Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AOA estimation for coexisting UWB signals with multipath channels

The applications of location-based service (LBS) grow rapidly and draw significant research attention recently. As the advance of localization technology, not only the LBS can be applied outdoors but also in indoor environments with abundant multipath channels. Angle-of-Arrival (AOA) estimation is a vital technology for signal source localization; however, its accuracy is significantly affected by multipath signal propagation. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signal as one of promising short-range communication technologies has been used in signal localization and shown excellent performance. Yet rare works investigate the scenario that several UWB signal sources coexisting in an environment. This work considers AOA estimation for coexisting UWB signal sources in an environment with multipath channels. An antenna array is designed for such an environment, which can classify signals and estimate the AOA of their corresponding shortest path based on received signals. Feasibility and performance of the proposed method are verified by computer simulation results.
Problems Hearing in Noise in Older Adults

Difficulty understanding speech in background noise, even with amplification to restore audibility, is a common problem for hearing-impaired individuals and is especially frequent in older adults. Despite the debilitating nature of the problem the cause is not yet completely clear. This review considers the role of spatial processing ability in understanding speech in noise, highlights the potential impact of disordered spatial processing, and attempts to establish if aging leads to reduced spatial processing ability. Evidence supporting and opposing the hypothesis that spatial processing is disordered among the aging population is presented. With a few notable exceptions, spatial processing ability was shown to be reduced in an older population in comparison to young adults, leading to poorer speech understanding in noise. However, it is argued that to conclude aging negatively effects spatial processing ability may be oversimplified or even premature given potentially confounding factors such as cognitive ability and hearing impairment. Further research is required to determine the effect of aging and hearing impairment on spatial processing and to investigate possible remediation options for spatial processing disorder.
Theoretical and Practical Considerations in Compression Hearing Aids

Most clinicians are aware of the excellent summary on the topic of compression written by noted researchers such as Braida et al (1979), Walker and Dillon (1982), and Dillon (1988). A reasonable question is: why this paper? The fact is that over the last 10 years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of scientific papers and clinical reports on the use of compression in hearing aids. The present attitude towards compression hearing aids is certainly more positive than that expressed in previous reports. This change in interest from linear amplification with peak clipping to an alternative output limiting approach is also reflected in the increasing number of hearing aid manufacturers incorporating compression circuitry in their hearing aid design. While hearing aids using compression as output limiting offers some advantages over hearing aids using peak clipping, the use of compression is not without controversies. Some of the theoretical arguments made in favor of a particular compression approach may have practical limitations. In addition, many benefits reported with one form of compression may not be exclusive of that compression approach. This paper will review the electroacoustic specifications for compression hearing aids, and examine some theoretical and practical advantages of different compression approaches. In addition, considerations will be given to how some of the theoretical issues may require clinicians to re-evaluate their current practice of fitting such devices. Perhaps a better understanding of these issues may facilitate one's choice for a particular output limiting approach for a hearing aid wearer.
Long-Term, Open-Label Safety and Efficacy of Atomoxetine in Adults With ADHD

Objective: Previously, data from 97 weeks of open-label atomoxetine treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were reported. This final report of that study presents results from over 4 years of treatment. Method: Results were derived from the study of 384 patients (125 patients remaining in the open-label trial since the interim report), receiving up to 221 weeks of treatment. Primary efficacy measure was the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale—Investigator Rated: Screening Version (CAARS-Inv:SV) Total ADHD Symptom score. Adverse events and vital signs were assessed. Results: CAARS-Inv:SV Total ADHD Symptom scores decreased 30.2% (p < .001) during treatment. Similar, significant decreases were noted for the secondary efficacy measures, including the Sheehan Disability Scale Total score, which improved 25.3% (p < .001). Adverse events consisted primarily of pharmacologically (noradrenergic) expected effects. Conclusions: Results of this open-label study support the long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of atomoxetine for the treatment of adult ADHD. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 12(3) 248-253)
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute: The Intersection of Science and Health Care

The General Accountability Office is accepting Letters of Nomination through 30 June 2010 for the Board of Governors of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act created the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a nonprofit corporation that is neither an agency nor an establishment of the U.S. government. PCORI’s mission is to support the production of well-validated scientific evidence to assist the nation in making informed decisions about a broad range of health care–related issues. In this Commentary, the directors of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Institutes of Health discuss PCORI’s opportunities to contribute to a robust portfolio of scientific inquiry that builds on their agencies’ investment in comparative effectiveness research.
Erratum: “Evaluating the Potential Usefulness of New Prognostic and Predictive Indicators in Node-Negative Breast Cancer Patients,”

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in all Western countries. Due both to a more widespread public education and to early diagnosis by mammography screening programs, the percentage of patients with node-negative breast cancer has gone up to 70%. Thus, node-negative breast cancer is a major public health problem and, consequently, clinical research in this setting is an expanding field. A recent overview analysis confirmed the results of five prospective randomized clinical trials suggesting that systemic adjuvant therapy can benefit node-negative breast cancer patients. Because of the heterogeneity of node-negative breast cancer, it is reasonable to attempt to avoid excessive treatment morbidity and costs by using selective prognostic markers to identify patients at high risk for disease recurrence who are eligible for postsurgical systemic adjuvant therapy. It is also desirable to use predictive markers in selecting the therapy to which each patient is more likely to respond. The need for additional prognostic and predictive factors has led to identification of a plethora of potentially useful markers. As a result, the selection of patients at different risks of developing node-negative breast cancer and the choice for appropriate therapy remain difficult and confusing for the clinician. Moreover, the majority of studies have examined new markers individually rather than by multivariate analysis and retrospectively rather than prospectively. Thus, there are also important methodologic biases in such studies. This analysis consists of (a) defining the clinical "problem," (b) defining the terms of prognostic and predictive factors, (c) suggesting more appropriate laboratory and clinical approaches to properly evaluate a new indicator, (d) identifying the subsets of patients in whom the use of new prognosticators is warranted and of particular importance, and (e) providing some direction for future research on this topic. Our ultimate goals are to facilitate the understanding of node-negative breast cancer prognostic markers among clinicians, to help them select the most appropriate indicator for specific situations, and to recommend methodology for future research.
Retrospective Assessment of ADHD Symptoms in Childhood

Objective: To examine the discriminatory validity of the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and its five suggested subscales (Conduct Problems, Impulsivity Problems, Mood Difficulties, Inattention/Anxiety, Academic Concerns) in a Finnish sample. Method: WURS was administered to 114 adults, aged 18 to 55 years. Participants with ADHD (n = 37) and dyslexia (n = 36) were compared with healthy controls (n = 41). Results: The ADHD group scored significantly higher than the control group on all subscales. Compared with the dyslexia group, the ADHD group did not differ in Mood Difficulties or Academic Concerns. Using the total score, the positive predictive value was . 53 in this sample and only . 21 when the prevalence of ADHD was taken into account. Conclusion: Three out of five domains of WURS are reliable indicators of ADHD. Domains with low discriminatory power, low general prevalence of ADHD, and other developmental disorders within the population decrease the accuracy.
Analog circuit testing based on sensitivity computation and new circuit modeling

Analog circuit testing is considered to be a very difficult task, due mainly to the lack of fault models and accessibility to internal nodes. An approach is presented for analog circuit modeling and testing to overcome this problem. This circuit modeling is based on a sensitivity computation and on circuit structure, which are crucial in analog circuit testing. The testability of the circuit is achieved for the simple fault model and by functional testing. Component deviations are deduced by measuring a number of output parameters, and through sensitivity analysis and tolerance computation. Using this approach, adequate tests are identified for testing both catastrophic and soft faults. Some experimental results are presented. <<ETX>>
Sequentially untestable faults identified without search ("simple implications beat exhaustive search!")

This paper presents a novel fault-independent algorithm for identifying untestable faults in sequential circuits. The algorithm is based on a simple concept that a fault which requires an illegal combination of values as a necessary condition for its detection is untestable. It uses implications to find a subset of such faults whose detection requires conflicts on certain lines in the circuit. No global reset state is assumed and no state transition information is needed. Our fault-independent algorithm identifies untestable faults without any search as opposed to exhaustive search done by fault-oriented test generation algorithms. Results on benchmark and real circuits indicate that we find a large number of untestable faults, much faster (up to 3 orders of magnitude) than a test-generation-based algorithm that targeted the faults identified by our algorithm. Moreover, many faults identified as untestable by our approach were aborted when targeted by a sequential test generator.
A class of multirate convolutional codes by dummy bit insertion

We present a method to construct lower rate codes from a known high rate code by inserting known dummy bits into the information bit sequence before encoding. Like other multirate codes based on puncturing or repetition, this new class of codes can adjust the amount of protection given to the information bits, and can be decoded using the same decoder as for the mother codes. Specifically, we focused on the recursive systematic insertion convolutional (RSIC) codes. Our analysis and simulation results show that the proposed RSIC code achieves a performance which is comparable to the corresponding optimal recursive systematic repetition convolutional (RSRC) code.
HIV Transmission: Time for Translational Studies to Bridge the Gap

A large clinical trial reveals that HIV-1 RNA loads predict the risk of heterosexual transmission and identifies new directions for translational research. More than 7000 new HIV infections are documented each day worldwide. In this Perspective, we dissect new results from a large clinical trial showing that genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads predict the risk of heterosexual transmission and that genital tract viral RNA load does so independently of plasma viral load. Furthermore, beyond its defined study end points, this well-conducted trial identified new research directions that should be pursued in smaller intensive basic and translational studies.
IDDQ testing of CMOS opens: an experimental study

IDDQ testing is known to be very effective in detecting shorts in CMOS circuits. It has also been reported that open defects that lead to "floating" transistor gates can also be detected if the gate acquires a sufficient voltage to leak measurable current. Recent experiments evaluating a new on-chip IDDQ sensor indicated the possibility of additional detection mechanisms for other types of open failures, including open source and drain connections. To investigate this in more detail, we designed and fabricated two test chips in CMOS technology containing the 74181 ALU circuit. Our test chips include the capability of replacing, one at a time, individual cells in the 74181 circuits with back up cells that each contain a single open defect. In this way in addition to the fault free circuits, a total of 59 faulty circuits can be configured, each containing a different open defect. It was found that IDDQ testing with random vectors detected 48 of the 59 open defects. Analysis of the experimental data reveals new mechanisms that explain the detection of floating gate and open source and drain failures.
The Theory and Observational Evidence for Streamlets: A New Velocity-Based Feature Model of Jet Streams and Eddies in the Oceans

The aim of this study is the verification of a new velocity-based feature model, called streamlets, proposed recently for objective analysis of the three-dimensional velocity structure of jet streams and eddies in the oceans. Streamlets are continuously imbedded shearing vortex solenoids having two forms: cylindrical (for jets) or toroidal (for eddies, considered as self-closed jets). Both these forms comprise stream coordinates based on streamlines of maximum velocity as an axis and vertical velocity cross-sections defined as an oblique cone with elliptical base. Assimilation of velocity measurements is accomplished by fitting this cone to available data using the well-known Nelder-Mead simplex downhill algorithm for finding the minimum of nonlinear parametric functions. Advantages of the streamlet model are discussed emphasizing its functional integrity. The focus is on velocity data assimilation based on coherency of synoptic scale features as opposed to usual pointwise assimilation methods such as averaging or optimal interpolation. Case studies present synoptic features of a different origin and scale including surface-intensified and subsurface baroclinic examples as well as deep barotropic ones demonstrating universality of the model. The theory of streamlets is also addressed in this paper, since it further sustain the streamlet model.
Parallel VLSI equalizer architectures for multi-Gbps satellite communications

This paper provides an overview of a new VLSI architecture for implementing a frequency domain LMS complex equalizer. The architecture incorporates a simple sub-convolution method, digital vector processing, specialized FFT-IFFT hardware architectures, and the DFT-IDFT overlap-and-save filter method. A key property of the new architecture is that the equalizer tap length may be chosen completely independently of the FFT-IFFT lengths and input data block lengths. Theoretically unlimited tap lengths are possible with short FFT-IFFT pairs. It is demonstrated that the new parallel architecture is very well suited for processing multi-Gbps digital communication data rates with relatively low speed CMOS hardware. The presented VLSI equalizer architecture processes complex demodulated symbols at 1/4 the symbol rate. The parallel equalizer, operating on one sample per symbol, has 32 coefficients, is decision directed and processes data modulated with QPSK and 16QAM. The equalizer is integrated into the 2.4 Gbps all-digital wireless parallel demodulator ASIC. The receiver is currently being developed by JPL/CalTech and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. This parallel all-digital receiver designed for satellite communications operates at 1/16 the analog-to-digital sample rate. Finally, a complexity comparison between this equalizer architecture and the traditional frequency domain fast LMS equalizer is given.
Adding posterior lumbar interbody fusion to pedicle screw fixation and posterolateral fusion after decompression in spondylolytic spondylolisthesis.

STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective study analyzing 76 patients treated by decompression, pedicle screw instrumentation, and fusion for spondylolytic spondyiolisthesis with symptomatic spinal stenosis. OBJECTIVES To verify the advantages of adding posterior lumbar interbody fusion to the usual posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Stabilization after decompression of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis is difficult because of a lack of fusional bone bases, gap between the transverse process bases, and incompetent anterior disc support. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion offers anterior support, reduction, and a broad fusion base. METHODS Forty patients were treated with posterolateral fusion, and 36 were treated with additional posterior lumbar interbody fusion. They were compared for union, reduction of the deformity, and clinical results. RESULTS The patients were followed up for more than 2 years. Nonunion was observed in three patients who underwent posterolateral fusion (7.5%), and no cases of nonunion was found in patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Reduction of slippage was 28.3% in those who underwent posterolateral fusion and 41.6% in those who had posterior lumbar interbody fusion (P = 0.05). In the posterolateral fusion group, eight patients (20%) had recurrence of deformity, with loss of reduction more than 50%. Hardware failures occurred in two patients who had posterolateral fusion. There was no major neurologic complications in both groups. Both groups had satisfactory results in more than 90% of patients, with marked improvement of claudication. However, subjective improvement of back pain by Kirkaldy-Willis criteria revealed differences in the excellent results. An excellent result was reported by 45% in the posterolateral fusion group and by 75% in posterior lumbar interbody fusion group. CONCLUSIONS The addition of posterior lumbar interbody fusion to posterolateral fusion after a complete decompression and pedicle screw fixation is a recommended procedure for the treatment of spondylolytic spondylolishesis with spinal stenosis.
Compensation schemes for phase noise and residual frequency offset in OFDM systems

It is shown that a random phase noise Wiener process and a fixed but unknown residual (post-FFT) frequency offset, jointly perturbing an OFDM receiver, manifest themselves as a phase-rotation random variable which is common to all subcarriers, provided that their defining values (variance and fixed amount, respectively) are small, in which case the ICI (intercarrier interference) and the per-subcarrier amplitude distortion induced by them are both negligible. Assuming a known arbitrary channel profile, we propose and evaluate by simulations two decision-directed (i.e., non-pilot-based) compensation schemes, one intuitive and the other based on ML theory. The algorithms exhibit robustness despite the lack of pilots, whereas uncompensated performance degrades rapidly.
Abstract 3581: Characterization of human breast cancer cells with acquired resistance to the EGFR/ErbB-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the ErbB-2 receptor are co-expressed in a subset of breast carcinomas that show a more aggressive phenotype. The dual EGFR/ErbB-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib has been recently approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer patients whose tumors overexpress ErbB-2. We investigated the mechanisms of acquired resistance to lapatinib in breast cancer cells. For this purpose, we used as model the SK-Br-3 human breast carcinoma cell line that express high levels of ErbB-2, and moderate levels of EGFR and ErbB-3. We selected lapatinib-resistant SK-Br-3 cells by stepwise dose escalation of lapatinib. After six months of selection, we isolated SK-Br-3 cells that were able to grow in 1 μM lapatinib. The IC50 of lapatinib for parental SK-Br-3 cells was 140 nM, whereas the IC50 for the lapatinib-resistant SK-Br-3 derived cell line (Lap-R) was > 4 μM. Treatment with lapatinib significantly inhibited the activation of EGFR, ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 in both parental and Lap-R SK-Br-3 cells. However, following treatment with lapatinib, Lap-R cells showed a persistent activation of AKT and MAPK, which in contrast were completely inhibited in parental SK-Br-3 cells, as measured by both western blotting and a Luminex-based phosphoprotein array. In addition, treatment with lapatinib produced a slight activation of c-Src in parental cells, whereas significant levels of c-Src activation were detected in Lap-R cells cultured in presence of lapatinib. Lap-R cells also showed higher levels of expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR-4 than parental cells. In agreement with these findings, Lap-R cells showed a significantly higher ability to invade a matrigel-coated membrane as compared with parental SK-Br-3 cells, as measured with a Boyden-chamber based colorimetric invasion assay. Preliminary findings demonstrate that inhibition of c-Src with the selective src kinase inhibitor saracatinib produces a more significant inhibition of Lap-R cell invasion as compared with parental SK-Br-3 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that activation of c-Src signalling might play a role in acquired resistance to lapatinib in breast cancer cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3581. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3581
How seriously do you take possible-detect faults?

Digital designs, implemented in CMOS technology, have increasingly used tri-state logic (pass gates) to increase clock speed. It is also known that tri-state logic based designs have poor testability, as measured by the single stuck-at fault model, due to the proliferation of "possible-detect" faults. Design for test techniques that have been developed to address testability issues with tri-state logic designs, often incur hardware and cycle-time overheads. In this paper, we discuss the effect of one class of "possible-detect" faults and the implicit ability of a test pattern set in detecting such faults on real hardware.
Evaluating Preclinical Efficacy

Translation of modern type 1 diabetes treatments from mouse to humans depends on implementation of therapeutic efficacy standards. Recent disappointing results of clinical trials seeking type 1 diabetes (T1D) reversal suggest the need for a reevaluation of our translational efforts. This Commentary explores the need for standards in evaluating therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models of T1D.