Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Performance of Quantized Transceiver in Multiuser Massive MIMO Downlinks

Low-resolution digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are considered to reduce cost and power consumption in multiuser massive multiple-input multiple-output. Using the Bussgang theorem, we derive the asymptotic downlink achievable rate with respect to the resolutions of both DACs and ADCs, i.e., <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$b_{\mathrm{ DA}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$b_{\mathrm{ AD}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, under the assumption of large antenna number <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${N}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and fixed user load ratio <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\beta }$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. We characterize the rate loss caused by finite-bit-resolution converters and reveal that the quantization distortion is ignorable at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) even with low-resolution converters at both sides. While for maintaining the same rate loss at high SNR, it is discovered that one-more-bit DAC resolution is needed when more users are scheduled with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta $ </tex-math></inline-formula> increased by four times. More specifically for one-bit rate loss requirement, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$b_{\mathrm{ DA}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> can be set by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lceil b_{\mathrm{ AD}}+({1}/{2})\log \beta \rceil$ </tex-math></inline-formula> given <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$b_{\mathrm{ AD}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Similar observations on ADCs are also obtained with numerical verifications.
Predictors of rapid progression to AIDS in HIV-1 seroconverters.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether at the time of HIV-1 seroconversion rapid progressors to AIDS and a low CD4+ count can be distinguished by the clinical presentation of primary HIV-1 infection and serological and immunological characteristics. DESIGN Prospective cohort study on HIV-1 infection in homosexual men. SETTING The Municipal Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. SUBJECTS One hundred and eight men who seroconverted for HIV-1 during follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Progression to AIDS and progression to a CD4+ lymphocyte count < 200 x 10(6)/l. RESULTS Symptomatic primary HIV infection with fever and skin rash, absence of anti-HIV core and transient HIV p24 antigenemia were independent predictors of progression to AIDS at the time of HIV-1 seroconversion. A low CD4+ count immediately after seroconversion and the calendar year were independent predictors of progression to a low CD4+ count at the time of HIV-1 seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS Even in the earliest stage of HIV-1 infection a small group of individuals at high risk for rapid progression to AIDS can be recognized by the clinical presentation of primary HIV infection, the presence of HIV p24 antigenaemia and the absence of a serological response to HIV core protein.
Decreased activity of plasma ADAMTS13 may contribute to the development of liver disturbance and multiorgan failure in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis (AH) remains unclear and the prognosis of severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is very poor. Deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF)-cleaving protease (VWF-CP/ADAMTS13) results in an increase of the plasma unusually large VWF multimer and leads to platelet clumping, which causes microcirculatory disturbance and finally multiorgan failure. The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of ADAMTS13 on the development of liver disturbance and multiorgan failure in AH. METHODS The activity of plasma ADAMTS13 and its clinical correlation were determined in 14 patients with AH, 4 with SAH (Maddrey score, mean 62), and 10 with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (LC). RESULTS The activity of the plasma ADAMTS13 significantly decreased in patients with AH (mean 59%, p < 0.001), SAH (17%, p < 0.001) and LC (76%, p < 0.02) as compared with the healthy subjects (102%, n = 60). The activity was markedly lower in SAH than in AH (p < 0.02) and LC (p < 0.02). In three nonsurvivors with SAH who had multiorgan failure, it was extremely low (4.5%, 5.0%, and 16.0%, respectively), but in a survivor with SAH it remained mild decrease (44%). In AH, the protease activity increased at the recovery stage (42% --> 75%, p < 0.05). In the univariate analysis, the activity correlated with 10 clinical variables including functional liver capacity, inflammation signs, renal function, and platelet count in patients with AH and SAH. Among these, multivariate analysis showed that serum total bilirubin and C-reactive protein independently correlated with the protease activity. CONCLUSION The activity of plasma ADAMTS13 markedly decreased in SAH in addition to AH. The activity was closely related to hyperbilirubinemia and inflammation signs, and was extremely low in nonsurvivors with SAH and multiorgan failure. The marked decrease of plasma ADAMTS13 may, in part, contribute to not only the progression of liver disturbance in AH, but also the development of multiorgan failure in SAH through microcirculatory disturbance.
Balloon-Assisted Superselective Intra-Arterial Cerebral Infusion of Bevacizumab for Malignant Brainstem Glioma

Malignant brainstem gliomas (BSG) are rare tumors in adults, associated with a grim prognosis and limited treatment options. Currently, radiotherapy represents the mainstay of treatment, although new studies suggest an increased role for certain chemotherapeutic agents. Intravenous (IV) administration of bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech Pharmaceuticals) has been shown to be active in the treatment of some enhancing malignant brainstem gliomas. The IV route of administration, however, carries a risk of systemic side effects such as bowel perforation, wound disrepair and pulmonary embolism. In addition, the percentage of IV drug that reaches the tumor site is restricted by the blood brain barrier (BBB). This technical report describes our protocol in performing superselective intra-arterial cerebral infusion (SIACI) of bevacizumab using endovascular balloon-assistance in the top of the basilar artery in a patient with a recurrent malignant brainstem glioma. It represents the first time such a technique has been performed for this disease. This method of drug delivery may have important implications in the treatment of both adult and pediatric brainstem gliomas.
Line segment detection based on probability map

In this paper, a novel line segment detection method based on probability map is proposed. Firstly, the local gradient information is used to estimate if a pixel belongs to a line segment and a probability map is produced. The probability map combines gradient orientation with gradient magnitude information and can provide candidate points for edge chain extraction. Secondly, these candidate points are connected together to generate edge chains and then edge chains are split to candidate line segments by using least square line fitting method. At last, we apply Helmholtz principle to validate the detected line segments. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other methods in term of visual comparison and quantitative assessment.
Area-efficient polynomial modular multiplication over GF(2∧n) and application to AES

Due to low masking-complexity property of the addition chain, it has been widely researched for evaluating the S-boxes in the recent literatures. This paper summarizes four main addition chains developed for the AES S-box in the existing literatures and chooses the most area-efficient addition chain. To further reduce the masking complexity, this paper proposes an improved algorithm for evaluating the polynomial modular multiplication. Based on the proposed algorithm, the non-linear multiplier, the square multiplier and the constant multiplier are developed separately to implement four different addition chains. To evaluate the performance, these addition chains are modeled with the Verilog, synthesized with the Synopsys Design Compiler and compared with each other. The comparison results show that the addition chain with less non-linear multipliers and square multipliers has less area. According to the comparison results, this paper chooses the most area-efficient addition chain to implements the whole AES. The research in this paper lays the foundation for the high-efficient higher-order masking scheme of the block cipher algorithm.
Traumatic brain injury among men in an urban homeless shelter: observational study of rates and mechanisms of injury.

BACKGROUND Little empiric research has investigated the interrelationship between homelessness and traumatic brain injury. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate, mechanisms and associated outcomes of traumatic brain injury among men in an urban homeless shelter. METHODS We recruited participants from an urban men's shelter in Toronto, Ontario. Researchers administered the Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire, a semistructured interview screening tool for brain injury. Demographic information and detailed histories of brain injuries were obtained. Participants with positive and negative screening results were compared, and the rates and mechanisms of injury were analyzed by age group. RESULTS A total of 111 men (mean age 54.2 ± standard deviation 11.5 yr; range 27-81 yr) participated. Nearly half (50 [45%]) of the respondents had a positive screening result for traumatic brain injury. Of these, 73% (35/48) reported experiencing their first injury before adulthood (< 18 yr), and 87% (40/46) reported a first injury before the onset of homelessness. Among those with a positive screening result, 33 (66%) reported sustaining at least one traumatic brain injury by assault, 22 (44%) by sports or another recreational activity, 21 (42%) by motor vehicle collision and 21 (42%) by a fall. A positive screening result was significantly associated with a lifetime history of arrest or mental illness and a parental history of substance abuse. INTERPRETATION Multiple mechanisms contributed to high rates of traumatic brain injury within a sample of homeless men. Assault was the most common mechanism, with sports and recreation, motor vehicle collisions and falls also being reported frequently by the participants. Injury commonly predated the onset of homelessness, with most participants experiencing their first injury in childhood. Additional research is needed to understand the complex interactions among homelessness, traumatic brain injury, mental illness and substance use.
A Comparative Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis of the Effect of QMix® and SofScale™ as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing on Periodontally Compromised Root Surfaces: An In vitro Study

Aim: This study aimed to comparatively analyze, under scanning electron microscope (SEM), the effect of the use of QMix® and SofScale™ as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on periodontally compromised root surfaces. Settings and Design: This study was carried out in K. M. Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara. Methodology: This was a single-blinded in vitro study which compared QMix® and SofScale™ as an adjunct to SRP on periodontally compromised root surfaces under SEM. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using a nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the test and control groups. Results: The sum of ranks for QMix® was 306.50 and the sum of ranks for SofScale™ was 513.50. The group which was treated with QMix® showed statistically significant results (P = 0.004) as compared to group which was treated with SofScale™. Conclusion: Comparative analysis showed that QMix® had significantly better smear layer removal ability as compared to SofScale™. However, uniform root surface was achieved with both QMix® and SofScale™.
GPAT3 and GPAT4 are regulated by insulin-stimulated phosphorylation and play distinct roles in adipogenesis[S]

Acyl-CoA:glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) catalyzes the first step during de novo synthesis of glycerolipids. Mammals have at least four GPAT isoforms. Here we report the further characterization of the two recently identified microsomal GPAT3 and GPAT4. Both enzymes are highly expressed in adipose tissues. However, while GPAT3 is highly (∼60-fold) induced during adipocyte differentiation, GPAT4 induction is only modest (∼5-fold), leading to a lower abundance of GPAT4 mRNA in adipocytes. While overexpression of GPAT3 and GPAT4 in either insect or mammalian cells results in a comparable increase of GPAT activity, shRNA-mediated knockdown of GPAT3, but not GPAT4, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes led to a significant decrease in GPAT activity, a profound inhibition of lipid accumulation, and a lack of expression of several adipogenic markers during adipocyte differentiation. These data suggest that GPAT3 may encode the major GPAT isoform in adipocytes and play an important role in adipogenesis. Furthermore, we have shown that both GPAT3 and GPAT4 are phosphorylated by insulin at Ser and Thr residues, leading to increased GPAT activity that is sensitive to wortmannin. Our results reveal a link between the lipogenic effects of insulin and microsomal GPAT3 and GPAT4, implying their importance in glycerolipid biosynthesis.
Interferon-Gamma or Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Administered as Adjuvants With a Vaccine of Irradiated Autologous Tumor Cells From Short-Term Cell Line Cultures: A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of the Cancer Biotherapy Research Group

The objective was to study the effects of patient-specific vaccine immunotherapy administered with either interferon-gamma (IFN&ggr;) or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in patients with metastatic cancer. Short-term cell lines were established from cancer tissue resected from patients with metastatic cancer for use as autologous tumor cell vaccines. Successful cultures were expanded to 1 to 2 × 108 cells, irradiated, and cryopreserved in aliquots of 106 cells for intradermal testing of delayed tumor hypersensitivity and 107 cells for subcutaneous vaccinations. The study design was that of a randomized phase 2 trial. Patients were stratified by tumor type and by whether they had measurable disease at the time vaccination was to commence, and then randomized to receive either 100 MIU IFN&ggr; subcutaneously or 500 &mgr;g GM-CSF subcutaneously at the time of each tumor cell vaccination. Following a baseline test of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to an intradermal injection of 106 irradiated autologous tumor cells, patients received 3 weekly subcutaneous injections of 107 cells, had a repeat DTH test at week 4, then received monthly vaccinations for 5 months. A positive DTH test was defined as at least 10 mm of induration; survival was determined from the first DTH test. There were 98 patients enrolled with a median follow-up of over 4 years. The most prevalent diagnoses were melanoma (51), renal cell carcinoma (18), and soft-tissue sarcoma (14). There were 49 patients (26 men, 23 women, average age 50.4 years) randomized to IFN&ggr; and 49 (28 men, 21 women, average age 54.1 years) to GM-CSF. The average numbers of vaccine and adjuvant injections were 6.3 and 5.9, respectively. For the patients who received IFN&ggr;, the objective response rate was 0 of 21; for patients who received GM-CSF the response rate was 1 of 26. Only eight patients (four from each arm) had a positive baseline DTH reaction to autologous tumor. The tumor DTH test converted from negative to positive in 13 of 45 of the IFN&ggr; group and 11 of 43 of the GM-CSF group. With 29 patients deceased in the IFN&ggr; arm and 31 in the GM-CSF arm, the 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 45% and 29% for the IFN&ggr; arm and 41% and 23% for the GM-CSF arm (NSD). Both adjuvants were well tolerated and results were similar in both arms of the study. Both adjuvants were associated with a 25% to 30% rate of DTH conversion and a 25% 5-year survival rate. Immune recognition of autologous tumor can be induced with this approach.
Advanced technology for monitoring plasma sparking ESD damage using high frequency magnetic field sensors

In plasma processes, the sparking events inside the chamber of plasma instruments damage the advanced electron devices which are the new products with reduction patterns and are made on large diameter wafers. Recently, the monitoring technologies such as the power source noise, the RF reflected wave and the acoustic emission have begun to be used in order to detect the sparking events. This paper presents an advanced monitoring technology that detects mainly electromagnetic waves, which are emitted by the sparking events. It is characterized in that the technology monitors the high frequency magnetic flux emitted from the aperture (view port) of the chamber. Moreover, the magnetic field sensor that is shielded by a waveguide can differentiate the spark from the peripheral electromagnetic noise, which was a problem of the current monitoring technologies. The magnetic field sensor showed sufficient sensitivity, and the modifications of the chamber and the power circuit were hardly necessary. The sparking events and the operating sequences of the plasma instrument, by which some wafers were etched, were simultaneously plotted in the time series data on a computer display. The results showed that the sparking events damaged the wafers at some operating-timings. In addition, the time series data of the sparking events and the particle number, which was detected by a laser particle counter, were compared on the computer display. The results showed that the sparking had generated many particles that were larger than 80 nm.
[Neuroimaging findings in autism: a brief review].

OBJECTIVE Many structural and functional neuroimaging studies have investigated the neuroanatomical changes and possible pathophysiological pathways in autism. In this review the objective was to assess, with an integrative perspective, recent neuroimaging studies that have contributed to the explanation of the possible pathophysiological pathways in autism. METHOD Relevant attainable studies published between 1997 and 2007 were included in this retrospective literature review. The PubMed search engine and the keywords, autism, autistic spectrum disorders, neuroimaging, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, and diffusion tensor imaging were used. RESULTS Structural neuroimaging studies reported an increase in total cerebral volume, both in grey and white matter, mostly in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes. These global volumetric changes are suggested to indicate a diffuse disturbance in neural networks during early development. In functional neuroimaging studies, activation abnormalities were observed in the temporal lobes and amygdala, which are involved in language and social cognition. An increase in visual activity cortex was also reported. CONCLUSION Clinical observations and results from neuroimaging studies were gathered to hypothize and explain the pathophysiology of autism. Yet, it is still very early to conclude with certainty the neurobiological process responsible for autism.
Growth Assessment in Infants and Toddlers Using Three Different Reference Charts

Objective: To determine if the proportion of children ≤24 months old in a tertiary care facility defined as at risk of undernutrition or overnutrition differs according to different references used for assessment: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) or Tanner-Whitehouse (Tanner) growth charts for weight-for-age and length-for-age. Methods: Lengths and weights were measured on infants (207 female, 341 male) aged ≤24 months admitted from or attending clinics in the General Pediatric or Respiratory Medicine Programs at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Weight-for-age and length-for-age percentiles and percent ideal body weight were electronically computed. Results: The proportion of all children whose weight-for-age was <3rd percentile (at risk of undernutrition) was greatest using the CDC growth charts (22.5%) compared with the NCHS (15.9%) or Tanner (19.2%) growth charts. Likewise, the proportion of all infants/toddlers with percent ideal body weight <90 (at risk of undernutrition) was greatest using the CDC (32.3%) compared with the NCHS (22.1%) or Tanner (25.9%) growth charts. In contrast, the percentage of children whose percent ideal body weight was ≥110% (at risk of overnutrition) was least using the CDC (18.1%) compared with the NCHS (26.1%) or Tanner (22.4%) growth charts. Conclusion: More children aged ≤24 months will be defined as at risk of undernutrition and fewer at risk of overnutrition when using weight-for-age or percent ideal body weight and the CDC growth charts compared with the NCHS or Tanner growth charts. As a result, requests for a more detailed nutritional assessment for undernutrition will likely follow implementation of the CDC growth charts in a tertiary care setting. As the CDC, NCHS and Tanner growth charts are growth “references” rather than “standards,” other than for screening purposes, they should not be used in isolation when assessing growth and nutritional status.
Short food supply chains for local food: a difficult path

Abstract Agri-food globalization is having a serious adverse impact on small- and medium-sized family farms in the province of Málaga (southern Spain), 43% of which have disappeared over the last 10 years. Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are emerging as a potential option for this type of farm, but as a strategy it is apparently not being implemented strongly enough over the region as a whole. The current case study sought to explore the initiatives carried out by local producers to date in implementing SFSCs throughout the province and to examine, from the standpoint of the production sector, the constraints hindering its development and the strategies currently being adopted with a view to addressing them. The analyses carried out under local producers perspective shows us that although SFSCs are interesting for family farms, in terms of prices, economic profit and social recognition, the abilities and capacities these channels require to producers, jointly with technical, flexibility and time demands, make these channels to be not that successful and attractive. Small producers interested in SFSCs must be aware of the special importance of social linkages and the need to take care of them; as well as of the need of establishing synergies and cooperation with other producers and stakeholders, in order to facilitate the tasks associated and that not every food product suit SFSCs.
Gender and Other Factors Associated with the Nonmedical Use of Abusable Prescription Drugs

Although there is extensive research on gender differences in the use of alcohol and illicit substances, few studies have examined gender differences in nonmedical prescription drug use. Using data from the 1991 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), based on a sample of 3185 persons, logistic regression analysis is employed to determine how gender and other factors affect the likelihood of past-year nonmedical prescription drug use. Analysis revealed that women are significantly more likely than men to use any prescription drug, and that this gender difference is primarily driven by women's increased risk for narcotic analgesic and minor tranquilizer nonmedical use. Other factors, such as race, age, health status, and other substance use, also are significant predictors of nonmedical use. Findings from this study will enable researchers, policy makers, and providers to have a greater understanding of nonmedical drug use patterns and support greater gender sensitivity in the prevention, education, and treatment of nonmedical prescription drug use.