Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outage Performance of Cooperative Relaying Systems with Randomly Available Relays

In this paper we investigate the outage performance of a decode-and-forward cooperative relaying system in which the relays are randomly available. The upper and lower bounds on the outage probability are derived for Rayleigh fading channels. Our analytical derivation reveals that the unreliable cooperative relaying contributes no diversity gain to the system and the outage probability of relaying approaches a constant at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We also demonstrate that, if the average number of available relays is fixed, the outage probability of relaying grows asymptotically with increasing the total number of relays. Simulation results agree well with our theoretical analysis.
Remnant pancreatectomy for recurrent or metachronous pancreatic carcinoma detected by FDG-PET: two case reports.

CONTEXT Although surgical resection is the only curative therapeutic option for recurrent or metachronous pancreatic carcinomas, most such cancers are beyond surgical curability. We herein report on two rare cases of remnant pancreatectomy used to treat recurrent or metachronous pancreatic carcinomas. CASE REPORTS CASE#1 A 65-year-old male developed weight loss and diabetes mellitus 83 months after a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by two years of adjuvant chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin plus mitomycin C) for a pancreatic carcinoma in the head of the pancreas (stage IA). An abdominal CT scan revealed a 3 cm tumor in the remnant pancreas which appeared as a 'hot' nodule on FDG-PET. A remnant distal pancreatectomy was performed and a pancreatic carcinoma similar in profile to the primary lesion (stage IIB) was confirmed pathologically. CASE#2 A 67-year-old male showed increased CA 19-9 levels 25 months after a distal pancreatectomy for a pancreatic carcinoma in the body of the pancreas (stage IA). An abdominal CT scan revealed a cystic lesion in the cut end of the pancreas which appeared as a 'hot' nodule on FDG-PET. A remnant proximal pancreatectomy with duodenectomy was performed and a metachronous pancreatic carcinoma (stage III) was confirmed pathologically. CONCLUSION Remnant pancreatectomy can be considered a treatment option for recurrent or metachronous pancreatic carcinomas. FDG-PET can play a key role in detecting remnant pancreatic carcinomas.
A Large Left Ventricle Myxoma: Presenting with Epigastric Pain and Weight Loss

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign tumors found in the heart. They usually appear in the left atrium. Those originating from the left ventricle (LV) are rare. Although clinical presentation may vary, dyspnea and embolism are the most commonly reported symptoms. In the present case study, a 27-year-old woman with a large myxoma originating from the left ventricular free wall is studied. She had atypical complaints, mainly epigastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. She was hospitalized for acute abdomen, but subsequent investigations revealed a large myxoma that fully filled the LV and severely compromised the flow of the aortic and mitral valves. After successful emergency tumor resection, all symptoms disappeared. The uncommon presentation caused by these tumors is discussed in this study.
CompAct Arm™: a Compliant Manipulator with Intrinsic Variable Physical Damping

Humans exploit compliance in their biomechanical muscle-tendon-bone actuation structure to enable robust and safe interaction with the environment and utilize the elastic energy stored into muscles and tendons to obtain large energy efficiency or high output mechanical power peaks at their limbs. From the robotic/mechatronic point of view it is clear that emulating such a property in robotic actuation systems enables the achievement of performance which is not possible with classical stiff designs. In contrast to this, transmission compliance introduces some disadvantages as e.g. typically underdamped modes which reduce the achievable control bandwidth, stability margin and accuracy of the controlled system. These limitations are solved in mammalians by means of physical damping which clarifies why these biological systems are able of performing fast and smooth yet accurate motions in their limbs. This motivates this work which consists in the analysis and development of the CompActTM Arm, a novel compliant manipulator with intrinsic variable damping. This is probably the first robotic system to exhibit these diverse bio inspired characteristics. A motivation analysis is initially presented to show how the drawbacks introduced by compliance can be overcome by means of physical damping. The second part of the paper presents the mechatronic development of the robotic manipulator and preliminary experimental results.
Optimal Fiscal and Monetary Policy with Sticky Wages and Sticky Prices

We determine the optimal degree of price inflation volatility when nominal wages are sticky and the government uses state-contingent inflation to finance government spending. We address this question in a well-understood Ramsey model of fiscal and monetary policy, in which the benevolent planner has access to labor income taxes, nominal riskless debt, and money creation. One main result is that sticky wages alone make price stability optimal in the face of government spending shocks, to a degree quantitatively similar as sticky prices alone. With productivity shocks also present, optimal inflation volatility is higher, but still dampened relative to the fully-flexible economy. Key for our results is an equilibrium restriction between nominal price inflation and nominal wage inflation that holds trivially in a Ramsey model featuring only sticky prices. We also show that the nominal interest rate can be used to indirectly tax the rents of monopolistic labor suppliers. Interestingly, a necessary condition for the ability to use the nominal interest rate for this purpose is positive producer profits. Taken together, our results uncover features of Ramsey fiscal and monetary policy in the presence of labor market imperfections that are widely-believed to be important.
Advances and Challenges of Social Epidemiology – the social determinants of health revisited (literature review)

Centrum Ewaluacji i Analiz Polityk Publicznych, e-mail: zuzanna.drozdzak@uj.edu. pl Author’s research was supported by a grant of the Polish National Science Center, no. 2013/09/N/HS6/00940. She also received a grant from Switzerland through the Swiss Contribution to the enlarged European Union which fi nanced the fellowship at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel. Zuzanna Drożdżak Uniwersytet Jagielloński Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute University of Basel
Performance Analysis of WRAN at Physical Layer of IEEE 802.22 standardization

In this paper, BER performance of WRAN based on IEEE 802.22 standard is introduced, the performance of physical layer of IEEE 802.22 network is analyzed and simulated over different communication channels. AWGN and multipath fading channels are assumed. BER performance is applied to different types of users and areas. Stationary and mobile users performance is proposed for typical rural and hilly terrain rural area. Different mapping schemes and code rate is presented. General Terms Wireless Networks, Cognitive Radio Networks
CONR: A Novel Method for Sentiment Word Identification

Sentiment word identification (SWI) is of high relevance to sentiment analysis technologies and applications. Currently most SWI methods heavily rely on sentiment seed words that have limited sentiment information. Even though there emerge non-seed approaches based on sentiment labels of documents, but in which the context information has not been fully considered. In this paper, based on matrix factorization with co-occurrence neighbor regularization which is derived from context, we propose a novel non-seed model called CONR for SWI. Instead of seed words, CONR exploits two important factors: sentiment matching and sentiment consistency for sentiment word identification. Experimental results on four publicly available datasets show that CONR can outperform the state of-the-art methods.
DyNaMiCs of DePressioN aMoNg aDolesCeNts iN seCoNDary sCHools iN bulgaria

Depression becomes more and more typical for adolescence. The study of dynamics of depression during the teenage years is important for differentiation of the most vulnerable periods for development of depression in this age and to be pointed out some factors that could contribute to triggering, preventing or recovering depression. This study of dynamics of depression was based on Developmental theories of dynamics of depression that relate depression to some vulnerable age groups and on the theories that relate dynamics of depression to one or more factors that trigger depression in different stages of human life. Depression in Bulgarian high – school students was compared at the beginning and at the end of the school year in a longitudinal study. 360 Bulgarian secondary school students from 9 th to 12 th grade were studied twice - at the beginning of the school year 2013/2014 and at the end of this school year. Several methods were used - Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. A model of dynamics of depression at upper school age in Bulgaria has been suggested. According to this model, depression slightly increases from the beginning to the end of the school year being differentiated by the types of the schools at the beginning of the school year and by the interaction of the types of schools, gender and grade at the end of the school year. Some of its correlates (anxiety, extraversion/introversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism) and social determinants (gender, school grade, and types of schools) were found. The interventions focused on diminishing anxiety, neuroticism (for example by meeting students’ expectancies) and psychoticism (developing empathy and altruism), and increasing extraversion (better communication, social support) could be effective for diminishing depression throughout the whole school year. Motivating students for participating in more extra-curriculum activities related to the students’ plans for further realisation in universities and workplace would be useful for diminishing students’ depression as the experience of special education schools indicate.
A Neural Network Approach for Color Image Compression in Transform Domain S .

This paper presents a novel technique for color image compression in the transform domain. For compression of images vector quantization (VQ) technique is used and the codebook in VQ is designed using Kohonen’s Self Organizing Feature Maps (SOFM). This work exploits the special features of SOFM for generic codebook generation that enables to construct the codebook only once. Apart from spatial quantizers, we implemented the generic codebook approach in transform domains such as DCT and DWT. The performance of decompression is observed by using image quality measures such as PSNR, Structural Content, Image Fidelity and Mean Structural Similarity Index of the images on HSV color space. This scheme produces the reconstructed image of good quality and achieves better compression ratio at low bit rates. Index Terms – VQ, generic codebook, color image compression, SOFM, quality measures
Software complexity metric-based defect classification using FARM with preprocessing step CFS and SMOTE a preliminary study

One criteria for assessing the software quality is ensuring that there is no defect in the software which is being developed. Software defect classification can be used to prevent software defects. More earlier software defects are detected in the software life cycle, it will minimize the software development costs. This study proposes a software defect classification using Fuzzy Association Rule Mining (FARM) based on complexity metrics. However, not all complexity metrics affect on software defect, therefore it requires metrics selection process using Correlation-based Feature Selection (CFS) so it can increase the classification performance. This study will conduct experiments on the NASA MDP open source dataset that is publicly accessible on the PROMISE repository. This datasets contain history log of software defects based on software complexity metric. In NASA MDP dataset the data distribution between defective and not defective modules are not balanced. It is called class imbalanced problem. Class imbalance problem can affect on classification performance. It needs a technique to solve this problem using oversampling method. Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) is used in this study as oversampling method. With the advantages possessed by FARM in learning on dataset which has quantitative data attribute and combined with the software complexity metrics selection process using CFS and oversampling using SMOTE, this method is expected has a better performance than the previous methods.
Linear unmixing of hyperspectral signals via wavelet feature extraction

A pixel in remotely sensed hyperspectral imagery is typically a mixture of multiple electromagnetic radiances from various ground cover materials. Spectral unmixing is a quantitative analysis procedure used to recognize constituent ground cover materials (or endmembers) and obtain their mixing proportions (or abundances) from a mixed pixel. The abundances are typically estimated using the least squares estimation (LSE) method based on the linear mixture model (LMM). This dissertation provides a complete investigation on how the use of appropriate features can improve the LSE of endmember abundances using remotely sensed hyperspectral signals. The dissertation shows how features based on signal classification approaches, such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT), outperform features based on conventional signal representation methods for dimensionality reduction, such as principal component analysis (PCA), for the LSE of endmember abundances. Both experimental and theoretical analyses are reported in the dissertation. A DWT-based linear unmixing system is designed specially for the abundance estimation. The system utilizes the DWT as a pre-processing step for the feature extraction. Based on DWT-based features, the system utilizes the constrained LSE for the abundance estimation. Experimental results show that the use of DWT-based features reduces the abundance estimation deviation by 30-50% on average, as compared to the use of original hyperspectral signals or conventional PCA-based features. Based on the LMM and the LSE method, a series of theoretical analyses are derived to reveal the fundamental reasons why the use of the appropriate features, such as DWT-based features, can improve the LSE of endmember abundances. Under reasonable assumptions, the dissertation derives a generalized mathematical relationship between the abundance estimation error and the endmember separabilty. It is proven that the abundance estimation error can be reduced through increasing the endmember separability. The use of DWT-based features provides a potential to increase the endmember separability, and consequently improves the LSE of endmember abundances. The stability of the LSE of endmember abundances is also analyzed using the concept of the condition number. Analysis results show that the use of DWT-based features not only improves the LSE of endmember abundances, but also improves the LSE stability. ii DEDICATION To my wife and parents iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my major advisor, Dr. Lori Bruce, for her advising, support and help that finally lead to the successful completion of this dissertation. I would also like to thank my committee members, Dr. acknowledge all of the faculty and staff, working in …
High-efficiency retrovirus-mediated gene transfer into the livers of mice.

Recombinant retroviral vectors represent an attractive means of transferring genes into the liver because they integrate in the host cell genome and result in permanent gene expression. However, efficient gene transfer is limited by the requirement of active cell division for integration. Surgical partial hepatectomy has been the traditional method of inducing hepatocellular proliferation, but this invasive approach would be difficult to justify in clinical gene therapy. As an alternative, we used a recombinant adenovirus expressing a nonsecreted form of urokinase plaminogen activator (Ad.PGKmuPA), which results in liver regeneration over a period of 8 days. When a high-titer retroviral vector was continuously infused into the portal vein of mice during this period of hepatocyte proliferation, 33.5% of hepatocytes were stably transduced. In addition, high-level expression of a secreted transgene reporter was sustained for at least 48 weeks (length of experiment). We investigated the influence of vector titer on the in vivo transduction efficiency in our system, and found that the total number of infectious retroviral particles delivered per target cell is a critical factor. The results presented here demonstrate the ability to obtain a high gene transfer efficiency and long-term gene expression in hepatocytes in vivo without the need for surgical hepatectomy. The two-vector system described here may be of clinical relevance, as the level of hepatic gene transfer achieved has potential to be curative for a large number of genetic liver diseases.
Regulation of early peritoneal neutrophil migration by macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 and mast cells in experimental peritonitis

Neutrophil (PMN) migration into the peritoneal cavity in response to fecal peritonitis is an important mechanism of host defense against bacterial invasion. We show that the murine C‐X‐C (PMN‐specific) chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2), on intraperitoneal injection in mice, causes PMN migration into the peritoneum. MIP‐2 mRNA and protein were expressed by peritoneal leukocytes after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice and neutralization of MIP‐2 reduced peritoneal PMN migration. A prerequisite for neutrophil‐endothelial adhesion and subsequent migration from the circulation is selectin‐mediated rolling. Pretreatment of mice with an anti‐P‐selectin antibody before intraperitoneal injection of MIP‐2 significantly reduced peritoneal PMN migration. However, there are no reports that a C‐X‐C chemokine can up‐regulate endothelial selectins. We postulated that MIP‐2, when injected intraperitoneally, interacts with a cell that is known to release factors that up‐regulate endothelial selectins. A likely candidate is the mast cell, which contains histamine and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and both of these factors induce selectins. Intraperitoneally injected MIP‐2 caused an early significant increase in peritoneal TNF‐α, whereas histamine levels were unaffected. In a subsequent experiment, mast cell‐deficient mice and their normal controls were then injected intraperitoneally with MIP‐2 or underwent CLP. Significantly fewer PMNs migrated into the peritoneal cavity in the mast cell‐deficient mice after MIP‐2 injection or CLP. Thus, our findings indicate that mast cells and MIP‐2 are necessary for PMN migration into the peritoneum in response to intra‐abdominal infection, and that MIP‐2 appears to facilitate this through an increase in TNF‐α release. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 249–255; 1999.
Vernonia kotschyana Roots: Therapeutic Potential via Antioxidant Activity

The roots of Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. (Asteraceae) are used in Malian traditional medicine in the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers and gastritis. Since oxidative stress is involved in gastric ulceration, the aim of this study was to screen the root extracts for their in vitro antioxidant activity and phenolic content. The roots were extracted successively with chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. The antioxidant activity of root extracts was evaluated in both cell-free and cell-based assays. Their chemical characterization was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) whereas the total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The ethyl acetate extract displayed the highest phenolic content and was found to be the most active in the free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays; it also showed a high antioxidant activity in MCF-12F cells. This study suggests a potential use of the ethyl acetate extract of Vernonia kotschyana not only as an antioxidant agent in gastroduodenal ulcers and gastritis, but also in other disorders characterized by high levels of oxidative stress.
Effect of a Multifaceted, Church-Based Wellness Program on Metabolic Syndrome in 41 Overweight or Obese Congregants

Introduction A rise in obesity, poor-quality diets, and low physical activity has led to a dramatic increase in the number of Americans with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Our objective was to determine the effect of a short-term, multifaceted wellness program carried out in a church setting on weight, metabolic syndrome, and self-reported wellness. Methods Forty-one overweight or obese adults in a church congregation provided fasting blood samples and answered a wellness questionnaire before and after completing an 8-week diet and exercise program. We also measured weight, body fat, body mass index, and waist and hip circumference. Results The intervention decreased weight, body fat, and central adiposity; improved indexes of metabolic syndrome; and increased self-reported wellness. Conclusion A multifaceted wellness intervention that emphasizes diet and exercise can rapidly influence weight, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and self-reported wellness.
Update of research on the role of EZH2 in cancer progression

Accumulating evidence shows that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (E2H2) is upregulated in a broad range of cancer types, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer. Therefore, inhibiting EZH2 expression may be a promising strategy for anticancer therapy. This review focuses on the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying EZH2 regulation that are involved in cancer progression. Also, it introduces two EZH2 inhibitors that target EZH2 and could be potentially applied in the treatment of cancer in the future.
DVB‐S2X‐enabled precoding for high throughput satellite systems

Multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output (MU‐MIMO) has allowed recent releases of terrestrial long‐term evolution (LTE) standards to achieve significant improvements in terms of offered system capacity. The publication of the DVB‐S2X standard and particularly of its novel superframe structure is a key enabler for applying similar interference management techniques –such as precoding– to multibeam high throughput satellite (HTS) systems. This paper presents results from the European Space Agency‐funded R&D activities concerning the practical issues that arise when precoding is applied over an aggressive frequency re‐use HTS network. In addressing these issues, the paper also proposes pragmatic solutions that have been developed in order to overcome these limitations. Through the application of a comprehensive system simulator, it is demonstrated that important capacity gains (beyond 40%) are to be expected from applying precoding even after introducing a number of significant practical impairments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lékové interakce inhibitorů protonové pumpy

Farmakokineticke interakce inhibitorů protonove pumpy (PPI) mohou nastat předevsim ve fazi absorpce a eliminace. Mezi nejvýznamnějsi patři sniženi vstřebavani azolových antimykotik a inhibice metabolizmu diazepamu, moklobemidu a aktivace klopidogrelu na cytochromu P450 2C19. Inhibici CYP3A4 mohou PPI zvysovat plazmaticke koncentrace takrolimu. Nejmensi interakcni potencial ve fazi metabolizmu vykazuje pantoprazol. Ve fazi eliminace dochazi ke sniženi vylucovani metotrexatu inhibici protonove pumpy v ledvinových tubulech.