Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Value of Channel Prediction in CoMP Systems with Large Backhaul Latency

The potential of coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission in providing high spectral efficiency for cellular systems largely depends on the channel quality at the cooperated base stations. In this paper, we investigate whether channel prediction is useful for downlink CoMP systems with backhaul latency in time-varying channels, where both the centralized and decentralized CoMP joint processing (CoMP-JP) as well as the CoMP coordinated beamforming (CoMP-CB) are considered. Toward this goal, we resort to large system analysis with large number of transmit antennas to derive closed form expressions of the average per-user rate of the CoMP systems, when predicted or estimated channels are employed for downlink precoding. By comparing with Non-CoMP systems, we find that channel prediction provides much higher performance gain over channel estimation for CoMP systems, depending on the strategy of the cooperation and the user location. As a result, CoMP systems can perform fairly well for mobile users even under the large backhaul latency, if channel prediction will be used instead of channel estimation. Simulation results are provided to validate our analysis.
Asymptotic Expansions for a Closed Multiple Access System

A closed multiple access system composed of M sources and a single service facility is analyzed. The closed network is modeled as a finite source ${M / G / 1}$ queueing system. We consider systems with a large number of sources (i.e. $M \gg 1$) and we assume that the mean time required to process an individual request is short $(O({1 / M}))$. We then construct asymptotic approximations to the stationary distribution of the number of requests in the service facility by using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. We give formulas for the first and second moments of the number of requests, for all traffic intensities.
Factors for Preterm Births in Germany – An Analysis of Representative German Data (KiGGS)

Abstract Introduction: Preterm birth is a global scourge, the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. This study set out to identify the principal risk factors for preterm birth, based on the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). A range of possible factors influencing preterm birth were selected for inclusion in the questionnaire, covering factors such as gender, national origin, immigrant background, demography, living standard, family structure, parental education and vocational training. Methods: All data were taken from the aforementioned KiGGS survey conducted between 2003 and 2006. A total of 17 641 children and adolescents (8656 girls and 8985 boys) drawn from 167 German towns and municipalities deemed to be representative of the Federal Republic of Germany were included in the study. Gestational age at birth was available for 14 234 datasets. The questionnaire included questions from the following areas as possible factors influencing preterm birth: gender, national origins, immigrant background, demography, living standard, family structure, parental education and vocational training. Results: The preterm birth rate was 11.6 %, higher than that of other national statistical evaluations. Around 57.4 % of multiple pregnancies and 10 % of singleton pregnancies resulted in preterm delivery. Multiple pregnancy was found to be the most important risk factor (OR 13.116). With regard to national origins and immigration background, mothers from Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa had a higher incidence of preterm birth. Preterm birth was more prevalent in cities and large towns than in small towns and villages. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with preterm birth were identified. These should help with the early identification of pregnant women at risk. The preterm birth rate in our survey was higher than that found in other national statistical evaluations based on process data. More than half of all multiple pregnancies ended in preterm birth.
Identification of an Acquired JAK2 Mutation in Polycythemia Vera*

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a human clonal hematological disorder. The molecular etiology of the disease has not been identified. PV hematopoietic progenitor cells exhibit hypersensitivity to growth factors and cytokines, suggesting possible abnormalities in protein-tyrosine kinases and phosphatases. By sequencing the entire coding regions of cDNAs of candidate enzymes, we identified a G:C→ T:A point mutation of the JAK2 tyrosine kinase in 20 of 24 PV blood samples but none in 12 normal samples. The mutation has varying degrees of heterozygosity and is apparently acquired. It changes conserved Val617 to Phe in the pseudokinase domain of JAK2 that is known to have an inhibitory role. The mutant JAK2 has enhanced kinase activity, and when overexpressed together with the erythropoietin receptor in cells, it caused hyperactivation of erythropoietin-induced cell signaling. This gain-of-function mutation of JAK may explain the hypersensitivity of PV progenitor cells to growth factors and cytokines. Our study thus defines a molecular defect of PV.
Alternative promoters and exons, somatic mutation and deregulation of the Bcl‐2‐Ig fusion gene in lymphoma.

The most common translocation in human lymphoma, the t(14;18)(q32;q21), generates heterogeneous 4.2‐7.2 kb Bcl‐2‐immunoglobulin (Ig) chimeric mRNAs resulting from alternative Bcl‐2 5′ exons and varied Ig 3′ untranslated regions (UT). The normal human Bcl‐2 gene has a three exon structure with an untranslated first exon, a facultative 220 bp intron I, but an enormous 370 kb intron II. S1 protection and primer extension analysis defined initiation sites in exon II associated with classic promoter elements and a decanucleotide (ATG‐CAAAGCA) homologous with Ig variable region enhancers. Multiple initiation sites were also found in a GC‐rich region with Sp1 binding motifs in exon I. Most t(14;18) breakpoints cluster within the 3′ UT of Bcl‐2 implicating that event in gene deregulation. The Bcl‐2 gene introduced into the Ig constant (C gamma) locus of SU‐DHL‐6 displayed somatic mutation. While Bcl‐2–Ig mRNAs demonstrated an unaltered 2.5 h half‐life, the Bcl‐2–Ig gene revealed an inappropriately high rate of transcription for a mature B‐cell. This indicates the translocated Bcl‐2 allele has escaped normal control mechanisms.
Resolving Empirical Inconsistencies Concerning Priming, Frequency, and Nonword Foils in Lexical Decision

Two inconsistencies in the priming literature were investigated. Schuberth and Eimas (1977) reported that semantic priming and frequency have additive effects on RTs in lexical decision tasks, whereas Becker (1979) reported that the same two factors interact. Furthermore, Shulman and Davison (1977) reported greater priming given legal vs. illegal nonword foils, whereas Stone and Van Orden (1989) found no difference in the same situation. The present study investigated these inconsistencies by manipulating nonword foil lexicality (i.e., the similarity of nonword foils to words), semantic priming, and word frequency in two lexical decision experiments. In a facilitation dominant, controlled priming experiment (i.e., long prime-target onset asynchronies and a high proportion of related primes), the priming benefit (related vs. neutral primes) and the significant interaction of priming benefit and word frequency were unaffected by nonword foil lexicality. Given pronounceable nonword foils, there were no priming costs (unrelated vs. neutral primes). However, given illegal nonword foils, words preceded by unrelated primes were recognized more rapidly than words preceded by neutral primes (a “reversed” cost). In an automatic priming experiment (i.e., brief prime-target onset asynchronies and a lower proportion of related primes), there was no significant interaction of priming benefit and frequency. Implications for resolving the two empirical inconsistencies are discussed.
Systematic development of Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) envelope for grids

Increased penetration of wind generation into high voltage transmission systems necessitates development of grid integration standards. One of them is Fault Ride-Through (FRT) or Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) guidelines. Development of the voltage envelope depends on the transmission network characteristics along with considerations like contingency and protective relay settings. This paper outlines a systematic method for establishing LVRT criteria through a set of analysis involving contingency analysis, static and dynamic scenario based system simulations. Wind turbine technology is also discussed in context of development of LVRT criteria for large wind farms. The development of voltage envelope for LVRT criteria is shown through the case study for New Zealand transmission system.
Amazon Forests Green-Up During 2005 Drought

Coupled climate-carbon cycle models suggest that Amazon forests are vulnerable to both long- and short-term droughts, but satellite observations showed a large-scale photosynthetic green-up in intact evergreen forests of the Amazon in response to a short, intense drought in 2005. These findings suggest that Amazon forests, although threatened by human-caused deforestation and fire and possibly by more severe long-term droughts, may be more resilient to climate changes than ecosystem models assume.
Arterial stiffness, endothelial function and microcirculatory reactivity in healthy young males

Large (C1) and small (C2) arterial stiffness has been suggested to parallel endothelial reactivity and has led researchers to suggest parameters of arterial stiffness may be alternative measures to brachial sonographic assessments of flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). However, past studies comparing these measures can be criticized. In addition to %FMD responses, we recorded concurrent hyperaemic responses of the microcirculation and both were compared with C1 and C2. Twenty‐nine subjects 18–30 years of age were investigated. Radial blood pressure was recorded with a tonometer. Pulse waveform analysis was performed to calculate C1 and C2. These were compared with %FMD responses and responses of finger flux measured by laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF); pulsatile finger volume measured by photoplethysmography (PPG); and palm skin temperature measured by infrared thermography (Tpalm) (i.e. microcirculatory responses). Responses were determined as % changes from control. We only found weak relationships between C1 and %FMD (r = 0·4, P = 0·04); C2 and %PPG (r = 0·38, P = 0·07); and C2 and %LDFdorsal (r = −0·38; P = 0·04). Responses of %FMD weakly parallel those of C1. Neither C2 nor C1 are viable indicators of endothelial or microcirculatory reactivity (i.e. hyperaemic or venous constriction) in healthy, resting young males. These findings refute the claims that C1 and C2 are substitute measures to sonographic assessments of brachial FMD.
Profiling adipocytokine secretion from creeping fat in Crohn's disease

Background: Adipose tissue is recognized as a compartment secreting highly active molecules. Creeping fat represents a characteristic feature of Crohn's disease (CD). Proinflammatory or anti‐inflammatory adipose‐derived secretory products, now generally called adipocytokines, may play a role in the pathogenesis of CD. Materials and Methods: Adipose tissue specimens were obtained from creeping fat contiguous to the involved intestine of 10 patients with CD. Mesenteric adipose tissue specimens resected from 13 patients with colon cancer (CC) and from 7 patients with diverticulitis served as controls. Three fat tissue specimen per well and 6 to 8 wells per patient were incubated ex vivo for 24 h. The release of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, interleukin‐6, macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, and migration inhibitory factor was measured by ELISA. The expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 receptors was investigated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a subset of adipose tissues. Results: The secretion of adiponectin and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, as well as leptin and migration inhibitory factor, was significantly upregulated in CD compared with CC and diverticulitis or CC only, respectively. Resistin, interleukin‐6, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 were not specifically induced in CD but were associated with unspecific inflammation. Adiponectin receptor expression was not different in CC, CD, or diverticulitis. Steroid treatment in CD patients had differential effects on the ex vivo secretion of adipocytokines. Conclusions: A specific secretion pattern of proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory adipocytokines indicates the significance of adipose tissue in intestinal inflammation in CD. Future investigations of this intestinal compartment may provide novelinsights into the pathophysiological role of creeping fat and CD.
Augmenting the world with interactive virtual studio

In this paper, a system named IVS (Interactive Virtual Studio), which integrates low-level (feature extraction and ordering), mid-level (camera parameters estimation and evaluation), high-level (object recognition and reconstruction), and graphics techniques, is presented. The purpose of IVS is to integrate computer generated animation with real image sequence seamlessly. With minimum human intervention, IVS is an off-line postprocessing system that operates on a real world sequence in which a known object is tracked. The camera pose in each frame is recovered from which the camera trajectory is reconstructed. Firstly, object features are extracted from the environment and correspondence between the extracted shape and a shape from a database is solved by an SVD (Singular Value Decomposition) based technique. Secondly, SFSM (Structure from Simulated Motion) is used for object recognition and the information is used for reconstruction of the 3D object contained in the image. An evaluation mechanism is introduced to provide feedback and reduce the registration error. In the last stage of the processing, virtual graphics objects are imported to interact with the real image sequence. While the concept of developing such a system is not new, the various novel techniques we incorporated into IVS make it different.
A repercussão no YouTube do filme publicitário “menos Luíza que está no Canadá”

Diante de um cenario onde se apresentam novas midias digitais como ambientes para livre socializacao, documentacao e arquivamento das interacoes, o artigo contempla como a um comercial de TV dissonante fomenta as discussoes online e como estas se classificam. Para tanto, e analisado o filme publicitario de uma Construtora e cada comentario efetuado sobre ele no site YouTube por meio de classificacao em categorias.
The past, present and future of minimally invasive endoscopy in gynecology: A review and speculative outlook

Abstract Over the last twenty-five years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has evolved in a relatively short period of time to overtake the centuries-old visionary and pioneering groundwork of our outstanding colleagues in all surgical disciplines. This overview on the development of gynecological endoscopy, at the invitation of SMIT, highlights past achievements and describes present challenges. It emphasizes future opportunities and possibilities to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and integrate emerging endoscopic, imaging and stereotactic surgical technologies to improve patient safety, enhance quality of care and advance surgical education. This article will introduce younger colleagues to the exciting world of contemporary gynecologic endoscopy and help them appreciate the immense technology-laden opportunities that the future holds for those who are prepared to follow in the footsteps and aspirations of our founding surgical colleagues.
Predictors of peri-implant bone loss during long-term maintenance of patients treated with 10-mm implants and single crown restorations.

PURPOSE The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the predictors of peri-implant bone loss in a sample of patients treated with 10-mm implants and single crowns who underwent periodontal/peri-implant maintenance (PM) in a Mexican private periodontal practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Outcomes of a group of systemically healthy, partially edentulous patients attended up to July 2012 were assessed. Patient data were considered for inclusion if they involved treatment of partially edentulous sites with 10-mm-long implants and single crown restorations, as well as at least 3 years of regular PM following implant placement. Peri-implant bone loss was evaluated from data recorded at the most recent examination. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate associations between peri-implant bone loss and sex, duration of PM, location and number of implants placed per patient, region of the mouth, smoking status, type of implant, and retention of restoration. RESULTS A sample of 104 subjects who had been treated with four different types of dental implants and maintained for at least 3 years was selected. Of the 148 implants placed and followed for an average period of continuing PM of 6 years (range, 3 to 15 years), only one implant (1.8%) was lost. The outcomes of logistic regression analysis showed that the independent variables smoking, retention of restoration (cemented vs screw-retained), and type of implant (internal- or external-hex) were found to be correlated with peri-implant bone loss, with odds ratios of 39.64, 4.85, and 0.04, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Peri-implant bone loss was significantly associated with smoking status, the type of implant (ie, externally hexed), and type of retention (ie, cemented). Overall, all patients maintained low rates of bone loss.
Exclusion of Linkage of Crohn's Disease to Previously Reported Regions on Chromosomes 12, 7, and 3 in the Belgian Population Indicates Genetic Heterogeneity

Summary: Susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is significantly determined by genetic factors. Linkage data from genome‐wide searches have identified regions on chromosomes 16, 12, 7, and 3. Our goal was to replicate these four regions in a Belgian population of IBD families. Fifty‐four IBD families were studied (47 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 7 with mixed CD and ulcerative colitis, containing 79 affected sibpairs (68 CD only, 11 mixed) for the regions previously implicated to chromosomes 16, 12, 7, and 3. In this study, no evidence for linkage was found on any of the four chromosomal regions studied for either the whole IBD dataset or the CD subgroup. The multipoint maximum logarithm of odds scores were less than 0.7 for all four regions. Exclusion mapping could significantly exclude chromosomes 3, 7, and 12. Despite earlier findings, we could significantly exclude linkage of CD with previously reported regions on chromosomes 12, 7, and 3, and could not find evidence for linkage to chromosome 16. It is important to report these findings in light of the genetic heterogeneity of IBD. A genome‐wide search on a larger group of affected siblings is being analyzed to detect other possible susceptibility loci in the Belgian population.
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Compared With Single-Injection Peripheral Nerve Block: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Objectives Many practitioners consider continuous peripheral nerve blocks (cPNBs) to be superior to single-injection peripheral nerve blocks (siPNBs). Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated improved pain control, patient satisfaction, and other outcomes for patients with cPNBs compared with patients with siPNBs, whereas other trials have not shown significant differences. We sought to clarify any potential advantages of cPNBs over siPNBs. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all prospective, randomized trials comparing cPNBs with siPNBs. We used a validated systematic search strategy to identify potentially eligible studies. For studies meeting inclusion criteria, methodologic quality was scored independently by 2 reviewers. Data from the studies were abstracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Results Compared with siPNBs, cPNBs were associated with a decreased rating of worst pain on postoperative day 0 (effect size [ES], −1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.19 to −0.40; P = 0.005), postoperative day 1 (ES, −1.87; 95% CI, −2.44 to −1.31; P < 0.001), and postoperative day 2 (ES, −2.03; 95% CI, −2.78 to −1.290; P < 0.001); decreased overall opioid use (ES, −15.70; 95% CI, −21.84 to −9.55; P < 0.001); less nausea (ES, 0.633; 95% CI, 0.407–0.983; P = 0.043); and higher patient satisfaction scores (weighted mean difference, −2.04; 95% CI, 1.24–2.85; P < 0.001). Conclusions Compared with siPNBs, cPNBs were associated with improved pain control, decreased need for opioid analgesics, less nausea, and greater patient satisfaction. The effect of cPNBs on other clinically relevant outcomes, such as complications, long-term functional outcomes, or costs, remains unclear.
Dualidad y simetría en el aprendizaje matemático. El ejemplo de las cuadráticas

En el presente trabajo se propone al pensamiento complejo y el pensamiento critico como componentes fundamentales del pensamiento matematico contemporaneo, que centra su atencion en dos fenomenos paradigmaticos: la simetria y la dualidad. Las ideas expuestas se ilustran por medio de una secuencia didactica propuesta para la presentacion del tema conocido como las cuadraticas.
Beyond Prediction of Stroke Risk in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

tion, funds, training, and technology. There is an urgent need to reduce the gap in research and development between developed and developing countries. This can be done by initiating more collaborative projects, training facilities, better research and development policies, scientific networking, and exchange of good practices. If the gap in research and development between developed and developing countries is reduced, it will greatly help the growing aging population in the developing world, contributing to its development and reducing human suffering and pressure on fragile economies.
CYP3A4 is a Human Microsomal Vitamin D 25‐Hydroxylase

The human hepatic microsomal vitamin D 25‐hydroxylase protein and gene have not been identified with certainty. Sixteen hepatic recombinant microsomal enzymes were screened for 25‐hydroxylase activity; 11 had some 25‐hydroxylase activity, but CYP3A4 had the highest activity. In characterized liver microsomes, 25‐hydroxylase activity correlated significantly with CYP3A4 testosterone 6β‐hydroxylase activity. Activity in pooled liver microsomes was inhibited by known inhibitors of CYP3A4 and by an antibody to CYP3A2. Thus, CYP3A4 is a hepatic microsomal vitamin D 25‐hydroxylase.
Implementation of a new structure for a closed-loop Class D amplifier

In this paper is proposed the implementation of a novel structure for a Class D amplifier based on a robust closed loop control. The proposed control it is based on a multi level sliding mode controller. This allows of being able to converge to a stable status in spite of unknown or nonlinear elements present in the amplifier. The methods and systems proposed are also described. Several simulation results are presented. The obtained results confirm the potential of this configuration, as it is shown in the last part of this paper.