Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A joint PRMA and packet scheduling MAC protocol for multimedia CDMA cellular networks

We propose a new low-complexity MAC solution for multimedia CDMA cellular networks considering packet reservation and scheduling jointly. The proposed MAC, which we call joint PRMA and packet scheduling (JPPS), treats real-time traffic and non-real-time traffic separately. Once a real-time traffic flow (a continuous packet burst) is admitted to the system, its code channel(s) will be implicitly reserved until its last packet is transmitted, as in PRMA. Real-time traffic has delay priority over non-real-time, and we also prioritize within various non-real-time traffic flows. Packet scheduling techniques are then used to schedule all the real-time and non-real-time packets. Furthermore, an optimal channel access scheme based on a simple linear program is proposed. Simulation results comparing the performance of JPPS versus the well-known MAC protocol WISPER demonstrate lower delay for real time traffic and lower overall packet loss ratio for JPPS
Randomized trial testing the effect of peer education at increasing fruit and vegetable intake.

BACKGROUND The National Cancer Institute recommends that Americans eat at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. National strategies to increase consumption may not reach minority and lower socioeconomic populations. In a randomized trial, peer education was tested for effectiveness at increasing fruit and vegetable intake among lower socioeconomic, multicultural labor and trades employees. METHODS Employees (n = 2091) completed a baseline survey and received an 18-month intervention program through standard communication channels (e.g., workplace mail, cafeteria promotions, and speakers). Ninety-three social networks (cliques) of employees were identified, which were pair matched on intake. At an interim survey (during months 8 and 9), 11 cliques no longer existed and 41 matched pairs of cliques containing 905 employees remained, with one clique per pair being randomly assigned to the peer education intervention. Employees who were central in the communication flow of the peer intervention cliques served as peer educators during the last 9 months of the intervention program. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured with 24-hour intake recall and with food-frequency questions in baseline, outcome (i.e., at 18 months), and 6-month follow-up surveys. All P values are two-sided. RESULTS By use of multiple regression, statistically significant overall effects of the peer education program were seen in the intake recall (increase of 0.77 total daily servings; P<.0001) and the food-frequency (increase of 0.46 total daily servings; P =.002) questions at the outcome survey. The effect on the total number of servings persisted at the 6-month follow-up survey when measured by the intake recall (increase of 0.41 total daily servings; P =.034) but not the food-frequency (decrease of 0.04 total daily servings; P =.743) questions. CONCLUSIONS Peer education appears to be an effective means of achieving an increase in fruit and vegetable intake among lower socioeconomic, multicultural adult employees.
Nonlinear Filters for Hidden Markov Models of Regime Change with Fast Mean-Reverting States

We consider filtering for a hidden Markov model that evolves with multiple time scales in the hidden states. In particular, we consider the case where one of the states is a scaled Ornstein--Uhlenbeck process with fast reversion to a shifting-mean that is controlled by a continuous time Markov chain modeling regime change. We show that the nonlinear filter for such a process can be approximated by an averaged filter that asymptotically coincides with the true nonlinear filter of the regime-changing Markov chain as the rate of mean-reversion approaches infinity. The asymptotics exploit weak convergence of the state variables to an invariant distribution, which is significantly different from the strong convergence used to obtain asymptotic results in [A. Papanicolaou, Asymptot. Anal. , 70 (2010), pp. 155--176].
Ovulation as an inflammatory reaction--a hypothesis.

II. CHARACTERISTICS OF INFLAMMATORY PROCESSES 75 A. Physical Changes 75 1. Vascular Dynamics 75 2. Immigration of Leukocytes and Macrophages 75 3. Proliferation of Fibroblasts 75 B. Chemical Changes 76 1. Cyclic Nucleotides 76 2. Mediators 76 a. Histamine 76 b. Serotonin 76 c. Brady kinin 76 d. Prostaglandins 77 3. Proteolytic Activity 77 III. COMPARISON BETWEEN OVULATION AND INFLAMMATION 78 A. Vascular Dynamics 78 1. In Ovulation 78 2. In Inflammation 78 B. Leukocytes and Macrophages 79 1. In Ovulation 79 2. In Inflammation 79 C. Fibroblasts 80 1. In Ovulation 80 2. In Inflammation and Related Processes 80 D. Cyclic Nucleotides 81 1. In Ovulation 81 2. In Inflammation and Related Processes 82 E. Steroids 83 1. In Ovulation 83 2. In Inflammation and Related Processes 84
The long view: 40 years of infectious bronchitis research

The remit of this review is to provide the non-specialist reader of Avian Pathology with an overview of research carried out on infectious bronchitis over the 40 years since the journal was first published. In order to do this, we felt it necessary to summarize the knowledge acquired previously, since the since the disease was first identified in the 1930s. Infectious bronchitis virus is a significant pathogen in the domestic chicken, affecting the respiratory and renal systems as well as the female reproductive tract. The virus exists in the form of many, ever changing, serotypic or genotypic variants, some of which have global distribution whilst others are found only in more local areas. This review mentions the major discoveries concerning both the virus itself and the types of disease it causes and considers recent changes in its pathogenesis. It also discusses the impact of developments in the field of molecular biology and highlights possible areas for future work.
Characteristics of double fiber ring incorporated with a fiber Bragg grating

A novel slow-light reflector composed of a double ring resonator with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) incorporated is proposed in this paper, which can be used as a mirror of narrow linewidth fiber laser. Due to the Vernier effect, it is shown that the amplitude of resonance peaks is modulated by the simulations and the mode spacing is expanded greatly. Compared with the case of single ring, the mode hopping is mitigated effectively, while the line narrowing function is maintained. The light recirculating propagation in the fiber resonator provides not only high reflectivity, but also an enlarged group delay, which shows a good slow-light property.
Twilight orientation to polarised light in the crepuscular dung beetle Scarabaeus zambesianus

SUMMARY The polarisation pattern of skylight offers many arthropods a reference for visual compass orientation. The dung beetle Scarabaeus zambesianus starts foraging at around sunset. After locating a source of fresh droppings, it forms a ball of dung and rolls it off at high speed to escape competition at and around the dung pile. Using behavioural experiments in the field and in the laboratory, we show that the beetle is able to roll along a straight path by using the polarised light pattern of evening skylight. The receptors used to detect this skylight cue can be found in the ommatidia of the dorsal rim area of the eye, whose structures differ from the regular ommatidia in the rest of the eye. The dorsal rim ommatidia are characterised by rhabdoms with microvilli oriented at only two orthogonal orientations. Together with the finding that the receptors do not twist along the length of the rhabdom, this indicates that the photoreceptors of the dorsal rim area are polarisation sensitive. Large rhabdoms, a reflecting tracheal sheath and a lack of screening pigments make this area of the eye well adapted for polarised light detection at low light levels. The fan-shaped arrangement of receptors over the dorsal rim area was previously believed to be an adaptation to polarised light analysis, but here we argue that it is simply a consequence of the way that the eye is built.
In vitro stage-specific chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells committed to chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis is characterized by an imbalance in cartilage homeostasis, which could potentially be corrected by mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies. However, in vivo implantation of undifferentiated MSCs has led to unexpected results. This study was undertaken to establish a model for preconditioning of MSCs toward chondrogenesis as a more effective clinical tool for cartilage regeneration. METHODS A coculture preconditioning system was used to improve the chondrogenic potential of human MSCs and to study the detailed stages of chondrogenesis of MSCs, using a human MSC line, Kp-hMSC, in commitment cocultures with a human chondrocyte line, hPi (labeled with green fluorescent protein [GFP]). In addition, committed MSCs were seeded into a collagen scaffold and analyzed for their neocartilage-forming ability. RESULTS Coculture of hPi-GFP chondrocytes with Kp-hMSCs induced chondrogenesis, as indicated by the increased expression of chondrogenic genes and accumulation of chondrogenic matrix, but with no effect on osteogenic markers. The chondrogenic process of committed MSCs was initiated with highly activated chondrogenic adhesion molecules and stimulated cartilage developmental growth factors, including members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and their downstream regulators, the Smads, as well as endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, committed Kp-hMSCs acquired neocartilage-forming potential within the collagen scaffold. CONCLUSION These findings help define the molecular markers of chondrogenesis and more accurately delineate the stages of chondrogenesis during chondrocytic differentiation of human MSCs. The results indicate that human MSCs committed to the chondroprogenitor stage of chondrocytic differentiation undergo detailed chondrogenic changes. This model of in vitro chondrogenesis of human MSCs represents an advance in cell-based transplantation for future clinical use.
Development of postural adjustments during reaching in infants with CP

The development of postural adjustments during reaching movements was longitudinally studied in seven infants with cerebral palsy (CP) between 4 and 18 months of age. Five infants developed spastic hemiplegia, one spastic tetraplegia, and one spastic tetraplegia with athetosis. Each assessment consisted of a simultaneous recording of video data and surface EMGs of arm, neck, trunk, and leg muscles during reaching in various lying and sitting positions. The basic organization of postural adjustments of the children developing spastic CP was intact. Their main problem was a deficient capacity to modulate the postural adjustments to task‐specific constraints ‐ a deficit which was attributed to a combination of an impaired motor coordination and deficits in sensory integration. The child with spastic‐dyskinetic CP showed distinct abnormalities in the basic organization of postural adjustments.
The role of Sis1 in the maintenance of the [RNQ+] prion

Yeast prions are inherited through proteins that exist in alternate, self‐perpetuating conformational states. The mechanisms by which these states arise and are maintained are still poorly defined. Here we demonstrate for the first time that Sis1, a member of the Hsp40 chaperone family, plays a critical role in the maintenance of a prion. The prion [RNQ+] is formed by Rnq1, which is present in the same physical complex as Sis1, but only when Rnq1 is in the prion state. The G/F domain of Sis1 is dispensable for rapid growth on rich medium, but is required for [RNQ+] maintenance, distinguishing essential regions of Sis1 from those needed for prion interaction. A specific Sis1 deletion mutant altered the physical aggregation pattern of Rnq1 without curing the prion. This variant state propagated in a heritable fashion after wild‐type Sis1 function was restored, indicating that multiple physical states are compatible with prion maintenance and that changes in chaperone activity can create prion variants. Using a prion chimera we demonstrate that the prion‐determinant domain of Rnq1 is genetically sufficient for control by Sis1.
Unified dual-field multiplier in GF(P) and GF(2k)

A scalable unified multiplier for both prime fields GF(P) and binary extension fields GF(2k), where P=2m−1 and GF(2k) is generated by an irreducible all one polynomial. The proposed unified dual-field multiplier uses the LSB-first bit-serial architecture for multiplication in GF(P) and GF(2k) other than the Montgomery multiplication algorithm, which has been employed by most existing dual-field multipliers. The proposed unified dual-field multiplier costs little space and time complexities. The new multiplier is scalable for operands of any size while other existing dual-field multipliers are only scalable for operands with multiples of m. Furthermore, the proposed multiplier has simplicity, regularity, modularity and concurrency and is very suitable to be implement in VLSI.
802 . 11 p in Fast Fading Scenarios : From Traces to Comparative Studies of Receive Algorithms Practice Paper

We present an approach for using signal traces from Field Operational Tests (FOTs) for later evaluations and comparative studies of receive algorithms for the IEEE 802.11p PHY. In particular, we use Software Defined Radios (SDRs) to record the raw signal, i.e., complex baseband samples, from IEEE 802.11p transmissions during an experiment on the road. These samples are later used with our GNU Radiobased IEEE 802.11p implementation for studying different receive algorithms – allowing for optimal comparability and repeatability. We exemplarily evaluate four typical algorithms ranging from simple ones currently used in commodity WLAN chips to more sophisticated ones proposed specifically for vehicular applications. We can show that fast fading scenarios lead to a significant packet error rate when using the standard algorithms. For better comparability, we make both our GNU Radio implementation as well as the collected traces publicly available.
A Segmented Packet Collision Model for Smart Utility Networks Under WLAN Interferences

Smart metering utility network (SUN) is an emerging wireless technology for achieving intelligent control and information transfer in smart grid applications. However, the operation of SUNs on unlicensed bands is very sensitive to external interferences generated from other networks working on the same spectrum bands, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). This paper aims to analyze packet error rate (PER) performance of a victim SUN receiver under the interferences of one or more WLAN transmitting nodes. To deal with a scenario leveraged by multiple random variables, such as offset between desired SUN data packet and WLAN packet, duration of WLAN data packet, and time interval between two consecutive WLAN packets, we propose a segmented packet collision model with the help of the probability theory. We first divide all the packets into small segments and then calculate the collision probability of each segment to acquire a more accurate bit error rate (BER). Then, based on different BERs in distinct segments of the desired SUN packet, average PER of the victim SUN receiver is obtained. Finally, the proposed analytical model is validated by simulations as an effort to evaluate PER performance of a SUN receiver under the WLAN interferences.
Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis of the Labyrinth in Adults

Objective To describe and analyze three unusual cases of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the temporal bone in adults. Study design Retrospective case review. Setting A tertiary referral center. Patients Three adult patients with progressive sensorineural or mixed hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus as presenting symptoms of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the temporal bone. Intervention Patients were evaluated by means of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent complete surgical excision of the lesion via a transmastoid approach, extended to a translabyrinthine approach in one case. One patient with a multifocal disease underwent excision of a mandibular lesion 1 year later, followed-up by chemotherapy. Results The Langerhans' cell histiocytosis was located adjacent to or within the area of the endolymphatic sac region in all cases. The middle ear was spared. Hearing function was preserved in the two patients who had serviceable hearing preoperatively. No complication occurred. Conclusion Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the temporal bone is centered on or adjacent to the endolymphatic sac. The fact that the endolymphatic sac plays an immunologic role in the inner ear suggests that the infiltration of the Langerhans' cell may derive from it.
Hadwiger's Conjecture for Graphs with Forbidden Holes

Given a graph $G$, the Hadwiger number of $G$, denoted by $h(G)$, is the largest integer $k$ such that $G$ contains the complete graph $K_k$ as a minor. A hole in $G$ is an induced cycle of length at least four. Hadwiger's Conjecture from 1943 states that for every graph $G$, $h(G)\ge \chi(G)$, where $\chi(G)$ denotes the chromatic number of $G$. In this paper we establish more evidence for Hadwiger's conjecture by showing that if a graph $G$ with independence number $\alpha(G)\ge3$ has no hole of length between $4$ and $2\alpha(G)-1$, then $h(G)\ge\chi(G)$. We also prove that if a graph $G$ with independence number $\alpha(G)\ge2$ has no hole of length between $4$ and $2\alpha(G)$, then $G$ contains an odd clique minor of size $\chi(G)$, that is, such a graph $G$ satisfies the odd Hadwiger's conjecture.
Differential effects of teriparatide on regional bone formation using 18F‐fluoride positron emission tomography

Teriparatide increases skeletal mass, bone turnover markers, and bone strength, but local effects on bone tissue may vary between skeletal sites. We used positron emission tomography (PET) to study 18F‐fluoride plasma clearance (Ki) at the spine and standardized uptake values (SUVs) at the spine, pelvis, total hip, and femoral shaft in 18 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Subjects underwent a 1‐hour dynamic scan of the lumbar spine and a 10‐minute static scan of the pelvis and femurs at baseline and after 6 months of treatment with 20 µg/day teriparatide. Blood samples were taken to derive the arterial input function and lumbar spine Ki values evaluated using a three‐compartment model. SUVs were calculated for the spine, pelvis, total hip, and femoral shaft. After 6 months treatment with teriparatide, spine Ki values increased by 24% (p = .0003), while other model parameters were unchanged except for the fraction of tracer going to bone mineral (k3/[k2 + k3]), which increased by 23% (p = .0006). In contrast to Ki, spine SUVs increased by only 3% (p = .84). The discrepancy between changes in Ki and SUVs was explained by a 20% decrease in 18F− plasma concentration. SUVs increased by 37% at the femoral shaft (p = .0019), 20% at the total hip (p = .032), and 11% at the pelvis (p = .070). Changes in bone turnover markers and BMD were consistent with previous trials. We conclude that the changes in bone formation rate during teriparatide treatment as measured by 18F− PET differ at different skeletal sites, with larger increases in cortical bone than at trabecular sites. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
In Reply.

have found an association between decreased frequency of intercourse and sexual dysfunction with weight and obesity. The exclusion of frequency of intercourse as a variable to be considered in the study might result in the overestimation of the effects of changes on adult female weight identified in the study. In addition, the study should have discussed the potential effects of weight and obesity on intercourse patterns. The lack of discussion of this aspect sways the argument toward a biological explanation (ie, negative consequences on oocyte quality) for the association between weight and lower fecundity where patients have lower control. This might preclude the discussion of potential behavioral approaches (eg, increasing the frequency of intercourse), which are generally less costly and provide a sense of personal empowerment for patients.
Hematologic and Serum Chemical Values for Free-ranging Bobcats, Felis rufus (Schreber), with Reference to Animals with Natural Infections of Cytauxzoon felis Kier, 1979

Received for publication 27 July 1984. bination of drugs (Pertz and Sundberg, 1978, J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 173: 1243). Another possible diagnosis for the deaths of these four wolves was peracute CM. However, failure to obtain skeletal muscle and blood for histopathologic and serum chemistry examinations precluded confirming this diagnosis. CM accompanying capture stress is well documented in freeranging ungulates (Chalmers and Barrett, 1982, In Noninfectious Diseases in Wildlife, Hoff and Davis (eds.), Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames, Iowa, pp. 84-94) but has not been reported in wild carnivores. All four wolves died immediately after anesthesia, a finding which is consistent with death from hyperacute and acute forms of CM, in which shock, acidosis, and hyperthermia are primary components. Because of frequent physical exertion necessitated by their predatory behavior and their physiological adaptation to it, wolves may not be as susceptible to the less acute forms of CM observed in ungulates. In conclusion, our experience suggests that EH in combination with AP should not be used for capturing wolves from a helicopter during periods of high ambient air temperatures. This drug and dose (2.5 mg EH/5 mg AP) combination resulted in a significant increase in capture mortality during these periods. Conceivably, the same thermoregulatory disruption could also occur at very low temperatures. EH alone, or possibly in combination with a different, less potent phenothiazine tranquilizer, appears satisfactory for immobilizing wolves from a helicopter during these periods. This study was supported by the Alaska Power Authority and by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game through Alaska Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration. Appreciation is expressed to J. Whitman, S. Peterson, K. Schneider, A. Franzmann, C. Schwartz, and W. Taylor for reviewing early drafts of the manuscript. Both J. S. Haigh and C. Wobeser, University of Saskatchewan, also provided critical reviews of earlier drafts.
Interactions between abscisic acid and plastidial glycolysis in Arabidopsis

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) controls the development of plants and plays a crucial role in their response to adverse environmental conditions like salt and water stress.1,2,3 Complex interactions between ABA and sugar signal transduction pathways have been shown. However, the role played by glycolysis in these interactions is not known. In the associated study,4 we investigated the interactions between plastidial glycolytic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPCp) and ABA signal transduction in Arabidopsis. We followed physiological, genetic and genomic approaches to understand the processes and mechanisms underlying the ABA-glycolysis interactions. Our results indicated that GAPCp deficiency leads to ABA-insensitivity and impaired ABA signal transduction. The gene expression of the transcription factor ABI4, involved in both sugar and ABA signaling, was altered in gapcp double mutants (gapcp1gapcp2), suggesting that the ABA insensitivity of mutants is mediated, at least in part, through this transcriptional regulator. We also suggested that amino acid homeostasis and/or serine metabolism may also be important determinants in the connections of ABA with primary metabolism. These studies provide new insights into the links between plant primary metabolism and ABA signal transduction, and demonstrate the importance of plastidial glycolytic GAPCps in these interactions.