Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Hybrid Backhaul and Access Links Design in Cloud-Radio Access Networks

The cloud-radio access network (CRAN) is expected to be the core network architecture for next generation mobile radio systems. In this paper, we consider the downlink of a CRAN formed of one central processor (the cloud) and several base station (BS), where each BS is connected to the cloud via either a wireless or capacity-limited wireline backhaul link. The paper addresses the joint design of the hybrid backhaul links (i.e., designing the wireline and wireless backhaul connections from the cloud to the BSs) and the access links (i.e., determining the sparse beamforming solution from the BSs to the users). The paper formulates the hybrid backhaul and access link design problem by minimizing the total network power consumption. The paper solves the problem using a two-stage heuristic algorithm. At one stage, the sparse beamforming solution is found using a weighted mixed 11/12 norm minimization approach; the correlation matrix of the quantization noise of the wireline backhaul links is computed using the classical rate-distortion theory. At the second stage, the transmit powers of the wireless backhaul links are found by solving a power minimization problem subject to quality-of-service constraints, based on the principle of conservation of rate by utilizing the rates found in the first stage. Simulation results suggest that the performance of the proposed algorithm approaches the global optimum solution, especially at high signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).
THR-18, a 18-mer peptide derived from PAI-1, is neuroprotective and improves thrombolysis by tPA in rat stroke models

Abstract Objective: The thrombolytic treatment of stroke is limited by a narrow therapeutic time window and is associated with significant adverse side effects. To improve this situation, the modulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) activity by a synthetic plasminogen activator inhibitor-1-derived 18-mer peptide (THR-18) was examined in two models of stroke in rats. Methods: In the first model (thromboembolic), stroke was induced by intra-carotid injection of micro-clots to rats, and tPA (6 mg/kg) was intravenously infused for 30 minutes with or without THR-18 (1 mg/kg) at 4 hours post-induction. In the second model [transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)], stroke was induced for 2 hours by a transient mechanical occlusion. tPA and/or THR-18 (0·02, 0·1, and 1 mg/kg) were intravenously infused for 60 minutes at the time of reperfusion. Results: In the thromboembolic model, cerebral blood flow, measured before and up to 5·5 hours post-induction, revealed that tPA administration caused reperfusion of flow at 30 minutes post-infusion. Later on, an additional increase in reperfusion was seen in the tPA+THR-18 group, and not with tPA alone. In both models, the frequency of intracranial hemorrhage in the tPA-treated group was found to be significantly higher than the control, and this tPA effect was attenuated by THR-18. In the thromboembolic study, infarct size and brain edema were similar in the control and tPA-treated rats. However, the combination of tPA and THR-18 caused a statistically significant reduction in both parameters (infarct size 17·8 versus 25·0%, brain edema 5 versus 8%, tPA+THR-18 versus control, respectively). In the tMCAO mechanical model, infarct size and brain edema were both increased by tPA treatment as compared to the control group, and this increase was markedly diminished by THR-18 co-administration. Neurobehavioral assessment of the tMCAO animals performed at 72 hours post-stroke induction revealed significant improvements (P<0·05-0·01) in neuroscores in all groups of animals treated with peptide-tPA, as compared to the tPA monotherapy group. A significant (P<0·05) improvement in the neurological outcome was also seen in the THR-18 monoterapy group, as compared to the control animals, thus demonstrating a clear neuroprotective effect by the peptide on its own. Discussion: The results support the use of THR-18 together with tPA in the thrombolytic therapy of stroke, in order to achieve better patency, less tPA-induced damage, and possibly a widening of tPA therapeutic time window.
A phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group trial comparing safety and efficacy of HD203, with innovator etanercept, in combination with methotrexate, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the HERA study

Objectives To evaluate equivalence in efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare the safety of the biosimilar HD203 with innovator etanercept (ETN) plus methotrexate (MTX) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01270997). Methods Patients with active RA received 25 mg HD203 or ETN subcutaneously twice-weekly with MTX for 48 weeks in a phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group design. The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving the American College of Rheumatology 20% response (ACR20) at week 24 for per-protocol study completer set (PPS). Secondary end points included ACR response criteria, ACRn, European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) response, change in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), patient-reported outcomes, safety and immunogenicity. Results Of the 294 randomised patients (HD203, n=147; ETN, n=147), 233 comprised the 24-week PPS (n=115 and 118, respectively). ACR20 at week 24 was achieved by 83.48% and 81.36% of PPS patients, respectively, demonstrating equivalent efficacy within predefined margins of ±20% (treatment difference 2.12%, 95% CI −7.65% to 11.89%). Outcomes for secondary end points were consistent with the primary efficacy findings. Groups were comparable for overall incidences of treatment-emergent (all-causality) adverse events (AEs) (HD203 113 (76.9%) vs ETN 114 (78.1%) (p=0.804)), adverse drug reactions, serious AEs and discontinuations due to AEs. Few patients (HD203, n=8; ETN, n=3) tested positive for anti-drug antibodies. Conclusion The study met the primary objective of demonstrating equivalent efficacy of HD203 and ETN. HD203 was well tolerated, with safety comparable with ETN in this population of patients with RA. Trial registration number NCT01270997; Results.
Real-time 3D scene layout from a single image using Convolutional Neural Networks

We consider the problem of understanding the 3D layout of indoor corridor scenes from a single image in real time. Identifying obstacles such as walls is essential for robot navigation, but also challenging due to the diversity in structure, appearance and illumination of real-world corridor scenes. Many current single-image methods make Manhattan-world assumptions, and break down in environments that do not meet this mold. They also may require complicated hand-designed features for image segmentation or clear boundaries to form certain building models. In addition, most cannot run in real time. In this paper, we propose to combine machine learning with geometric modelling to build a simplified 3D model from a single image. We first employ a supervised Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to provide a dense, but coarse, geometric class labelling of the scene. We then refine this labelling with a fully connected Conditional Random Field (CRF). Finally, we fit line segments along wall-ground boundaries and “pop up” a 3D model using geometric constraints. We assemble a dataset of 967 labelled corridor images. Our experiments on this dataset and another publicly available dataset show our method outperforms other single image scene understanding methods in pixelwise accuracy while labelling images at over 15Hz.
Evaluation of the ESRS and SPI-II scales for short-term prognosis of minor stroke and transient ischemic attack

Abstract Background and purpose: Rapid evaluation of stroke risk following an initial stroke may improve patient outcome, especially in cases of minor stroke. We investigated the validity of the Essen stroke risk score (ESRS) and stroke prognosis instrument II (SPI-II) scales for predicting the short-term risk of minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the clinic. Methods: One hundred and sixty-seven patients with minor stroke or TIA were enrolled in this study. The recurrent ischemic events were recorded within 90 days after the initial onset and the curve of cumulative survival rate was calculated to observe the recurrence risk. The prognostic value of the ESRS and SPI-II scales for recurrence risk were evaluated by calculating the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The total recurrence rate of ischemic events within 90 days was 12·57% while the recurrence rate was 7·78% in the first week after onset. Remarkable change was observed on the curve of cumulative survival rate during the acute phase of stroke. The area under the ROC curve of the ESRS scale was 0·677 (95% CI: 0·557–0·797) compared to 0·553 (95% CI: 0·413–0·694) of the SPI-II scale. Conclusion: The ESRS and SPI-II scales can be used as screening tools to evaluate the short-term risk for recurrent events of minor stroke and TIA. Importantly, the ESRS was more suitable for predicting the short-term risk of stroke in the clinic.
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and how do these risks compare with those in rheumatoid arthritis?

Aims To assess and compare the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events, by CV phenotype, between patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the general population. Methods Using linkages of national and population-based registers, we identified one cohort of prevalent patients with AS (n=5358), one with RA (n=37 245) and one with matched general population subjects (n=25 006). These cohorts were identified in 2006 through 2011 and were followed in 31 December 2012, for first ever occurrence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), deep venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism and stroke, respectively. For each outcome, we calculated incidence rates standardised to the age and sex distribution of the AS cohort, as well as relative risks using Cox proportional hazards models. Results Based on 69 ACS events during 20 251 person-years of follow-up of the patients with AS, and 966 events during 127 014 person-years in the RA cohort, the age/sex-adjusted relative risks for ACS compared with the general population was 1.3 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.7) for AS and 1.7 (1.4 to 2.0) for RA. For thromboembolic events, the corresponding risks were 1.4 (1.1 to 1.9) in AS and 1.8 (1.5 to 2.1) in RA. Finally, for stroke, the relative risks were 1.5 (1.1 to 2.0) in AS and 1.5 (1.2 to 1.8) in RA, compared with the general population. Conclusions Prevalent patients with AS are at a 30%–50% increased risk of incident CV events. When compared with patients with RA, this level of increase was similar for stroke, but only half as high for ACS and thrombotic events.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy – neuropathology in athletes and war veterans

Abstract Objective: The neuropathologic findings of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) were first described almost 40 years after the first clinical reports. We reviewed the literature and describe the neuropathological findings seen primarily in professional athletes and more recently, in war veterans. Methods: We reviewed the literature of CTE concentrating on references that focused on the correlation of clinical findings with the neuropathologic changes. The pathobiology and proposed mechanisms of injury are described. Diagnostic modalities and various diagnostic criteria of CTE are reviewed. Results: We are beginning to understand the neuropathologic basis of CTE, which appears to be a consequence of repetitive mild brain injuries. There appear to be reproducible criteria for the post-mortem diagnosis of CTE and the neuropathologic findings are becoming more widely accepted. More research is required to elucidate the risk factors that predispose athletes and war veterans to CTE. There is also a need for more diagnostic markers and a method to assess CTE in patients prior to death. The neuropathologic findings of a progressive tauopathy including the presence of numerous neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), rare neuritic plaques, and widespread expression of TDP-43 (transactive response [TAR] DNA binding protein 43) also require further study. Discussion: The potential prevalence of CTE, as well as the vulnerable populations involved, makes research into this topic crucial. Currently, a comprehensive neurological exam, neuropsychiatric assessment, and standard radiographic techniques such as conventional MRI are the mainstay of diagnosis. There is a pressing need for the prevention of CTE and the development of non-invasive diagnostic tests in order to develop therapies that may be of clinical use to athletes and blast injury veterans during their lifetimes.
Filgotinib (GLPG0634/GS-6034), an oral selective JAK1 inhibitor, is effective as monotherapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: results from a randomised, dose-finding study (DARWIN 2)

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses of filgotinib, an oral Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, as monotherapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and previous inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX). Methods In this 24-week phase IIb study, patients with moderately to severely active RA were randomised (1:1:1:1) to receive 50, 100 or 200 mg filgotinib once daily, or placebo, after a ≥4-week washout from MTX. The primary end point was the percentage of patients achieving an American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20 response at week 12. Results Overall, 283 patients were randomised and treated. At week 12, significantly more patients receiving filgotinib at any dose achieved ACR20 responses versus placebo (≥65% vs 29%, p<0.001). For other key end points at week 12 (ACR50, ACR70, ACR-N, Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints and C reactive protein, Clinical Disease Activity Index, Simplified Disease Activity Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index) significant differences from baseline in favour of filgotinib 100 and 200 mg versus placebo were seen; responses were maintained or improved through week 24. Rapid onset of action was observed for most efficacy end points. Dose-dependent increases in haemoglobin were observed. The percentage of patients with treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) was similar in the placebo and filgotinib groups (∼40%). Eight patients on filgotinib and one on placebo had a serious TEAE, and four patients, all of whom received filgotinib, experienced a serious infection. No tuberculosis or opportunistic infections were reported. Conclusions Over 24 weeks, filgotinib as monotherapy was efficacious in treating the signs and symptoms of active RA, with a rapid onset of action. Filgotinib was generally well tolerated. Trial registration number NCT01894516.
Authors’ Response: Should Serum Calcitonin Be Routinely Measured in Patients with Thyroid Nodules—Will the Law Answer before Endocrinologists Do?

1. Deftos LJ 2004 Should serum calcitonin be routinely measured in patients with thyroid nodules—will the law answer before endocrinologists do? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 89:4768–4769 2. Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-581.20(A) 3. Markowitz MD 2001 Charles medical standard of care jurisprudence as evolutionary process: implications under managed care. 2 Yale J Health Policy Law, Ethics 59:69 4. Helling v. Carey, 1974 83 Wn. 2d 514, 520–522 (Utter, J., concurring) 5. Fullerton v. Sacred Heart Med. Ctr. , 2003 Wash. App. LEXIS 984, at 7–9 6. 61 Am Jur 2d Physicians, Surgeons, and Other Healers §188
From perception to decision: A data-driven approach to end-to-end motion planning for autonomous ground robots

Learning from demonstration for motion planning is an ongoing research topic. In this paper we present a model that is able to learn the complex mapping from raw 2D-laser range findings and a target position to the required steering commands for the robot. To our best knowledge, this work presents the first approach that learns a target-oriented end-to-end navigation model for a robotic platform. The supervised model training is based on expert demonstrations generated in simulation with an existing motion planner. We demonstrate that the learned navigation model is directly transferable to previously unseen virtual and, more interestingly, real-world environments. It can safely navigate the robot through obstacle-cluttered environments to reach the provided targets. We present an extensive qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the neural network-based motion planner, and compare it to a grid-based global approach, both in simulation and in real-world experiments.
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) reduces dermal fibrosis by interfering with the release of interleukin-6 from M2 macrophages

Objectives To investigate the disease-modifying effects of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition in preclinical models of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods We studied the effects of PDE4 inhibition in a prevention and a treatment model of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, in the topoisomerase mouse model as well as in a model of sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease. To better understand the mode of action of PDE4 blockade in preclinical models of SSc, we investigated fibrosis-relevant mediators in fibroblasts and macrophages from healthy individuals and patients suffering from diffuse-cutaneous SSc on blockade of PDE4. Results Specific inhibition of PDE4 by rolipram and apremilast had potent antifibrotic effects in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis models, in the topoisomerase I mouse model and in murine sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease. Fibroblasts were not the direct targets of the antifibrotic effects of PDE4 blockade. Reduced leucocyte infiltration in lesional skin on PDE4 blockade suggested an immune-mediated mechanism. Further analysis revealed that PDE4 inhibition decreased the differentiation of M2 macrophages and the release of several profibrotic cytokines, resulting in reduced fibroblast activation and collagen release. Within these profibrotic mediators, interleukin-6 appeared to play a central role. Conclusions PDE4 inhibition reduces inflammatory cell activity and the release of profibrotic cytokines from M2 macrophages, leading to decreased fibroblast activation and collagen release. Importantly, apremilast is already approved for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, PDE4 inhibitors might be further developed as potential antifibrotic therapies for patients with SSc. Our findings suggest that particularly patients with inflammation-driven fibrosis might benefit from PDE4 blockade.
Morphometric predictors of posterior circulation aneurysms risk rupture

Abstract Objectives: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) of the posterior circulation (PC) rupture more frequently and their morbidity and mortality rates are higher compared to anterior circulation. Morphological parameters such as size ratio (SR), inflow angle and parent artery geometry are believed to contribute significantly in determining IA risk rupture. The aim of this study is to establish angiography-based morphometric predictors of PC IA risk rupture. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 58 patients with PC aneurysms was incorporated into the study. The following independent variables were measured: aneurysm dome size, neck size, parent artery size, SR, neck to parent artery ratio, and inflow angle. All aneurysms were divided into ruptured and unruptured groups. The stepwise logistic regression analysis was applied to establish the predictors of PC aneurysm risk rupture. Results: 58 patients with 27 unruptured and 31 ruptured PC cerebral aneurysms were analyzed. The mean aneurysm dome, neck and parent vessel diameters were 8·49±3·5 mm, 2·46±1·4 mm, and 3·92±1·6 mm, respectively. Size ratio was 2·26±0·6; dome/neck 3·45±0·8 and inflow angle 115·2±22°. The relevant difference between unruptured and ruptured groups was: SR (1·91 vs 2·48), aneurysm dome (7·96 vs 8·95 mm), dome/neck (3·77 vs 3·18), and inflow angle (103·7 vs 125·2°). The significant predictive value was reached for inflow angle (OR 1·05; Cl 95% 1·01 to 1·1) and SR (OR 3·53; Cl 95% 1·09 to 11·5). Cut-off value on receiver operating characteristic curve for inflow angle (113·1°; sensitivity 67·7% and specificity 81·5%) and SR (1·99; sensitivity 77·4% and specificity 63%). Discussion: The SR and inflow angle proved to be relevant predictors in estimating the aneurysm risk rupture of the posterior cerebral circulation.
The effect of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in vitro

Abstract One of the most significant side effects during recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) for acute stroke treatment is intracranial bleeding. Gelatinases [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9] are one of the agents involved in the blood–brain barrier destruction resulting in secondary bleeding into the ischemic area during stroke. Previous papers revealed that patients with high baseline MMP-9 serum level have higher risk of intracranial bleeding after thrombolytic therapy. Our objective was to evaluate rtPA influence on serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in vitro. Nine sera obtained from healthy donors were applied for experiment. The commercially available rtPA (Actylise) were diluted with included solvent and additionally with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to get concentrations: 2, 4, 8, and 16 μg/ml. Next, 100 μl of serum was mixed with equal proportion with different concentrations of rtPA to obtain final rtPA concentrations: 1, 2, 4, and 8 μg/ml. The sera together with rtPA were incubated for 1 or 2 hours at 37°C. The activity of gelatinases was estimated with zymography. The activities of MMP-9 (92 kDa) and MMP-2 (72 kDa) were increased by incubation with rtPA in a dose-dependent manner. Simultaneously, the activity of band at 200 kDa (MMP-9/MMP-9 homodimer) was decreased. The activity of gelatinases incubated for 2 hours was elevated in comparison with 1-hour incubation; however, the increase was observed even for sample without rtPA. In conclusion, this study showed that rtPA can increase the biological activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 on posttranslational level.
HEPATIC DAMAGE IN INFANTILE PELLAGRA: AND ITS RESPONSE TO VITAMIN, LIVER AND DRIED STOMACH THERAPY AS DETERMINED BY REPEATED LIVER BIOPSIES

During the last three years nearly 300 children suffering from acute malnutrition have been admitted to the Non-European Hospital, Johannesburg. More than 60 per cent of these infants manifested the clinical signs of pellagra. In our experience vitamin therapy has not only failed to save the lives ofmore than 50 per cent of these children but in many instances we strongly suspected that it aggravated the disease and even hastened death. 1 Trowell, 2 prominent worker in this field, has also recorded the unresponsiveness of this disease to vitamin therapy, including nicotinic acid. In these circumstances, therefore, it was essential to seek some other method of saving the lives of children suffering from severe malnutrition. Recent experimental work has revealed that in animals the liver is severely damaged by deficiencies or excesses of vitamins 3 by diets containing low concentrations of proteins, 4 by the presence or absence of certain