Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and Evaluation of a Reconfigurable Antenna Array for MIMO Systems

New reconfigurable antenna array is demonstrated for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication systems that improves link capacity in closely spaced antenna arrays. The antenna system consists of an array of two printed dipoles separated by a distance of a quarter wavelength. Each of the dipoles can be reconfigured in length using PIN diode switches. The switch configuration can be modified in a manner adaptive to changes in the environment. The configuration of switches effects the mutual coupling between the array elements, and subsequently, the radiation pattern of each antenna, leading to different degrees of pattern diversity which can be used to improve link capacity. The PIN diode-based reconfigurable antenna solution is first motivated through a capacity analysis of the antenna in a clustered MIMO channel model. A new definition of spatial correlation coefficient is introduced to include the effects of antenna mismatch and radiation efficiency when quantifying the benefit of pattern diversity. Next, the widespread applicability of the proposed technique is demonstrated, relative to conventional half wavelength printed dipoles, using computational electromagnetic simulation in an outdoor and indoor environment and field measurements in an indoor laboratory environment. It is shown for the 2 times 2 system considered in this paper, that an average improvement of 10% and 8% is achieved in link capacity for a signal to noise ratio (SNR) respectively of 10 dB and 20 dB in an indoor environment compared to a system employing non reconfigurable antenna arrays.
Multiple Lentigines Syndrome: A Comparison of Normal Skin and Lentiginous Skin by Electron Microscopy and Immunohistochemical Staining

A 26‐year‐old Korean man exhibited generalized lentigines, a slight prominence of the chin, short stature, and a familial history consistent with the autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The multiple lentigines appeared at the age of 1 and spread over his entire body including the scalp, palms, and soles by the age of 4. There were several large dark pigmented spots on the trunk, but no other skin abnormalities were found. We performed histologic studies of the normal skin and the lentigo by both electron and light microscopy with immunohistochemical stains. Routine hematoxylin‐eosin staining of the pigmented skin revealed heavily pigmented basal and spinous layers and prominent rete ridges. Fontana‐Masson stain showed enormous black pigmentations on the basal and spinous layers of the pigmented macule. S‐100 protein stain of the pigmented lesion demonstrated an increased number of melanocytes per unit skin area. Ultrastructural studies showed the presence of extensive aggregated melanosomes within the keratinocytes in the epidermis of lentigo, but not the presence of giant melanosomes in either normal skin or lentigines.
Prospective surveillance of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in Dallas County, Texas, and in Minnesota.

Among children less than 12 years of age residing in Dallas County, Texas, and in the state of Minnesota we conducted prospective, active surveillance of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease. During 18 months, 616 cases were identified, of which 600 were caused by type b organisms. The annual incidence of disease was significantly greater in Dallas than in Minnesota (109 v 68/100,000 children younger than 5 years of age, P less than .001) and was greater in Dallas, even when rates for white children in the two regions were compared (P less than .001). Other regional differences were observed. In Dallas, a larger proportion of cases were in children attending day-care centers (27% compared with 12% in Minnesota, P less than .001) and more patients attended day care for greater than 40 h/wk (56% compared with 30% in Minnesota, P less than .001). Outer membrane protein subtyping of isolates revealed that in Dallas 6U isolates were associated significantly with cases in black children who attended day care. In Minnesota, but not in Dallas, isolates with subtype 1H were associated significantly with cases in children in day care. These data indicate that there are regional differences in the epidemiology of type b Haemophilus disease that may relate to differences in strains, day-care practices, or other unknown cultural or environmental factors. Finally, because only 15% of systemic Haemophilus disease in these regions occurred in children in the age groups recommended for vaccination (24 to 59 months), the new Haemophilus type b polysaccharide vaccine is expected to have a limited impact on the overall incidence of disease.
Photoresponse of (In,Ga)N-GaN multiple-quantum-well structures in the visible and UVA ranges

Characterization and analysis of photoresponse in p-n diodes with embedded (In,Ga)N-GaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structures are reported. Their dependence on the number of wells and In composition are considered. The influence of device structure on electric fields in the active region and on device responsivity has also been studied. Theoretical considerations as well as photocapacitance and photocurrent measurements show that the position of quantum wells (QWs), either in the quasi-neutral region or in the space charge region, is a critical factor in the collection efficiency. Hence, device photoresponse is not proportional to the number of QWs in photovoltaic mode. Present p-MQW-n devices show a promising performance as UVA and visible photodetectors, with detectivities, D/sup */, higher than 1.2/spl times/10/sup 12/ cm/spl middot/Hz/sup 1/2//spl middot/W/sup -1/ and rejection ratios higher than 10/sup 3/.
Diagnostics of the transmission properties of the slip ring system in doubly fed induction generators

The slip ring apparatus in doubly fed induction generators is used to transfer the rotor current from the rotating to the static part of the generator. During the current transfer micro brush fires occur in the contact area when the minimum contact force FC is not maintained. This depends on the spring force applied to the brush top side, the sliding speed Vs of the slip ring, the electrical variables (e.g. amplitude of brush current, contact voltage) and environmental influences (e.g. air humidity, ambient temperature, dust). All these variables are measured in our slip ring apparatus. Consequently, this rises the contact temperature that affects the wear of the contact materials (graphite). Using the envelope analysis method, the electrical variables were examined in the frequency domain, where the first and the even harmonic were considered. Since the system is asymmetrical, the mean of the side bands amplitudes for each position is calculated. To evaluate the influence of v and FC, the quotient with the fundamental amplitude AC is formed and is defined as the sparking intensity. With this method, both parameters the sliding speed and the contact force must be approximately constant and the measurement time must be at least 30 seconds.
A prospective study of predictors of poststroke depression

Objective: To investigate the association between early depressive behavior after stroke onset and occurrence of poststroke depression (PSD) at 3- and 12-month follow-up evaluations. Methods: The study prospectively included 273 patients with first-ever single uncomplicated ischemic stroke. In the stroke unit, nurses scored crying, overt sadness, and apathy daily using an observational method to include patients with comprehension deficits. The Barthel Index was used to assess disability. Follow-up evaluation at months 3 and 12 included psychiatric assessment based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. Results: Crying (19.8%), overt sadness (50.5%), and apathy (47.6%) were observed. Of the patients observed crying, 4 showed pathologic crying, 19 emotionalism, and 12 catastrophic reactions. Crying and overt sadness, but not apathy, were associated with a subjective experience of depression (p < 0.05). Thirty of 52 (58%) patients observed crying, 12 of 19 (63%) patients with emotionalism, and 5 of 12 (41%) patients with catastrophic reactions developed PSD within the first year. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only severe functional disability (odds ratio [OR], 4.31; 95% CI, 2.41 to 7.69), crying behaviors (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.35 to 5.27), and an age <68 years (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.30 to 4.13) were (p < 0.05) predictors of late PSD development (13% of the variance). Conclusions: In the stroke unit, crying and overt sadness are more reliable indicators of depressed mood than apathy. In patients with first-ever stroke, crying behaviors soon after stroke, a younger age, and severe disability are predictors of poststroke depression occurrence within the first year after stroke onset.
John Ludbrook APPS Symposium Statistics In Physiology And Pharmacology: A Slow And Erratic Learning Curve

1. Learning how to apply statistical analyses to the results of experimental or clinical studies may take a lifetime of trial (and sometimes error), as it has done in the author’s case. There is no evidence that biomedical investigators of the present generation are on a steeper learning curve. Gross misunderstandings of the purpose and functions of statistical analysis are apparent in applications to research grant‐giving bodies and ethics committees, in manuscripts submitted to journals and sometimes in published papers.
Rho small G-protein-dependent binding of mDia to an Src homology 3 domain-containing IRSp53/BAIAP2.

mDia1 is a downstream effector of Rho small G protein that is implicated in stress fiber formation and cytokinesis. We isolated an mDia1-binding protein and identified it to be IRSp53/BAIAP2. IRSp53 and BAIAP2 have independently been isolated as a 58/53-kDa protein tyrosine phosphorylated in response to insulin and a BAI1-binding protein, respectively. BAI1 is a brain-specific seven-span transmembrane protein capable of inhibiting angiogenesis. The proline-rich formin homology 1 domain of mDia1 bound the Src homology 3 domain of IRSp53/BAIAP2 in a GTP-Rho-dependent manner. The results suggest that IRSp53/BAIAP2 is a downstream effector of mDia1.
Ultrasonography and Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism

Abstract—Venous thromboembolism (VTE) consists of two related conditions: pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Objective testing for VTE is crucial because the clinical diagnosis is nonspecific and insensitive, and the consequences of a missed diagnosis are serious. The purpose of this review is to discuss the utility of venous ultrasonography as the foundation for diagnosis of acute lower extremity DVT. The effectiveness and practicality of venous ultrasonography as a stand-alone examination versus theoretically attractive, but perhaps less practical, combined approaches of ultrasonography with clinical probability assessment and D-dimer testing in the diagnosis of acute DVT is also addressed. Finally, the role of venous ultrasonography in a diagnostic algorithm for suspected PE is discussed.
Pharmacokinetics of an Elevated Dosage of Micafungin in Premature Neonates

Background: Determining the safety and pharmacokinetics of antifungal agents in neonates is important. A previous single-dose pharmacokinetic study of micafungin in neonates demonstrated that doses of 0.75 to 3 mg/kg produced lower plasma micafungin concentrations than in older patients because of increased apparent plasma clearance of micafungin in neonates. The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of an increased (15 mg/kg/d) dose of micafungin. Methods: A repeated dose, open-label pharmacokinetic, and safety trial of intravenous micafungin in 12 preterm neonates >48 hours of life with suspected systemic infections. Neonates received 15 mg/kg/d of micafungin for 5 days. Blood samples were drawn relative to either the fourth or fifth dose. Systemic exposure was assessed by examination of the plasma area under the curve. Results: The median birth weight and gestational age of the neonates were 775 g and 27 weeks, respectively. No adverse events related to micafungin were detected. The mean area under the curve and clearance for the cohort was 437.5 &mgr;g′h/mL and 0.575 mL/min/kg, respectively. The calculated clearance and volume of distribution for neonates was greater than that observed in older children and adults. Conclusions: These data suggest that 15 mg/kg dosing in premature neonates corresponds to an exposure of approximately 5 mg/kg in adults. No adverse events related to micafungin were observed.
Excitatory synaptic connections onto rat hippocampal inhibitory cells may involve a single transmitter release site.

1. Whole‐cell tight‐seal records of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were made from inhibitory cells in the CA3 region of thin hippocampal slices. We tested the hypothesis that excitatory synaptic connections made on inhibitory cells involve few transmitter release sites. 2. EPSCs impinging on inhibitory cells had a time to peak of 0.4‐3.8 ms and an amplitude of 8‐90 pA at a holding potential of ‐60 mV. They were suppressed by the excitatory amino acid antagonists 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX) and DL‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (APV). 3. Addition of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and Co2+ to the external solution reduced the frequency of EPSCs from 0.90 to 0.25 s‐1 (n = 24 cells). In the majority of cells EPSC amplitude distributions were not significantly changed. 4. Increasing Ca2+ and reducing Mg2+ in the external solution, in order to enhance the probability of transmitter release, did not change EPSC amplitude distributions. In contrast, amplitude histograms for IPSCs recorded from pyramidal cells were shifted to higher mean values in this solution. 5. EPSCs were elicited in inhibitory cells by electrical stimulation via a glass pipette placed near to pyramidal cells in stratum pyramidale. EPSCs elicited by weak stimuli had similar amplitude distributions to excitatory synaptic events recorded in the presence of TTX and Co2+. 6. These findings suggest excitatory synaptic connections made with CA3 inhibitory cells involve few or possibly just one transmitter release site.
A hybrid prediction model applied to diarrhea time series

Accurate and reliable prediction incidence of diarrhea disease is necessary for the health authorities to ensure the appropriate action for the control of the outbreak. In this study, a hybrid prediction algorithm (EMD-GRNN), which combines empirical mode decomposition (EMD) as time series decomposition method and the generalized regression neural network (GRNN) as prediction model, is proposed to improve the quality of diarrhea prediction. First, the proposed EMD-GRNN algorithm decomposes the complex original diarrhea time series into a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residual series. The IMF components and residual series are than applied training datasets to model and predicted using GRNN model. Finally, these local prediction results are combined into the final diarrhea prediction result using another independent GRNN model by a trainable combinatorial method. The proposed EMD-GRNN algorithm is evaluated by predicting the diarrhea cases number of children and adult located in Shanghai of China. The obtained experimental results confirm that the proposed EMDGRNN algorithm is better than the traditional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and the single GRNN model.
Examination of the transcription factor NtcA-binding motif by in vitro selection of DNA sequences from a random library.

A recursive in vitro selection among random DNA sequences was used for analysis of the cyanobacterial transcription factor NtcA-binding motifs. An eight-base palindromic sequence, TGTA-(N(8))-TACA, was found to be the optimal NtcA-binding sequence. The more divergent the binding sequences, compared to this consensus sequence, the lower the NtcA affinity. The second and third bases in each four-nucleotide half of the consensus sequence were crucial for NtcA binding, and they were in general highly conserved. The most frequently occurring sequence in the middle weakly conserved region was similar to that of the NtcA-binding motif of the Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 glnA gene, previously known to have high affinity for NtcA. This indicates that the middle sequences were selected for high NtcA affinity. Analysis of natural NtcA-binding motifs showed that these could be classified into two groups based on differences in recognition consensus sequences. It is suggested that NtcA naturally recognizes different DNA-binding motifs, or has differential affinities to these sequences under different physiological conditions.
Multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy. Diminished striatal D2 dopamine receptor activity demonstrated by 123I-IBZM single photon emission computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE To measure D2 dopamine receptors in the striatum in patients with multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy by I 3-iodo-6-methoxybenzamide labeled with iodine I 123 (123I-IBZM) single photon emission computed tomography and differentiate them from control subjects. DESIGN Survey with the following as retrospective criterion standards: (1) parkinsonism, (2) negative apomorphine test, and (3) no or only slight reaction to dopaminergic medication. SETTING Ambulatory or hospitalized care in an academic referral center. PATIENTS AND CONTROL SUBJECTS Twenty-one patients with parkinsonism not responding to dopaminergic medication (17 with multiple system atrophy and four with progressive supranuclear palsy) and 21 control subjects without parkinsonism. INTERVENTION In vivo imaging by single photon emission computed tomography using the D2 dopamine receptor specific radioligand 123I-IBZM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Striatum/occipital cortex ratio of count rate density as semiquantitative measurement for striatal D2 dopamine receptor density. RESULTS A highly significant loss of striatal uptake of 123I-IBZM was observed in the patients in comparison to the control subjects with little or no overlap between values. CONCLUSIONS The hypothesized loss of D2 receptors in multiple system atrophy has been confirmed. Use of 123I-IBZM single photon emission computed tomography may be a cost-effective alternative to positron emission tomography in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism and in the selection of patients for dopaminergic therapy.
Distance M-Me: A novel parameter having significant potential as a predictor of mandibular growth

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship of the measured distance between two mandibular points (distance M-Me) to chronological age and to find out whether the absolute values of distance M-Me could be classified age-wise into a unique range, which could be directly read for predicting the stage of mandibular growth. Methods and Materials: The study sample consists of lateral cephalometric records of 65 patients (34 females and 31 males; age range: 6–21 years). Chronological age was calculated in decimal years. Lateral cephalograms were assessed by two independent examiners. Points M and Me were located on the lateral cephalograms, and linear distance between them was measured. Results: Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients showed a high correlation between chronological age and distance M-Me (0.746 for females and 0.869 for males, p < 0.01). When the values of distance M-Me were compared with chronological age, it was possible to make four age groups (for females and males separately), where each group showed a unique range of value for distance M-Me. The values increased with increasing age. Conclusions: Increase in value of distance M-Me with age, showing reduced individual variation, depicts a well-conserved linear dimension. Values of distance M-Me can be directly read for predicting the stage of mandibular growth and can be used as a valuable adjunct or substitute to chronological age.
Effect of Estradiol on Estrogen Receptor Expression in Rat Uterine Cell Types1

Abstract In rodent uterus, both up- and down-regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels by estradiol has been demonstrated; however, it is not known which of the uterine compartments (endometrial epithelium, stroma, myometrium) respond to estradiol with autoregulation of ERα. The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the kinetics and cell type-specific effects of estradiol on uterine ERα expression in immature and adult rats. Ovariectomized female rats were injected s.c. with sesame oil or estradiol-17β. Uteri were collected and analyzed for changes in ERα mRNA using RNase protection assays (RPA) and in situ hybridization using radiolabeled probes specific for ERα. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with a polyclonal antibody specific to ERα. Expression of ERα in the uterine epithelial cells decreased at 3 and 6 h after estradiol administration to immature and adult rats, respectively. At 24 h, ERα mRNA levels in the immature and mature rat uterus were higher than pretreatment levels but returned to baseline by 72 h. Pretreatment with cycloheximide did not block the 3-h repressive effect of estradiol, suggesting that the estradiol-induced decrease in ERα mRNA occurs independent of new protein synthesis. A decrease in ERα mRNA and protein was also observed in uterine epithelia at 3 and 6 h after an estradiol injection to immature and adult rats, and intensity of both the in situ hybridization signal and the immunostaining in the epithelium increased at 24 and 72 h. However, the periluminal stromal cells in the adult uterus and the majority of stromal cells of the immature uterus appeared to have increased ERα expression. The results indicate that down-regulation of ERα in the epithelia and up-regulation of stromal ERα play a role in early events associated with estradiol-induced cell proliferation of the uterine epithelia.
Recent developments and future challenges in immune checkpoint inhibitory cancer treatment

Purpose of review In this review, we focus on the recent findings and future challenges in cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent findings Major progress has been made in recent years as the first immune checkpoint inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer patients. Anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and antiprogrammed death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies are being extensively studied in many different tumor types, often showing impressive response rates, but also a typical serious toxicity profile in the form of auto-immunity. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to prevent or predict these immune-related adverse events. Studies on mutational load, neo-epitopes, lactate dehydrogenase, PD-L1 expression, and T-cell infiltration suggest that these markers are correlating with efficacy, but have not yet reached the status of a validated biomarker for checkpoint inhibitors. Other immune checkpoints are being investigated and new checkpoint inhibitors are on the brink of being evaluated in clinical trials. Summary The main challenge for the near future will be to predict efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade and to predict and prevent immune-related adverse events. More research should be done in order to find potential biomarkers that predict treatment response and/or toxicity; the optimal administration route, dosage, and frequency; and possible combinations of therapies that have an added or synergetic effect.