Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insensitive load balancing

A large variety of communication systems, including telephone and data networks, can be represented by so-called Whittle networks. The stationary distribution of these networks is insensitive, depending on the service requirements at each node through their mean only. These models are of considerable practical interest as derived engineering rules are robust to the evolution of traffic characteristics. In this paper we relax the usual assumption of static routing and address the issue of dynamic load balancing. Specifically, we identify the class of load balancing policies which preserve insensitivity and characterize optimal strategies in some specific cases. Analytical results are illustrated numerically on a number of toy network examples.
Life-satisfaction is more a matter of feeling well than having what you want. Tests of Veenhoven's theory

When assessing how satisfied we are with our life as a whole, we draw on two sources of information: a) how well we feel most of the time; b) to what extent life has brought us what we want from it. The sub-appraisals are referred to as components of happiness. Although it is generally agreed that both affective and cognitive appraisals are involved, there is difference in opinion as to their relative weight in our overall evaluation of life. This difference is related to the debate on the nature of happiness; need-theory predicts a greater weight for affective experience, while comparison theory predicts greater weight for perceived success in meeting wants. This issue was investigated in two studies among the working age population in Finland in 2012 and 2016. Research questions were answered affirmatively, which fits the theory that judgments of life satisfaction draw first on affective experience.
Locality-sensitive hashing optimizations for fast malware clustering

Large datasets, including malware collections are difficult to cluster. Although we are mainly dealing with polynomial algorithms, the long running times make them difficult to use in practice. The main issue consists in the fact that the classical hierarchical algorithms need to compute the distance between each pair of items. This paper will show a faster approach for clustering large collections of malware samples using a technique called locality-sensitive hashing. This approach performs single-linkage clustering faster than the state of the art methods, while producing clusters of a similar quality. Although our proposed algorithm is still quadratic in theory, the coefficient for the quadratic term is several orders of magnitude smaller. Our experiments show that we can reduce this coefficient to under 0.02% and still produce clusters 99.9% similar with the ones produced by the single linkage algorithm.
Multitype randomized Reed–Frost epidemics and epidemics upon random graphs

We consider a multitype epidemic model which is a natural extension of the randomized Reed–Frost epidemic model. The main result is the derivation of an asymptotic Gaussian limit theorem for the final size of the epidemic. The method of proof is simpler, and more direct, than is used for similar results elsewhere in the epidemics literature. In particular, the results are specialized to epidemics upon extensions of the Bernoulli random graph.
Within-Male Melanin-Based Plumage and Bill Elaboration in Male House Sparrows

Abstract If there is a cost to producing a dark color patch, the size of a patch may not correspond with its pigment concentration. The plumage of male house sparrows represents a case of dark, melanin-based ornamentation, but also a case of neglecting the composite nature of dark signals in birds. Here, I investigated what kind of associations exist between the brightness, chroma, and hue of dark integumentary patches and the size of a secondary sexual trait, the bib, in male house sparrows. I found that males with a larger bib also had a darker bib and bill, and a more saturated bib, bill, epaulets, head crown, and breast than small-bibbed males. Male bib coloration in terms of brightness and chroma was more strongly related to bib size than the coloration of other integumentary patches. However, with respect to hue, only the hue of the bill and cheeks was related to bib size. My results indicate that size, brightness, and chroma of the bib, but also chroma of other deeply colored patches, convey redundant information about the signaler's quality in male house sparrows.
Low-Complexity ICI Cancellation in Frequency Domain for OFDM Systems in Time-Varying Multipath Channels

In this letter, we propose a partial minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) with successive interference cancellation (PMMSESIC) method in frequency domain to mitigate ICI caused by channel variation. Each detection, the proposed method detects the symbol with the largest received signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) among all the undetected symbols, using an MMSE detector that considers only the interference of several neithborhood subcarriers. Analysis and simulations show that it outperforms the MMSE method at relatively high Eb/N0 and its performance is close to the MMSE with successive detection (MMSESD) method in relatively low Doppler frequency legion.
The Search for a Relational Home: An Intersubjective View of Therapeutic Action

This short book is a paean to the intersubjective school of psychoanalysis. The author, an analyst from Berlin, intends to describe “the nature of therapeutic action through a radicalized version of intersubjective systems theory” (front matter of the book) and draws heavily on Kohut, Stolorow, Atwood, Orange, and the Boston Change Process Study Groups to make his case. Jaenicke’s thesis is that the two participants in analysis co-create an intersubjective field or system, and that “it is the system that is or isn’t healed, rather than what one monadic expert does or cannot do for a monadic patient” (p. 7). Failure and suffering, he notes reasonably, are basic parts of human subjectivity and therefore reside in analyst and patient alike. Jaenicke believes that analysis is a bi-directional encounter where the strengths and weaknesses of both analyst and patient “become entangled and are subsequently dealt with in the working-through pro-
Associations of Maternal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain with Offspring Longitudinal Change in BMI

Studies demonstrate associations between changes in obesity‐related phenotypes and cardiovascular risk. Although maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI (mppBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) may be associated with adult offspring adiposity, no study has examined associations with obesity changes. Associations of mppBMI and GWG with longitudinal change in offspring's BMI (ΔBMI) were examined, and whether associations are explained by offspring genetics was assessed.
Calcium channel blockers for primary Raynaud's phenomenon: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND To determine the efficacy of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) for primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Primary outcomes were frequency and severity of RP attacks. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted using primary data sources: Medline, Current Contents and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of >2 days' duration with <35% dropouts. Eighteen of 31 trials were eligible for inclusion [13 nifedipine vs placebo; five other CCBs vs placebo (n = 361)]. The main reasons for trial exclusion were: subset data (primary RP) not provided (n = 10); data published more than once (n = 1); lack of control group (n = 1); and lack of randomization (n = 1). Data were abstracted independently and a weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated for the outcomes. RESULTS The WMD (95% confidence interval) of all CCBs vs placebo for reduction in the frequency of attacks (n = 17) over 1 week was -5.00 (-9.02, -0.99) (P = 0.01) or -2.80 (-3.90, -1.70) when heterogeneity was considered, and -6.05 (-11.19,-0.19) (P = 0.04) for nifedipine alone (n = 10). The WMD of all CCBs vs placebo (n = 8) for reduction in severity of attacks (assessed with a 10-cm visual analogue scale) was -1.39 (-2.20, -0.58) (P = 0.0007) and -1.81 (-3.08, -0.54) (P = 0.005) for nifedipine alone (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS Several small RCTs of CCBs for primary RP have been conducted and have yielded clinical improvement in the frequency and severity of ischaemic attacks. Most trials were crossover trials in which order effect was not studied; this may have introduced bias. The effect size may have been small because of low dosing in studies. The efficacy of CCBs for reducing severity and frequency of ischaemic attacks in primary RP is small (average of 2.8 to 5.0 fewer attacks per week and a 33% reduction in severity).
Indirect arterial blood pressure measurement in healthy anesthetized cats using a device that combines oscillometry with photoplethysmography

We investigated the basic characteristics of indirect arterial blood pressure (ABP) measurement using a device that combines oscillometry and photoplethysmography in cats. Dobutamine was infused intravenously in four anesthetized cats. Direct ABP was measured by a catheter. Indirect ABP was measured from the left forelimb. Dobutamine significantly elevated both systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in a dose-dependent manner. The indirect SAP, MAP and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) values were closely correlated with the direct ABP values (r=0.88, 0.89 and 0.83, respectively). The mean bias for SAP, MAP and DAP was 3.4, 0.2 and −2.4 mmHg, respectively. The indirect ABP measured by this device may be used to reliably monitor ABP changes in anesthetized cats.
Automatic Segmentation of Human Cortical Layer-Complexes and Architectural Areas Using Ex vivo Diffusion MRI and Its Validation

Recently, several magnetic resonance imaging contrast mechanisms have been shown to distinguish cortical substructure corresponding to selected cortical layers. Here, we investigate cortical layer and area differentiation by automatized unsupervised clustering of high-resolution diffusion MRI data. Several groups of adjacent layers could be distinguished in human primary motor and premotor cortex. We then used the signature of diffusion MRI signals along cortical depth as a criterion to detect area boundaries and find borders at which the signature changes abruptly. We validate our clustering results by histological analysis of the same tissue. These results confirm earlier studies which show that diffusion MRI can probe layer-specific intracortical fiber organization and, moreover, suggests that it contains enough information to automatically classify architecturally distinct cortical areas. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the automatic clustering approach and its appeal for MR-based cortical histology.
NETS: Network Estimation for Time Series

This work proposes novel network analysis techniques for multivariate time series. We define the network of a multivariate time series as a graph where vertices denote the components of the process and edges denote non zero long run partial correlations. We then introduce a two step LASSO procedure, called NETS, to estimate high dimensional sparse Long Run Partial Correlation networks. This approach is based on a VAR approximation of the process and allows to decompose the long run linkages into the contribution of the dynamic and contemporaneous dependence relations of the system. The large sample properties of the estimator are analysed and we establish conditions for consistent selection and estimation of the non zero long run partial correlations. The methodology is illustrated with an application to a panel of U.S. bluechips.
MiR-21 mediates sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting autophagy via the PTEN/Akt pathway

Sorafenib resistance remains a major obstacle for the effective treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies indicate that activated Akt contributes to the acquired resistance to sorafenib, and miR-21 dysregulates phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which inhibits Akt activation. Sorafenib-resistant HCC cells were shown to be refractory to sorafenib-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. Akt and its downstream factors were highly activated and/or upregulated in sorafenib-resistant cells. Inhibition of autophagy decreased the sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant cells to sorafenib, while its induction had the opposite effect. Differential screening of miRNAs showed higher levels of miR-21 in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Exposure of HCC cells to sorafenib led to an increase in miR-21 expression, a decrease in PTEN expression and sequential Akt activation. Transfection of miR-21 mimics in HCC cells restored sorafenib resistance by inhibiting autophagy. Anti-miR-21 oligonucleotides re-sensitized sorafenib-resistant cells by promoting autophagy. Inhibition of miR-21 enhances the efficacy of sorafenib in treating sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors in vivo. We conclude that miR-21 participates in the acquired resistance of sorafenib by suppresing autophagy through the Akt/PTEN pathway. MiR-21 could serve as a therapeutic target for overcoming sorafenib resistance in the treatment of HCC.
AIS Electronic

Utilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory and the literature on citizen engagement (or participation), we formulated a multiple-mediation model, examining (1) the contextual antecedents of e-participation and e-government development; and (2) the mediating role of e-participation (in form of e-information sharing, e-consultation, and e-decision-making) on the relationships between the TOE contextual factors and e-government development. Specifically, we hypothesized that information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, human capital and governance in a country have both direct and indirect relationships with its e-government development through the mediating roles of e-participation. Based on archival data from 170 countries, our results showed that ICT infrastructure, human capital and e-participation had a direct relationship with e-government development. Of the three dimensions of e-participation, e-information sharing and e-decision-making were positively associated with e-government development, and e-consultation was negatively related. Further, all three dimensions of e-participation partially mediated the influence of ICT infrastructure and human capital on e-government development. Results also indicated that governance in a country did not significantly contribute to its e-government development, and their relationship was not mediated by e-participation. Implications of our findings are discussed.
Should We Place Ureteral Stents in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy?: Consideration of Surgical Techniques and Complications

Purpose There is some debate over the necessity of ureteral stenting after laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. We evaluated the need for ureteral stenting after retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU). Materials and Methods Between January 2009 and January 2013, 41 patients underwent RLU to remove upper ureteral stones. The retroperitoneal approach was used in all patients by a single surgeon. A double J (D-J) stent was placed in the first 17 patients after the procedure but not in any of the next 24 patients. Results The mean patient age, serum creatinine levels, and stone size were not significantly different between the two groups. The stone-free rate was 100%. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the stentless group than in the stent group (59.48 minutes vs. 77.88 minutes, p<0.001). Parenteral analgesic use and anticholinergic medication use were observed in the stent group only. The blood loss, drain removal day, and hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups. No other significant complications occurred during or after the operation in any patients. Conclusions RLU is a safe and effective treatment modality for large impacted ureteral stones. In this study, D-J stent placement was not necessary after RLU. In the future, large-scale studies of RLU without D-J stenting, especially on the frequency of the development of complications according to the surgical technique, may be needed.
On some characterizations of the partial orderings for bounded operators

In this paper, we investigate some common characterizations and various individual properties of the star ordering, the left star ordering, the right star ordering and the minus partial ordering of bounded operators on a Hilbert space. Some generalizations of results known in the literature and a number of new results for bounded operators are derived. Mathematics subject classification (2010): 15A09, 47A05.
Effect of nutrients and fermentation conditions on the production of biosurfactants using rhizobacteria isolated from fique plants

Objective. To isolate biosurfactant-producing microorganisms from the rhizosphere of fique and to select the best genus to evaluate the effect of nutritional and fermentation conditions on the production of rhamnolipids. Materials and methods. Rhizospheric soil was sampled in three areas of Cauca. The best genus was selected for the experimental designs (Plackett Burman and 2 2 factorial) and to find the production conditions for the growth kinetics at an Erlenmeyer flask scale. Results. Isolates from the rhizosphere of fique plants were from groups (or genera) of Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Actinomycetes, being Pseudomonas the more responsive in preliminary testing for emulsification. From the results of the experimental designs and the kinetics of production, we found that rhamnose synthesis a ssociated with rhamnolipids (3.2 g/l) and emulsification (68% EC24) was significantly favored (p <0.0001) by cultivating an inoculum of 1 0% v/v of Pseudomonas fluorescens in a medium composed of: soybean oil 2% (v/v), K 2 HPO 4 0.2% (w/v), yeast extract 0.4 g/l, NH 4 NO 3 3.7 g/ l, 1 ml trace elements (CoCl 3 20 mg/l, H 3 BO 3 30 mg/l, ZnSO 4 10 mg/l, Cu 2 SO 4 1 mg/l, Na 2 MoO 4 3 mg/l, FeSO 4 10 mg/l MnSO 4 2,6 mg/ l) and pH 7.2. Conclusion. Of all the microbial genera isolated from the rhizosphere of fique, Pseudomonas fluorescens had the greatest potential in the production of biosurfactants of the rhamnolipids family.
Mapping glutamatergic drive in the vertebrate retina with a channel‐permeant organic cation

Patterns of neuronal excitation in complex populations can be mapped anatomically by activating ionotropic glutamate receptors in the presence of 1‐amino‐4‐guanidobutane (AGB), a channel‐permeant guanidinium analogue. Intracellular AGB signals were trapped with conventional glutaraldehyde fixation and were detected by probing registered serial thin sections with anti‐AGB and anti‐amino acid immunoglobulins, revealing both the accumulated AGB and the characteristic neurochemical signatures of individual cells. In isolated rabbit retina, both glutamate and the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA), kainic acid (KA), and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) activated permeation of AGB into retinal neurons in dose‐dependent and pharmacologically specific modes. Horizontal cells and bipolar cells were dominated by AMPA/KA receptor activation with little or no evidence of NMDA receptor involvement. Strong NMDA activation of AGB permeation was restricted to subsets of the amacrine and ganglion cell populations. Threshold agonist doses for the most responsive cell groups (AMPA, 300 nm; KA, 2 μM; NMDA, 63 μm; glutamate, 1 mM) were similar to values obtained from electrophysiological and neurotransmitter release measures. The threshold for activation of AGB permeation by exogenous glutamate was shifted to <200 μM in the presence of the glutamate transporter antagonist dihydrokainate, indicating substantial spatial buffering of extracellular glutamate levels in vitro. Agonist‐activated permeation of AGB into neurons persisted under blockades of Na+‐dependent transporters, voltage‐activated Ca+ and Na+ channels, and ionotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid and glycine receptors. Cholinergic agonists evoked no permeation. J. Comp. Neurol. 407:47–64, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Lyapunov Krasovskii method for the stability of the Foschini-Miljanic algorithm under time-varying delays: An Independent of Delays approach

Many of the distributed power control algorithms for wireless networks in the literature ignore the fact that while the algorithms necessitate communication among users, time-delays do exist in the network. This problem is of vital importance, since time-delays are omnipresent in wireless networks. The Foschini-Miljanic (FM) algorithm is provably stable if there are no time-delays in the execution of the algorithm or when these delays are constant. This work presents a more realistic version of the well known Foschini-Miljanic algorithm for Distributed Power Control since it considers the robustness of the algorithm in the presence of time-varying delays. Using the classical Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional we prove that the FM algorithm is Globally Asymptotically Stable (GAS) for arbitrarily large time-varying delays, given the delay derivative is less than one. The validity of our results are shown through illustrative examples.
Dopamine and gamma band synchrony in schizophrenia – insights from computational and empirical studies

Dopamine modulates cortical circuit activity in part through its actions on GABAergic interneurons, including increasing the excitability of fast‐spiking interneurons. Though such effects have been demonstrated in single cells, there are no studies that examine how such mechanisms may lead to the effects of dopamine at a neural network level. With this motivation, we investigated the effects of dopamine on synchronization in a simulated neural network composed of excitatory and fast‐spiking inhibitory Wang–Buzsaki neurons. The effects of dopamine were implemented through varying leak K+ conductance of the fast‐spiking interneurons and the network synchronization within the gamma band (∼40 Hz) was analyzed. Parametrically varying the leak K+ conductance revealed an inverted‐U shaped relationship, with low gamma band power at both low and high conductance levels and optimal synchronization at intermediate conductance levels. We also examined the effects of modulating excitability of the inhibitory neurons more generically using an idealized model with theta neurons, with similar findings. Moreover, such a relationship holds when the external input is both tonic and periodic. Our computational results mirror our empirical study of dopamine modulation in schizophrenia and healthy controls, which showed that amphetamine administration increased gamma power in patients but decreased it in controls. Together, our computational and empirical investigations indicate that dopamine can modulate cortical gamma band synchrony in an inverted‐U fashion and that the physiologic effects of dopamine on single fast‐spiking interneurons can give rise to such non‐monotonic effects at the network level.