Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interconnection network performance of multi-core cluster architectures

This paper considers the performance of interconnection networks in single-core and multi-core cluster architectures. Several parameters and system configurations are considered to optimise the performance of single-core cluster as a baseline experiment. These results have been extended to multi-core cluster architectures. The performance measurement involved communication within and between clusters with varying numbers of processor cores to provide a comparative analysis of single-core and multi-core cluster architectures. Analytical analysis provides validation of the simulation results.
Catecholamine-stimulated ion transport in duck red cells. Gradient effects in electrically neutral [Na + K + 2Cl] Co-transport

The transient increase in cation permeability observed in duck red cells incubated with norepinephrine has been shown to be a linked, bidirectional, co-transport of sodium plus potassium. This pathway, sensitive to loop diuretics such as furosemide, was found to have a [Na + K] stoichiometry of 1:1 under all conditions tested. Net sodium efflux was inhibited by increasing external potassium, and net potassium efflux was inhibited by increasing external sodium. Thus, the movement of either cation is coupled to, and can be driven by, the gradient of its co-ion. There is no evidence of trans stimulation of co- transport by either cation. The system also has a specific anion requirement satisfied only by chloride or bromide. Shifting the membrane potential by varying either external chloride (at constant internal chloride) or external potassium (at constant internal potassium in the presence of valinomycin and DIDs [4,4'-diisothiocyano- 2,2'-disulfonic acid stilbene]), has no effect on nor-epinephrine- stimulated net sodium transport. Thus, this co-transport system is unaffected by membrane potential and is therefore electrically neutral. Finally, under the latter conditions-when Em was held constant near EK and chloride was not at equilibrium-net sodium extrusion against a substantial electrochemical gradient could be produced by lowering external chloride at high internal concentrations, thereby demonstrating that the anion gradient can also drive co-transport. We conclude, therefore, that chloride participates directly in the co- transport of [Na + K + 2Cl].
Lapse Rate or Cold Point: The Tropical Tropopause Identified by In Situ Trace Gas Measurements

Although the tropopause is a well‐established concept, its definition and physical properties remain an active research topic. In the tropics, both the World Meteorological Organization established lapse rate tropopause definition and the minimum in the temperature profile (the cold point) are used to determine the tropopause height. We examine the differences produced by these two definitions using high‐resolution airborne in situ measurements of temperature, water vapor, and ozone in the tropical tropopause layer from a recent experiment over the western Pacific using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system. When the two definitions do not produce the same tropopause height, which is in about half of the cases, the combined temperature and trace gas analysis shows that the lapse rate definition better identifies the transition from the troposphere to the stratosphere.
Lifetime Vigorous But Not Light-To-Moderate Habitual Physical Activity Impacts Favorably on Carotid Stiffness in Young Adults: The Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study

Higher levels of habitual physical activity favorably impact on arterial stiffness. It is not clear, however, whether lifetime habitual physical activities of different intensities carry the same protective effect and to what extent any such effect is mediated by other biological cardiovascular risk factors. We, therefore, examined longitudinal data on habitual physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors (8 repeated measures between the ages of 13 and 36 years) in 373 subjects in whom stiffness estimates of the carotid artery were assessed at age 36 years using noninvasive ultrasonography. The time spent in habitual physical activities (in minutes per week) throughout the longitudinal period was compared between subjects across tertiles of the following stiffness estimates: &bgr;-stiffness index, distensibility and compliance coefficients, and the Young's elastic modulus. After adjustments for sex, body height, and other lifestyle variables, subjects in the highest tertile of the &bgr;-stiffness index (ie, with stiffer arteries) had spent, on average, throughout the longitudinal period, less time in vigorous (−26.5 [95% CI: −45.9 to −7.1]) but less so in light-to-moderate habitual physical activities (−11.2 [95% CI: −53.5 to 31.1]) as compared with subjects in the lowest tertile. The difference in time spent in vigorous activities was greatly attenuated when further adjusted for blood lipids, cardiorespiratory fitness, fat distribution, resting heart rate, and mean arterial pressure (to −11.2 [95% CI: −29.4 to 7.0]). Similar results were found for the other stiffness estimates. Promoting vigorous intensity physical activities among the healthy young may, therefore, prevent arterial stiffness and related cardiovascular sequelae later in life, partly through its favorable impact on other biological cardiovascular risk factors.
Kähler–Einstein fillings

We show that on an open bounded smooth strongly pseudoconvex subset of ℂn, there exists a Kähler–Einstein metric with positive Einstein constant, such that the metric restricted to the Levi distribution of the boundary is conformal to the Levi form. To achieve this, we solve an associated complex Monge–Ampère equation with Dirichlet boundary condition. We also prove uniqueness of the solution subject to additional restrictions.
Age differences in perceptions of memory strategy effectiveness for recent and remote memory

ABSTRACT We examined whether young and older adults hold different beliefs about the effectiveness of memory strategies for specific types of memory tasks and whether memory strategies are perceived to be differentially effective for young, middle-aged, and older targets. Participants rated the effectiveness of five memory strategies for 10 memory tasks at three target ages (20, 50, and 80 years old). Older adults did not strongly differentiate strategy effectiveness, viewing most strategies as similarly effective across memory tasks. Young adults held strategy-specific beliefs, endorsing external aids and physical health as more effective than a positive attitude or internal strategies, without substantial differentiation based on task. We also found differences in anticipated strategy effectiveness for targets of different ages. Older adults described cognitive and physical health strategies as more effective for older than middle-aged targets, whereas young adults expected these strategies to be equally effective for middle-aged and older target adults.
Brain Temperature Is Increased During the First Days of Life in Asphyxiated Newborns: Developing Brain Injury Despite Hypothermia Treatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Therapeutic hypothermia is the current treatment for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. It is believed to work by decreasing the brain temperature and reducing the baseline metabolism and energy demand of the brain. This study aimed to noninvasively assess brain temperature during the first month of life in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia and healthy neonates were enrolled prospectively. MR imaging was used to identify the presence and extent of brain injury. MR imaging multivoxel spectroscopy was used to derive brain temperatures in the basal ganglia and white matter at different time points during the first month of life. Brain temperature measurements were compared between neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and healthy neonates. RESULTS: Forty-three term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia had a total of 74 spectroscopy scans, and 3 healthy term neonates had a total of 9 spectroscopy scans during the first month of life. Brain temperatures were lower in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during hypothermia, compared with the healthy neonates (respectively, on day 1 of life: basal ganglia, 38.81°C ± 2.08°C, and white matter, 39.11°C ± 1.99°C; and on days 2–3 of life: basal ganglia, 38.25°C ± 0.91°C, and white matter, 38.54°C ± 2.79°C). However, neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who developed brain injury had higher brain temperatures during hypothermia (respectively, on day 1 of life: basal ganglia, 35.55°C ± 1.31°C, and white matter, 37.35°C ± 2.55°C; and on days 2–3 of life: basal ganglia, 35.20°C ± 1.15°C, and white matter, 35.44°C ± 1.90°C) compared with neonates who did not develop brain injury (respectively, on day 1 of life: basal ganglia, 34.46°C ± 1.09°C, and white matter, 33.97°C ± 1.42°C; and on days 2–3 of life: basal ganglia, 33.90°C ± 1.34°C, and white matter, 33.07°C ± 1.71°C). Also, brain temperatures tended to remain slightly higher in the neonates who developed brain injury around day 10 of life and around 1 month of age. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic hypothermia using current guidelines decreased the brain temperature of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during the first days of life but did not prevent an early increase of brain temperature in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who developed brain injury despite this treatment.
ICT in Language Learning--Benefits and Methodological Implications.

ICT as a medium for teaching is becoming more and more acknowledged. In this article we wish to share some aspects of using ICT that have proved positive and stimulating both for students and the teacher. We share our experience in using the Blackboard e-learning environment for teaching language courses in English and Swedish (different levels), for learning terminology, and ESP (English for Specific Purposes). Our focus will be on how the web-based environment can be used for supporting student-centred learning, increasing student motivation, individualisation and cooperation in creating the study-materials, at the same time developing a feeling of “us” and of belonging together. Taking a look at our different past and current courses, we will view different ways of motivating students by engaging them in building the learning materials: data-bases on specific research topics, power-point presentations and on-line dictionaries. We analyse how the ICT solutions can be used as a support for different classroom activities, group-work and pair-work assignments; for independent work; for enforcing student-centred learning and the principles of individualisation; forming one´s personal opinion, and being able to express it on topical issues.
Dominant Negative Mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab Toxin Function as Anti-Toxins: Demonstration of the Role of Oligomerization in Toxicity

Background Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins, that are used worldwide in insect control, kill insects by a mechanism that depends on their ability to form oligomeric pores that insert into the insect-midgut cells. These toxins are being used worldwide in transgenic plants or spray to control insect pests in agriculture. However, a major concern has been the possible effects of these insecticidal proteins on non-target organisms mainly in ecosystems adjacent to agricultural fields. Methodology/Principal Findings We isolated and characterized 11 non-toxic mutants of Cry1Ab toxin affected in different steps of the mechanism of action namely binding to receptors, oligomerization and pore-formation. These mutant toxins were analyzed for their capacity to block wild type toxin activity, presenting a dominant negative phenotype. The dominant negative phenotype was analyzed at two levels, in vivo by toxicity bioassays against susceptible Manduca sexta larvae and in vitro by pore formation activity in black lipid bilayers. We demonstrate that some mutations located in helix α-4 completely block the wild type toxin activity at sub-stoichiometric level confirming a dominant negative phenotype, thereby functioning as potent antitoxins. Conclusions/Significance This is the first reported case of a Cry toxin dominant inhibitor. These data demonstrate that oligomerization is a fundamental step in Cry toxin action and represent a potential mechanism to protect special ecosystems from the possible effect of Cry toxins on non-target organisms.
Epidermal growth factor-induced centrosomal separation: mechanism and relationship to mitogenesis

Using a rabbit antibody to MAP1 to stain centrosomes we have studied the mechanism by which epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces centrosomal separation in HeLa cells. The response is rapid, being detectable within 20 min after EGF (100 ng/ml) addition and by 4 h 40% of logarithmically growing cells and greater than 70% of cells synchronized at G1/S with 1 mM hydroxyurea show centrosomes separated by more than one diameter. A concentration of 0.05 ng/ml of EGF induces significant separation in synchronized cells (5-9% control vs. 20% with EGF at 0.05 ng/ml) and 0.1 to 0.5 ng/ml induces a half maximal response. Centrosomal separation is blocked by energy inhibitors, trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, and W-7, cytochalasins B and D, and taxol, and is stimulated or enhanced by A23187, colchicine, and oncodazole. Trifluoperazine, W-7, cytochalasin D, and taxol also block DNA synthesis in response to EGF as measured by autoradiography using [3H]thymidine. Our hypothesis based upon these results is that EGF, by raising the free calcium level, activates calmodulin, which stimulates contraction of microfilaments attached to the centrosome, pulling the daughter centrosome apart. EGF may also induce depolymerization or detachment of microtubules in the vicinity of the centrosome which ordinarily serve to maintain its position and inhibit separation. Centrosomal separation may be a key event in triggering DNA synthesis in response to EGF and colchicine.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND GROUP PROCESSES Different Emotional Reactions to Different Groups : A Sociofunctional Threat-Based Approach to “ Prejudice ”

The authors suggest that the traditional conception of prejudice—as a general attitude or evaluation—can problematically obscure the rich texturing of emotions that people feel toward different groups. Derived from a sociofunctional approach, the authors predicted that groups believed to pose qualitatively distinct threats to in-group resources or processes would evoke qualitatively distinct and functionally relevant emotional reactions. Participants’ reactions to a range of social groups provided a data set unique in the scope of emotional reactions and threat beliefs explored. As predicted, different groups elicited different profiles of emotion and threat reactions, and this diversity was often masked by general measures of prejudice and threat. Moreover, threat and emotion profiles were associated with one another in the manner predicted: Specific classes of threat were linked to specific, functionally relevant emotions, and groups similar in the threat profiles they elicited were also similar in the emotion profiles they elicited.
Measurement and Data Transmission Validity of a Multi-Biosensor System for Real-Time Remote Exercise Monitoring Among Cardiac Patients

Background Remote telemonitoring holds great potential to augment management of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) by enabling regular physiological monitoring during physical activity. Remote physiological monitoring may improve home and community exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (exCR) programs and could improve assessment of the impact and management of pharmacological interventions for heart rate control in individuals with AF. Objective Our aim was to evaluate the measurement validity and data transmission reliability of a remote telemonitoring system comprising a wireless multi-parameter physiological sensor, custom mobile app, and middleware platform, among individuals in sinus rhythm and AF. Methods Participants in sinus rhythm and with AF undertook simulated daily activities, low, moderate, and/or high intensity exercise. Remote monitoring system heart rate and respiratory rate were compared to reference measures (12-lead ECG and indirect calorimeter). Wireless data transmission loss was calculated between the sensor, mobile app, and remote Internet server. Results Median heart rate (-0.30 to 1.10 b∙min-1) and respiratory rate (-1.25 to 0.39 br∙min-1) measurement biases were small, yet statistically significant (all P≤.003) due to the large number of observations. Measurement reliability was generally excellent (rho=.87-.97, all P<.001; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=.94-.98, all P<.001; coefficient of variation [CV]=2.24-7.94%), although respiratory rate measurement reliability was poor among AF participants (rho=.43, P<.001; ICC=.55, P<.001; CV=16.61%). Data loss was minimal (<5%) when all system components were active; however, instability of the network hosting the remote data capture server resulted in data loss at the remote Internet server during some trials. Conclusions System validity was sufficient for remote monitoring of heart and respiratory rates across a range of exercise intensities. Remote exercise monitoring has potential to augment current exCR and heart rate control management approaches by enabling the provision of individually tailored care to individuals outside traditional clinical environments.
Multi Element Analysis of Cow Milk: Geographical Origin Determination and Potential Health Risk Assessment

Milk consumption rendering the proof of geographical provenance is a vital issue in food and consumer protection. The present study deals with discrimination of Bangladeshi cow milk according to their region of production using multi element compositions. The concentration of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Ni, As, Mn, Zn, Fe, Ca, Mg, Na and K in fresh cow milk from four climatic zones (South-Central, South-Western, Western and North-Western) were measured by flame and graphite furnace atomic-absorption spectroscopy (FAAS and GFAAS). The reliability of measured analytical data were validated by certified reference milk powder (IAEA-153). Statistical Canonical discriminate analysis indicated clear regional individuality based on some element that can contribute to protect geographical indication. The correlation coefficient matrix showed positive correlation among metals except copper. In addition, health risk assessment by the calculated values of daily intake of analyzed metals, health risk index and hazard index were lower than reference values, indicating that the consumers are not likely to be metal toxicity due to milk consumption from four studied region.
Parametric Investigation Into the Effects of Pressure, Subcooling, Surface Augmentation and Choice of Coolant on Pool Boiling in the Design of Cooling Systems for High-Power-Density Electronic Chips

A high power electronic chip was simulated experimentally to investigate upper cooling capabilities using a variety of pool boiling enhancement techniques. Parametric effects of system pressure, subcooling, surface augmentation, and choice of coolant on boiling heat transfer from a vertical 12.7'x 12.7 mm flat surface were examined. The two fluorocarbon coolants tested, FC-72 and FC-87, resulted in similar boiling curves, but FC-87 significantly reduced chip surface temperature for a given heat flux. Increasing pressure enhanced boiling performance and critical heat flux slightly. However, the significant increase in chip temperature, and the practical problems associated with packaging electronic hardware in a pressurized environment precluded pressurization as a viable enhancement option. Subcooling was very effective in increasing critical heat flux and significantly reducing bubble size and growth of the bubble boundary layer on the chip surface. Surface augmentation was also effective in enhancing critical heat flux; however, some surface geometries promoted noticeable temperature excursion at incipience.
Barriers and facilitators of nursing research utilization in Iran: A systematic review

Background: According to professionalization in nursing profession, the nursing researches expanded dramatically and rapidly in a very short period. Research results showed improvement in quality of provided care by using research findings. But there is still a gap between nursing research and practice, which led scientists to explore the barriers and facilitators of research utilization that could affect the application of research results. The aim of this review was to appraise and synthesize evidences of studies about the facilitators and barriers to research utilization in Iranian nurses. Material and Methods: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies about the barriers and facilitators of nursing research utilization in Iran was undertaken. Results: The results showed that items such as "The nurse is isolated from knowledgeable colleagues with whom to discuss the research," "There is insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas," "The nurse does not have time to read research," "The nurse does not feel she/he has enough authority to change patient care procedures," "The facilities are inadequate for implementation," "Physicians will not cooperate with implementation," and "The relevant literature is not compiled in one place" were rated as the main barriers. Conclusions: The results of 10 studies about research utilization in Iran showed that the barriers and facilitators remained constant through time and across different locations. The rank orders of barriers and facilitators were the same approximately. The nurse managers and administrators could utilize the findings of this review to allocate human resources and other sources and promote nursing research utilization in clinical field.
Practical experiences in designing and conducting empirical studies in industry-academia collaboration

More and more, software engineering researchers are motivated to solve real problems that bring value to industry. An example is the industry-academia collaboration described in this paper among everis, an IT consulting firm, and the GESSI research group at UPC. The goal of this paper is twofold: to evaluate the success of the collaboration, and to report the experience with conducting empirical studies in the industry and lessons learnt. We evaluated our collaboration with an existing model for technology transfer, and performed a focus group discussion to identify challenges we have faced. After initialization and alignment of the collaboration, a high maturity level has been achieved: we have obtained the first results in form of proposed solutions, scientific publications, and pilots run in real projects. In spite of this positive progress, further initiatives need to be undertaken in the last phases of the collaboration to achieve high degrees of maturity in deployment impact, industry benefit and innovativeness. Evaluating the collaboration has been positive, since we identified the next steps to be taken to achieve a high degree of technology transfer and innovation dissemination. We think it is a needed step in industry-academia collaborations in order to improve their success.