Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel receiver aided beamforming technique

In this paper, we propose a new receiver-aided beamforming scheme to exploit the multiuser diversity in a multiantenna broadcast channel. By introducing an appropriately designed beamforming codebook that consists of the beam matrices, we can further exploit multiuser diversity by performing beam matrix selection operation and improve system throughput. The beam matrix selection could be implemented by the aid of receivers in practical system. Beamforming codebook is generated offline and stored at the base station (BS) and every user's receiver. Each user calculates the achievable signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINK) using the available channel state information at the receiver (CSIR), all beamforming matrices in the codebook and all beam vectors in the selected beam matrix, and then forms feedback information including the maximum sink and the corresponding best beam matrix index and beam vector index. Based on the feedback information, the BS runs scheduling algorithm to maximize throughput. Numerical results show that this scheme can considerably improve throughput of existed random beamforming scheme with only a few more bits feedback overhead
The effect of resorbable membranes on one‐stage ridge augmentation in anterior single‐tooth replacement: A randomized, controlled clinical trial

AIM To evaluate the effect of resorbable membranes on one-stage ridge augmentation procedures in small (2-4 mm) buccal bony dehiscences in anterior maxillary single-tooth replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with a buccal bony dehiscence after implant placement in the esthetic zone were randomly allocated to one-stage ridge augmentation with (M+) or without a membrane (M-). Second-phase surgery was performed after 8 weeks, and follow-up was performed 1, 6, and ≥12 months after loading. Outcomes included implant survival and success, complications, clinical and radiographic parameters, esthetic results and patient satisfaction. RESULTS Fifty-two patients were randomized to one-stage ridge augmentation with (n = 25) or without use of a membrane (n = 27). No significant differences in implant survival and success have been observed. The risk of having a small mucosal dehiscence was more than six times higher in the M+ group than in the M- group (RR 6.24, 95% CI 0.81 to 48.21). At the last follow-up, the bleeding index (BI) was marginally higher in the M+ group (14/9/2/0) compared to the M- group (24/2/0/0) (U = 205, Z = -2.97, p = .003, r = .42). The median change in marginal bone level was statistically lower in the M+ group (0.06 mm) than the M- group (0.60 mm) at last follow-up (U = 120, Z = -2.73 a p = .006 r = .42). Total pink esthetic index (PES) and white esthetic score (WES) and combined PES/WES were not significantly different between treatment groups at more than 12 months after loading. Only the subcategory root convexity/soft tissue color scored significantly lower in the M+ group (1.5) compared to the M- group (2.0) at the last follow-up (U = 172, Z = -2.34, p = .019 r = .34). No differences were found in patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION The use of a resorbable membrane in small buccal bony dehiscences in anterior maxillary single-tooth replacement resulted in less marginal bone loss, but showed more mucosal dehiscences, higher bleeding scores and lower scores on root convexity and soft tissue color after at least one year of loading. No effect was seen on implant survival and success, overall esthetic results, and patient satisfaction. The research protocol was registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR) with ID NTR6137.
Oxidative Stress in Endurance Flight: An Unconsidered Factor in Bird Migration

Migrating birds perform extraordinary endurance flights, up to 200 h non-stop, at a very high metabolic rate and while fasting. Such an intense and prolonged physical activity is normally associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and thus increased risk of oxidative stress. However, up to now it was unknown whether endurance flight evokes oxidative stress. We measured a marker of oxidative damage (protein carbonyls, PCs) and a marker of enzymatic antioxidant capacity (glutathione peroxidase, GPx) in the European robin (Erithacus rubecula), a nocturnal migrant, on its way to the non-breeding grounds. Both markers were significantly higher in European robins caught out of their nocturnal flight than in conspecifics caught during the day while resting. Independently of time of day, both markers showed higher concentrations in individuals with reduced flight muscles. Adults had higher GPx concentrations than first-year birds on their first migration. These results show for the first time that free-flying migrants experience oxidative stress during endurance flight and up-regulate one component of antioxidant capacity. We discuss that avoiding oxidative stress may be an overlooked factor shaping bird migration strategies, e.g. by disfavouring long non-stop flights and an extensive catabolism of the flight muscles.
The intra prediction based on sub block

In the newly finalized video coding standard H.264. Intra prediction is employed to reduce the energy of the prediction error that has to be transmitted. The order of intra frame encoding is from left to right horizontally and from the top down vertically, so when doing intra prediction, reference pels can only appear on the left side and upside of the predictive block. Therefore, it is not possible to consider various texture of video signals in the intra prediction process. The purpose of this paper is to overcome the disadvantages of the existing intra encoding and decoding technique and to put forward an intra frame encoding method that is based on sub block group (SBG). The experimental results proved this method can improve the intra frame efficiency to improve the compressing efficiency of the whole video signals.
A comparison of continuous thalamic stimulation and thalamotomy for suppression of severe tremor.

BACKGROUND Deep-brain stimulation through an electrode implanted in the thalamus was developed as an alternative to thalamotomy for the treatment of drug-resistant tremor. Stimulation is thought to be as effective as thalamotomy but to have fewer complications. We examined the effects of these two procedures on the functional abilities of patients with drug-resistant tremor due to Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or multiple sclerosis. METHODS Sixty-eight patients (45 with Parkinson's disease, 13 with essential tremor, and 10 with multiple sclerosis) were randomly assigned to undergo thalamotomy or thalamic stimulation. The primary outcome measure was the change in functional abilities six months after surgery, as measured by the Frenchay Activities Index. Scores for this index can range from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating better function. Secondary outcome measures were the severity of tremor, the number of adverse effects, and patients' assessment of the outcome. RESULTS Functional status improved more in the thalamic-stimulation group than in the thalamotomy group, as indicated by increases in the score for the Frenchay Activities Index (from 31.4 to 36.3 and from 32.0 to 32.5, respectively; difference between groups, 4.4 points; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.0 to 6.9). After adjustment for base-line characteristics, multivariate analysis also showed that the thalamic-stimulation group had greater improvement (difference between groups, 5.1 points; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.3 to 7.9). Tremor was suppressed completely or almost completely in 27 of 34 patients in the thalamotomy group and in 30 of 33 patients in the thalamic-stimulation group. One patient in the thalamic-stimulation group died perioperatively after an intracerebral hemorrhage. With the exception of this incident, thalamic stimulation was associated with significantly fewer adverse effects than thalamotomy. Functional status was reported as improved by 8 patients in the thalamotomy group, as compared with 18 patients in the thalamic-stimulation group (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Thalamic stimulation and thalamotomy are equally effective for the suppression of drug-resistant tremor, but thalamic stimulation has fewer adverse effects and results in a greater improvement in function.
Private education supply in disadvantaged areas of the City of Buenos Aires and ‘low-fee private schooling’: Comparisons, contexts and implications

Recent studies have revealed an increase in the enrollment of students coming from vulnerable social sectors in private primary schools in the City of Buenos Aires. To date, the phenomenon of ‘private education for the poor’ has been principally studied in Asian and African countries, where the deficit of state educational supply has given rise to a multiplicity of private education undertakings of diverse nature. Using official statistical data, this article explores and describes the structure of private education supply in areas of low socioeconomic status in Buenos Aires and assesses the extent to which the category of low-fee private school (LFPS) contributes to understanding this phenomenon. Our analysis reveals a great heterogeneity in this sector of private education in Buenos Aires with regard to financing structures, monthly fees, and the legal forms in which schools operate. We also find the presence of a significant religious component. We suggest the possibility that private provision has helped to mitigate coverage imbalances at a 'micro-local' level in some of the studied areas. Our comparative approach evidences that the notion of LFPS provides a more normative than descriptive view, limiting the perception of a phenomenon that is actually much broader, multifaceted and dynamic.
Partitioning Parallel Applications on Multiprocessor Reservations

A full exploitation of the computational power available in a multi-core platform requires the software to be specified in terms of parallel execution flows. At the same time, modern embedded systems often consist of more parallel applications with timing requirements, concurrently executing on the same platform and sharing common resources. To prevent reciprocal interference among critical activities, a resource reservation mechanism is highly desired in the kernel to achieve temporal isolation. In this paper, we propose a general methodology for partitioning the total computing power available on a multi-core platform into a set of virtual processors, which provide a powerful abstraction to allocate applications independently of the physical platform. The application, described as a set of tasks with precedence relations expressed by a directed acyclic graph, is automatically partitioned into a set of sub graphs that are selected to minimize either the overall bandwidth consumption or the fragmentation of the partition expressed by the so-called “&#x03BB;-factor” in uniform multiprocessor scheduling).
Analysis of Cervical Instability Resulting from Laminectomies for Removal of Spinal Cord Tumor

Thirty-four patients with cervical cord tumor were followed in order to investigate the incidence of postoperative deformity or instability after laminectomies. Seven cases (20%) presented cervical instability, including three cases that required spinal fusion. Analysis of these cases revealed the identification of some risk factors that are involved in the pathogenetic mechanism of cervical instability, which are: age at operation, preoperative curvature in neutral position, number of removed laminas, C2 laminectomy, and destruction of facet joints. The number of these risk factors present in each case was shown to be directly related to the incidence of cervical instability. Patients who had not developed instability demonstrated 1.2 factors on average, while patients who had developed instability showed a mean of 2.5 factors. Patients who had additionally required spinal fusion presented 3 risk factors, including C2 laminectomy and destruction of facet joints.
Type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase controls neutrophil polarity and directional movement

Directional cell movement in response to external chemical gradients requires establishment of front–rear asymmetry, which distinguishes an up-gradient protrusive leading edge, where Rac-induced F-actin polymerization takes place, and a down-gradient retractile tail (uropod in leukocytes), where RhoA-mediated actomyosin contraction occurs. The signals that govern this spatial and functional asymmetry are not entirely understood. We show that the human type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase isoform β (PIPKIβ) has a role in organizing signaling at the cell rear. We found that PIPKIβ polarized at the uropod of neutrophil-differentiated HL60 cells. PIPKIβ localization was independent of its lipid kinase activity, but required the 83 C-terminal amino acids, which are not homologous to other PIPKI isoforms. The PIPKIβ C terminus interacted with EBP50 (4.1-ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM)-binding phosphoprotein 50), which enabled further interactions with ERM proteins and the Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI). Knockdown of PIPKIβ with siRNA inhibited cell polarization and impaired cell directionality during dHL60 chemotaxis, suggesting a role for PIPKIβ in these processes.
An investigation of the cognitive effects of bifrontal electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of severe depression

Although many researchers have examined the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on memory and cognition, few investigators have studied the neurocognitive effects of bifrontal electrode placement in ECT treatment. The current study was designed to examine the clinical efficacy and neurocognitive effects of bifrontal ECT. Participants included 17 adults between the ages of 23 and 62 years of age, all of whom had been diagnosed with unipolar or bipolar depression and met hospital criteria for ECT treatment, that is, had failed other treatment efforts. Recruitment of participants took place between 2009 and 2010 at a university-based psychiatric hospital. Following consent to participate and assurance that recruits met study criteria, a psychiatric interview was conducted and psychological/neuropsychological tests were administered. The tests were selected for the purpose of quantifying depressive symptoms and cognitive skills thought to be affected by ECT (anterograde and retrograde memory, executive functions, and processing speed). Results of the study demonstrated that bifrontal ECT can be an effective treatment of depression in that 88% of participants showed reduced depressive symptoms immediately after ECT treatment and 77% of these initial remitters continued to show response to treatment 1 month later. Although data also iv showed that the participants had posttreatment problems with retrograde amnesia which had not resolved by follow-up 1 month later, and had impaired verbal fluency immediately posttreatment which remitted by follow-up, there were no indications that the ECT treatment caused anterograde memory problems or other nonmemory cognitive problems. Specifically data showed no ill effects of bifrontal ECT on processing speed and executive functions (inhibition, motor planning and response, sequencing, and cognitive flexibility). Without a control group or randomized assignment to treatment, no firm conclusions can be drawn from the current findings; however, the findings are important in that they suggest that bifrontal ECT treatment is as effective in addressing treatmentresistant depression as other ECT methods which entail electrode placements that may produce greater and more persistent cognitive side effects, including bitemporal ECT.
The Tetraspan Molecule Cd151, a Novel Constituent of Hemidesmosomes, Associates with the Integrin α6β4 and May Regulate the Spatial Organization of Hemidesmosomes

CD151 is a cell surface protein that belongs to the tetraspan superfamily. It associates with other tetraspan molecules and certain integrins to form large complexes at the cell surface. CD151 is expressed by a variety of epithelia and mesenchymal cells. We demonstrate here that in human skin CD151 is codistributed with α3β1 and α6β4 at the basolateral surface of basal keratinocytes. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that CD151 is concentrated in hemidesmosomes. By immunoprecipitation from transfected K562 cells, we established that CD151 associates with α3β1 and α6β4. In β4-deficient pyloric atresia associated with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (PA-JEB) keratinocytes, CD151 and α3β1 are clustered together at the basal cell surface in association with patches of laminin-5. Focal adhesions are present at the periphery of these clusters, connected with actin filaments, and they contain both CD151 and α3β1. Transient transfection studies of PA-JEB cells with β4 revealed that the integrin α6β4 becomes incorporated into the α3β1-CD151 clusters where it induces the formation of hemidesmosomes. As a result, the amount of α3β1 in the clusters diminishes and the protein becomes restricted to the peripheral focal adhesions. Furthermore, CD151 becomes predominantly associated with α6β4 in hemidesmosomes, whereas its codistribution with α3β1 in focal adhesions becomes partial. The localization of α6β4 in the pre-hemidesmosomal clusters is accompanied by a strong upregulation of CD151, which is at least partly due to increased cell surface expression. Using β4 chimeras containing the extracellular and transmembrane domain of the IL-2 receptor and the cytoplasmic domain of β4, we found that for recruitment of CD151 into hemidesmosomes, the β4 subunit must be associated with α6, confirming that integrins associate with tetraspans via their α subunits. CD151 is the only tetraspan identified in hemidesmosomal structures. Others, such as CD9 and CD81, remain diffusely distributed at the cell surface. In conclusion, we show that CD151 is a major component of (pre)-hemidesmosomal structures and that its recruitment into hemidesmosomes is regulated by the integrin α6β4. We suggest that CD151 plays a role in the formation and stability of hemidesmosomes by providing a framework for the spatial organization of the different hemidesmosomal components.
cme: Asperger's Syndrome - an Autism Spectrum Disorder

ervasive developmental disorders start in early childhood and are characterized by a delay and deviation in development. Further to the two conventional classification systems (ICD-10 and DSM-IV), three traits are characteristic for such disorders: qualitative impairments in mutual interaction (rapport), communication, and a limited, stereotypic, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities. These qualitative impairments are a fundamental feature in all those affected and manifest in all situations – however, they vary in regard to their extent. The most important pervasive developmental disorders according to ICD-10 are listed in box 1. Autism spectrum disorders comprise especially early childhood autism (F84.0), Asperger's syndrome (F84.5), and atypical autism (F84.1). In an additional definition, all pervasive developmental disorders are subsumed under this label. This concept is based on the idea that different autistic disorders cannot be distinguished categorically but can be assigned to one dimension. This means that they differ merely quantitatively, but not qualitatively. Table 1 lists the commonalities and differences of the diverse disorders in the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorders manifest with a multitude of symptoms, a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, and wide variations in their intensity. Autism spectrum disorders are seen as developmental disorders of the central nervous system (neurodevelopmental disorders) and are associated with impairments of basal cerebral functions that influence a patient's ability for contact with others.
Wormholes in spacetimes with cosmological horizons

A generalization of the asymptotic wormhole boundary condition for the case of spacetimes with a cosmological horizon is proposed. In particular, we consider de Sitter spacetime with small cosmological constant. The wave functions selected by this proposal are exponentially damped in WKB approximation when the scale factor is large but still much smaller than the horizon size. In addition, they only include outgoing gravitational modes in the region beyond the horizon. We argue that these wave functions represent quantum wormholes and compute the local effective interactions induced by them in low-energy field theory. These effective interactions differ from those for flat spacetime in terms that explicitly depend on the cosmological constant.
Auditing in Islamic Perspective and Auditing as Practiced in some selected Islamic Banks Operating in Bangladesh

The study is on “Auditing in Islamic perspective and auditing as practiced in some selected Islamic banks operating in Bangladesh”. The study was conducted on total number of 5 Islamic banks operating in Bangladesh. The study was based on primary data, collected by interview method on the basis of a structured questionnaire. The main findings of the study are: i) identifying objectives and principles of Islamic auditing, ii) analysing the procedures of conducting auditing in the selected banks, iii) focusing on the major responsibilities and role of an auditor in the eye of Islam, iv) identifying qualities of an auditor in the eye of Islam such as righteousness, trustworthiness, professional behaviour, fairness, proficiency and efficiency, honesty and confidentiality etc., v) identifying major problems involved in conducting Islamic auditing in the selected banks are reported as: auditors specially external are not very much familiar with rules and regulation of Shari’a Council, the bank authority disagree that auditors (external) are quite independent body, the concerned management feel discouraged to help the auditors by providing necessary information and data as well as document, non-standardization of Shari’a compliance and regulation for Islamic finance. Not well equipped with knowledge of Shari’a Council on the part of the employees, accounting systems and procedure are not fully in compliance with Islamic Shari’a, vi) The probable measures to overcome the problems are identified as : proper implementation of accounting systems as permitted by Islamic Shari’a, proper training to the accounting personnel regarding knowledge of Islamic Shari’a, supplying the auditors necessary information and data willingly by the Accounts personnel, recognizing purity of transaction, proper standardization of Shari’a Council rules and regulations etc. IIUC Studies Vol.9 December 2012: 293-306
Multiprocessor Task Scheduling Based on GEO Metaheuristic

In this paper we propose a solution of a multiprocessor task scheduling problem with use of a new meta-heuristic inspired by a model of natural evolution called Generalized Extremal Optimization (GEO). It is inspired by a simple coevolutionary model based on a Bak-Sneppen model. One of advantages of the model is a simple implementation of potential optimization problems and only one free parameter to adjust. The idea of GEO metaheuristic and the way of applying it to the multiprocessor scheduling problem are presented in the paper. In this problem the tasks of a program graph are allocated into multiprocessor system graph where the program completion time is minimized. The problem is know to be a NP-complete problem. In this paper we show that GEO is to able to solve this problem with better performance than genetic algorithm.