Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relay Transmission Protocols for In-Door Powerline Communications Networks

In this paper, relay protocols for one or more relay nodes, employing either Amplify-and-Forward (AF) or Decode-and-Forward (DF) are discussed for frequency selective fading channel environment and coloured background noise in powerline communications (PLC) networks. Also, the performance of beamforming aided multi-relay protocols and bidirectional single relay protocols are analysed. The achievable information rate and the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of achievable information rates for each protocol are obtained through the simulations. The difference among relay protocols are given in the simulation results. The work shows that relay has the potential of resolving the resource scarcity problem for some resource demonding applications in the indoor PLC networks, and helps enlarge the coverage of power grid.
Five-Transistor SRAM Cell with Improved Write Capability

In this paper, we propose a five-transistor (5T) static random access memory (SRAM) that can be read and written reliably with the assistance of read/write circuits. The read/write circuits include a voltage control circuit, a pre-charging circuit and a standby start-up circuit. The voltage control circuit is connected to the sources corresponding to driver transistors of each row memory cells. This configuration is aimed to control the source voltages of driver transistors under different operating modes. Specifically, in a write mode, the issue concerning the difficulty of writing a logic ‘1’ can be avoided. In a read mode, the reading speed can be increased without incurring unnecessary power consumption. In a standby mode, leakage current can be reduced effectively. In addition, each column memory cells set up a pre-charging circuit, and each pre-charging circuit is connected to the bit line BL of the corresponding column memory cells. Moreover, the standby start-up circuit design enables the single-port SRAM to quickly switch to the standby mode, which effectively enhances the standby performance of the single-port SRAM.
180–220 GHz MMIC amplifier using 70-nm GaAs MHEMT technology

In this paper, we present an MMIC amplifier for the frequency range of 180 to 220 GHz. This amplifier is fabricated using a 70-nm GaAs mHEMT technology. It is a 5-stage amplifier in common-source topology. On-wafer probing shows over 20 dB small-signal gain from 173 to 220 GHz with peak gain of 32 dB at 188 GHz. Saturation output power level of -1 dBm and 1-dB gain compression output power level of -3 dBm are achieved.
Transplanted Stem Cell‐Secreted Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Effects Poststroke Recovery, Inflammation, and Vascular Repair

Cell transplantation offers a novel therapeutic strategy for stroke; however, how transplanted cells function in vivo is poorly understood. We show for the first time that after subacute transplantation into the ischemic brain of human central nervous system stem cells grown as neurospheres (hCNS‐SCns), the stem cell‐secreted factor, human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF), is necessary for cell‐induced functional recovery. We correlate this functional recovery to hVEGF‐induced effects on the host brain including multiple facets of vascular repair and its unexpected suppression of the inflammatory response. We found that transplanted hCNS‐SCns affected multiple parameters in the brain with different kinetics: early improvement in blood‐brain barrier integrity and suppression of inflammation was followed by a delayed spatiotemporal regulated increase in neovascularization. These events coincided with a bimodal pattern of functional recovery, with, an early recovery independent of neovascularization, and a delayed hVEGF‐dependent recovery coincident with neovascularization. Therefore, cell transplantation therapy offers an exciting multimodal strategy for brain repair in stroke and potentially other disorders with a vascular or inflammatory component. STEM CELLS 2011;29:274–285
Primary care physicians' approach to depressive disorders. Effects of physician specialty and practice structure.

BACKGROUND Because primary care physicians (PCPs) are the initial health care contact for most patients with depression, they are in a unique position to provide early detection and integrated care for persons with depression and coexisting medical illness. Despite this opportunity, care for depression is often suboptimal. OBJECTIVE To better understand how to design interventions to improve care, we examine PCPs' approach to recognition and management and the effects of physician specialty and degree of capitation on barriers to care for 3 common depressive disorders. METHODS A 53-item questionnaire was mailed to 3375 randomly selected subjects, divided equally among family physicians, general internists, and obstetrician-gynecologists. The questionnaire assessed reported diagnosis and treatment practices for each subject's most recent patient recognized to have major or minor depression or dysthymia and barriers to the recognition and treatment of depression. Eligible physicians were PCPs who worked at least half-time seeing outpatients for longitudinal care. RESULTS Of 2316 physicians with known eligibility, 1350 (58.3%) returned the questionnaire. Respondents were family physicians (n = 621), general internists (n = 474), and obstetrician-gynecologists (n = 255). The PCPs report recognition and evaluation practices related to their most recent case as follows: recognition by routine questioning or screening for depression (9%), diagnosis based on formal criteria (33.7%), direct questioning about suicide (58%), and assessment for substance abuse (68.1%) or medical causes of depression (84.1%). Reported treatment practices were watchful waiting only (6.1%), PCP counseling for more than 5 minutes (39.7%), antidepressant medication prescription (72.5%), and mental health referral (38.4%). Diagnostic evaluation and treatment approaches varied significantly by specialty but not by the type of depression or degree of capitation. Physician barriers differed by specialty more than by degree of capitation. In contrast, organizational barriers, such as time for an adequate history and the affordability of mental health professionals, differed by degree of capitation more than by physician specialty. Patient barriers were common but did not vary by physician specialty or degree of capitation. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of PCPs report diagnostic and treatment approaches that are consistent with high-quality care. Differences in approach were associated more with specialty than with type of depressive disorder or degree of capitation. Quality improvement efforts need to (1) be tailored for different physician specialties, (2) emphasize the importance of differentiating major depression from other depressive disorders and tailoring the treatment approach accordingly, and (3) address organizational barriers to best practice and knowledge gaps about depression treatment.
Immunocytochemical study of canine lymphomas and its correlation with exposure to tobacco smoke

Aim: Canine lymphoma is one of the most common canine neoplasms, but little is known regarding the effects of exposure to tobacco smoke on their biologic behavior. As cytology is the most frequent diagnostic method of canine lymphoma, the aims of this study were to perform an immunocytochemical study of canine lymphomas, including subtyping and cell proliferation analysis, and to establish their correlation with tobacco smoke exposure. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 dogs diagnosed with lymphoma were subjected to careful fine-needle biopsies of enlarged lymph nodes. The smears were air-dried, fixed with cold acetone, and immunocytochemically stained using CD3, PAX5, and Ki-67. Owners were requested to complete an epidemiologic questionnaire. Results: According to the updated Kiel classification, 65% were B-cell lymphomas - three low grade (LG) and 12 high grade (HG) and 35% were T-cell -two LG and six HG. Thirteen tumors presented high Ki67 indexes (>40%) (11 HG and 2 LG), two revealed moderate ones (20-40%) (1 HG and 1 LG), and three had low indexes (≤20%) (1 HG and 2 LG). Both a significant positive correlation and a significant linear-by-linear association (p=0.018) were observed between high Ki67 indexes and smoking owners (r=0.753, p=0.002) as well as with the number of smokers in the household (r=0.641, p=0.001). Moreover, the mean percentage of Ki67+ cells from the group of “smoker owners” was statically higher (p=0.011) than that from the “non-smoker owners. ” Conclusion: The results suggest that cytological diagnosis of canine lymphomas benefits from being complemented with immunocytochemical studies that include subtyping and assessment of proliferative activity, both contributing for the prognosis and therapeutic planning. Furthermore, exposure to tobacco smoke seems to be related to the biological behavior of canine lymphomas.
Differential effects of JNK1 and JNK2 inhibition on murine steatohepatitis and insulin resistance

Activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) has been implicated as a mechanism in the development of steatohepatitis. This finding, together with the reported role of JNK signaling in the development of obesity and insulin resistance, two components of the metabolic syndrome and predisposing factors for fatty liver disease, suggests that JNK may be a central mediator of the metabolic syndrome and an important therapeutic target in steatohepatitis. To define the isoform‐specific functions of JNK in steatohepatitis associated with obesity and insulin resistance, the effects of JNK1 or JNK2 ablation were determined in developing and established steatohepatitis induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD). HFD‐fed jnk1 null mice failed to develop excessive weight gain, insulin resistance, or steatohepatitis. In contrast, jnk2−/− mice fed a HFD were obese and insulin‐resistant, similar to wild‐type mice, and had increased liver injury. In mice with established steatohepatitis, an antisense oligonucleotide knockdown of jnk1 decreased the amount of steatohepatitis in concert with a normalization of insulin sensitivity. Knockdown of jnk2 improved insulin sensitivity but had no effect on hepatic steatosis and markedly increased liver injury. A jnk2 knockdown increased hepatic expression of the proapoptotic Bcl‐2 family members Bim and Bax and the increase in liver injury resulted in part from a Bim‐dependent activation of the mitochondrial death pathway. Conclusion: JNK1 and JNK2 both mediate insulin resistance in HFD‐fed mice, but the JNK isoforms have distinct effects on steatohepatitis, with JNK1 promoting steatosis and hepatitis and JNK2 inhibiting hepatocyte cell death by blocking the mitochondrial death pathway. (HEPATOLOGY > 2009;49:87‐96.)
Apoptosis of lymphocytes induced by glucocorticoids and relationship to therapeutic efficacy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the drugs of first choice for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the disease in some patients is resistant to these agents. This study evaluated the possibility of a relationship between response to GC treatment and the rate of apoptosis in vitro, and also analyzed Bcl-2 and Fas expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with SLE in relation to GC-induced apoptosis. METHODS Twenty-seven SLE patients and 13 normal controls were studied. Disease activity scores were determined before and after treatment and used to divide patients into 2 groups: GC-resistant and GC-responsive. Isolated PBMC were stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies, cultured with various concentrations of GC, and analyzed by alamar blue assay to determine the LC50, defined as the concentration of GC lethal to 50% of the cells. We measured the expression of CD4, CD8, Fas, and Bcl-2 by FACStar plus flow cytometry. RESULTS Lymphocytes in the GC-resistant group of SLE patients showed a significantly lower percentage of GC-induced apoptotic cells than did lymphocytes from the responsive group or from normal controls. The LC50 in the resistant group was significantly higher than that in normal controls or the responsive group. The lymphocytes remaining in the resistant group after GC treatment were mainly CD8+, with a high expression of Bcl-2. There was no significant difference in Fas expression between the GC-responsive and GC-resistant groups. CONCLUSION Determination of the LC50 may be useful in predicting the efficacy of GC treatment in SLE patients, and may be of use in considering other treatment options. CD8 and Bcl-2 double-positive lymphocytes that are insensitive to the apoptotic effect of GCs may play a role in the resistance to these agents in SLE patients.
Molecular identification and functional characterization of rabbit MATE1 and MATE2

An electroneutral organic cation‐proton exchanger in the apical membrane of proximal tubules mediates the final step of renal organic cation (OC) excretion. Two members of the Multidrug And Toxin Extrusionfamily, MATE1 and MATE2, were recently identified in human and rodent kidney and proposed to be the molecular basis of renal OC/H+ exchange. To take advantage of the database on OC/H+ exchange in rabbit kidney, we cloned rbMATE1 and rbMATE2. The rabbit isoforms have 75% (MATE1) and 74% (MATE2) amino acid identity to their human counterparts (and 51% identity with each other). The C‐terminus of rbMATE1 is extracellular (vs. intracellular for mMATE1) consistent with 13 membrane helices for the rabbit – and human – MATE1. Rabbit MATE1 and MATE2 both exhibited H+ gradient–dependent uptake and efflux of tetraethylammonium (TEA) when expressed in CHO cells, and displayed similar affinities for selected compounds (IC50s within 2‐fold for TEA, MPP and quinidine); and very different affinities for others (IC50s differing by 8 to 80‐fold for choline and cimetidine). These results indicate that rbMATE1 and rbMATE2 are polyspecific OC/H+ exchangers with similar, but distinct functional characters. (DK58251)
Determinants of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Objective The rapid scale up of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has resulted in an increased focus on patient adherence. Non-adherence can lead to drug-resistant HIV caused by failure to achieve maximal viral suppression. Optimal treatment requires the identification of patients at high risk of suboptimal adherence and targeted interventions. The aim of this review was to identify and summarise determinants of adherence to ART among HIV-positive adults. Design Systematic review of adherence to ART in SSA from January 2002 to October 2014. Methods A systematic search was performed in 6 databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Popline, Global Health Library) for qualitative and quantitative articles. Risk of bias was assessed. A meta-analysis was conducted for pooled estimates of effect size on adherence determinants. Results Of the 4052 articles screened, 146 were included for final analysis, reporting on determinants of 161 922 HIV patients with an average adherence score of 72.9%. Main determinants of non-adherence were use of alcohol, male gender, use of traditional/herbal medicine, dissatisfaction with healthcare facility and healthcare workers, depression, discrimination and stigmatisation, and poor social support. Promoters of adherence included counselling and education interventions, memory aids, and active disclosure among people living with HIV. Determinants of health status had conflicting influence on adherence. Conclusions The sociodemographic, psychosocial, health status, treatment-related and intervention-related determinants are interlinked and contribute to optimal adherence. Clinics providing ART in SSA should therefore design targeted interventions addressing these determinants to optimise health outcomes.
Effect of Bifocal Lenses on the Rate of Childhood Myopia Progression

ABSTRACT Longitudinal records obtained from three optometry practices in the central United States were used to assess the effect of bifocal lenses on the rate of childhood myopia progression. Rates in D/year were derived by linear regression for age spans between 6 and 15 years of age. Records were available for 52 persons who wore single vision lenses (SV group) during this entire age span, and 60 persons who wore bifocal lenses (BF group) during the complete period of observation. The mean rates of myopia progression were −0.44 D/year for the SV group, and ‐0.37 D/year for the BF group (difference not statistically significant). When rates were determined as a function of nearpoint phoria and near binocular cross cylinder net, the BF group had rates of myopia increase which were lower in magnitude than the SV group in children with nearpoint esophoria and of higher cross cylinder net.
Surgical Invasiveness of Cell Transplantation into the Guinea Pig Cochlear Modiolus

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of cell transplantation for regeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). However, the effect of surgical invasion on host cochleae has yet to be evaluated. The present study investigated the efficiency and invasiveness of our surgical procedure using a fine glass pipette for injections into the cochlear modiolus. Methods: We examined the survival of transplanted embryonic stem cell-derived neurons in the cochlear modiolus of guinea pigs. Surgical invasiveness was assessed by measurements of electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABRs) and SGN densities after an injection of 5 ml of saline into the cochlear modiolus. Results: All of the transplanted animals exhibited localization of transplanted cells in the cochlear modiolus. No significant alterations in the eABR thresholds or SGN densities were found following surgery. Conclusion: These findings indicate that our procedure is a viable method for testing the potential of transplants for SGN replacement.
Evidence of Association of Salmonellae with Tomato Plants Grown Hydroponically in Inoculated Nutrient Solution

ABSTRACT The possibility of uptake of salmonellae by roots of hydroponically grown tomato plants was investigated. Within 1 day of exposure of plant roots to Hoagland nutrient solution containing 4.46 to 4.65 log10 CFU of salmonellae/ml, the sizes of the pathogen populations were 3.01 CFU/g of hypocotyls and cotyledons and 3.40 log10 CFU/g of stems for plants with intact root systems (control) and 2.55 log10 CFU/g of hypocotyls and cotyledons for plants from which portions of the roots had been removed. A population of ≥3.38 log10 CFU/g of hypocotyls-cotyledons, stems, and leaves of plants grown for 9 days was detected regardless of the root condition. Additional studies need to be done to unequivocally demonstrate that salmonellae can exist as endophytes in tomato plants grown under conditions that simulate commonly used agronomic practices.
Changement climatique et agricultures du monde

Depuis quelques annees, et a l'approche de la 21e Conference des parties des Nations unies sur le changement climatique qui se tiendra a Paris fin 2015, le nombre de publications, congres et autres conferences sur le changement climatique est en croissance exponentielle. Pourtant, il est un domaine ou demeurent encore de nombreuses incertitudes. Dans les zones rurales tropicales, les modelisations prevoient de multiples dereglements mais les tendances ne sont pas claires alors que le constat de l'impact du changement climatique sur les populations les plus pauvres est souvent alarmiste. Comment satisfaire la securite alimentaire tout en s'adaptant au changement climatique et en l'attenuant ? Quelles sont les principales menaces pesant sur les agricultures du Sud ? Comment les agriculteurs du Sud repondent-ils a ces menaces ? Quelles sont les propositions de la recherche agronomique ? Quelles sont les voies encore inexplorees ? Les recherches en cours nous interpellent. Elles couvrent un immense champ scientifique et montrent que des solutions existent, aussi diverses que de nouvelles pratiques agronomiques, la gestion de l'eau, le recyclage des residus agricoles, le diagnostic des maladies emergentes ou les paiements pour services ecosystemiques. Notre comprehension des mecanismes financiers et politiques qui sous-tendent les negociations climatiques internationales est indispensable pour penser avec les agriculteurs des options concretes de reponse aux enjeux du climat tout en repondant aux exigences du developpement durable. Ce livre, dense, precis mais facile a lire, regroupe les experiences de plusieurs dizaines de chercheurs et agents de developpement de toutes disciplines. (Resume d'auteur)
Fat accumulation, fatty acids and melting point changes in broiler chick abdominal fat as affected by time of dietary fat feeding and slaughter age

Abstract 1. This work aims to quantify changes in fatty acid profile, melting point, abdominal fat accumulation and 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances production depending on dietary fat source and age at slaughter, and to estimate the optimal date for the change from an unsaturated fat to a saturated fat diet or vice versa. 2. Treatments established were (1) birds fed 8% tallow from 21 to 49 d (TTT); (2) birds fed 8% tallow from 21 to 37 d and 8% sunflower oil from d 38 to 49 (TSS); (3) birds fed 8% sunflower oil from 21 to 37 d and 8% tallow from d 38 to 49 (STT); (4) birds fed 8% sunflower oil from 21 to 41 d and 8% tallow from d 42 to 49 (SST); (5) birds fed 8% sunflower oil from 21 to 49 d (SSS). Birds from each group were slaughtered on d 21, 29, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 49. 3. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) proportion in the SSS group reached maximum values at d 40 and fitted a quadratic response. This group also showed a decrease in saturated fatty acids (SATs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) of lower intensity than the PUFA increase. The highest synthesis of SAT + MUFA was found in the SSS and TSS groups, whereas these had the lowest body-to-dietary PUFA ratio. 4. A high and quadratic increase in the MUFA proportion was observed during the first 10 d of feeding with the tallow-enriched diet at the expenses of the proportion of PUFA that quadratically decreased (minimum values at d 38). 5. Lipogenic and desaturation capacity decreased with age. 6. The TSS group increased tissue PUFA content faster that the SST group decreased PUFA content after the change in diet which indicates that the earlier feeding has to be taken into consideration for obtaining higher or lower changes in quality parameters. 7. The melting point of the SSS group showed a lower response to the dietary treatment in the initial period when compared to the TTT treatment. 8. The TTT, STT, SST and TSS groups showed similar fat accumulation, and changes in lipid oxidation were related to the day of dietary sunflower oil supplementation. 9. Based on the results, it would be possible to determine the most appropriate dietary programme and optimum slaughter age to obtain chicken meat with the desired quality characteristics.
Designing a Secure Cloud Architecture: The SeCA Model

Security issues are paramount when considering adoption of any cloud technology. This article proposes the Secure Cloud Architecture SeCA model on the basis of data classifications which defines a properly secure cloud architecture by testing the cloud environment on eight attributes. The SeCA model is developed using a literature review and a Delphi study with seventeen experts, consisting of three rounds. The authors integrate the CI3A-an extension on the CIA-triad-to create a basic framework for testing the classification inputted. The data classification is then tested on regional, geo-spatial, delivery, deployment, governance and compliance, network, premise and encryption attributes. After this testing has been executed, a specification for a secure cloud architecture is outputted.