Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards autonomous vehicular clouds

The dawn of the 21 century has seen a growing interest in vehicular networking and its myriad potential applications. The initial view of practitioners and researchers was that radio-equipped vehicles could keep the drivers informed about potential safety risks and increase their awareness of road conditions. The view then expanded to include access to the Internet and associated services. This position paper proposes and promotes a novel and more comprehensive vision namely, that advances in vehicular networks, embedded devices and cloud computing will enable the formation of autonomous clouds of vehicular computing, communication, sensing, power and physical resources. Hence, we coin the term, autonomous vehicular clouds (AVCs). A key feature distinguishing AVCs from conventional cloud computing is that mobile AVC resources can be pooled dynamically to serve authorized users and to enable autonomy in real-time service sharing and management on terrestrial, aerial, or aquatic pathways or theaters of operations. In addition to general-purpose AVCs, we also envision the emergence of specialized AVCs such as mobile analytics laboratories. Furthermore, we envision that the integration of AVCs with ubiquitous smart infrastructures including intelligent transportation systems, smart cities and smart electric power grids will have an enormous societal impact enabling ubiquitous utility cyber-physical services at the right place, right time and with right-sized resources.
Induction of Anesthesia with Sevoflurane, Nitrous Oxide, and Oxygen: A Comparison of Spontaneous Ventilation and Vital Capacity Rapid Inhalation Induction (VCRII) Techniques

In this study, the vital capacity rapid inhalation induction of anesthesia (VCRII) technique and the conventional spontaneous inhalation induction technique, each using 4.5% sevoflurane in nitrous oxide and oxygen, were compared. The VSRII group (n = 32) and conventional group (n = 32) were each tested on unpremeditated volunteers. VCRII required only half the time of conventional inhalation induction (54 s and 108 s, respectively), and was not associated with cardiovascular instability. Each of the two techniques was found acceptable by most of the volunteers studied (more than 80%). However, sevoflurane is best used with the VCRII technique because VCRII resulted in fewer excitement movements that could lead to severe complications and pronounced excitement.
A COMPARISON OF HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR-α IN SURGICALLY EXCISED NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANES OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETES COMPARED WITH IDIOPATHIC EPIRETINAL MEMBRANES IN NONDIABETIC PATIENTS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to first determine whether hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1 α) was detectable in diabetic preretinal membranes and to compare the presence of HIF-1α in fibrovascular proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes with nondiabetic, idiopathic, epiretinal membranes. Methods: Twelve patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes requiring pars plana vitrectomy and nine nondiabetic patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes requiring pars plana vitrectomy underwent excision of these membranes. Immunohisto-chemical staining for the presence of HIF-1α was performed on the excised membranes. The degree of staining for HIF-1α (1+, 2+, and 3+ scale) and the cellular location of staining were determined for each specimen. Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained for all patients. Results: Eleven of 12 (92%) diabetic preretinal membranes were positive for HIF-1α, and most had intense (2+ to 3+) cytoplasmic staining with occasional focal nuclear positivity. Five of 9 (55%) nondiabetic epiretinal membranes were positive for HIF-1α with significantly weaker cytoplasmic staining (1+ to 2+) with occasional focal punctuate nuclear staining. Conclusion: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is found more often and more intensely in diabetic preretinal membranes compared with nondiabetic idiopathic epiretinal membranes.
Algorithm-Level Optimization of Multiple-Valued Arithmetic Circuits Using Counter Tree Diagrams

This paper presents a novel approach to designing multiple-valued arithmetic circuits based on a unified representation of addition algorithms called Counter Tree Diagrams (CTDs). By using CTDs, we can derive possible variations of addition algorithms in a systematic way without using specific knowledge about underlying arithmetic fundamentals. For any weighted number system, we can design the optimal adder structure by trying every possible CTD representation. In this paper, the potential of the CTD- based method is demonstrated through an experimental design of the Redundant-Binary (RB) adder in multiple-valued current-mode logic. We successfully obtained the RB adder that achieves about 32-57% higher performance in terms of power-delay product compared with the conventional designs.
A road‐map for creating efficient corporate internal labor markets

In today’s hyper‐competitive markets, the most valuable asset and the primary source of competitive advantage is human capital. It is also the resource which is most difficult to maintain, for the ongoing war for talent depletes the human capital of companies that fail to meet their employee expectations. To increase employee satisfaction and retention, corporations are eliminating the restrictions on internal employee mobility. Free internal labor markets (ILMs) demonstrate to employees that they can realize their career goals within rather than outside of the company. The liberalization of internal mobility and the institutionalization of job competition cause the convergence of the ILM and the external labor market. The transition to ILM is challenging but is the only road to securing long‐term competitive advantage. The present paper offers both a conceptual analysis and a practical road map for implementing ILM. It also discusses how two global financial companies build their ILMs.
Supervillin associates with androgen receptor and modulates its transcriptional activity

Activation of androgen receptor (AR) via androgen in muscle cells has been closely linked to their growth and differentiation. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of supervillin (SV), a 205-kDa actin-binding protein, as an AR coregulator from the skeletal muscle cDNA library. Mammalian two-hybrid and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays indicate a domain within SV (amino acids 594-1268) can interact with AR N terminus and DNA-binding domain–ligand-binding domain in a ligand-enhanced manner. Subcellular colocalization studies with fluorescence staining indicate SV can colocalize with AR in the presence of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in COS-1 cells. The functional reporter assays showed full-length SV and the SV peptide (amino acids 831-1281) within the interaction domain can enhance AR transactivation. Furthermore, SV can enhance the endogenous AR target gene, p27KIP1, expression in prostate PC-3(AR2) cells. SV preferentially enhanced AR rather than other tested nuclear receptors and could be induced by natural androgens better than other steroids. SV can also cooperate with other AR coregulators, such as ARA55 or ARA70, to enhance AR transactivation further. Unlike SRC-1 that can enhance the interaction between AR N terminus and AR C terminus, SV shows a mild suppressive effect on N–C interactions, suggesting SV may go through a different mechanism to enhance AR transactivation. Together, our data demonstrate that SV is an AR coregulator that can enhance AR transactivation in muscle and other cells.
Upregulation of miR-572 transcriptionally suppresses SOCS1 and p21 and contributes to human ovarian cancer progression

Ovarian cancer is a gynecological malignancy with high mortality rates worldwide and novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets are urgently required. The suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21KIP) are known to regulate tumor cell proliferation. However, the mechanisms that regulate these genes have not yet been completely elucidated. In the present study, analysis of a published microarray-based high-throughput assessment (NCBI/E-MTAB-1067) and real-time PCR demonstrated that miR-572 was upregulated in human ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meir analysis indicated that high level expression of miR-572 was associated with poorer overall survival. Ectopic miR-572 promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. SOCS1 and p21 were identified as direct targets of miR-572 and suppression of SOCS1 or p21 reversed the inhibiting-function of miR-572-silenced cell on proliferation and tumorigenicity in ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, the expression of miR-572 correlated inversely with the protein expression levels of SOCS1, p21 and positively with Cyclin D1 in ovarian carcinoma specimens. This study demonstrates that miR-572 post-transcriptionally regulates SOCS1 and p21 and may play an important role in ovarian cancer progression; miR-572 may represent a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer therapy.
Optimal kinematic design of a haptic pen

This paper investigates the performance demands of a haptic interface and shows how this information can be used to design a suitable mechanism. A design procedure, previously developed by the authors (1996), consisting of a global isotropy index and a discrete optimization algorithm, allows one to compare a range of geometric variables, actuator scale factors, and even different robot devices for optimum performance. The approach is used to compare the performance of three 6-DOF robots including two well-known parallel platform robots and a novel hybrid robot called the Twin-Pantograph in terms of their semi-dextrous workspaces and static force capabilities. Since the Twin-Pantograph yields the best results, its design is refined to address practical constraints and it is implemented as a haptic pen. The performance of the resulting design is analysed and presented.
NEIGHBORHOOD DISORDER AND INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY CAPACITY: HOW INCIVILITIES INFORM THREE DOMAINS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSESSMENT

This article examines contextual models to bring together the disorder and community capacity perspectives, since both are grounded in social (dis)organization theory and cumulative causation. We analyze how individual and neighborhood characteristics, social and physical disorder, and crime affect three individual community capacity outcomes: city quality of life, neighborhood safety, and household moving intentions. The “broken windows” downward spiral suggests that neighborhood incivilities may decrease multiple psychosocial assessments, or, individual community capacities. Consistent with prior research, we find that social and physical disorder decreases all three outcomes. Second, we find that both disorders also mediate neighborhood effects, including socioeconomic status and residential stability. Third, these direct and indirect disorder effects are not altered by prior victimization or neighborhood crime rates. Reducing disorder will, in turn, improve three distinct domains and geographic scales of individual community capacity, and can also reduce the adverse effects of other local area capacity deficits.
Results of intraperitoneal microdialysis depend on the location of the catheter

Jansson K, Strand I, Redler B, Magnuson A, Ungerstedt U, Norgren L. Results of intraperitoneal microdialysis depend on the location of the catheter. 2004; 64: 63-70. Background and Objective: Intraperitoneal microdialysis was recently described as a method for early detection of visceral ischemia. The method seems safe and accurate. The intra-abdominal catheter used may imply variations in results depending on the location of the catheter. The aim of the study was to investigate possible differences in metabolic parameters obtained depending on various locations of the intra-abdominal catheter, compared with using the subcutaneous reference catheter. Method: After right-sided hemicolectomy in 12 patients, three catheters were placed and fixed intraperitoneally: one at the anastomosis, one in the omentum and one embedded between the small intestinal loops. A subcutaneous catheter placed in the pectoral region was used as reference. Analyses of lactate/pyruvate ratio and glucose and glycerol levels were done during a period of 45 hours postoperatively. Results: Lactate/pyruvate ratio decreased numerically at all three intraperitoneal locations during the study while the subcutaneous lactate/pyruvate ratio increased slightly. Significant differences between intraperitoneal and subcutaneous locations were found as well as differences between the three intraperitoneal locations. Highest values of the lactate/pyruvate ratio were found at the anastomosis, while the widest range was found at the small intestine. Subcutaneous glucose levels were lower while glycerol levels were higher compared with intraperitoneal values. Conclusions: In evaluating postoperative metabolism, intraperitoneal microdialysis is influenced by the location of the microdialysis catheter. The same pattern is, however, recorded over time. The juxta-anastomotic region and the small intestinal loop area seem to be the most reasonable locations for measurements.
Effect of Age and Other Factors on Maximal Heart Rate

Abstract In an attempt to reduce the confusion regarding reported effects of age upon maximal exercise heart rate (HR max), a comprehensive review of the English literature was conducted to obtain descriptive statistical data representing over 23,000 independent subjects from 5 to 81 years old. The data were split randomly into two data sets for independent regression analyses. HR max was the dependent variable while independent variables include: age, age2, age3, age4, sex, level of fitness, type of ergometer, exercise protocol, continent of residence, and race. After cross validation the data were pooled and reanalyzed. Additional validation was accomplished on identifiable subsets of the data, e.g., cross sectional, longitudinal, training, comparative ergometry, and comparative sex studies. Results identified negative linear and non-linear age factors, an ergometry factor, a fitness factor and a continent factor. Age accounted for about 70–75% of the variability. Generalized equations were proposed. Ev.
Media campaign influences parents' opinions about their children and tobacco.

UNLABELLED The study assessed the effectiveness of a media campaign in convincing parents that children are targeted by the tobacco industry and that children should be banned from tobacco use. An 800-parent sample survey was conducted prior to a statewide anti-tobacco campaign, and another survey sample of 790 parents was conducted afterward. THE RESULTS Though parents who smoked in high school and those who did not agreed that children are targeted and should be banned from tobacco use, parents who did not smoke in high school believed it more strongly. Parents who had a history of smoking changed more on the issue of banning, perhaps because they had more room to change. The study concluded that media campaigns can change parents' attitudes.
Examining the Validity of Standards-Based Assessments for Initially Fluent Students and Former English Language Learners

To date, assessment validity research on non-native English speaking students in the United States has focused exclusively on those who are presently English language learners (ELLs). However, little, if any, research has been conducted on two other sizable groups of language minority students: (a) bilingual or multilingual students who were already English proficient when they entered the school system (IFEPs), and (b) former English language learners, those students who were once classified as ELLs but are now reclassified as being English proficient (RFEPs). This study investigated the validity of several standards-based assessments in mathematics and science for these two student groups and found a very high degree of score comparability, when compared with native English speakers, for the IFEPs, whereas a moderate to high degree of score comparability was observed for the RFEPs. Thus, test scores for these two groups on the assessments we studied appear to be valid indicators of their content knowledge, to a degree similar to that of native English speakers.
Hiatus Hernia Repair with Bilateral Oesophageal Fixation

Background. Despite advances in surgical repair of hiatus hernias, there remains a high radiological recurrence rate. We performed a novel technique incorporating bilateral oesophageal fixation and evaluated outcomes, principally symptom improvement and hernia recurrence. Methods. A retrospective study was performed on a prospective database of patients undergoing hiatus hernia repair with bilateral oesophageal fixation. Retrospective and prospective quality of life (QOL), PPI usage, and patient satisfaction data were obtained. Hernia recurrence was assessed by either barium swallow or gastroscopy. Results. 87 patients were identified in the database with a minimum of 3 months followup. There were significant improvements in QOL scores including GERD HRQL (29.13 to 4.38, P < 0.01), Visick (3 to 1), and RSI (17.45 to 5, P < 0.01). PPI usage decreased from a median of daily to none, and there was high patient satisfaction (94%). 57 patients were assessed for recurrence with either gastroscopy or barium swallow, and one patient had evidence of recurrence on barium swallow at 45 months postoperatively. There was an 8% complication rate and no mortality or oesophageal perforation. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that our technique is both safe and effective in symptom control, and our recurrence investigations demonstrate at least short term durability.
Husband-Wife Differences in Personality Traits as a Factor in Marital Happiness

An analysis of the husband-wife differences in scores on the 10 traits of the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey in relation to various levels of marital happiness-unhappiness showed unhappiness is generally a function of more extreme differences in husband-wife scores on all traits, but especially when in favor of the husband in G—General Activity, A—Ascendency, E—Emotional Stability, and O—Objectivity and when in favor of the wife in F—Friendliness and P—Personal Relations.
Inconsistent Discipline as a Mediator Between Maternal Distress and Aggression in Boys

The current study examines inconsistent discipline as a mediator in the association between maternal distress and child aggression and attention problems. Participants were 215 boys, ranging in age from 9 to 12 years, and their mothers. Mothers provided self-report data on socioeconomic status (SES), parenting stress, maternal distress (depression and anxiety/somatization), and use of parenting practices. They also rated their sons' levels of aggression and attention problems. Of five parenting practices measured, inconsistent discipline was most clearly related to the maternal and child variables of interest. Regression analyses indicated that inconsistent discipline partially mediated the relation between maternal distress and child aggression, when controlling for SES and stress, whereas the mediating role of inconsistent discipline in the association between maternal distress and attention problems was not supported. The different pattern for attention problems, which also includes nondisruptive behaviors, suggests that this mediation may be specific to certain types of child behavior. Given that aggressive behaviors in childhood often lead to more serious delinquency in adolescence, these findings are important for informing prevention and intervention efforts. The need for future research to examine other mediators also is discussed.
Is Intermarriage a Good Indicator of Integration?

In this paper I review and examine the assumed link between intermarriage and integration. I focus primarily on literature from the US and Britain. Intermarriage is said to signal a significant lessening of ‘social distance’ between a minority group and the White majority, enabling unions between groups which would previously have been taboo. It is often assumed that intermarriage for ethnic minorities is the ultimate litmus test of integration, but is it? And if there is a link between intermarriage and integration, what is the nature and extent of ‘integration’ achieved by minority groups and by the minority partner? I argue that the link between intermarriage and integration is both more tenuous and more complex than many social scientists have argued, and needs a critical reappraisal, especially in multiethnic societies which are witnessing unprecedented levels of diversity, both across and within their ethnic minority groups.
Natural Immunity to HIV: A Delicate Balance between Strength and Control

Understanding how the mucosal immune system in the human female reproductive tract might prevent or facilitate HIV infection has important implications for the design of effective interventions. We and others have established cohorts of highly-exposed, HIV-seronegative individuals, such as HIV-uninfected commercial sex workers, who have remained HIV-negative after more than 5 years of active prostitution. Observations obtained in studies of such individuals, who represent a model of natural immunity to HIV, indicate that HIV resistance may be associated with the host's capacity to preserve systemic integrity by constraining immune activity and controlling inflammatory conditions at the mucosal point of entry. This likely necessitates the orchestration of balanced, first-line and adaptive immune responses.
Developmental Changes of Metacognitive Skill in Elementary School Children

ABSTRACT. The authors investigated the development of metacognitive skill (MS) of 43 children from preschool to the 2nd grade (6-8 years of age) in a problem-solving situation. The children's skill to direct, guide, and monitor their performance in a play-like problem-solving context was evaluated in 3 experimental groups of preschool children with high, average, or low metacognitive knowledge (MK). The development of MS was further compared with the development of general MK of the same children. The results showed that children with initially high MK had better MS in problem-solving tasks during the 1st 2 school years, whereas the self-guided behavior of children with lower MK resembled more the type of adult-dependent behavior typical of young children as late as the 2nd grade. However, there was no clear developmental relationship between MK and MS. A number of cases from the data are described to illustrate individual differences.