Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parallel Computation of Gravity Wave Turbulence in the Earth ’ s Atmosphere

Gravity waves (GWs) are ubiquitous internal waves in which the restoring force is buoyancy. In the Earth’s atmosphere, GWs are generated whenever a parcel of air is disturbed from its equilibrium position. Disturbing sources include topographic featu res (e.g., mountains), convective instabilities (e.g., thunderstorms), frontal motions, and oscillations of jet streams. When the amplitude of a GW approaches its inverse vertical wavenumber, the wave “breaks” and generates a localized region of intense turbulence. Strong GWs near the surface in the lee of mountains are responsible for spectacular down-slope windstorms, such as the Boulder chinook, the Santa Ana winds, and the Yugoslavian bora. Such storms often generate hurricane-force winds and are a serious threat to personal safety, buildings, and surface and air transportation. At higher altitudes, GWs can be of sufficient magnitude to alter the mean state of the atmosphere. The wave drag induced by the breaking of small-scale GWs (~10 km) is now thought to be an important issue in improving subgrid parameterizations for global atmospheric flow models. More generally, the propagation and evolution of GWs may be a key component in determining the spectral energy of the atmosphere at mesoscales (~100 km).
Agency Conflicts Around the World

We construct firm-level indexes for agency conflicts between controlling shareholders and outside investors by estimating a dynamic model of financing decisions. Our estimates for 12,652 firms from 14 countries show that agency conflicts are large and highly variable across firms and countries. Differences in agency conflicts are largely due to differences in firm-level governance, ownership concentration, and other firm characteristics. The origin of law is more relevant for curtailing governance excesses than for guarding the typical firm. Agency costs split about equally between wealth transfers and value losses from policy distortions. Recent governance reforms in Europe have significantly reduced agency costs.Received April 19, 2016; editorial decision November 18, 2017 by Received April 19, 2016; editorial decision November 18, 2017 by Editor Francesca Cornelli. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
LUX-Lung 4: a phase II trial of afatinib in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who progressed during prior treatment with erlotinib, gefitinib, or both.

PURPOSE New molecular targeted agents are needed for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progress while receiving erlotinib, gefitinib, or both. Afatinib, an oral irreversible ErbB family blocker, has preclinical activity in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR [ErbB1]) mutant models with EGFR-activating mutations, including T790M. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a Japanese single-arm phase II trial conducted in patients with stage IIIB to IV pulmonary adenocarcinoma who progressed after ≥ 12 weeks of prior erlotinib and/or gefitinib. Patients received afatinib 50 mg per day. The primary end point was objective response rate (complete response or partial response) by independent review. Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS Of 62 treated patients, 45 (72.6%) were EGFR mutation positive in their primary tumor according to local and/or central laboratory analyses. Fifty-one patients (82.3%) fulfilled the criteria of acquired resistance to erlotinib and/or gefitinib. Of 61 evaluable patients, five (8.2%; 95% CI, 2.7% to 18.1%) had a confirmed objective response rate (partial response). Median PFS was 4.4 months (95% CI, 2.8 to 4.6 months), and median OS was 19.0 months (95% CI, 14.9 months to not achieved). Two patients had acquired T790M mutations: L858R + T790M, and deletion in exon 19 + T790M; they had stable disease for 9 months and 1 month, respectively. The most common afatinib-related adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea (100%) and rash/acne (91.9%). Treatment-related AEs leading to afatinib discontinuation were experienced by 18 patients (29%), of whom four also had progressive disease. CONCLUSION Afatinib demonstrated modest but noteworthy efficacy in patients with NSCLC who had received third- or fourth-line treatment and who progressed while receiving erlotinib and/or gefitinib, including those with acquired resistance to erlotinib, gefitinib, or both.
Smooth Muscle–Specific Deletion of Nitric Oxide–Sensitive Guanylyl Cyclase Is Sufficient to Induce Hypertension in Mice

Background— Arterial hypertension is one of the major diseases in industrial countries and a major cause of mortality. One of the main vascular factors responsible for the relaxation of blood vessels and regulation of blood pressure is nitric oxide (NO). NO acts predominantly via NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC), which is made up of 2 different subunits (&agr; and &bgr;). Deletion of the &bgr;1 subunit leads to a global NO-GC knockout, and these mice are hypertensive. However, global deletion of NO-GC in mice does not allow identification of the cell/tissue type responsible for the elevated blood pressure. Methods and Results— To determine the relative contribution of smooth muscle cells to the hypertension seen in NO-GC knockout mice, we generated smooth muscle–specific knockout mice for the &bgr;1 subunit of NO-GC using a tamoxifen-inducible system. Male mice were investigated because the Cre transgene used is located on the Y chromosome. Tamoxifen injection led to a rapid reduction of NO-GC expression in smooth muscle but did not affect that in other tissues. Parallel to a reduction in NO-induced cGMP accumulation, NO-induced relaxation of aortic smooth muscle was gradually lost after induction by tamoxifen. Concomitantly, these animals developed hypertension within 3 to 4 weeks. Conclusions— We generated a model in which the development of hypertension can be visualized over time by deletion of a single gene in smooth muscle cells. In sum, our data provide evidence that deletion of NO-GC solely in smooth muscle is sufficient to cause hypertension.
Welfare Analysis: Bridging the Partial and General Equilibrium Divide for Policy Analysis

Advances in theoretical and computable general equilibrium modeling brought their conceptual foundations more in line with standard microeconomic constructs. This reduced the theoretical gap between welfare measurements using a partial or a general equilibrium approach. However, the separation of the partial and general equilibrium literatures lingers in many applications that this manuscript seeks to bridge. The now shared conceptual foundations, the importance of functional specification, the role of common price movements and closure rules are discussed. The continuing stricture in U.S. Government guidelines against including secondary effects in welfare measures is questioned.
Representation and Analysis of Reactive Behaviors: A Synchronous Approach

Reactive systems involve communication, concurrency and preemption. Few models support these three concepts, even less can correctly deal with their coexistence. The synchronous paradigm allows a rigourous approach to this problem, crucial to reactive systems. This paper analyzes the underlying hypotheses of the synchronous approach. Reactive behaviors are characterized. A new visual model (SYNCCHARTS) is then proposed. This graphical model is fully compatible with the imperative synchronous language ESTEREL and is specially convenient to express complex reactive behaviors.
On the performance of outage probability in underlay cognitive radio with imperfect CSI

In cognitive spectrum sharing systems, interference probability (IP) is one of the most important performance metrics illustrating the interference level at the primary network. In this paper, the interference probability of the primary network due to secondary underlay partial relay selection networks is investigated under the assumption of imperfect channel state information (CSI) of interference links. Numerical results show that it depends not only on the correlation efficient of interference links but also on the transmit power of secondary transmitters. It is also shown that the back-off technique is an efficient approach to guarantee the given quality of service (QoS) of the primary network. For secondary networks, we derive the outage probability over Rayleigh fading channels. Monte-Carlo simulations are performed to verify the correctness of the analysis.
Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Urinary Tract Infection following Solid Organ Transplantation

ABSTRACT Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an emerging pathogen with a devastating impact on organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Data describing urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to CRKP, compared to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and susceptible K. pneumoniae, are lacking. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing OTRs with a first episode of UTI due to CRKP, ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, or susceptible K. pneumoniae. We identified 108 individuals; 22 (20%) had UTIs due to CRKP, 22 (20%) due to ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, and 64 (60%) due to susceptible K. pneumoniae. Compared to susceptible K. pneumoniae (27%), patients with UTIs due to CRKP or ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae were more likely to have a ≥24-hour stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) before or after development of the UTI (64% and 77%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among 105/108 hospitalized patients (97%), the median lengths of stay prior to UTI with CRKP or ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae (7 and 8 days, respectively) were significantly longer than that for susceptible K. pneumoniae (1 day; P < 0.001). Clinical failure was observed for 8 patients (36%) with CRKP, 4 (18%) with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, and 9 (14%) with susceptible K. pneumoniae (P = 0.073). Microbiological failure was seen for 10 patients (45%) with CRKP, compared with 2 (9%) with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and 2 (3%) with susceptible K. pneumoniae (P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, CRKP was associated with greater odds of microbiological failure (versus ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae: odds ratio [OR], 9.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94 to 72.1; versus susceptible K. pneumoniae: OR, 31.4, 95% CI, 5.91 to 264). In conclusion, CRKP is associated with ICU admission, long length of stay, and microbiological failure among OTRs with UTIs. Greater numbers are needed to determine risk factors for infection and differences in meaningful endpoints associated with carbapenem resistance.
Activation of Rac by Asef2 promotes myosin II-dependent contractility to inhibit cell migration on type I collagen

Summary Non-muscle myosin II (MyoII) contractility is central to the regulation of numerous cellular processes, including migration. Rho is a well-characterized modulator of actomyosin contractility, but the function of other GTPases, such as Rac, in regulating contractility is currently not well understood. Here, we show that activation of Rac by the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Asef2 (also known as SPATA13) impairs migration on type I collagen through a MyoII-dependent mechanism that enhances contractility. Knockdown of endogenous Rac or treatment of cells with a Rac-specific inhibitor decreases the amount of active MyoII, as determined by serine 19 (S19) phosphorylation, and negates the Asef2-promoted increase in contractility. Moreover, treatment of cells with blebbistatin, which inhibits MyoII activity, abolishes the Asef2-mediated effect on migration. In addition, Asef2 slows the turnover of adhesions in protrusive regions of cells by promoting large mature adhesions, which has been linked to actomyosin contractility, with increased amounts of active &bgr;1 integrin. Hence, our data reveal a new role for Rac activation, promoted by Asef2, in modulating actomyosin contractility, which is important for regulating cell migration and adhesion dynamics.
Understanding of genetics among older adults.

PURPOSE To describe and compare the attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of older adults from three ethnic groups about genetic testing and genetic research, to determine how the understanding of genetics influences informed consent, and to identify factors that are important in older adults' decisions about participation in genetic research. METHODS Three focus groups were initially conducted with 23 African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic adults in community-based settings. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis of transcripts was performed and a second session was conducted with participants from each group to confirm the analyses. FINDINGS Four common themes related to genetics and informed consent for genetic testing were identified: (a) defining genetics, (b) justifying genetic testing, (c) family involvement, and (d) dignified agreement. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study indicate that although these older adults had information about genetics, the information was not always accurate. In addition, deference among this cohort to providers' opinions showed the important role of healthcare professionals in providing genetic information and obtaining consent in ways that ensure it is voluntary and informed.
Multiple-Feature Spatiotemporal Segmentation of Moving Sequences using a Rule-based Approach

In this papera noveltwo-stage architecturefor object-basedsegmentation of moving sequences is proposed using multiple features such as motion, intensity and texture. The first stage locates perceptually meaningful objects using a hierarchyof single-feature segmentationprocesses. The second stage refines the boundaries of located objects using a combination of features according to a set of appropriate rules. Experimental results show that the proposedapproachyields intuitively correctas well as accurate segmentationsof moving sequences, which compare favourably with established state-of-the art techniques in the literature.
Mechanism by which progesterone shortens the estrous cycle of the ewe.

Progesterone administered early in the estrous cycle of ewes decreases the average life of corpora lutea. The effects of exogenous progesterone during estrus on patterns of concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone in peripheral plasma and of prostaglandin (PGF2 a) in utero-ovarian venous plasma were studied. In experiment 1, eight ewes received 40mg of progesterone (i.m.) in corn oil and eight were given only corn oil 8 h after the onset of estrus (Day 0). Mean cycle length in progesterone-treated ewes was less than in control ewes (12.5 ± 1.7 vs 16.3 ± 0.2 days: P<0.05). The concentrations of LH during and immediately following the surge were decreased by progesterone and returned to control values by 30 h after treatment. Mean concentration of PGFSa in uterine venous plasma on Day 5 proestrus did not differ significantly between groups. In experiment 2, ewes were injected (i.m.) with corn oil containing 0 (n = 6) or 40 mg (n = 6) of progesterone 8 and 32 h after the onset of estrus. Beginning on Day 5, blood samples were collected via a catheter in one utero-ovarian vein every 8 h until the onset of the next estrus for quantification of PGF2 �. Five of six progesterone-treated ewes had short cycles (11.0 ± 1.0 days), while cycles averaged 17.0 ± 0.3 days for the six control ewes. Concentrations of LH were lower 8 h after the second injection of progesterone but reached control levels by 32 h. Concentrations of progesterone in peripheral plasma of progesterone-treated and control ewes did not differ on Days 4 to 7. The first peak of PGF20 occurred earlier in progesterone-treated (Day 8.0 ± 0.3) than in control ewes (Day 12.3 ± 1.0; P<0.01). Analyses of the regressions of PGF2a on estradiol-17i3 revealed that plasma concentrations of estradiol at the same hour and at 16 and 24 h previous to PGF,0 could account for some of the variation in PGF2a. Decreased concentrations of LH immediately following exogenous progesterone did not interfere with the ability of the young corpus luteum to produce progesterone. Earlier peaks of PGF2 a following exogenous progesterone during estrus may be more important than reduced LH in causing earlier regression of corpora lutea.
Time and exercise improve phosphate removal in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Control of serum phosphate remains a difficult clinical issue in most hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study examines 2 nonpharmacological approaches to improving phosphate control in HD patients. METHODS First, 9 stable HD patients underwent dialysis in random fashion for either 4 hours 3 times weekly or 5 hours 3 times weekly. Adjustments were made to blood flow rates such that Kt/V was the same for all sessions, thus allowing independent assessment of the influence of time. The primary end point was weekly dialysate phosphate removal. In the second study, 12 different patients underwent an exercise program in which they pedaled a bicycle ergometer either immediately before or during dialysis. Again, weekly dialysate phosphate removal was measured. RESULTS In the time study, urea reduction ratio (69% +/- 0.02% versus 68% +/- 0.07, 4 versus 5 hours) and weekly urea removal were no different between the 2 groups. However, weekly phosphate removal (3,007 +/- 641 versus 3,400 +/- 647 mg; P < 0.02) significantly improved with longer dialysis duration. Serum phosphate levels improved, but did not reach statistical significance in this short-term study. In the exercise study, weekly phosphate removal improved with exercise, but did not reach significance (2,741 +/- 715 [no exercise] versus 2,917 +/- 833 [exercise predialysis] versus 2,992 +/- 852 mg [exercise during dialysis]; P = 0.055), although comparing only exercise during dialysis with no exercise reached significance (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in serum phosphate levels. CONCLUSION Both increased dialysis time and exercise result in increased dialytic removal of phosphate and could be expected in the long term to improve phosphate control.
Partial Shape Recognition Using Dynamic Programming

A partial-shape-recognition technique utilizing local features described by Fourier descriptors is introduced. A dynamic programming formulation for shape matching is developed, and a method for comparison of match quality is discussed. This technique is shown to recognize unknown contours that may be occluded or that may overlap other objects. Precise scale information is not required, and the unknown objects may appear at any orientation with respect to the camera. The segment-matching dynamic programming method is contrasted with other sequence-comparison techniques that utilize dynamic programming. Experimental results are discussed that indicate that partial contours can be recognized with reasonable accuracy. >
Degradation of 1,2-Dibromoethane byMycobacterium sp. Strain GP1

ABSTRACT The newly isolated bacterial strain GP1 can utilize 1,2-dibromoethane as the sole carbon and energy source. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the organism was identified as a member of the subgroup which contains the fast-growing mycobacteria. The first step in 1,2-dibromoethane metabolism is catalyzed by a hydrolytic haloalkane dehalogenase. The resulting 2-bromoethanol is rapidly converted to ethylene oxide by a haloalcohol dehalogenase, in this way preventing the accumulation of 2-bromoethanol and 2-bromoacetaldehyde as toxic intermediates. Ethylene oxide can serve as a growth substrate for strain GP1, but the pathway(s) by which it is further metabolized is still unclear. Strain GP1 can also utilize 1-chloropropane, 1-bromopropane, 2-bromoethanol, and 2-chloroethanol as growth substrates. 2-Chloroethanol and 2-bromoethanol are metabolized via ethylene oxide, which for both haloalcohols is a novel way to remove the halide without going through the corresponding acetaldehyde intermediate. The haloalkane dehalogenase gene was cloned and sequenced. The dehalogenase (DhaAf) encoded by this gene is identical to the haloalkane dehalogenase (DhaA) of Rhodococcus rhodochrous NCIMB 13064, except for three amino acid substitutions and a 14-amino-acid extension at the C terminus. Alignments of the complete dehalogenase gene region of strain GP1 with DNA sequences in different databases showed that a large part of adhaA gene region, which is also present in R. rhodochrous NCIMB 13064, was fused to a fragment of a haloalcohol dehalogenase gene that was identical to the last 42 nucleotides of thehheB gene found in Corynebacterium sp. strain N-1074.
Early Experience with an Internet Broadcast System Based on Overlay Multicast

In this paper, we report on experience in building and deploying an operational Internet broadcast system based on Overlay Multicast. In over a year, the system has been providing a cost-effective alternative for Internet broadcast, used by over 4000 users spread across multiple continents in home, academic and commercial environments. Technical conferences and special interest groups are the early adopters. Our experience confirms that Overlay Multicast can be easily deployed and can provide reasonably good application performance. The experience has led us to identify first-order issues that are guiding our future efforts and are of importance to any Overlay Multicast protocol or system. Our key contributions are (i) enabling a real Overlay Multicast application and strengthening the case for overlays as a viable architecture for enabling group communication applications on the Internet, (ii) the details in engineering and operating a fully functional streaming system, addressing a wide range of real-world issues that are not typically considered in protocol design studies, and (iii) the data, analysis methodology, and experience that we are able to report given our unique standpoint.
A Bluetooth scatternet formation algorithm

A Bluetooth ad hoc network can be formed by interconnecting piconets into scatternets. The constraints and properties of Bluetooth scatternets present special challenges in forming an ad hoc network efficiently. We present and analyse a new randomized distributed algorithm for Bluetooth scatternet formation. We prove that our algorithm achieves O(log n) time complexity and O(n) message complexity. We show that: (1) in the scatternet formed by our algorithm, any device is a member of at most two piconets; (2) the number of piconets is close to being minimal.