Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-source cooperative communications using low-density parity-check product codes

In this paper, we investigate the performance of low-density parity-check (LDPC) product codes in a multisource relay network where multiple sources transmit data to a same destination with the help of a noisy relay. We consider an LDPC product code resulting from the concatenation of Multiple Serially Concatenated Multiple Parity-Check (M-SC-MPC) codes. Every source encodes its data using the same M-SC-MPC code and broadcasts the codeword to relay and destination. The relay decodes and stores all codewords from sources in the rows of a matrix and encodes the columns using another M-SC-MPC code. Only the redundancy part generated by the relay is forwarded to the destination. At the destination, the codewords from the sources and the redundancy part from the relay form an observation of a product codeword whose parity check matrix is sparse. This LDPC product code can be iteratively decoded at destination using the low complexity sum-product algorithm. Since there are errors at the input of the relay-destination channel, an appropriate log-likelihood ratio is used in the LDPC decoding at destination in order to reduce the error propagation effect. The system error performance is given on the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel and the Rayleigh flat fading channel.
Mehrobjekt-Zustandsschätzung mit verteilten Sensorträgern am Beispiel der Umfeldwahrnehmung im Straßenverkehr

Umfeldwahrnehmung im automobilen Kontext kann als Zustandsschatzproblem mit mengenwertigem Systemzustand betrachtet werden. Basierend auf FISST wird eine SLAM-ahnliche Methodik gewahlt, welche explizit die Unsicherheit bei der Lokalisierung des Sensortragers berucksichtigt. Diese wird auf die PHD-, JIPDA- und MEMBER-Filteransatze angewandt. Hierbei ist eine Modifikation des Standardmessmodells notig, um zu implementierbaren Korrekturgleichungen zu gelangen.
A Meta-Analysis of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with higher health care costs. Although omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids have been associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, their effects on the risk of AF are inconsistent. We therefore sought to review the relation between n-3 fatty acids and the risk of AF. Methods: Using an extensive online search, we conducted a meta-analysis of new onset incident/recurrent AF following exposure to fish/fish oil or long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A random-effect model was used and between-studies heterogeneity was estimated with I2. The quality of studies was assessed using Jadad and United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) scoring systems. All analyses were performed with RevMan (version 5.0.20). Results: Seven cohort studies and 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56–1.12; p = 0.19) for RCTs and 0.83 (95% CI = 0.59–1.16; p = 0.27) for cohort studies. On sensitivity analysis, no statistically significant difference was noted when stratified by study design or quality of the studies (as graded by Jadad or USPSTF scoring systems). Conclusion: This study does not suggest a major effect of fish/fish oil or n-3 fatty acids on the risk of AF.
Toward System on Chip (SoC) Development Using FinFET Technology: Challenges, Solutions, Process Co-Development & Optimization Guidelines

In this paper, the impact of process/technology co-optimization on System-on-Chip (SoC) performance using detailed 3-D process/device simulations has been studied for nanoscale FinFET devices. We investigated challenges in FinFET device optimization and scaling while using standard ion implantation process for both overlap and underlap designs. Moreover, an implant-free (IF) complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process is discussed for better scalability with improved performance. FinFETs designed using this IF process shows a ~2× improvement in static random-access memory and digital input/ output performance. Additionally, a modification to the IF process is proposed, which further helps in achieving an improved logic and analog performance for overall SoC development.
Insulin 3-Like Hormone and its Role in Epididymo-Testicular Descent

Purpose: The role of insulin 3-like (Insl3) hormone signaling in the testicular descent process has been demonstrated. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate epididymal development in Insl3-deficient mice. Materials and Methods: Heterozygous and homozygous Insl3 mutants of a mixed CD1 X 129/Sv genetic background were generated by breeding Insl3 females with Insl3 males, and their genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction. On the first postnatal day, newborn males were sacrificed, embedded in paraffin, and cut in 4 μm sections. Sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and immunoreacted with anti-α actin antibody. Results: An analysis of stained sections indicated an arrest in the development of the epididymis in all homozygous mice. The cauda and corpus of the epididymis were undersized. Compared to the heterozygous epididymis, the homozygous epididymis had fewer peritubular layers and dwarfish musculature. We confirmed this with immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies against α-smooth muscle actin. Conclusion: Defective development of the smooth musculature in the epididymis of Insl3 homozygous mutant mice, combined with its high intraabdominal undescended position, supports previous observations regarding the importance of intact epididymis morphology and function for descent of the epididymo-testicular unit.
Hydrogen peroxide enhances phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hyperoxia

Mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia is a necessary treatment for patients with respiratory distress. However, patients on mechanical ventilation have increased susceptibility to infection. Studies including ours have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by exposure to prolonged hyperoxia, can cause a decrease in the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a form of ROS generated under hyperoxic conditions. In this study, we examined whether treatment with H2O2 directly affects macrophage phagocytic ability in RAW 264.7 cells that were exposed to either 21% O2 (room air) or 95% O2 (hyperoxia). Moderate concentrations (ranging from 10 to 250 µM) of H2O2 significantly enhanced macrophage phagocytic activity and restored hyperoxia-suppressed phagocytosis through attenuation of hyperoxia-induced disorganization of actin cytoskeleton and actin oxidation. These results indicate that H2O2 at low–moderate concentrations can be beneficial to host immune responses by improving macrophage phagocytic activity.
Factors Affecting the Success of Dental Implants

Dental implants are fully placed in the bone in order to replace the natural root of the tooth and allow the installation of a dental prosthesis. The implant has gained importance with the work of Professor Per Ingvar Branemark, who studied the microcirculation in bone tissue. Branemark used stainless steel optical chambers to investigate the anatomy and physiology of tissue injury. The chamber was inserted in rabbit and dog legs. In some experiments the chamber structure of stainless steel was replaced by titanium. At the end of the experiments, Prof Branemark observed that the titanium chamber was firmly attached to the bone (Branemark et al., 1964). In fact, the titanium chamber could not remove from the surrounding bone once it had healed. Histological studies showed complete integration of titanium with the bone. After this chance observation, Branemark developed a new concept of osseointegration which led to dental implants. The use of titanium-based dental implants in humans begun in 1965. Dental implant technology was improved in recent years, providing patients with unparalleled levels of effectiveness, convenience, and affordability. This is one of the main reasons why so many dentists recommend dental implants as their preferred method to replace missing teeth. Titanium dental implants can offer many benefits. Because they present osseointegration with the jawbone, they are more stable than dentures. Patients with dental implants may be able to talk and eat more easily because they do not face the risk of their dentures dislodging. Dentures require replacement when the gum tissue shrinks and changes the fit; implants are not affected by this problem. The maintenance and hygiene of dental implants are easier than with dentures. Another reason for continued growth of the global market for dental implants is that dental implants offer an effective treatment for edentulism and because of the rising demand for cosmetic dentistry worldwide across all age groups. The conventional clinical protocol proposed by Branemark (Branemark, 1990) for placement of dental implants involves two phases. The first is the placement of the implant in a surgical cavity prepared in the bone. The protocol recommends a healing period for tissue reorganization. The waiting time for healing to occur depends on bone quality and the region in which the implant was performed and was estimated by Branemark as between 3 months to 6 months. The second phase of treatment is the prosthesis placement. With this technique, all natural teeth can be replaced, restoring function and aesthetics to the patient.
Flag Guided Integration of Multiple Registered Range Images

Integration of multiple registered range images finds applications in numerous areas. While most existing integration algorithms detect corresponding points between neighbouring views based on interpoint distances, we define in this paper corresponding area for each point and then carry out geometrical, rigidity, and orientation tests for the same purpose, not only reflecting the scanning nature of sampling resolution, but also the geometry of object surface. To more accurately fuse corresponding points, while most existing algorithms consider the confidence of points, we consider an accumulative fusion scheme of confidences, reflecting the number of times of observation. The fused points are finally triangulated using the improved Delaunay triangulation method, guaranteeing a watertight surface. A comparative study based on real images shows that the proposed algorithm is accurate and efficient and is able to compensate both the accumulative registration errors and imaging noise
A low noise multi-PFD PLL with timing shift circuit

A low noise multi-PFD PLL with timing shift circuit is presented. It utilize parallel circuit configuration to improve SNR of the circuit. To enhance the effect of reducing noise, timing shift circuit is proposed. The proposed architecture includes a delay circuit of VCO signal and a mechanism to adjust the phase of reference signals automatically. The proposed PLL is demonstrated using a custom 0. 18µm SiGe-BiCMOS integrated circuit. The experimental results show the effectiveness of noise-reduction by timing shift mode, and in-band phase noise of −114.2dBc/Hz is achieved at 15GHz. The normalized PLL phase noise floor of −237.7dBc/Hz is the lowest value among the reported PLL-ICs.
Effects of S-1 Combined with Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Meta-analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects and toxicity of S-1 combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Through a search of the databases of PubMed, Embase, the Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang system and Chongqing VIP Information (CQVIP), the efficacy and side effects data of S-1 combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of NPC patients from open published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected. The pooled complete response (CR), partial response (PR), objective response rate (ORR), 2-year survival rate and treatment related toxicity were analyzed by Stata12.0 software. Eight RCTs with 599 cases were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis. The general quality of the 8 studies were deemed as having moderate risk of bias. Adequate sequence generation was reported in 4 studies. Incomplete outcome data address was reported in 7 publications. Five studies indicated to be free of selective reporting. Seven studies reported the treatment complete response (CR) between S-1 combined with radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone. With significant heterogeneity, the data was pooled by random effect model. The pooled results indicated that S-1 combined with radiotherapy can significant increase the CR rate compared to radiotherapy alone (RR=1.52, 95%CI:1.33-1.74, P<0.05). Eight studies reported the partial response (PR) rate between the combined treatment and radiotherapy alone. The pooled results showed that there was no statistical difference for PR between combined treatment and radiotherapy alone (RR=0.85, 95%CI:0.62-1.16, P>0.05). For the effect size of objective response rate (ORR), pooled results indicated that S-1 combined with radiotherapy can significantly increased the ORR by random effect model (RR=1.39, 95%CI:1.23-1.57, P<0.05). The pooled results showed that S-1 combined with radiotherapy significant increase the risk of developing bone marrow suppression (RR=1.94, 95%CI:1.40-2.69, P<0.05) and gastrointestinal reaction (RR=1.81, 95%CI:1.38-2.38, P<0.05) with fixed effect model. However, the pooled oral mucositis (RR=1.22, 95%CI:0.99-1.50, P>0.05) and radiodermatitis (RR=0.93, 95%CI:0.77-1.12, P<0.05) were not statistically different. Two studies reported the 2-year survival rate between the two groups. The pooled results showed the combined treatment significantly increased the 2-year survival rate for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RR=1.14, 95%CI:1.01-1.28, P<0.05). The funnel plot demonstrated significant publication bias for complete response, partial response, objective response rate and oral mucositis. The egger’s line regression test indicated significant publication bias for complete response (t=5.98, P=0.002) and objective response rate(t=6.23, P=0.003). Conclusion S-1 combined with radiotherapy can significant improve the clinical efficacy with more treatment related toxicity compared to radiotherapy alone in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Prediction of Well Levels in the Alluvial Aquifer along the Lower Missouri River

Temporal variations in the head of wells in the alluvial aquifer along the lower Missouri River are accurately simulated by summation of linear differential terms involving daily variations in river stage and effective precipitation. Scaling parameters were optimized using a fourth order Adams‐Bashforth‐Moulton method, providing predictions for head that are typically accurate within ±1.5 feet (0.5 m) over intervals of 1 to 15 years. Parameter magnitudes represent the product of realistic aquifer properties and geometric factors.
Clinical Profile and Natural Course in a Large Cohort of Patients With Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis

Goals: To report the clinical profile and natural course in a large series of patients with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and acute pancreatitis (AP). Background: The natural history of HTG-related pancreatitis is poorly defined. Study: Medical records of 121 patients with serum triglycerides (TG) levels of ≥500 mg/dL suffering 225 attacks of AP between January 2001 to August 2013 treated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center were retrospectively studied. Structured data were collected on initial presentation and long-term outcomes (mean follow-up 64.7±42.8 mo). AP severity was classified using Revised Atlanta Classification. Results: Most patients were young-middle aged (mean 44±12.7 y), male (70%), white (78%), and had sentinel AP (63%). Peak serum TG recorded was ≥1000 mg/dL in 48%. At least 1 secondary risk factor (diabetes, high-risk drinking, obesity, offending medications) was present in the majority (78%). Sentinel AP attack varied in severity between mild (41%), moderate (26%), and severe (33%). Recurrent AP attacks occurred in 32%, often in patients with poorly controlled diabetes, alcoholism, and TG levels. A cumulative increase in prevalence of pancreatic and/or peripancreatic necrosis was observed, with 45% patients having it at some time during observation. Local complications were higher in patients with serum TG ≥1000 mg/dL. Chronic pancreatitis was noted in 16.5% patients (new-onset in 9%). Conclusions: Patients with HTG-related pancreatitis have a high prevalence of secondary risk factors. Frequent recurrences in them are usually due to poor control of secondary factors or TG. Serum TG ≥1000 mg/dL increases the risk of local complications. A subset can have or develop chronic pancreatitis.
Association of the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Screening Tool with Weight Status, Percent Body Fat, and Acanthosis Nigricans in Children from a Low Socioeconomic, Urban Community.

OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE To examine the association of the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool with weight status, percent body fat, and acanthosis nigricans (AN) in 6- to 13-year-old children from a low socioeconomic, urban community. METHODS Children (n=415) from four elementary schools located around Flint, Michigan were assessed for body mass index, percent body fat, and AN. The FNPA screening tool was completed by parents. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess differences in FNPA score by sex and presence of AN. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of the FNPA (tertiles) with weight status and AN. RESULTS Children with AN (13.7%) had a significantly lower FNPA score (56.3 + 7.1) compared with children without AN (61.0 + 7.1; P<.05). Children with FNPA scores in the lowest tertile (high-risk) had odds ratios of 1.74 (95% CI =1.05 - 2.91) and 2.77 (95% CI =1.22 - 6.27) compared with children with FNPA scores in the highest tertile (low-risk) for being overfat and having AN, respectively. CONCLUSION Although the FNPA screening tool did not predict risk for being overweight or obese, it was significantly associated with an increased odds of children at risk for being overfat or having AN.
Host genetic basis for hepatitis C virus clearance: a role for blood collection centers

Purpose of reviewHost genetic factors influencing hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission outcomes are incompletely defined. However, vast differences observed in rates of spontaneous clearance between individuals infected with the same parental HCV strain strongly indicate a role for genetic determinants in the host immune response to HCV. This review discusses genetic association studies, particularly those published in the last year, that show gene linkages with spontaneous and treatment-induced HCV clearance. The valuable role that blood collection centers can play in increasing the sample size of HCV-confirmed seropositive donors with resolved versus persistent infections for large-scale genetic association studies is highlighted. Recent findingsRecent groundbreaking genome-wide association study and targeted single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis from independent groups have demonstrated immune response gene polymorphisms, and particularly in the interleukin (IL)-28B gene, that are strongly linked to HCV clearance. The IL-28B gene encodes interferon lambda 3, an innate immune response cytokine. SNPs in the promoter region of IL-28B were first shown to be associated with HCV treatment-induced viral clearance and subsequently to be a key determinant of spontaneous HCV resolution in infected individuals. Samples from blood donors with resolved and chronic HCV infections have contributed to these findings. SummaryThese genetic studies have provided the strongest evidence so far of a host genetic determinant linked to HCV clearance. Such large-scale genetic association studies will promote better understanding of HCV disease pathogenesis and assist in effective prognosis of HCV in the future. Continued and preferably expanded participation of blood centers in this research is encouraged.
Low Serum Ferritin Levels are Misleading for Detecting Cardiac Iron Overload and Increase the Risk of Cardiomyopathy in Thalassemia Patients. The Importance of Cardiac Iron Overload Monitoring Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging T2 and T2*

The incidence of cardiomyopathy was monitored in a 6-year follow-up study involving 56 transfused thalassemia patients treated with deferoxamine (DFO), deferiprone (L1) or their combination. During this period, five female patients on regular subcutaneous or intravenous DFO presented with cardiac complications. Three patients suffered congestive heart failure and the other two arrhythmias. Four of the five patients maintained serum ferritin levels of about 1 mg/L or below and the fifth about 1.5 mg/L for several years prior to the cardiomyopathy. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* and T2 was performed in four patients after the cardiomyopathy, identifying the presence of moderate-to-heavy siderosis. The treatment of the five patients has since changed, involving mainly the use of L1. Low serum ferritin levels appear to be misleading for detecting cardiac iron overload and this may increase the risk of cardiomyopathy. The MRI T2 and T2* relaxation time measurements are a more accurate method of detecting cardiac iron overload. Chelation therapy using L1 or appropriate L1/DFO combinations can reduce cardiac iron overload and the mortality rate in thalassemia patients.
Cyclic loading of implant-supported prostheses: changes in component fit over time.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Dental literature suggests that an implant-supported prosthesis must exhibit a passive fit to prevent implant fracture, component breakage, and screw loosening. From a practical standpoint, passive fit is impossible to achieve; instead, minimal misfit may be the clinical goal. To date no specific range of misfit (below which problems are minimal and above which catastrophic failure occurs) has been established. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine whether the fit of an implant-supported prosthesis changes through cyclic loading and to quantify the amount of change between the gold cylinder and implant abutment over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen implant-supported frameworks were fabricated with conventional casting techniques and were cyclically loaded under 3 different loading conditions. Five frameworks were loaded on the anterior portion of the framework, 5 were loaded on the left unilateral posterior cantilever, and 5 were loaded bilaterally on the posterior cantilevers with a servohydraulic testing machine. A cyclical load of 200 N was applied to each framework for up to 200,000 cycles. Linear measurements were made in micrometers of the gap between the prosthetic cylinder and the implant-supported abutment at 4 predetermined reference points. These measurements were recorded before the application of the cyclical load, after 50,000 cycles, and after 200,000 cycles. A repeated measures of variance model was fit separately to the data for each load location (P<.05). RESULTS There was a significant (P=.024) decrease in gap dimensions at individual reference points and a significant (P=.031) decrease in the average gap when the load was applied to the anterior portion of the framework. When the load was applied unilaterally or bilaterally on the posterior cantilever, significant gap closure was not observed (P=.33 and P=.35, respectively). CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, the fit between the prosthetic superstructure and the implant-supported abutment changed when simulated functional loading of the anterior portion of the prosthesis was performed. Simulated functional loading applied unilaterally or bilaterally to the posterior cantilever portion of the prosthesis did not result in changes in the measured gap sizes.