Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secure Implementation of Asynchronous Method Calls and Futures

Programming languages suitable for distributed computation contain constructs that should map well to the structure of the underlying system executing the programs, while being easily usable by the programmers and amenable to computer-aided verification. For object-oriented languages, asynchronous method calls returning futures that will be filled only after the called method has finished its execution have been proposed as a reasonably simple and analyzable programming construct. In this paper, we show how to map from a language with asynchronous method calls and futures to a language with explicit communication primitives and cryptographic operations. Our target language is reasonably similar to common process calculi, and translating it further to e.g. the applied pi calculus requires only known techniques. The translation is valid even for programs executing in open environments, where method calls and futures can be transmitted between the program and the environment.
Chronic Genitourinary and Gastrointestinal Toxicity of Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Pelvic Radiotherapy With Intensity-Modulated Versus 4-Field Technique

Purpose:To compare chronic GU and GI toxicity of pelvic radiotherapy delivered using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus conventional 4-field technique. Methods:The records of consecutive prostate cancer patients receiving RT at a single institution with a minimum follow-up of 120 days were reviewed; 48 of these patients received a prostate boost preceded by pelvic radiotherapy (PRT), 14 with IMRT (IM-PRT), and 34 with 4-field (4F-PRT). Dosimetric endpoints for the bladder, rectum, composite, and target for the PRT plans were compared using the 2-tailed t test. Late RTOG GU and GI toxicity were compared using the χ2 test. Ordered logit regression analyses were performed using all major patient, disease, and treatment factors as covariates. Results:IM-PRT demonstrated superior bladder and rectum dosimetric endpoints over 4F-PRT for the PRT portion of the treatment and for the composite treatment at the expense of higher target inhomogeneity in the PRT portion of the treatment plan. Late GU toxicity was significantly lower in the IM-PRT group (P < 0.001), whereas late GI toxicity was similar in both groups (P = 0.44). When considering a similar follow-up interval in both groups, however, the difference in GU toxicity only reached a trend (P = 0.10). The regression analyses showed that no factor, including IMRT, reached significance in predicting GU or GI toxicity. Conclusion:Use of pelvic IMRT for prostate cancer patients was not associated with reduction of late GI toxicity but was associated with a small reduction of late GU toxicity. This reduction of late GU toxicity warrants further exploration in consortium studies.
Data quality in the Swedish Quality Register of Gynecologic Cancer – a Swedish Gynecologic Cancer Group (SweGCG) study

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of data on endometrial (EC) and ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal, abdominal or pelvic cancers (OC) registered in the Swedish Quality Register of Gynecologic Cancer (SQRGC). Method: A random sample of 500 patients was identified in the SQRGC and their medical charts were reviewed for re-abstraction of 31 selected core variables by an independent validator. The data in the SQRGC and the re-abstracted data were compared. The data were collected from 25 hospitals evenly distributed throughout Sweden. The main outcomes were comparability, timeliness, completeness and validity. Coverage was compared with the National Cancer Register (NCR). Timeliness was defined as the speed of registration i.e. when patients were registered in the SQRGC relative to date of diagnosis. Internationally accepted coding systems for stage, grading and histologic type were used ensuring a high degree of comparability. Correlations were estimated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Cohen´s kappa coefficient. Results: The completeness was 95%. The timeliness was 88–91% within 12 months of diagnosis. The median degree of agreement between re-abstracted data and data in the SQRGC was 82.1%, with a median kappa value of 0.73 for ordinate variables and a median Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.96. The agreements for the type of surgery were 76% (95% CI 70–81%; kappa 0.49) and type of primary treatment 90% (95% CI 87–94%; kappa 0.85) in OC and in EC 88% (95% CI 84–93%; kappa 0.84). The agreements for the FIGO stage were in OC and EC 74% (95% CI 68–80%; kappa 0.69) and 87% (95% CI 82–91%; kappa 0.79), respectively. Conclusions: The data in the Swedish Quality Register for Gynecologic Cancer are of adequate quality in order to be used as a basis for research and to evaluate possible differences in treatment, lead times and treatment results.
Effect of growing area on tocopherols, carotenoids and fatty acid composition of Pistacia lentiscus edible oil

In this investigation, we aim to study, for the first time, the effect of the growing area on tocopherols, carotenoids and fatty acid content of Pistacia lentiscus fixed oil. Fruits were harvested from eight different sites located in the north and the centre of Tunisia. Tocopherols, carotenoids and fatty acid content of the fixed oils were determined. The highest carotenoid content was exhibited by Feija oil (10.57 mg/kg of oil). Oueslatia and Tabarka oils displayed the highest α-tocopherol content (96.79 and 92.79 mg/kg of oil, respectively). Three major fatty acids were determined: oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids. Oleic acid was the main fatty acid presenting more than 50% of the total fatty acid content. Kebouche oil presented the highest oleic acid content (55.66%). All these results highlight the richness of carotenoids, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids in P. lentiscus seed oil and underscore the nutritional value of this natural product.
Study of Toll-Like Receptor and B-Defensins Genes Expression Pattern in Porcine Reproductive Organs

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and b-defensins (BD) molecules are group of molecules that recognize various microbial components and play a crucial role in the activation of the innate immune system in vertebrate species. Although TLRs gene expression has been studied in various pig tissues, little is known about their expression in porcine reproductive tract. Concerning b-defensins genes, only BD1, 2 and 3 counterparts have been well studied in pigs’ reproductive organs. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of both gene families in pigs’ male and female reproductive organs, and embryos, as potential tool for further association studies in respect to immunity and disease resistance. RT-PCR analysis revealed that all of the examined TLR genes were expressed in the reproductive organs of male and female pigs, with TLR3 and TLR5 showing the higher levels and TLR9 the lowest, in all analyzed tissues. BD genes showed a different expression pattern in respect to the examined tissue. In embryos, TLR1 revealed high expression levels, while only BD3, BD108, and BD123 were found to be expressed.
Superlogarithmic estimates on pseudoconvex domains and CR manifolds

This paper is concerned with proving superlogarithmic estimates for the operator r]b on pseudoconvex CR manifolds and using them to establish hypoellipticity of lb and of the (-Neumann problem. These estimates are established under the assumption that subellipticity degenerates in certain specified ways.
The suitability of fly ash based geopolymer cement for oil well cementing applications: A review

The increase in awareness towards global warming has prompted the research of alternatives to the conventional ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). In addition, studies have demonstrated that the use of geopolymer cement slurries resulted in lower carbon emission and superior cement properties compared to the ordinary Portland cement. In this study, the factors which affect the wellbore integrity in regards to cementing were identified and a comparison between Class G cement and Fly Ash Geopolymer (FAGP) cement pertaining to the identified factors were made. In addition, a thorough analysis on the factors affecting the properties of geopolymer in regards to its application in oil well cementing was performed. The results enable the finding of optimum parameters required to produce geopolymer cements for oil well applications. The FAGP cement achieved higher compressive strengths compared to Class G cement for all curing temperatures above 36⁰C. At optimum curing temperatures, for all curing time FAGP cement achieved higher compressive strengths in comparison Class G cement. Moreover, FAGP cement was found to be more susceptible to marine environment whereby curing medium of brine water resulted in higher compressive strengths. In addition, FAGP cement has lesser carbon footprint, superior chemical durability, lower permeability and higher crack propagation threshold in comparison the Class G cement. In addition, key variables which influence the compressive strength of FAGP cement such as type of activating solution, concentration of activating solution alkaline liquid to fly ash ratio, aging duration and water to binder ratio were identified and the corresponding optimum values in achieving highest compressive strength were suggested. The conclusion supports the usage of geopolymer cement for oil well cementing whereby it has an edge over conventional Portland cement for better short term and long term performance to ensure wellbore integrity throughout the producing life span of the well, with less hazards imposed on the environment.
Improved Power-Delay Trade-off in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks Using Opportunistic Routing

We study the benefits of opportunistic routing in wireless networks by examining how the power and delay scale as the number of source-destination (S-D) pairs increases, where S-D pairs are randomly located over the network. The scaling behavior of conventional multi-hop transmission that does not employ opportunistic routing is also examined. The results indicate that the opportunistic routing can exhibit better power- delay trade-off than the conventional routing while providing up to a logarithmic boost in the scaling law. The gain comes from the fact that the system with opportunistic routing can tolerate more interference due to increased received signal power from utilizing the multi-user diversity gain. Furthermore, we derive an upper bound on the total throughput using the cut-set theorem. It is shown that the achievable rates of the conventional and opportunistic routing schemes become close to the upper bound when the number of S-D pairs is large enough.
Heat acclimation responses of an ultra-endurance running group preparing for hot desert-based competition

Abstract Heat acclimation induces adaptations that improve exercise tolerance in hot conditions. Here we report novel findings into the effects of ultra-marathon specific exercise load in increasing hot ambient conditions on indices of heat acclimation. Six male ultra-endurance runners completed a standard pre-acclimation protocol at 20°C ambient temperature (T amb), followed by a heat acclimation protocol consisting of six 2 h running exercise-heat exposures (EH) at 60% O2max on a motorised treadmill in an environmental chamber. Three EH were performed at 30°C T amb, followed by another three EH at 35°C T amb. EH were separated by 48 h within T amb and 72 h between T amb. Nude body mass (NBM), blood and urine samples were collected pre-exercise; while NBM and urine were collected post-exercise. Rectal temperature (T re), heart rate (HR), thermal comfort rating (TCR) and rating of perceived exertion were measured pre-exercise and monitored every 5 min during exercise. Water was provided ad libitum during exercise. Data were analysed using a repeated measures and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with post hoc Tukey's HSD. Significance was accepted as P< 0.05. Overall mean T re was significantly lower during 30°C EH3 and 35°C EH3 compared with their respective EH1 (−0.20 and−0.23°C, respectively; P<0.05). Similarly, overall mean HR was significantly lower during 30°C EH3 and 35°C EH3 compared with their respective EH1 (8 and 7 bpm respectively; P<0.05). A significant decrease in overall mean TCR was observed during 35°C EH3, compared with 35°C EH1 (P< 0.05). Significant increases in resting pre-exercise plasma volume (estimated from Hb and Hct) were observed by 30°C EH3 (7.9%; P< 0.05). Thereafter, plasma volume remained above baseline throughout the experimental protocol. Two EH of 2 h at 60% O2max at 30°C T amb was sufficient to initiate heat acclimation in all ultra-endurance runners. Further, heat acclimation responses occurred with increasing EH to 35°C T amb. Preventing exertional heat illnesses and optimising performance outcomes in ultra-endurance runners may occur with exposure to at least 2 h of exercise-heat stress on at least two occasions in the days leading up to multi-stage ultra-marathon competition in the heat.
Glaucomatous optic nerve injury involves early astrocyte reactivity and late oligodendrocyte loss

Glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease affecting retinal ganglion cells (RGC), is a leading cause of blindness. Since gliosis is common in neurodegenerative disorders, it is important to describe the changes occurring in various glial populations in glaucoma animal models in relation to axon loss, as only changes that occur early are likely to be useful therapeutic targets. Here, we describe changes occurring in glia within the myelinated portion of the optic nerve (ON) in both DBA/2J mice and in a rat ocular hypertension model. In both glaucoma animal models, we found only a modest loss of oligodendrocytes that occurred after axons had already degenerated. In DBA/2J mice there was proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and new oligodendrocyte generation. Activation of microglia was detected only in highly degenerated DBA/2J ONs. In contrast, a large increase in astrocyte reactivity occurred early in both animal models. These results are consistent with astrocytes playing a prominent role in regulating axon loss in glaucoma. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Lane Width, Lane Position and Edge Shoulder Width on Driving Behavior in Underground Urban Expressways: A Driving Simulator Study

This study tested the effects of lane width, lane position and edge shoulder width on driving behavior for a three-lane underground urban expressway. A driving simulator was used with 24 volunteer test subjects. Five lane widths (2.85, 3.00, 3.25, 3.50, and 3.75 m) and three shoulder widths (0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 m) were studied. Driving speed, lane deviation and subjective perception of driving behavior were collected as performance measures. The results show that lane and shoulder width have significant effects on driving speed. Average driving speed increases from 60.01 km/h in the narrowest lane to 88.05 km/h in the widest lane. While both narrower lanes and shoulders result in reduced speed and lateral lane deviation, the effect of lane width is greater than that of shoulder width. When the lane and shoulder are narrow, drivers in the left or right lane tend to shy away from the tunnel wall, even encroaching into the neighboring middle lane. As the lane or shoulder gets wider, drivers tend to stay in the middle of the lane. An interesting finding is that although few participants acknowledged that lane position had any great bearing on their driving behaviors, the observed driving speed is statistically higher in the left lane than in the other two lanes when the lane width is narrow (in 2.85, 3 and 3.25 m lanes). These findings provided support for amending the current design specifications of urban underground roads, such as the relationship between design speed and lane width, speed limit, and combination form of lanes.
Cardiorespiratory instability before and after implementing an integrated monitoring system*

Objectives:Cardiorespiratory instability may be undetected in monitored step-down unit patients. We explored whether using an integrated monitoring system that continuously amalgamates single noninvasive monitoring parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation) into AN instability index value (INDEX) correlated with our single-parameter cardiorespiratory instability concern criteria, and whether nurse response to INDEX alert for patient attention was associated with instability reduction. Design:Prospective, longitudinal evaluation in sequential 8-, 16-, and 8-wk phases (phase I, phase II, and phase III, respectively). Setting:A 24-bed trauma step-down unit in single urban tertiary care center. Patients:All monitored patients. Interventions:Phase I: Patients received continuous single-channel monitoring (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation) and standard care; INDEX background was recorded but not displayed. Phase II: INDEX was background-recorded; staff was educated on use. Phase III: Staff used a clinical response algorithm for INDEX alerts. Measurement and Main Results:Any monitored parameters even transiently beyond local cardiorespiratory instability concern triggers (heart rate of <40 or >140 beats/min, respiratory rate of <8 or >36 breaths/min, systolic blood pressure of <80 or >200 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure of >110 mm Hg, and peripheral oxygen saturation of <85%) defined INSTABILITYmin. INSTABILITYmin further judged as both persistent and serious defined INSTABILITYfull. The INDEX alert states were defined as INDEXmin and INDEXfull by using same classification. Phase I and phase III admissions (323 vs. 308) and monitoring (18,258 vs. 18,314 hrs) were similar. INDEXmin and INDEXfull correlated significantly with INSTABILITYmin and INSTABILITYfull (r = .713 and r = .815, respectively, p < .0001). INDEXmin occurred before INSTABILITYmin in 80% of cases (mean advance time 9.4 ± 9.2 mins). Phase I and phase III admissions were similarly likely to develop INSTABILITYmin (35% vs. 33%), but INSTABILITYmin duration/admission decreased from phase I to phase III (p = .018). Both INSTABILITYfull episodes/admission (p = .03) and INSTABILITYfull duration/admission (p = .05) decreased in phase III. Conclusion:The integrated monitoring system INDEX correlated significantly with cardiorespiratory instability concern criteria, usually occurred before overt instability, and when coupled with a nursing alert was associated with decreased cardiorespiratory instability concern criteria in step-down unit patients.
Disruption of Cdk5-Associated Phosphorylation of Residue Threonine-161 of the δ-Opioid Receptor: Impaired Receptor Function and Attenuated Morphine Antinociceptive Tolerance

Morphine is the most commonly used and most effective analgesic in the clinic. However, its use is limited by the tolerance. Evidence indicates that the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) is essential for morphine antinociceptive tolerance; however, their underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), activated in morphine antinociceptive tolerance, directly phosphorylates DOR at Thr-161 in DRG neurons. Cdk5 was found to phosphorylate Thr-161 in the second loop of DOR, but not the corresponding residue in the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). Phosphorylation at Thr-161 is required for normal cell surface expression of DOR, and the formation of DOR–MOR heterodimers. Our studies indicated that inhibition of Cdk5 activity or overexpression of a DOR mutant lacking the Cdk5 phosphorylation site displayed relatively low cell surface expression and relatively low abilities to form heterodimers of DOR and MOR; intrathecal delivery of a construct expressing the T161A mutant of DOR attenuated morphine antinociceptive tolerance in rats, suggesting that Thr-161 phosphorylation of DOR contributed to Cdk5-mediated morphine antinociceptive tolerance. Furthermore, an engineered Tat fusion-interfering peptide corresponding to the second intracellular loop of DOR (Tat-DOR-2L), reduced the cell surface expression of DOR, disrupted the formation of DOR–MOR heterodimers, and significantly attenuated the development of morphine antinociceptive tolerance after intrathecal injection. The present study indicates that Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of DOR at Thr-161 plays a crucial role in the development of morphine tolerance and suggests the possibility of targeting DOR phosphorylation at Thr-161 to attenuate morphine antinociceptive tolerance during pain management.
Electron Microscopy of Chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides

Gibson, K. D. (St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, England). Electron microscopy of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides. J. Bacteriol. 90:1059–1072. 1965. —Fixed and stained chromatophores and whole cells of anaerobically grown Rhodopseudomonas spheroides were examined in thin sections in the electron microscope. Both purified chromatophores and intracellular membrane-bound vesicles had exactly the same appearance, namely that of spheres or ellipsoids with a thin electron-dense shell surrounding an electron-lucent interior. The distribution of diameters in the two types of structure was also found to be the same, and was compatible with a normal distribution, with a mean of 570 A and a standard deviation 40 A. Negatively stained chromatophores appeared like discs or collapsed spheres. The presence of invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane in this species was confirmed, and a new structure resembling a twin chromatophore was observed. The bearing of these results on theories of the origin of chromatophores is discussed, and it is concluded that they offer some support for each one of the three main theories about the origin of particulate organelles.
BK Virus Nephropathy Revisited

More than 20 years after its first description and increased morbidity under powerful immunosuppression, the understanding of the pathogenesis of BK polyomavirus induced allograft nephropathy (BKVN) has changed clinical practice in renal transplantation. Screening programs were introduced at most transplant centers causing the prevalence of BKVN to decrease. However, BK viremia is still found in 10-30% of renal allograft recipients with 1-10% developing BKVN. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.