Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Robust Capability of Feedback Scheduling in ORB Middleware

Existing middleware standards cater to the requirement of a broad range of distributed applications. However they do not provide real-time performance guarantees portable in many mission-critical distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems operated in open and unpredictable environments. H∞ optimal control theory addresses the issue of worst-case controller design for plants subjected to unknown additive disturbances and plant uncertainties, including problems of disturbance attenuation, model matching, and tracking. In this paper, we describe H∞-nonlinear model predictive control scheduling (H∞-NMPC) service framework with hORB based on AMIDST. It can be used to maintain the flexibility and reuse, and enables real-time systems to be truly portable on real-time performance requirements.
New Strategies in Overcoming Acquired Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer

The management of non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has been transformed by the observation that lung adenocarcinomas harboring mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are uniquely sensitive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). In these patients, acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI develops after a median of 10 to 14 months, at which time the current standard practice is to switch to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Several possible mechanisms for acquired resistance have been identified, the most common being the development of an EGFR T790M gatekeeper mutation in more than 50% of cases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of acquired TKI resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer and review therapeutic progress with second generation TKIs and combinations of targeted therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5530–7. ©2011 AACR.
Comparison of apical debris extrusion during root canal preparation using instrumentation techniques with two operating principles: An in vitro study

Aims: The aim of this study was to quantify the debris extruded apically from teeth using rotary and reciprocation instrumentation systems. Subjects and Methods: Eighty extracted human mandibular premolars with single canals and similar lengths were instrumented using ProTaper Universal (40, 06; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProTaper Next (40, 06; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), WaveOne (40, 06; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and Reciproc (R40; VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany). Debris extruded during instrumentation was collected into preweighed Eppendorf tubes, which were then stored in an incubator at 70°C for 5 days. The final weight of the Eppendorf tubes with the extruded debris was calculated after obtaining the mean of three consecutive weights obtained for each tube. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0 software. The groups were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test for all variables. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.1114). However, the ProTaper Universal group produced more extrusion and ProTaper Next produced least debris extrusion among the instrument groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: All instrumentation techniques were associated with extruded debris.
Financial Restraints and Liberalization in Postwar Europe

In the real world of less than perfect markets, balancing the benefits and costs of financial liberalization is usually impossible ex ante. Having been slow to liberalize, postwar Europe offers a possible testing ground. Looking at the experience in Belgium, France and Italy, a number of interesting lessons can be learnt. There is no discernible growth effect of financial repression in the sample studied here. Credit ceilings do not reduce the volatility or the level of nominal interest rates but they succeed in lowering the average real interest rate level. Capital controls keep interest rates down but increase their volatility. Financial restraints have been used to provide cheap financing of public sector deficits and to support industrial policies, but have undermined fiscal discipline and monetary control. Upon liberalization, the rent created by financial repression, initially captured by the public sector, did not disappear but shifted towards the personnel .
Microwave denture disinfection versus nystatin in treating patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and denture stomatitis: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of microwave denture disinfection and nystatin in the treatment of well-controlled type 2 diabetic patients with denture stomatitis in terms of microbiologic and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHOD Diabetic patients wearing maxillary complete dentures with denture stomatitis (n = 40) were divided into two groups: NYS (patients treated with topical nystatin 4 times/day for 14 days) and MW (patients who had their dentures microwaved [650 W for 3 minutes] 3 times/week for 14 days). Mycologic samples were taken from the palates and dentures of the patients for quantification and identification of Candida, and standardized photographs of the palates were taken for clinical analysis. Evaluations were repeated at baseline, the end of treatment (day 14), and throughout follow-up (days 30, 60, and 90). Microbiologic data were evaluated by analysis of variance using a random effects statistical model, Tukey post hoc test, and chi-square test (α = .05). Clinical results were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Fisher exact tests (α = .05). RESULTS Both treatments were considered successful in reducing the clinical signs of denture stomatitis and significantly reduced the values of colony-forming units/mL from the palates and dentures at days 14 and 30. In addition, 40% of treated patients were cured by the end of treatment. No significant differences in the microbiologic and clinical outcomes were revealed between the two groups (P > .05). C albicans was the most predominant species isolated (P < .01), followed by C tropicalis and C glabrata. CONCLUSION Denture microwave disinfection was as effective as nystatin for the treatment of diabetic patients with denture stomatitis.
Immatures of Aedes aegypti in Darjeeling Himalayas--expanding geographical limits in India.

Darjeeling in West Bengal, India, is a part of the Himalayas biodiversity. Though mosquitoes are common to this region, they are restricted in their abundance in the rainy season. Previous surveys have revealed the presence of several culicine mosquito species including Aedes w-albus, and the predatory mosquitoes Toxorhynchites splendens from this region, and a few other dipteran species that dominate the detritivore trophic level of the aquatic insect communities. The mosquito larval habitats of this region include among others the cemented water storage tanks and bamboo groves. Immature stages of the mosquitoes Ae. aegypti were noted from a temporary water pool and a few bamboo stumps in and around Darjeeling. Though recorded from Gharwal region of Western Himalayas, the geographical limits of this vector were known to be restricted up to the foothills of Sikkim Himalayas. In another survey, this species was found to have restricted distribution upto the Eastern plains of Bihar and North Bengal. However, the observation of the immature stages of Ae. aegypti in Darjeeling prompted us to carry out a primary survey to confirm the extension of its geographical limits in India and the Himalayas in particular.
Association between Five Lifestyle Habits and Cancer Risk: Results from the E3N Cohort

Although some modifiable lifestyle characteristics have been associated with decreased cancer risk, little is known about their combined effect or about the proportion of cancer cases that could be prevented by improving lifestyle behaviors. We aimed to quantify the association between lifestyle habits and all-site and site-specific cancer risk in middle-aged women. The study included 64,732 women from the French E3N prospective cohort, ages 43 to 68 years at baseline. During a 15-year follow-up period, 6,938 cases of invasive cancer were diagnosed. We defined an index that aggregated five lifestyle characteristics: smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity. Proportional hazard Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the association between lifestyle and cancer risk and to estimate multivariate HRs and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). In addition, population-attributable fractions were used to estimate the proportion of cancer cases that could be prevented by healthier behaviors. A significant decrease in all-site cancer risk was observed and was associated with a healthy lifestyle (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73–0.89 when comparing the highest with the lowest health index category; Ptrend across categories < 0.01). Combining all five characteristics would have prevented 6.3% (2.2%–10.3%) of any-site, 6.3% (0.5%–12.1%) of postmenopausal breast, and 47.5% (26.8%–64.1%) of lung cancers. In conclusion, compliance with only five modifiable lifestyle behaviors could prevent a significant number of cancers, notably postmenopausal breast and lung cancers. Cancer Prev Res; 7(5); 516–25. ©2014 AACR.
Updating the Treatment of the Direct Aerosol Effect in the Global Environmental Multiscale Model With Atmospheric Chemistry (GEM-AC)

Atmospheric aerosols alter the atmospheric energy budget through their scattering, absorption, and emission properties within certain spectral bands. The direct aerosol effect is a fundamental aspect of every climate and chemical transport model. Aerosol optical properties are incorporated into the Global Environmental Multiscale model with Atmospheric Chemistry (GEM-AC) which is equipped with the M7 aerosol submodel. With the recent progress in atmospheric and chemical transport modelling, an interactive dust emission scheme and a sea-state dependent sea salt emission scheme are also implemented in GEM-AC. An option between volume fraction mixing and Bruggeman mixing for the mixing state of soluble aerosols is provided. In addition, there is an option to include the aerosol direct effect at all nine longwave spectral bands in GEM-AC. Eight experiments are performed to document the new direct effect of the M7 aerosols and the effects of: the aerosols in all nine longwave spectral bands, the soluble aerosol mixing state options, the interactive dust scheme, and the sea-state dependent sea salt emission scheme. Aerosol optical properties are compared against three AERONET observation sites. Implementation of the aerosol direct effect and the new aerosol options in GEM-AC maintain the model as a practical tool for climate and chemical transport modelling.
Transient Analysis of Short , High-Concentration , Gain-Clamped Er 3 +-Yb 3 + Codoped Fiber Amplifiers

A theoretical study of the dynamics of short high– concentration gain-clamped Er-Yb codoped fiber amplifiers is presented. The effect of various parameters on the transient power excursions and relaxation oscillation frequency of a given signal input channel when other signal channels are added or dropped from an initial steady-state configuration is analyzed. In particular, the effects of Er clustering, Yb concentration, fiber length, lasing wavelength, pump wavelength, pump power, and cavity losses are shown. The numerical results demonstrate the importance of Yb sensitization in achieving stable gain– clamped operation in a range of operating conditions. It is shown that the amplitude of power excursions is typically small, e.g., less than 0.1 dB, provided that the amount of Er ions in the clusters is kept small.
Conservation of Salmonella Infection Mechanisms in Plants and Animals

Salmonella virulence in animals depends on effectors injected by Type III Secretion Systems (T3SSs). In this report we demonstrate that Salmonella mutants that are unable to deliver effectors are also compromised in infection of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that in contrast to wild type bacteria, T3SS mutants of Salmonella are compromised in suppressing highly conserved Arabidopsis genes that play a prominent role during Salmonella infection of animals. We also found that Salmonella originating from infected plants are equally virulent for human cells and mice. These results indicate a high degree of conservation in the defense and infection mechanism of animal and plant hosts during Salmonella infection.
Lysine-Fortified Wheat Flour Improves the Nutritional and Immunological Status of Wheat-Eating Families in Northern China

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the fortification of wheat flour with lysine on selected health indicators among farm families obtaining 58% to 67% of their dietary protein from wheat. A man, a woman, and a child aged 5 to 12 years were studied from each of 88 families in a village near Huixian City, Henan Province, China. Half of the families received wheat flour fortified with 3 g of lysine per kilogram for three months, and the other half received wheat flour without fortification. The results showed a significantly greater gain in the height and weight of children receiving lysine-fortified wheat flour. Hemoglobin values were not affected. The mean prealbumin values of adult men and women were higher in those receiving lysine. The numbers of CD3 T cells increased significantly in women and children, as did the complement fraction C3 and IgG in men, IgA in women, and IgG, IgA, IgM, and C3 in children. These results indicate that lysine fortification of wheat flour can significantly improve some indicators of the nutritional status and immune function of family members consuming a wheat-based diet.
Overrepresentation of 3q and 8q material and loss of 18q material are recurrent findings in advanced human ovarian cancer

In order to define the ability of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to detect and map genetic imbalances, we investigated 47 malignant ovarian tumors and 2 ovarian tumors of low malignant potential. The most common genetic changes in order of frequency included DNA gains of chromosome arms 8q (53%), 3q (51%), 20q (43%), 1p (32%), 19q (30%), 1q (28%), 12p (28%), 6p (21%), and 2q (19%). The smallest regions of overrepresentation could be defined in 3q26‐qter, 8q23‐qter, 1p35‐pter, 12p12, and 6p21‐22, respectively. Losses were detected on 18q (23%), chromosome 4 (23%), 13q (17%), and 16q (17%) with the smallest underrepresented regions on 18q22‐qter, 13q21, and 16q23‐qter. Also, losses of the X chromosome (19%) were detected, correlating with higher ages of the patients. Therefore, some of these X chromosome losses might be due to a well‐known aging phenomenon and in these cases will be more preferably lost during cell division and tumor progression. Our findings show that ovarian carcinomas reveal consistent chromosomal abnormalities. Further detailed studies of these regions with specific molecular genetic techniques may lead to the identification of oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes playing an important role in the tumorigenesis of ovarian carcinomas. Genes Chromosom Cancer 16:46–54 (1996). © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Query Centric Partitioning and Allocation for Partially Replicated Database Systems

A key feature of database systems is to provide transparent access to stored data. In distributed database systems, this includes data allocation and fragmentation. Transparent access introduces data dependencies and increases system complexity and inter-process communication. Therefore, many developers are exchanging transparency for better scalability using sharding and similar techniques. However, explicitly managing data distribution and data flow requires a deep understanding of the distributed system and the data access, and it reduces the possibilities for optimizations. To address this problem, we present an approach for efficient data allocation that features good scalability while keeping the data distribution transparent. We propose a workload-aware, query-centric, heterogeneity-aware analytical model. We formalize our approach and present an efficient allocation algorithm. The algorithm optimizes the partitioning and data layout for local query execution and balances the workload on homogeneous and heterogeneous systems according to the query history. In the evaluation, we demonstrate that our approach scales well in performance for OLTP- and OLAP-style workloads and reduces storage requirements significantly over replicated systems while guaranteeing configurable availability.
A SPITZER/IRAC MEASURE OF THE ZODIACAL LIGHT

The dominant non-instrumental background source for space-based infrared observatories is the zodiacal light (ZL). We present Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) measurements of the ZL at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 μm, taken as part of the instrument calibrations. We measure the changing surface brightness levels in approximately weekly IRAC observations near the north ecliptic pole over a period of roughly 8.5 years. This long time baseline is crucial for measuring the annual sinusoidal variation in the signal levels due to the tilt of the dust disk with respect to the ecliptic, which is the true signal of the ZL. This is compared to both Cosmic Background Explorer Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment data and a ZL model based thereon. Our data show a few-percent discrepancy from the Kelsall et al. model including a potential warping of the interplanetary dust disk and a previously detected overdensity in the dust cloud directly behind the Earth in its orbit. Accurate knowledge of the ZL is important for both extragalactic and Galactic astronomy including measurements of the cosmic infrared background, absolute measures of extended sources, and comparison to extrasolar interplanetary dust models. IRAC data can be used to further inform and test future ZL models.
Effect of diet on human adipose tissue metabolism

Adipose tissue is, in one sense, the tissue most affected by diet. As the ultimate reservoir for energy storage, its mass reflects an integration of energy imbalance during the bearer’s life. Diet also has qualitative effects on adipose tissue: for instance, the pattern of adipose tissue triacylglycerol (TAG)-fatty acids reflects the dietary fatty acid pattern (Hirsch, 1965; Jacobsen et af. 1983; van Staveren et af. 1986), and fat-soluble xenobiotics (such as pesticides) accumulate in adipose tissue fat (Handelman et af. 1988). Only the energy storage aspect will be considered here. Long-term changes in body-weight involve a change in the amount of TAG stored in adipose tissue; there is a very strong relationship between the body-weight and the body fat content (both corrected for height; Webster et af. 1984). (The associated changes in non-fat tissue will not be considered here.) The processes of fat deposition and fat mobilization are, therefore, in a metabolic sense, the final common pathways for procedures influencing body-weight . The general principle of energy balance, that energy consumed equals energy expended plus the change in body energy stores, cannot be contradicted. But the link between a change in body energy stores and a change in the amount of fat (TAG) stored in adipose tissue is not so obvious. Our studies over the past few years have been aimed at elucidating some of the regulatory aspects of fat deposition and mobilization in humans, and attempting to relate these to energy balance.
Obtaining Fruit and Vegetables for the Lowest Prices: Pricing Survey of Different Outlets and Geographical Analysis of Competition Effects

Aims Inadequate fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is an important dietary risk factor for disease internationally. High F&V prices can be a barrier to dietary intake and so to improve understanding of this topic we surveyed prices and potential competition between F&V outlet types. Methods Over a three week early autumn period in 2013, prices were collected bi-weekly for 18 commonly purchased F&Vs from farmers' markets (FM) selling local produce (n = 3), other F&V markets (OFVM) (n = 5), supermarkets that neighbored markets (n = 8), and more distant supermarkets (n = 8), (in urban Wellington and Christchurch areas of New Zealand). Prices from an online supermarket were also collected. Results A total of 3120 prices were collected. Most F&Vs (13/18) were significantly cheaper at OFVMs than supermarkets. Over half of the F&Vs (10/18) were significantly cheaper at nearby compared to distant supermarkets, providing evidence of a moderate ‘halo effect’ in price reductions in supermarkets that neighbored markets. Weekend (vs midweek) prices were also significantly cheaper at nearby (vs distant) supermarkets, supporting evidence for a ‘halo effect’. Ideal weekly ‘food basket’ prices for a two adult, two child family were: OFVMs (NZ$76), online supermarket ($113), nearby supermarkets ($124), distant supermarkets ($127), and FMs ($138). This represents a savings of $49 per week (US$26) by using OFVMs relative to (non-online) supermarkets. Similarly, a shift from non-online supermarkets to the online supermarket would generate a $13 saving. Conclusions In these locations general markets appear to be providing some substantially lower prices for fruit and vegetables than supermarkets. They also appear to be depressing prices in neighboring supermarkets. These results, when supplemented by other needed research, may help inform the case for interventions to improve access to fruit and vegetables, particularly for low-income populations.
Role of Kinases and Phosphatases in Host-Pathogen Interactions

Living organisms are constantly exposed to changing environmental stimuli and insults; dynamic adaptation is crucial for survival. The ability of cells to sense their surrounding environment and respond in an appropriate manner is essential for the normal functioning of every living organism, and although cells are constantly exposed to numerous stimuli, they are usually able to accurately identify them and respond accordingly. These correct responses are based on a multitude of intracellular signalling networks that are able to decode and translate the incoming stimuli.
Optimal space-frequency group codes for MIMO-OFDM system

Space-frequency (SF) group codes are designed for multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems. A rather general channel model is assumed, where the channel is frequency-selective Rayleigh fading with arbitrary power-delay profile. It is shown that the SF group code has a symmetric distance structure like the ST group code, if the group consists of diagonal matrices. A scenario where the multiple codewords are loaded onto the subcarriers of the OFDM system in parallel is considered. The optimality condition on the choice of subcarrier allocation is found, and an optimal subcarrier allocation scheme is proposed. A transmit scheme where rotated versions of the same signal are transmitted from different transmit antennas is proposed, and it is shown that it satisfies the optimality condition. Then matrix groups are designed which guarantee that the resulting SF codes are full rank. Numerical comparisons with recently published techniques in the literature verify our improved performance