Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the estimation and compensation of IQ impairments in direct conversion transmitters

Compensating IQ impairments in transmitters is an important prerequisite for linearizing power amplifiers (PApsilas) by means of digital predistortion of the input signal. As the effects of gain- and phase imbalance and DC offset are increasing with the bandwidth of a transmitter, they must be corrected for because otherwise digital predistortion for PApsilas becomes ineffective. An important implementation aspect for many impairment correction schemes is the realization of the required feedback loop including the downconversion from the RF- to the baseband domain. We propose an IQ and DC offset estimation and compensation method which uses a simple detector diode in the feedback path. The characteristic of the detector diode needs not to be known, which makes implementation easy. It is shown by simulation and measurements, that the method works excellent for narrowband as well as for wideband signals.
Stabilized Autologous Fibrin-Chondrocyte Constructs for Cartilage Repair in Vivo

Stabilization of fibrin-chondrocyte constructs with fibrinolytical inhibitors has been shown to be a feasible method for the reconstruction of cartilage in vitro. In this study, the method was tested in vivo. Autologous cultures were used to form stabilized fibrin-chondrocyte constructs that were injected into auricular cartilage defects of rabbits. Stabilization was achieved by high doses of fibrinolytic inhibitors. Samples were prepared for magnetic resonance imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry after 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. Defects of the contralateral ear, which were treated with stabilized fibrin without cells, were used for controlled comparisons. In all cell-fibrin samples, cartilage-like tissue was present. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of collagen II. This finding was similar for all observations. In the control samples, only minor new cartilage could be detected at the cut edges. The reconstruction of cartilage in vivo by injecting fibrin-chondrocyte constructs, stabilized with inhibitors of fibrinolysis, is thus possible.
Interleukin‐8 production by the human colon epithelial cell line HT‐29: modulation by interleukin‐13

1 We have determined which cytokines induce and modulate the production of the chemokine interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) by the human colonic epithelial cell line HT‐29. 2 Growth arrested cell cultures were stimulated with the human recombinant cytokines interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐13 (IL‐13), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) or vehicle added alone or in combination. The production of IL‐8 was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IL‐8 messenger RNA expression by Northern blot analysis. 3 The production of IL‐8 in unstimulated cells was undetectable by both ELISA and Northern blot analysis. 4 HT‐29 cells produced IL‐8 following stimulation with IL‐1α or TNF‐α in a time‐ and a concentration‐dependent manner, while IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐13 did not induce IL‐8 production by HT‐29 cells. 5 IL‐13 was found to up‐regulate significantly (P < 0.01) the IL‐1α but not the TNF‐α‐induced IL‐8 generation by HT‐29 cells. In contrast, IL‐10 had no effect on either IL‐1α or TNF‐α‐induced IL‐8 production. 6 Experiments using cycloheximide demonstrated that this synergistic effect of IL‐13 and IL‐1α on IL‐8 secretion was not through de novo protein synthesis. Using actinomycin‐D, we demonstrated that the IL‐13 up‐regulation was at the level of transcription rather than messenger RNA stability. 7 These findings suggest that colonic epithelial cells have a functional IL‐13 receptor, which is coupled to an up‐regulation of IL‐1α, but not TNF‐α induced IL‐8 generation.
A data science approach to candidate gene selection of pain regarded as a process of learning and neural plasticity

Abstract The increasing availability of “big data” enables novel research approaches to chronic pain while also requiring novel techniques for data mining and knowledge discovery. We used machine learning to combine the knowledge about n = 535 genes identified empirically as relevant to pain with the knowledge about the functions of thousands of genes. Starting from an accepted description of chronic pain as displaying systemic features described by the terms “learning” and “neuronal plasticity,” a functional genomics analysis proposed that among the functions of the 535 “pain genes,” the biological processes “learning or memory” (P = 8.6 × 10−64) and “nervous system development” (P = 2.4 × 10−40) are statistically significantly overrepresented as compared with the annotations to these processes expected by chance. After establishing that the hypothesized biological processes were among important functional genomics features of pain, a subset of n = 34 pain genes were found to be annotated with both Gene Ontology terms. Published empirical evidence supporting their involvement in chronic pain was identified for almost all these genes, including 1 gene identified in March 2016 as being involved in pain. By contrast, such evidence was virtually absent in a randomly selected set of 34 other human genes. Hence, the present computational functional genomics–based method can be used for candidate gene selection, providing an alternative to established methods.
CC Chemokine Receptor 2 Is Required for Macrophage Infiltration and Vascular Hypertrophy in Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension

Recent studies have identified the presence of macrophages in the arterial wall of hypertensive animals and suggested that as is the case in atherosclerosis, macrophage products may be important mediators of the adaptive response of the arterial wall. In support of this, we have previously shown that the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 is upregulated in the arteries of hypertensive animals. We hypothesized that macrophage recruitment is a critical step in the pathogenesis of hypertension. To obtain insights into this potential mechanism, we made use of mice deficient in the CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), the receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Hypertension was induced with the subcutaneous administration of angiotensin II (0.75 mg · kg−1 · d−1) for 7 days. Using in situ hybridization with a probe for c-fms to identify macrophages, we found that hypertension-induced macrophage infiltration of the arterial wall was virtually eliminated in CCR2-deficient mice. In addition, vascular hypertrophy was reduced by ≈65% compared with wild-type animals. These data demonstrate that CCR2 is essential for the recruitment of macrophages into the arterial wall in the setting of hypertension. Furthermore, the decreased hypertrophic response suggests that vascular hypertrophy occurs in part as a consequence of macrophage infiltration. In angiotensin II–induced hypertension, CCR2-mediated responses are critical to the process of macrophage recruitment and vascular hypertrophy and may represent one mechanism by which at least some forms of hypertension may lead to the development of atherosclerosis.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, TRADE OPENNESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF TURKEY

In this study, the causality between foreign direct investment, trade openness and economic growth was investigated. The analysis covers 81 observations during the 20 years between 1998Q1-2018Q1 for export, import, FDI and GDP of Turkey. ADF unit root, Engel Granger co-integration, Granger causality, VAR Decomposition, VAR ImpulseResponse tests and techniques were employed in the analysis. According to the results, economic growth is explained by GDP at a 75% level, by import at a 15% level, by foreign direct investments at a 5% level and by export at a 5% level. However, the impacts of foreign direct investment and export on economic growth are not statistically significant. GDP and import are statistically significant on economic growth in the first two quarters, but insignificant for subsequent quarters. There is a uni-directional causality from import to economic growth. As a result, import and GDP are the determinants of economic growth in very short-term, while the effects of foreign direct investments and exports on growth are insignificant in Turkey.
Emergence of DHA-1-Producing Klebsiella spp. in the Parisian Region: Genetic Organization of the ampC and ampR Genes Originating from Morganella morganii

ABSTRACT Eleven Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates and one Klebsiella oxytoca clinical isolate showing various pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types and producing an inducible DHA-1 class C β-lactamase were isolated in the Parisian region between 1998 and 2003. The aim of this study was to compare the genetic organization of the blaDHA-1 genes in this collection of clinical isolates. In four isolates, the Morganella morganii-derived genomic region containing blaDHA-1 was inserted in an entire complex sul1-type integron, including a region common to In6-In7 (CR1), as previously described in a blaDHA-1-producing Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis KF92 isolate from Saudi Arabia in 1992. Different gene cassette arrays were characterized in each of these integrons. In two of them, an additional 10-kb fragment was inserted between the CR1 and the M. morganii-derived region and was similar to the sap (ABC transporter family) and psp (phage shock protein) operons originated from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The length of the M. morganii region was variable, suggesting that several independent recombination events have occurred and that open reading frame orf513 encodes a recombinase involved in the mobilization of the resistance genes. The genetic organization of blaDHA-1 was identical in the eight other isolates. This structure is likely derived from a complex integron following the insertion of IS26, leading to the deletion of the first part of integron. The horizontal transfer of one plasmid carrying that truncated integron was shown for seven of these isolates.
Using quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling to quantitatively predict the developmental toxicity of halogenated azole compounds

Developmental toxicity is a relevant endpoint for the comprehensive assessment of human health risk from chemical exposure. However, animal developmental toxicity data remain unavailable for many environmental contaminants due to the complexity and cost of these types of analyses. Here we describe an approach that uses quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling as an alternative methodology to fill data gaps in the developmental toxicity profile of certain halogenated compounds. Chemical information was obtained and curated using the OECD Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Toolbox, version 3.0. Data from 35 curated compounds were analyzed via linear regression to build the predictive model, which has an R2 of 0.79 and a Q2 of 0.77. The applicability domain (AD) was defined by chemical category and structural similarity. Seven halogenated chemicals that fit the AD but are not part of the training set were employed for external validation purposes. Our model predicted lowest observed adverse effect level values with a maximal threefold deviation from the observed experimental values for all chemicals that fit the AD. The good predictability of our model suggests that this method may be applicable to the analysis of qualifying compounds whenever developmental toxicity information is lacking or incomplete for risk assessment considerations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Political Ethnography of Rural Communities under an Authoritarian Regime: The Case of Belarus

This article firstly explains the conditions for a political ethnography survey conducted in rural Belarus between 2006 and 2013. Three difficulties became apparent: conducting a survey primarily among the lower classes; carrying out this ethnographic study in an environment – the rural world – in which the State, via its economic and administrative structures, is omnipresent, and in which there is particularly strong control over the people; and studying politics in an authoritarian regime inherited from the Soviet Union, which does not tolerate challenges to its authority or critical debate. The article then characterizes the implementation procedures for a “discrete ethnography”, which proved to be a fruitful approach for the collection of material, based primarily on three techniques: the “deceremonialization” of the survey situation, familiarization with the subjects of the survey and the symmetrization of relationships by self-exposition. It is worth noting that this article is the translated version of an article called “Enquêter en Biélorussie. Une ethnographie politique des mondes ruraux en régime autoritaire”. The original version is openly available on the BMS website as a complementary document to this article.
Downregulation of Epstein-barr Virus-Encoded Latent Membrane Protein-1 by Arsenic Trioxide in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

Aims and Background It was documented that nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and that EBV-encoded latent membrane protein-1 expression (LMP1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NPC. In preclinical studies, arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has been identified as a promising anticancer agent for treatment of NPC. The purpose of this study is to investigate if this agent can inhibit the expression of LMP1 and therefore lead to growth inhibition of NPC cells in vitro. Methods LMP1-positive NPC cells, HNE1-LMP1, were treated with 3 umol/L of As2O3 for 96 hours. The LMP1 protein expression and mRNA level in HNE1-LMP1 cells were determined by western blot, confocal immunofluorescence staining and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase reaction (RT-PCR). Apoptosis was determined by light microscopy and the TUNEL method. Alterations in the cell cycle distribution were also investigated by flow cytometry. MTT assay and colony formation assay were used to detect the proliferation of the cells. The LMP1-negative parental cell lines HNE1 and HNE2 were used as control in an attempt to elucidate the role of LMP1 in the anticancer effect of As2O3 on NPC cells. Results The expression of LMP1 at the protein and mRNA level was reduced after exposure to 3 umol/L As2O3. This dose of As2O3 significantly induced apoptosis and growth retardation of HNE1-LMP1 cells. In addition, more HNE1-LMP1 cells were induced to G0/G1 and G2/M arrest. The same dose of As2O3 had a moderate effect on HNE1 and HNE2 cells. Conclusion Arsenic trioxide can inhibit LMP1 expression and dictate apoptosis and alterations of cell cycle distribution as well as growth retardation. LMP1-positive NPC cells are more sensitive to As2O3 treatment than LMP1-negative NPC cells.
Treatment of Mice with 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin Leads to Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Dependent Nuclear Translocation of NF-κB and Expression of Fas Ligand in Thymic Stromal Cells and Consequent Apoptosis in T Cells1

We investigated the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the regulation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced apoptosis in thymic T cells. AhR knockout (KO) mice were resistant to TCDD-induced thymic atrophy and apoptosis when compared with the AhR wild-type mice. TCDD triggered the expression of several apoptotic genes, including FasL in AhR wild-type but not AhRKO mice. TCDD-induced increase in FasL was seen only in thymic stromal but not thymic T cells. When TCDD-exposed stromal cells were mixed with untreated thymic T cells, increased apoptosis was detected in T cells that involved Fas-FasL interactions. Thus, apoptosis in T cells was not detected when TCDD-treated stromal cells from FasL-defective or AhRKO mice were mixed with wild-type T cells or when TCDD-exposed wild-type stromal cells were mixed with Fas-deficient T cells. TCDD treatment, in vivo and in vitro, led to colocalization and translocation of NF-κB subunits (p50, p65) to the nucleus in stromal but not T cells from AhR wild-type mice. NF-κB activation was not observed in stromal cells isolated from TCDD-treated AhRKO mice. Mutations in NF-κB-binding sites on the FasL promoter showed that TCDD regulates FasL promoter activity through NF-κB. TCDD treatment in vivo caused activation of the death receptor and mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis. Cross-talk between the two pathways was not necessary for apoptosis inasmuch as TCDD-treated Bid KO mice showed thymic atrophy and increased apoptosis, similar to the wild-type mice. These findings demonstrate that AhR regulates FasL and NF-κB in stromal cells, which in turn plays a critical role in initiating apoptosis in thymic T cells.
Intentional Medication Nonadherence Because of Interactive Toxicity Beliefs Among HIV-Positive Active Drug Users

Background:Drug use poses significant challenges to medical management of HIV infection. Although most research has focused on the influence of intoxication on unintentional adherence to HIV treatment, drug use may also lead to intentional nonadherence, particularly when individuals believe that mixing medications with drugs is harmful. This study examined whether interactive toxicity beliefs predict nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) over a prospective period of adherence monitoring. Methods:Men and women living with HIV who screened positive for drug use and were being treated with ART (n = 530) completed computerized self-interviews and 3 prospective unannounced pill counts to measure ART adherence and provided urine specimens for drug screening and HIV viral load results from medical records. Results:Results showed that 189 (35%) participants indicated that they intentionally miss their ART when they are using drugs. These participants also reported common beliefs regarding the perceived hazards of mixing HIV medications with alcohol and other drugs. Multivariable models controlled for demographic and health characteristics and frequency of alcohol use showed that intentional nonadherence predicted poorer ART adherence over the prospective month and also predicted poorer treatment outcomes as indexed by unsuppressed HIV viral load. Conclusions:These findings extend previous research to show that interactive toxicity beliefs and intentional nonadherence play a significant role in medication nonadherence for a substantial number of people living with HIV and should be actively addressed in HIV clinical care.
Inferring Energy Stock Returns Based on Financial Indicators from the Network Perspective

ABSTRACT The return on the energy stocks has become a hot research topic. The investment value of an energy stock should consider both the stock price and its intrinsic value, which is comprehensively reflected by the financial indicators of a listed energy company. However, few studies have studied the nature of the relation between financial indicators from a network perspective. Therefore, we construct relational networks of listed companies based on six types of financial indicators. We also build regression models based on econometric theory. We find that the network structural parameters in different networks have different significant impacts on current and future energy stock returns.
Business Cycles Across Space and Time

We study the comovement of international business cycles in a time series clustering model with regime-switching. We extend the framework of Hamilton and Owyang (2012) to include time-varying transition probabilities to determine what drives similarities in business cycle turning points. We find four groups, or ? clusters? , of countries which experience idiosyncratic recessions relative to the global cycle. Additionally, we find the primary indicators of international recessions to be fluctuations in equity markets and geopolitical uncertainty. In out-of-sample forecasting exercises, we find that our model is an improvement over standard benchmark models for forecasting both aggregate output growth and country-level recessions.
Sedation vs. Intubation for Endovascular Stroke TreAtment (SIESTA) – A Randomized Monocentric Trial

Background The optimal peri-interventional management of sedation and airway for endovascular stroke treatment (EST) appears to be a crucial factor for treatment success. According to retrospective studies, the widely favored general anesthesia with intubation seems to be associated with poor functional outcome compared to a slightly sedated non-intubated condition (conscious sedation). Method SIESTA is a monocentric, prospective, randomized parallel-group, open-label treatment trial with blinded endpoint evaluation (PROBE design). The study compares the non-intubated with the intubated state in patients receiving endovascular treatment of acute ischemic anterior circulation stroke. The primary endpoint is early neurological improvement as by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after 24 h (difference between NIHSS on admission and NIHSS after 24 h). Secondary endpoints include: functional outcome after three-months as by modified Rankin Scale (mRS), mortality, parameters of ventilation and critical care, feasibility, and safety, i.e. complications related to endovascular stroke treatment. Conclusion The aims of this study are to prospectively clarify whether the non-intubated state of conscious sedation is feasible, safe, and superior with regard to early neurological improvement compared to the intubated state of general anesthesia in patients receiving acute endovascular stroke treatment.
Developmental patterning in chondrocytic cultures by morphogenic gradients: BMP induces expression of Indian hedgehog and Noggin

The maturation of chondrocytes is essential for endochondral bone formation. The Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) gene is expressed in prehypertropic chondrocytes and has been proposed to regulate chondrocyte maturation. While such secretary factors as PTHrP and BMP are thought to be involved in Ihh expression, the mechanism of the restricted expression of Ihh is not clear.
A comparison of the RIFLE and AKIN criteria for acute kidney injury in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND The Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative Group has published a consensus definition/classification system for acute kidney injury (AKI) termed the RIFLE criteria. The Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) group has recently proposed modifications to this system. It is currently unknown whether there are advantages between these criteria. METHODS We interrogated the Australian New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) Adult Patient Database (APD) for all adult admissions to 57 ICUs from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005. We compared the performance of the RIFLE and AKIN criteria for diagnosis and classification of AKI and for robustness of hospital mortality. RESULTS We included 120 123 critically ill patients, of which 27.8% had a primary diagnosis of sepsis. We found only small differences (<1%) in the number of patients classified as having some degree of kidney injury using either the AKIN or RIFLE definition or classification systems. AKIN slightly increased the number of patients classified as Stage I injury (category R in RIFLE) (from 16.2 to 18.1%) but decreased the number of patients classified as having Stage II injury (category I in RIFLE) (13.6% versus 10.1%). The area under the ROC curve for hospital mortality was 0.66 for RIFLE and 0.67 for AKIN in all patients and it was 0.65 for both in septic patients. CONCLUSION Compared to the RIFLE criteria, the AKIN criteria do not materially improve the sensitivity, robustness and predictive ability of the definition and classification of AKI in the first 24 h after admission to ICU.