity-dependent ion fluxes have been studied in detail. In situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes and immunogold labeling by a sensitive postembedding procedure demonstrated that AQP4 and AQP4 mRNA were restricted to glial cells, including Müller cells in the retina and fibrous astrocytes in the optic nerve. A quantitative immunogold analysis of the Müller cells showed that these cells exhibited three distinct membrane compartments with regard to AQP4 expression. End feet membranes (facing the vitreous body or blood vessels) were 10–15 times more intensely labeled than non-end feet membranes, whereas microvilli were devoid of AQP4. These data suggest that Müller cells play a prominent role in the water handling in the retina and that they direct osmotically driven water flux to the vitreous body and vessels rather than to the subretinal space. Fibrous astrocytes in the optic nerve similarly displayed a differential compartmentation of AQP4. The highest expression of AQP4 occurred in end feet membranes, whereas the membrane domain facing the nodal axolemma was associated with a lower level of immunoreactivity than the rest of the membrane. This arrangement may allow transcellular water redistribution to occur without inducing inappropriate volume changes in the perinodal extracellular space.
Agonistic Anti-CD40 Enhances the CD8+ T Cell Response during Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Infection

Intracellular pathogens are capable of inducing vigorous CD8+ T cell responses. However, we do not entirely understand the factors driving the generation of large pools of highly protective memory CD8+ T cells. Here, we studied the generation of endogenous ovalbumin-specific memory CD8+ T cells following infection with recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and Listeria monocytogenes (LM). VSV infection resulted in the generation of a large ovalbumin-specific memory CD8+ T cell population, which provided minimal protective immunity that waned with time. In contrast, the CD8+ T cell population of LM-ova provided protective immunity and remained stable with time. Agonistic CD40 stimulation during CD8+ T cell priming in response to VSV infection enabled the resultant memory CD8+ T cell population to provide strong protective immunity against secondary infection. Enhanced protective immunity by agonistic anti-CD40 was dependent on CD70. Agonistic anti-CD40 not only enhanced the size of the resultant memory CD8+ T cell population, but enhanced their polyfunctionality and sensitivity to antigen. Our data suggest that immunomodulation of CD40 signaling may be a key adjuvant to enhance CD8+ T cell response during development of VSV vaccine strategies.
On Robustness in some extended regression models

Title of dissertation: ON ROBUSTNESS IN SOME EXTENDED REGRESSION MODELS Gabriela V. Cohen Freue, Doctor of Philosophy, 2004 Dissertation directed by: Professor Paul J. Smith Department of Mathematics Generalized Linear Models extends classical regression models to non-normal response variables and allows a non-linear relation between the mean of the responses and the predictors. In addition, when the responses are correlated or show overdispersion, one can add a linear combination of random components to the linear predictor. The resulting models are known as Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Traditional estimation methods in these classes of models rely on distributional assumptions about the random components, as well as the implicit assumption that the explanatory variables are uncorrelated with the error term. In Chapters 2 and 3 we investigate, using the Change-of-Variance Function, the behavior of the asymptotic variance-covariance matrix of the class of M -estimators when the distribution of the random components is slightly contaminated. In Chapter 4 we study a different concept of robustness for classical models that contain explanatory variables correlated with the error term. For these models we propose an instrumental variables estimator and study its robustness by means of its Influence Function. We extend the definitions of Change-of-Variance Function to Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Linear Mixed Models. We use them to analyze in detail the sensitivity of the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimator. For the first class of models, we found that, in general, a contamination of the distribution can seriously affect the asymptotic variance of the estimators. For the second class, we focus on the Poisson-Gamma model and two mixed-effects Binomial models. We found that the effect of a contamination in the mixing distribution on the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimator remain bounded for both models. A simulation study was performed in all cases to illustrate the relevance of our results. Finally, we propose a robust instrumental variables estimator based on high breakdown point S-estimators of location and scatter. The resulting estimator has bounded Influence Function and satisfies the usual asymptotic properties for suitable choices of the S-estimator used. We also derive an estimate for the asymptotic covariance matrix of our estimator which is robust against outliers and leverage points. We illustrate our results using a real data example. ON ROBUSTNESS IN SOME EXTENDED REGRESSION MODELS by Gabriela V. Cohen Freue Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2004 Advisory Commmittee: Associate Professor Paul J. Smith, Chair/Advisor Professor Grace L. Yang Professor Abraham M. Kagan Professor Benjamin J. Kedem Professor Francis Alt c © Copyright by Gabriela V. Cohen Freue 2004
Understanding and Reducing College Student Departure

Foreword. The Ill-Structured Problem of College Student Departure. Overview of the Volume. Intended Audience. Tinto's Interactionalist Theory. Tinto's Interactionalist Theory. An Empirical Assessment of Tinto. Propositions Receiving Strong Support. Explanations for Unanticipated Academic Integration Findings. Tinto's Theory: Revise or Abandon? Toward a Revision of Tinto's Theory for Residential Colleges and Universities. Influences on Social Integration. Underlying Conceptual Orientation of the Six Influences. Tinto's Theory Revisited in Residential Colleges and Universities. Implications for Racial or Ethnic Minority Students. Student Departure in Commuter Colleges and Universities. Sixteen Propositions: Elements of a Theory of Student Departure in Commuter Institutions. Formulating a Theory of Student Departure in Commuter Colleges and Universities. Exemplary Student Retention Programs. Sources of Retention Programs. Selecting Exemplary Retention Programs. Nine Exemplary Retention Programs. Reducing Institutional Rates of Departure. An Overarching Recommendation. Powerful Institutional Levers of Action. Residential Colleges and Universities. Commuter Colleges and Universities. Reducing the Departure of Racial or Ethnic Minority Students. Conclusions and Recommendations for Scholarship. Conclusions. Recommendations for Further Scholarship. Closing Thoughts. References. Name Index. Subject Index.
Expanded indications for transcatheter renal denervation

Renal denervation (RDN) is a catheter-based procedure introduced in 2009 as a treatment of resistant hypertension. The method is based on the concept that resistant hypertension is a result of hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and therefore reducing the impact of the SNS by ablating the renal nerves should eliminate the condition. Since 2009 numerous investigators have proven the procedure to be safe and effective, which contributed to the quick success and wide spread of the method, subsequently triggering further research in this area. The dynamic distribution of the procedure induced investigators to examine the influence of RDN on other conditions involving hyperactivity of the SNS (such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmia). A few studies aiming to explain the influence of RDN on arrhythmias in patients with resistant hypertension have been conducted. The results in treating atrial fibrillation additionally to pulmonary vein ablation and electrical storm appear to be promising; however, the data are limited and further investigations needs to be done. The influence of RDN on insulin resistance, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure are possible. Perspectives of expanding indications are discussed. Renal denervation appears to be a promising way of treating hypertension and raises hope for a wider group of patients with conditions closely related to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system such as arrhythmia.
EVOLUTION OF ACADEMIC CONCERNS WITH TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS

Academic concerns with transportation and logistics is a study in evolution over the years. This evolution can be traced from the "Age of the Economist" (from 1850) to the "Broadening of Concerns" with traffic management brought on by World War II and progressing through "physical distribution management," "physical supply and materials management," and the development of the broader "logistics concept" of today. Nothing remains the same and, as usual, change is inevitable and hopefully we are all better for it.
Roles and Modalities of Ectonucleotidases in Remodeling the Multiple Myeloma Niche

Ectoenzymes are cell surface molecules, which represent functional bridges between the environment and the cytoplasm. One set of ectoenzymes—CD39, CD38, CD203a, and CD73—leads to the generation of adenosine (ADO) by metabolizing ATP and NAD+. While ADO is known to control inflammation and suppress immune responses, other aspects of ADO function are still obscure, mainly due to its short half-life in biological fluids. Human multiple myeloma (MM) grows in the closed system of the bone marrow (BM) niche representing an ideal setting for studying ectoenzymes and their products. Another source of information on ectoenzyme function may derive from in vivo results of anti-CD38 antibody therapy in MM. Current results, obtained from in vitro models and from preliminary in vivo findings, indicate that ectoenzymes produce ADO locally in the BM niche. Furthermore, MM cells release microvesicles (MV), which thanks to their molecular cargo and surface ectoenzymes may function as particulate communicators outside of the niche. During anti-CD38 antibody therapy, the MV carry therapeutic IgG, determining that the prevalent orientation of MV will be toward cells and tissues expressing receptors for the IgG Fc domain. The resulting picture is one where MM adopts an immune escape strategy based on reshaping the environmental niche. This adaptation is followed by actions of MV that are exerted in biological fluids and circulating immune cells. By coating FcRs+ cells, MV modify pericellular spaces, reproducing the metabolic halo generated by ectoenzymes within closed systems.
Cricoid Pressure Displaces the Esophagus: An Observational Study Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background Cricoid pressure (CP) is often used during general anesthesia induction to prevent passive regurgitation of gastric contents. The authors used magnetic resonance imaging to determine the anatomic relationship between the esophagus and the cricoid cartilage (“cricoid”) with and without CP. Methods Magnetic resonance images of the necks of 22 healthy volunteers were reviewed with and without CP. Esophageal and airway dimensions, distance between the midline of the vertebral body and the midline of the esophagus, and distance between the lateral border of the cricoid or vertebral body and the lateral border of the esophagus were measured. Results The esophagus was displaced laterally relative to the cricoid in 52.6% of necks without CP and 90.5% with CP. CP shifted the esophagus relative to its initial position to the left in 68.4% of subjects and to the right in 21.1% of subjects. Unopposed esophagus was seen in 47.4% of necks without CP and 71.4% with CP. Lateral laryngeal displacement and airway compression were demonstrated in 66.7% and 81.0% of necks, respectively, as a result of CP. Conclusion In the absence of CP, the esophagus was lateral to the cricoid in more than 50% of the sample. CP further displaced both the esophagus and the larynx laterally.