Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive demodulation for raptor coded multilevel modulation schemes over AWGN channel

Adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) and incremental redundancy (IR) are two popular rate adaptive systems to improve system capacity, peak data rate and reliable coverage of transmission in wireless mobile communications suffering from time-varying channel conditions. Adaptive demodulation (ADM) using rateless codes has been considered as an alternative solution for these rate adaptive systems in order to avoid their resource consumptions. In ADM system, data stream is modulated with a fixed modulation scheme at the transmitter but it is demodulated at a non-fixed rate at the receiver. If the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the communication channel is not high enough to demodulate the message to reach predefined bit error rate (BER), demodulation level is then decreased by treating some of the bits in each symbol as erasures and being discarded. In this paper, we shall propose a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) based ADM algorithm to select the bits to demodulate. In our algorithm we shall select the bits to demodulate in whole information packet by comparing their probability to be correct instead of using modified constellation diagram to select bits per symbol. Therefore, the probability of discarding incorrect bits will increase, resulting in BER performance and transmission rate improvement. In addition, our developed algorithm can be applied easily to any modulation scheme and the corresponding demodulation rate can be selected as any rational rate value which relaxes the limitation of ADM systems. Various simulations show that our proposed LLR based ADM technique significantly outperforms the conventional ADM algorithm in term of BER performance.
Reversal of Convention: From Man to Experimental Animal in Elucidating the Function of the Renal Amiloride-Sensitive Sodium Channel

The kidney plays a dominant role in maintaining sodium homeostasis. Despite wide variation in environmental exposure, the osmolality of the extracellular fluid that is determined by the sodium ion concentration is maintained within narrow margins. Derangement in function of proteins that transport Na+ and of those regulating the activity of these sodium-transporting proteins are likely to be responsible for a number of clinical disorders of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is implicated in the control of blood pressure as demonstrated by the analysis of two genetic diseases, Liddle’s syndrome and pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA-1). Mutations have been identified in the genes coding for the α-, β- or γ-subunit of ENaC. ENaC constitutes the limiting step for sodium reabsorption in epithelial cells that line the distal nephron, distal colon, ducts of several exocrine glands and lung airways and might play an important role in pathophysiological and clinical conditions such as hypertension or lung edema.
Pregnancy-Triggered Iatrogenic (Post-Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) Corneal Ectasia—A Case Report

Purpose: To report a patient who developed bilateral corneal ectasia, during pregnancy, one and a half years after laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia. Method: Case report with relevant literature review. Results: A 20-year-old woman, with a stable myopic astigmatism underwent laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of her refractive error. Preoperative clinical examination and topographic automated keratoconus screening did not suggest keratoconus in either eye. The patient had a preoperative corneal thickness of 527 and 525μm, and a postoperative residual bed thickness of 305 and 282μm in the right and left eyes, respectively. After being fully satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, she reported 18 months later, in the first trimester of pregnancy, with signs and symptoms of corneal ectasia, which steadily worsened with advancing pregnancy. Conclusion: Pregnancy could prompt hormonal changes, which in turn could affect the biomechanical stability of the cornea, leading to corneal ectasia.
Extracting Public Web Service description from WWW

Web Service is a software component that provides business functionalities to other applications over the Internet. XML standards provide the base for web services. Most of `web service providers' are now publishing web-services on their own websites. Consumers who want to understand the functionality of a web service will need to see description of the web service in order to use it purposefully. There are two types of descriptions that are available with a web service, i.e. structural and non-structural. Web Service Description Language (WSDL) file contains the description of the web-service; the textual description is the documentation element in WSDL file. The description in the WSDL file is normally missing or less then IK words which make it hard for the consumer to understand it using the WSDL file. The proposed approach helps the consumer of a web service in understanding its functionality by finding the details present on the pages over World Wide Web using Google search and information filtering techniques.
Conception et ajustement d'un modèle 3D articulé de la main

hocine.ouhaddi@int-evry.fr patrick.horain@int-evry.frResume :Cet article presente un modele generique 3D articule de la main et son ajustementmorphologique a la main d'un operateur observe par une camera. Les applicationsenvisagees sont l’interaction homme-machine et la reconnaissance de la langue dessignes. Le modele, compose de primitives geometriques simples, est enrichi decontraintes biomecaniques et anthropometriques. Il est ajuste sur la morphologie de lamain ouverte observee dans une image. Cet ajustement est effectue en trois etapes :estimation de la couleur de la peau et seuillage ; separation des doigts par morphologiemathematique ; ajustement du modele a partir des moments d'inertie des differentesparties.
Predictive factors for poor prognosis febrile neutropenia

Purpose of review Most patients with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia recover rapidly without serious complications. However, it still remains a life-threatening treatment-related toxicity, and is associated with dose reductions and delays of chemotherapeutic agents that may compromise treatment outcomes. Recent developments of risk stratification enabled early discharge with oral antibiotics for low-risk patients. However, even in low-risk patients, medical complications including bacteremia could happen. The authors reviewed recent literature to provide an update on research regarding predictive factors for poor prognosis in patients with febrile neutropenia. Recent findings Various prognostic factors have been suggested with controversies. Hematological parameters, prophylactic measurements and patient-specific risk factors showed inconsistent results. MASCC risk-index score, which was originally developed to identify low-risk patients, in turn showed that the lower the MASCC score, the poorer the prognosis of febrile neutropenia, with very low levels (<15), the rate of complications was high. Patients with severe sepsis and septic shock commonly had procalcitonin concentration above 2.0 ng/ml, and this level should be considered at high risk of poor prognosis. Summary Lower MASCC score and higher procalcitonin concentration can predict poor outcomes in febrile neutropenia. More research is required with regard to the other factors showing controversies.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF ML AND MMSE DECODING USING GRADIENT BASED ALGORITHM

Discrete-time all-analog-processing joint source-channel coding with Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) detections are employed in fast fading Rayleigh channel. Co-operative communication achieves spatial diversity using single antenna devices. Spatial diversity improves the performance of analog joint source-channel coding in wireless fading channels. In the case of discrete time processing signals ML decoding is unstable when compared to MMSE. Thus gradient based algorithm is proposed to reduce the complexity of the ML decoding. This algorithm quantizes the discrete processing signals into a continuous process. It also increases the capacity and cost of the channels thus making it suitable for the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems.
Beam Diagnostics for Medical Accelerators

The Optimization of Medical Accelerators (OMA) is the aim of a new European Training Network that has received 4 ME of funding within the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Union. OMA joins universities, research centers and clinical facilities with industry partners to address the challenges in treatment facility design and optimization, numerical simulations for the development of advanced treatment schemes, and beam imaging and treatment monitoring. This paper presents an overview of the network's research into beam diagnostics and imaging. This includes investigations into applying detector technologies originally developed for high energy physics experiments (such as VELO, Medipix) for medical applications; integration of prompt gamma cameras in the clinical workflow; identification of optimum detector configurations and materials for high resolution spectrometers for proton therapy and radiography; ultra-low charge beam current monitors and diagnostics for cell studies using proton beams. It also summarizes the network-wide training program consisting of Schools, Topical Workshops and Conferences that will be open to the wider medical and accelerator communities.
Male reproductive success in a promiscuous mammal: behavioural estimates compared with genetic paternity

Molecular techniques have enabled behavioural ecologists to reassess mating systems from a genetic perspective. Studies of paternity frequently reveal that mating behaviour does not always reflect parentage, and may bring to light alternative mating tactics. Here we present a comparison of behavioural and genetic measures of male reproductive success in a mammalian mating system in which both sexes are highly promiscuous. Rather than having a stable harem social structure, Soay rams (Ovis aries) on the island of Hirta, St Kilda, UK usually consort with individual oestrous ewes sequentially. Not all matings occur between consort pairs, however, and ewes have been seen to mate with up to 10 different rams on the same day. Using locus‐specific polymorphism at five protein and 10 microsatellite DNA loci, we determined paternity for 236 lambs born into three cohorts, and compared paternity with estimates of mating success derived from more than one census of rutting behaviour. The correlation between the number of ewes with which each ram was witnessed in consort and the number of paternities assigned was positive and statistically significant, and rams that were observed in consort with a ewe were 18 times more likely to have sired her offspring than other candidate rams. However, most lambs (73%) were not sired by a ram seen in consort with the oestrous mother. Many juveniles, yearlings and some adult rams were rarely seen in consort with ewes, yet were assigned a significant number of paternities. These results suggest that mating tactics differ between age groups, and that alternative mating strategies among adults that do not involve forming consorts with many females also confer mating success. For these reasons, census‐based observations of consort associations between individuals cannot be used to accurately estimate individual male reproductive success in this population.
Tunable planar combline filter with multiple source/load coupling

In this paper a topology of planar combline filter that provide additional transmission zeros is present. The filter uses multiple coupling between source/load and the resonators to generate up to three transmission zeros. The coupling takes place by means of coupled lines of the source and the load to the resonators. In order to demonstrate the viability of topology a microstrip filter has been constructed. This very selective structure provides responses for the adjacent channels reject in systems that analog and digital channels shared (DVB and analog TV).
Follow the odor

How do moths and other insects find their way to food sources in the presence of other odors? [Also see Report by Riffell et al.] We rely on our noses to notice that the milk has gone bad before we drink it, but disregard our sense of smell when it comes to finding food sources, instead using our eyes to track down the nearest supermarket. Most other animals, however, rely on olfaction to find the remote food sources. Tracking down an odor source poses a particular challenge: Odors occur in turbulent plumes and break into thin filaments, and target odors intermingle with background odors (see the figure). On page 1515, Riffell et al. (1) choose an excellent model system—a foraging sphinx moth, Manduca sexta, searching for its nectar resource, the flowers of Datura wrightii—to shed light on how insects track odors in complex odor environments.
Physical activity and risk of cognitive decline: a meta‐analysis of prospective studies

Abstract. Sofi F, Valecchi D, Bacci D, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A, Macchi C (Centro S. Maria agli Ulivi, Onlus IRCCS; Thrombosis Centre, University of Florence; Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy) Physical activity and risk of cognitive decline: a meta‐analysis of prospective studies. J Intern Med 2011; 269: 107–117.
Towards a molecular epidemiology of alcohol dependence: analysing the interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors.

BACKGROUND Progress in identifying genetic factors protective against alcohol dependence (AlcD) requires a paradigm shift in psychiatric epidemiology. AIMS To integrate analysis of research into the genetics of alcoholism. METHOD Data from prospective questionnaire and interview surveys of the Australian twin panel, and from a subsample who underwent alcohol challenge, were analysed. RESULTS In men, effects of alcohol dehydrogenase ADH2*1/*2 genotype or high alcohol sensitivity (risk-decreasing), and of history of childhood conduct disorder, or having monozygotic co-twin or twin sister with AlcD (risk-increasing) were significant and comparable in magnitude. Religious affiliation (Anglican versus other) was associated with the ADH2 genotype, but did not explain the associations with AlcD symptoms. No protective effect of the ADH2*1/*2 genotype was observed in women. CONCLUSIONS The early onset and strong familial aggregation of AlcD, and opportunity for within-family tests of genetic association to avoid confounding effects, make epidemiological family studies of adolescents and young adults and their families a priority.
Glia-Synapse Interaction Through Ca2+-Permeable AMPA Receptors in Bergmann Glia

Glial cells express a variety of neurotransmitter receptors. Notably, Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellum have Ca2+-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)–type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) assembled without the GluR2 subunit. To elucidate the role of these Ca2+-permeable AMPARs, we converted them into Ca2+-impermeable receptors by adenoviral-mediated delivery of the GluR2 gene. This conversion retracted the glial processes ensheathing synapses on Purkinje cell dendritic spines and retarded the removal of synaptically released glutamate. Furthermore, it caused multiple innervation of Purkinje cells by the climbing fibers. Thus, the glial Ca2+-permeable AMPARs are indispensable for proper structural and functional relations between Bergmann glia and glutamatergic synapses.
The Reliabilities of Radiographic Measurements of Cervical Sagittal Alignment in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Study Design:This is a prospective study design. Objective:To test the interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of 5 specific measures of global cervical sagittal alignment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to suggest a better means of measuring cervical sagittal alignment. Summary of Background Data:The intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of several different methods of measuring cervical lordosis have been reported. However, they have not been studied till yet in patients with AS. Methods:Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of 5 specific measures of cervical lordosis were evaluated in patients with AS. Eighty patients with AS were allocated to a nonankylosis or an ankylosis group, and the reliabilities of the Cobb C1–C7, Cobb C2–C7, centroid, posterior tangent, and Ishihara index methods were evaluated. Results:The intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of all 5 methods were generally high. For the 80 study subjects, ICCs were ≥0.84 (excellent) for all 5 radiographic methods. However, comparison of the ICCs, 95% confidence intervals, and mean absolute differences (MAD) between groups with varying degrees of ankylosis showed that the reliability of lordosis measurements decreased as the severity of ankylosis increased. The 5 methods consistently demonstrated higher ICCs for both interobserver and intraobserver comparisons in the nonankylosis group. However, in the ankylosis group, the Cobb C1–C7 method demonstrated high ICCs for both interobserver and intraobserver comparisons, whereas the other 4 methods had high ICCs only for intraobserver comparisons. The intraobserver MADs were similar for the 5 methods (2.4–3.9), but the interobserver MADs of measurement methods in both groups showed low measurement reliability except for the Cobb C1–C7 methods. Conclusions:This study provides a reliability analysis of different cervical lordosis measurement methods in AS, and shows that the Cobb C1–C7 method provides a reliable means for measuring cervical lordosis in AS.
Generalized infection following facet joint injection -A case report-

Facet joints have been shown to be a source of chronic low back pain, and it is generally accepted in clinical practice that diagnostic and therapeutic facet joint injections are the most reliable technique for the treatment of facet joint pain, which is considered to be an easy and safe procedure. Serious complications and side effects are uncommon after facet joint injection. However, infectious complications including septic arthritis, epidural abscess, meningitis and endocarditis have been reported following facet joint injections. We report here the first case of death following lumbar facet joint injection due to generalized infection.
Semiclassical approximations for the calculation of thermal rate constants for chemical reactions in complex molecular systems

Two different semiclassical approaches are presented for extending flux correlation function methodology for computing thermal reaction rate constants, which has been extremely successful for the “direct” calculation of rate constants in small molecule (∼3–4 atoms) reactions, to complex molecular systems, i.e., those with many degrees of freedom. First is the popular mixed quantum-classical approach that has been widely used by many persons, and second is an approximate version of the semiclassical initial value representation that has recently undergone a rebirth of interest as a way for including quantum effects in molecular dynamics simulations. Both of these are applied to the widely studied system-bath model, a one-dimensional double well potential linearly coupled to an infinite bath of harmonic oscillators. The former approximation is found to be rather poor while the latter is quite good.
Training Teen Mothers as Motivational Interviewers: A Feasibility Study

When teen mothers do not graduate from high school, they and their children risk a lifetime of negative outcomes. They face major economic and health difficulties, often repeated across generations. To address this growing national concern that particularly impacts Hispanic teen mothers, we began by training young nonprofessional peer mentors in motivational interviewing (MI) to provide one-to-one support for teen mothers. To our knowledge, young non-clinicians have never before been formally evaluated for MI competency. Our preliminary investigation tested whether teen mothers who had succeeded in graduating could use MI effectively in conversations with their peers who had not yet completed high school. The six peer mentors were able to attain basic competency in MI. Some of their demonstrated skills went beyond competency to MI proficiency as measured by the MITI coding system. They also expressed their enthusiasm for the experience. They fully participated in the study protocols and also maintained the spirit of MI throughout the study. These findings are being used to design a training strategy for the peer mentors that can be used in schools and clinics throughout New Mexico. The question we asked was: “Can these young mothers, who have succeeded in graduating from high school, competently use MI to support other teen moms to continue their education? ” The answer in this feasibility study was “yes”.
A Cross-sectional Study

Results: Sensitivity of electronic reporting ranged from 46% to 98% per measure. Specificity ranged from 62% to 97%, positive predictive value from 57% to 97%, and negative predictive value from 32% to 99%. Positive likelihood ratios ranged from 2.34 to 24.25 and negative likelihood ratios from 0.02 to 0.61. Differences between electronic reporting and manual review were statistically significant for 3 measures: Electronic reporting underestimated the absolute rate of recommended care for 2 measures (appropriate asthma medication [38% vs. 77%; P 0.001] and pneumococcal vaccination [27% vs. 48%; P 0.001]) and overestimated care for 1 measure (cholesterol control in patients with diabetes [57% vs. 37%; P 0.001]).
Segmentation and classification of white blood cells

Automated medical image processing and analysis offers a powerful tool for medical diagnosis. In this work we tackle the problem of white blood cell shape analysis based on the morphological characteristics of their outer contour and nuclei. The paper presents a set of preprocessing and segmentation algorithms along with a set of features that are able to recognize and classify different categories of normal white blood cells. The system was tested on gray level images obtained from a CCD camera through a microscope and produced a correct classification rate close to 91%.
LY121019 inhibits Neurospora crassa growth and (1-3)-beta-D-glucan synthase.

KhpV 60 //M13); Neurospora crassa, Ki&VJ> 12 ^M (C. S. Taft; unpublished results); echinocandin B noncompetitive inhibitor, Candida albicans, J&app could not be determined145 ; uncompetitive inhibitor, N. crassa, Sapp 12 ^m15). These results have led to the attractive hypothesis that aculeacin A and echinocandin B exert their antifungal activity in vivo by inhibiting (l-3)-/3D-glucan synthase (EC 2.4.1.34; UDP-Glucose: l,3-/3-D-glucan 3-/3-glucose transferase), thus
Active power filter with battery energy storage based on NPC inverters

Paper presents a model of a shunt active power filter combined with battery energy storage as a unified power conditioning system. It was shown that additional energy storage device in an active power filter makes it possible to extend functionality of the power system. In addition, usage of the parallel inverters with interleaved PWM allowed us to expand the bandwidth of the active power filter. A simulation results proving effectiveness of the proposed power conditioning system are given.
Modeling of on-chip wireless power transmission system (invited paper)

This paper presents a complete model of an on-chip wireless power transmission (WPT) system, which is essential to design a WPT link that can operate at maximum power efficiency within the design constraint of a particular application. In the process of WPT modeling, a unified model of planar inductor was proposed, which captured both PCB and on-chip inductor characteristics. Also, the mutual inductance model between two planar coils was proposed to estimate the energy coupling between the transmitter and receiver. All these models are based on the geometric parameters of the WPT system. An on-chip WPT link was implemented, and the key parameters were characterized and compared with the calculated results to confirm the accuracy of the model.