Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An efficient interference cancellation scheme for CP-free MIMO-OFDM systems

Conventional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems use cyclic prefix (CP) to protect signal from the multipath channel induced distortions. However, the presence of CP could greatly decrease the effective data rate. In this paper, an interference cancellation scheme based on the generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC) principle is proposed for interference suppression of CP-free multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) OFDM systems. An associated reduced complexity implementation based on the partially adaptive (PA) scheme is also proposed by exploiting the structural information of the signal and interference signature matrices. As well, we study sampling error in the proposed system. Under the block transmission model, a simple sampling error estimation method is proposed. Whenever sampling error is known, the proposed GSC equalizer can be directly applied based on the timing offsetted system model. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed solution is almost identical to that obtained by the conventional CP-based MIMO-OFDM system under either the synchronous or asynchronous scenario. Key words-generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC), MIMO-OFDM, interference suppression, partial adaptivity (PA)
Effects of crowd size on referee decisions: Analysis of the FA Cup

Abstract Data were collected on the number of first yellow cards awarded during 857 games, over six seasons (1996 – 2002), played in the Football Association (FA) Cup. Overall, a significantly higher number of yellow cards were awarded against the away team, while a non-linear relationship between crowd size and yellow cards was observed. In general, the probability of a yellow card being awarded against the home team decreased as crowd size increased, but was attenuated for the largest crowd sizes. Crowd size may be related to the probability of the home team receiving a yellow card in two potential ways. Crowd noise may be a decision-making heuristic whereby the likelihood that an incident is a foul is increased when accompanied by crowd noise. Alternatively, referees may seek to appease the crowd and are more likely to do so as crowd size increases. The present findings have implications for the training of match officials and for coaches and players as they prepare to play away from home.
Viability testing and transplantation of marginal livers (VITTAL) using normothermic machine perfusion: study protocol for an open-label, non-randomised, prospective, single-arm trial

Introduction The use of marginal or extended criteria donor livers is increasing. These organs carry a greater risk of initial dysfunction and early failure, as well as inferior long-term outcomes. As such, many are rejected due to a perceived risk of use and use varies widely between centres. Ex situ normothermic machine perfusion of the liver (NMP-L) may enable the safe transplantation of organs that meet defined objective criteria denoting their high-risk status and are currently being declined for use by all the UK transplant centres. Methods and analysis Viability testing and transplantation of marginal livers is an open-label, non-randomised, prospective, single-arm trial designed to determine whether currently unused donor livers can be salvaged and safely transplanted with equivalent outcomes in terms of patient survival. The procured rejected livers must meet predefined criteria that objectively denote their marginal condition. The liver is subjected to NMP-L following a period of static cold storage. Organs metabolising lactate to ≤2.5 mmol/L within 4 hours of the perfusion commencing in combination with two or more of the following parameters—bile production, metabolism of glucose, a hepatic arterial flow rate ≥150 mL/min and a portal venous flow rate ≥500 mL/min, a pH ≥7.30 and/or maintain a homogeneous perfusion—will be considered viable and transplanted into a suitable consented recipient. The coprimary outcome measures are the success rate of NMP-L to produce a transplantable organ and 90-day patient post-transplant survival. Ethics and dissemination The protocol was approved by the National Research Ethics Service (London—Dulwich Research Ethics Committee, 16/LO/1056), the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and is endorsed by the National Health Service Blood and Transplant Research, Innovation and Novel Technologies Advisory Group. The findings of this trial will be disseminated through national and international presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Trial registration number NCT02740608; Pre-results.
Towards population-wide exposure assessment

A paper by Lavoue et al 1 in this month's issue is the latest addition to a long-running discussion—much of it in the pages of this journal—about the relative merits of different approaches to assessing exposure to occupational agents in community-based studies.2–6 At issue in the current paper is a comparison between a measurement-based general population job-exposure matrix (JEM) developed in one country and a semi-quantitative JEM derived from expert assessments done in a community case-control study in another country. The results, as might be expected, are mixed: exposure estimates from the two methods agree reasonably well for some agents, but don't agree for others. Similarly mixed results have been seen in other comparative studies (see Lavoue refs 12, 24). Such discrepancies are hardly surprising in light of the differences in time, place, exposure-assessment methodologies, and job-grouping schemes, but they are impossible to resolve, as the true exposures are …
Consultant Choice Across Decision Contexts

Differences among four types of decisions (abortion, medical, future oriented, and interpersonal) were explored by presenting vignettes to 169 adolescents 18 through 20 years of age. Participants ranked potential consultants including specif ic family members, significant others, friends, and various professionals on eight decisions. Analyses of the frequency and order of consultation of each consultee 's advice were performedfor all decisions. Consultation patterns for each type of decision differed, thus indicating that the choice of consultants was a function of the type of decision. These findings indicate that for late adolescents, different consultants were seen as useful for making abortion decisions when compared to making medical, future oriented, or interpersonal decisions. Given that the consultation patterns for these decisions were unique, research on decision making should address the role of context and avoid assumptions of generalizability. Details of the frequency and order of consultation for each type of decision are provided
Stimulation of Lipase Production During Bacterial Growth on Alkanes

Acinetobacter lwoffi strain O16, a facultative psychrophile, can grow on crude oil, hexadecane, octadecane, and most alkanes when tested at 20 but not at 30°C. Growth occurred on a few alkanes at 30°C but after a longer lag than at 20°C. Cells grown on alkanes as sole carbon sources had high levels of cell-bound lipase. In contrast, previous work has shown that those grown on complex medium produced cell-free lipase and those grown on defined medium without alkanes produced little or no lipase. Low concentrations of the detergent Triton X-100 caused the liberation of most of the lipase activity of alkane-grown cells and increased total lipase activity. When ethanol and hexadecane were both present in a mineral medium, diauxic growth occurred; until the ethanol was completely used up, hexadecane was not utilized, and the lipase activity was very low. When growth on hexadecane began, lipase activity increased, reaching a level 50- to 100-fold higher than that of cells growing on ethanol. A similar pattern of lipase formation and hexadecane utilization was observed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Whenever A. lwoffi and other bacteria degraded alkanes they exhibited substantial lipase activity. Not all bacteria that produced lipase, however, could attack alkanes. Bacteria that could not produce lipase did not attack alkanes. The results suggest that a correlation may exist between lipase formation and alkane utilization.
CCM-AMI, a Polyethylene Glycol Micelle with Amifostine, as an Acute Radiation Syndrome Protectant in C57BL/6 Mice

AbstractAcute radiation syndrome results from radiation exposure, such as in accidental nuclear disasters. Safe and effective radioprotectants, mitigators, and treatment drugs must be developed as medical countermeasures against radiation exposure. Here, the authors evaluated CCM-Ami, a novel polyethylene glycol micelle encapsulated with amifostine, for its radioprotective properties after total-body irradiation from a 60Co source. Male C57BL/6 mice (6–8 wk old) were intravenously injected with 45 mg kg−1 of CCM-Ami 90 min before exposure to 7.2 and 8.5 Gy irradiation at a dose rate of 0.04 Gy min−1. Both survival benefit and hematopoietic protection were observed after prophylactic CCM-Ami administration when compared with the effects measured in excipient control and amifostine groups. Pharmacokinetic results showed that after the intravenous injection, the plasma concentration of WR‐1065, the active form of amifostine, was higher in CCM-Ami-treated mice than in amifostine-treated mice. These findings suggest that CCM-Ami-mediated hematopoietic protection plays a key role in enhancing survival of mice exposed to radiation toxicity and thus indicate that CCM-Ami is a radioprotectant that can be used safely and effectively in nuclear disasters.
A Decision-Theoretic Approach to Call Admission Control in ATM Networks

This paper describes a simple and robust ATM call admission control, and develops the theoretical background for its analysis. Acceptance decisions are based on whether the current load is less than a precalculated threshold, and Bayesian decision theory provides the framework for the choice of thresholds. This methodology allows an explicit treatment of the trade-off between cell loss and call rejection, and of the consequences of estimation error. Further topics discussed include the robustness of the control to departures from model assumptions, its performance relative to a control possessing precise knowledge of all unknown parameters, the relationship between leaky bucket depths and buffer requirements, and the treatment of multiple call types. >
Factoring via Strong Lattice Reduction Algorithms

We address to the problem to factor a large composite number by lattice reduction algorithms. Schnorr Sc93] has shown that under a reasonable number theoretic assumptions this problem can be reduced to a simultaneous diophantine approximation problem. The latter in turn can be solved by nding suuciently many`1 {short vectors in a suitably deened lattice. Using lattice basis reduction algorithms Schnorr and Euchner applied the reduction technique of Sc93] to 40{bit long integers. Their implementation needed several hours to compute a 5% fraction of the solution, i.e., 6 out of 125 congruences which are necessary to factorize the composite. In this report we describe a more eecient implementation using stronger lattice basis reduction techniques incorporating ideas of SH95] and R97]. For 60{bit long integers our algorithm yields a complete factorization in less than 3 hours.
How safe is primary care? A systematic review

Importance Improving patient safety is at the forefront of policy and practice. While considerable progress has been made in understanding the frequency, causes and consequences of error in hospitals, less is known about the safety of primary care. Objective We investigated how often patient safety incidents occur in primary care and how often these were associated with patient harm. Evidence review We searched 18 databases and contacted international experts to identify published and unpublished studies available between 1 January 1980 and 31 July 2014. Patient safety incidents of any type were eligible. Eligible studies were critically appraised using validated instruments and data were descriptively and narratively synthesised. Findings Nine systematic reviews and 100 primary studies were included. Studies reported between <1 and 24 patient safety incidents per 100 consultations. The median from population-based record review studies was 2–3 incidents for every 100 consultations/records reviewed. It was estimated that around 4% of these incidents may be associated with severe harm, defined as significantly impacting on a patient's well-being, including long-term physical or psychological issues or death (range <1% to 44% of incidents). Incidents relating to diagnosis and prescribing were most likely to result in severe harm. Conclusions and relevance Millions of people throughout the world use primary care services on any given day. This review suggests that safety incidents are relatively common, but most do not result in serious harm that reaches the patient. Diagnostic and prescribing incidents are the most likely to result in avoidable harm. Systematic review registration This systematic review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42012002304).
Neuromyelitis optica: an overview

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a relapsing inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that closely resembles multiple sclerosis. This review discusses recent understanding of NMO with reference to epidemiology, clinical spectrum, immunopathology, diagnostic evaluation, clinical course and management. Within the clinical spectrum of NMO, the classical form (with relapsing opticomyelitis) and limited forms (either recurrent myelitis or optic neuritis), as well as its association with other autoimmune disorders, have been recognised in recent years. Further, symptomatic or asymptomatic cerebral lesions may be present, and such brain lesions do not necessarily exclude the diagnosis. In the appropriate clinical context, the diagnosis is supported by longitudinally extensive myelitis on spinal MRI. Overwhelming evidence strongly indicates that aquaporin 4 antibody has a pathogenetic role in the development of NMO and serves as a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker. Detection of this autoantibody has led to the categorisation of NMO as an autoimmune channelopathy. NMO can be distinguished from multiple sclerosis by a combination of clinical, radiological and laboratory studies. However, the nosological position of Asian opticospinal multiple sclerosis is not settled. In NMO, acute attacks usually result in moderate to severe functional impairment, and, in the absence of a secondary progressive course (unlike relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis), prevention of relapses is of crucial importance in the management of the disease. Indeed, relapse prevention with long-term immunosuppressive medication remains the cornerstone of therapy in this otherwise debilitating disease!
Isotopic evolution of snowmelt 2. Verification and parameterization of a one‐dimensional model using laboratory experiments

Three controlled cold room experiments were conducted to verify and parameterize a one‐dimensional (1‐D) model that simulates the isotopic composition of meltwater exiting the base of a snowpack. In the model, snow melts at the surface at a constant rate, and water percolates down the column while exchanging isotopically with ice. The effective rate of isotopic exchange and hence the isotopic composition of the melt at a given time is determined by the exchange rate constant kr, the height of the original snowpack, the percolation velocity u*, and the liquid to ice ratio in the exchange system. The experiments were designed to have different effective rates of exchange by varying the height of the snow column and the melt rate. Fitting the model to each of the experiments yielded kr values that fall in a narrow range, 0.14 to 0.17 hr−1, confirming that kr is an intrinsic rate constant for isotopic exchange. Knowing this value is important for developing future models, in which more complicated hydrological conditions are considered.
Phase III trial of chemoradiotherapy for anaplastic oligodendroglioma: long-term results of RTOG 9402.

PURPOSE Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, pure (AO) and mixed (anaplastic oligoastrocytoma [AOA]), are chemosensitive, especially if codeleted for 1p/19q, but whether patients live longer after chemoradiotherapy is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eligible patients with AO/AOA were randomly assigned to procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) plus radiotherapy (RT) versus RT alone. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). RESULTS Two hundred ninety-one eligible patients were randomly assigned: 148 to PCV plus RT and 143 to RT. For the entire cohort, there was no difference in median survival by treatment (4.6 years for PCV plus RT v 4.7 years for RT; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.04; P = .1). Patients with codeleted tumors lived longer than those with noncodeleted tumors (PCV plus RT: 14.7 v 2.6 years, HR = 0.36, 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.57, P < .001; RT: 7.3 v 2.7 years, HR = 0.40, 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.60, P < .001), and the median survival of those with codeleted tumors treated with PCV plus RT was twice that of patients receiving RT (14.7 v 7.3 years; HR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.95; P = .03). For those with noncodeleted tumors, there was no difference in median survival by treatment arm (2.6 v 2.7 years; HR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.23; P = .39). In Cox models that included codeletion status, the adjusted OS for all patients was prolonged by PCV plus RT (HR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.91; P = .01). CONCLUSION For the subset of patients with 1p/19q codeleted AO/AOA, PCV plus RT may be an especially effective treatment, although this observation was derived from an unplanned analysis.
Differential expression of somatostatin receptors in ependymoma: Implications for diagnosis

Somatostatin receptors (SSts) have been found in a variety of brain tumors, e.g., meningiomas, medulloblastomas and astrocytomas. Our aim was to investigate their expression in ependymomas. Using RT‐PCR, expression of mRNA for the different SSt subtypes was analyzed and quantified in 28 ependymomas and correlated with different variables (age, tumor location, histological grade, recurrence and survival). In addition, in 8 cases, protein expression was studied in vitro, using immunohistochemistry, and in vivo, by somatostatin scintigraphy. mRNAs for all 5 subtypes were variably expressed in each ependymoma. The Southern blotting signal obtained after SSt1 and SSt2 amplification was higher than that for the other receptor subtypes. No significant correlation was seen between the level of SSt1 and SSt2 mRNA expression and age, location, histological grading, recurrence or survival. In the 8 cases, SSt1 staining was negative in 3 and low in 5. Staining for SSt2A was positive but low in every specimen analyzed. SSt1 and SSt2 immunoreactivity was seen only in the cytoplasm of tumoral cells. Somatostatin scintigraphy showed clear uptake, which agreed with MRI data in the majority of cases. However, no correlation was seen between tracer uptake intensity and histological grade, SSt1 and SSt2 mRNA expression or immunostaining intensity. This evidence for the expression of SSt2 receptors in ependymomas opens interesting prospects for their follow‐up. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous treatment of small hepatic tumors by an expandable RF needle electrode.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of expandable RF needle electrodes in the treatment of hepatic cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty-seven patients, 23 of whom had 26 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules and 14 of whom had 19 hepatic metastatic nodules, underwent treatment by RF interstitial thermal ablation with expandable needle electrodes. Forty-five tumor nodules were treated in 64 RF interstitial thermal ablation sessions with 83 needle electrode insertions. The mean diameter of the tumor nodules was 2.5 cm (range, 1.1-3.5 cm). Immediate posttreatment tumor necrosis was evaluated by dynamic CT in all cases. Two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and three patients with metastases underwent surgical resection 20-60 days after RF treatment. The remaining 32 patients were followed up clinically. RESULTS The mean number of RF interstitial thermal ablation sessions to complete tumor nodule treatment was 1.4. Mean number of needle electrode insertions was 1.8. No complications were observed. Posttreatment dynamic CT showed a completely nonenhancing area in the site of the treated tumor in 44 of 45 cases. The remaining patient with metastatic disease had persistent enhancing tissue. Histology showed complete necrosis in four treated tumor nodules and residual viable cancer in one. Twenty-one patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were followed up for 6-19 months (mean, 10 months). Of these patients, six showed recurrences and 15 remained apparently disease-free. Two patients died, one from advanced cancer and one from other causes. Eleven patients with hepatic metastases were followed up for 7-20 months (mean, 12 months). Of these patients, nine showed recurrent disease and only two remained apparently disease-free. Two patients died from disseminated disease. CONCLUSION RF interstitial thermal ablation of hepatic tumor by expandable needle electrodes is a safe and effective technique. Local ablation of tumors not exceeding 3.5 cm in diameter is achieved in a short time without complications.
Correlates of Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire Scales with Selected Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Scales

The pattern of correlations between selected MMPI scales and the scales of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire were examined in a convenience sample of 88 patients who had received both tests. Time between tests (usually less than one year) did not affect the correlations, but MMPI response-set variables (L, F, K, F–K) did. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire harm avoidance scale and subscales had many correlates on the MMPI. The Novelty seeking scale and subscales showed a number of moderate correlations with a smaller number of MMPI scales; these correlations did not significantly exceed the correlations with MMPI response-set variables. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire reward dependence scale and subscales had few, if any, significant MMPI correlates. It was also noted that no Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire scales were related to MMPI repression factor scores.