Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On bounded queries and approximation

This paper investigates the computational complexity of approximating NP-optimization problems using the number of queries to an NP oracle as a complexity measure. The results show a trade-off between the closeness of the approximation and the number of queries required. For an approximation factor k(n), loglog/sub k(n/) n queries to an NP oracle can be used to approximate the maximum clique size of a graph within a factor of k(n). However, this approximation cannot be achieved using fewer than loglog/sub k(n/) n-c queries to any oracle unless P=NP, where c is a constant that does not depend on k. These results hold when k(n) belongs to a class of functions which include any integer constant function, log n, log/sup a/ n and n/sup 1/a/. Similar results are obtained for graph coloring, set cover and other NP-optimization problems. <<ETX>>
Performance Analysis of the \varphi Failure Detector with its Tunable Parameters

In this paper, we explain an implementation of an accrual failure detector, that we call the phi failure detector. The particularity of the phi failure detector is that it dynamically adjusts to current network conditions the scale on which the suspicion level is expressed. We have done the experiment in a LAN in a whole day and evaluated the behavior of our phi failure detector. Then we discuss on the parameters of the failure detector based on our experimental result
Effects of supplemental rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid or corn oil on fatty acid composition of adipose tissues in beef cattle.

Thirty-six Angus x Hereford heifers (365 +/- 60 kg) were used to determine the effects of supplemental dietary lipid sources on fatty acid composition of i.m. , perianal (p.a.), and s.c. lipid depots. Lipid was supplied to diets as either corn oil or a rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) salt for two specific treatment periods of either the final 32 or 60 d on feed. Following an initial 56-d feeding period, heifers were fed one of three dietary treatments (DM basis): 1) basal diet containing 88% concentrate and 12% grass hay (CON), 2) basal diet plus 4% corn oil (OIL), or 3) basal diet plus 2% rumen-protected CLA salt (RPCLA) containing 31% CLA. The trans-10, cis-12 CLA concentration was greatest (P < 0.05) for heifers fed RPCLA and OIL diets and least (P < 0.05) for CON, regardless of time on dietary treatment. Heifers fed supplemental RPCLA had greater (P < 0.05) total CLA content than either CON- or OIL-fed heifers. Adipose tissue concentration of trans-11 vaccenic acid (TVA) was less (P < 0.05) for CON than OIL or RPCLA, which did not differ (P > 0.05). Percentages of C18:1 trans-10 were least (P < 0.05) in i.m. lipid compared with p.a. and s.c. , which did not differ (P > 0.05). Following 60 d of lipid supplementation, heifers fed OIL and RPCLA had lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) compared with CON. The ratio of cis-9, trans-11 CLA:TVA was higher (P < 0.05) for heifers fed 60 vs. 32 d, but did not differ (P > 0.05) between adipose depots. Feeding OIL increased (P < 0.05) adipose concentration of C18:2 fatty acid, whereas feeding RPCLA increased (P < 0.05) total CLA isomers by 22%. Intramuscular lipid contained the lowest (P < 0.05) percentage of cis-9, trans-11 CLA, total CLA, C18:1 cis-9, C18:1 trans-10, and TVA. Total CLA and cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomers were increased (P < 0.05) in p.a. and s.c. adipose depots, whereas i.m. adipose tissue contained increased (P < 0.05) amounts of total PUFA. Results from this study indicate that short-term lipid supplementation to feedlot cattle can increase adipose tissue CLA concentrations, but only marginally (8.3 to 17.5%). Moreover, observed decreases in oleic acid and total MUFA concentrations of adipose tissues from heifers fed rumen-protected CLA or corn oil suggest that lipid supplementation may decrease delta9 desaturase activity in adipose tissues, which in turn would lower the conversion of TVA to cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer.
Genetics of type 2 diabetes in European populations

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become a leading health problem throughout the world. It is caused by environmental and genetic factors, as well as interactions between the two. However, until very recently, the T2D susceptibility genes have been poorly understood. During the past 5 years, with the advent of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), a total of 58 T2D susceptibility loci have been associated with T2D risk at a genome‐wide significance level (P < 5 × 10−8), with evidence showing that most of these genetic variants influence pancreatic β‐cell function. Most novel T2D susceptibility loci were identified through GWAS in European populations and later confirmed in other ethnic groups. Although the recent discovery of novel T2D susceptibility loci has contributed substantially to our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, the clinical utility of these loci in disease prediction and prognosis is limited. More studies using multi‐ethnic meta‐analysis, gene–environment interaction analysis, sequencing analysis, epigenetic analysis, and functional experiments are needed to identify new susceptibility T2D loci and causal variants, and to establish biological mechanisms.
Prediction of Wood Mechanical and Chemical Properties in the Presence and Absence of Blue Stain Using Two near Infrared Instruments

The objective of this research was to (a) determine if blue stain in solid wood influenced calibration equations developed from a non-stained wood population, (b) assess the bias introduced when scanning was performed by the slave instrument without calibration transfer from the master instrument and (c) partition absorbance-based variation by instrument, stain and instrument × stain interaction. The results helped to determine the calibration transfer needed for this case. The dependent variables assessed from clear and stained wood were lignin, extractives, modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and density When the master instrument was used for both calibration and prediction, it was found that stain-insensitive equations for the five traits could be built. However, when a slave near infrared instrument was introduced without calibration transfer, three out of five predicted traits were significantly biased by the presence of stain. Further analysis revealed an interaction between stain and instrument indicating that instrument bias was also introduced during scanning with a slave. For both multiple linear regression (MLR) and principal components regression (PCR), it was found that if a trait needed more wavelengths (or principal components) for prediction of the dependent variable, bias due to blue stain became increasingly prominent. PCR was found to perform better than MLR when stain was introduced with no calibration transfer. Such a finding alludes that PCR works better than MLR under extrapolation conditions but is not intended to support a lack of calibration transfer. Finally, the Mallows Cp diagnostic proved valuable in model selection although the well-known requirement of (Cp – p ≤ 0) appeared conservative. For MLR and PCR, a Cp – p ≤ 5 often yielded applicable models while Cp – p > 7 was about the threshold where model performance dropped.
Extended Report

Objectives To assess the effi cacy of the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist anakinra in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Methods A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. The primary objective was to compare the effi cacy of a 1-month treatment with anakinra (2 mg/kg subcutaneous daily, maximum 100 mg) with a placebo between two groups each with 12 patients with SJIA. Response was defi ned by a 30% improvement of the paediatric American College of Rheumatology criteria for JIA, resolution of systemic symptoms and a decrease of at least 50% of both C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared with baseline. After month 1 (M1), patients taking placebo were switched to anakinra. Secondary objectives included tolerance and effi cacy assessment for 12 months, and analyses of treatment effect on blood gene expression profi ling. Results At M1, 8/12 responders were receiving anakinra and 1 responder receiving placebo (p=0.003). Ten patients from the placebo group switched to anakinra; nine were responders at M2. Between M1 and M12, six patients stopped treatment owing to an adverse event (n=2), lack of effi cacy (n=2) or a disease fl are (n=2). Blood gene expression profi ling at enrolment and at 6 months' follow-up showed one set of dysregulated genes that reverted to normal values in the clinical responders and a different set, including interferon (IFN)-inducible genes, that was induced by anakinra. Conclusions Anakinra treatment is effective in SJIA, at least in the short term. It is associated with normalisation of blood gene expression profi les in clinical responders and induces a de novo IFN signature. Trial Registration Number: NCT00339157.
A multidimensional approach to the study of human-information interaction: A case study of collaborative information retrieval

While most research in the area of human-information behavior has focused on a single dimension--either the psychological or the social--this case study demonstrated the importance of a multidimensional approach. The Cognitive Work Analysis framework guided this field study of one event of collaborative information retrieval (CIR) carried out by design engineers at Microsoft, including observations and interviews. Various dimensions explained the motives for this CIR event and the challenges the participants encountered: the cognitive dimension, the specific task and decision, the organization of the teamwork, and the organizational culture. Even though it is difficult at times to separate one dimension from another, and all are interdependent, the analysis uncovered several reasons for design engineers to engage in CIR, such as when they are new to the organization or the team, when the information lends itself to various interpretations, or when most of the needed information is not documented. Similar multidimensional studies will enhance our understanding of human-information behavior.
In vitro sensitivity of Staphylococcus sp. bacteria to antimicrobials and disinfectants used for control of bovine mastitis.

Bovine mastitis is considered a major disease of dairy cattle and a potential threat to humans as well. In addition, it is the cause of severe economical losses to dairy-producers and industries. Its main bacterial infectious agent is Staphylococcus sp. , which commonly acquires resistance to the antibiotics and disinfectants used for this illness. Aiming to assess the in vitro sensitivity of Staphylococcus spp. isolates to antibiotics and disinfectants, 45 bacteria strains were tested against 14 antimicrobial agents and 3 disinfectants (chlorine, chlorhexidine and iodine). Results revealed that, among the 14 tested antimicrobials, vancomycin, bacitracin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole were the most effective. Concerning in vitro disinfectant performance, the best results were obtained with chlorhexidine and iodine. These results suggest the need for periodic testing of in vitro sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs and evaluation of disinfectants commonly used in dairy farms in the Island of Sao Luis (State of Maranhao, Brazil), aiming to improve the efficacy of bovine mastitis prevention programs.
Early comorbid parental depression and its effects on child outcomes

Background: Although depression can affect anyone at any time, the first year after the birth of a child appears to be a time when both parents are more likely to experience depression. Research has mainly focussed on maternal perinatal or early depression which has an estimated incidence of 10-15%. Less is known about early paternal depression or early comorbid depression, where both parents experience depression. Methods: I conduct a systematic review on the prevalence of early comorbid parental depression and associated childhood outcomes. Next, I explore adolescent depression recording in UK primary care, and trends over time. Finally, I use structural equation modelling to provide a quantitative analysis of the association between early comorbid parental depression and adolescent outcomes, focussing on the effects of recurrent parental depression and internalizing behaviours in childhood. I examine depression and its intergenerational transmission using data from a large UK primary care database, The Health Improvement Network (THIN). Results: Prevalence of early comorbid depression in parents ranged from 0 to 20%. However, it was not feasible to perform a meta-analysis due to measurement variation and study quality. I identified only two studies assessing child outcomes. Diagnoses of adolescent depression and antidepressant prescribing have increased in recent years despite a temporary drop in 2002-2005. Symptom recording increased steadily between 1995-2009. I did not find evidence for an association between early comorbid parental depression and adolescent depression (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 0.42-9.67). Early maternal depression does increase the risk of adolescent depression. The effect is mainly indirect, mediated by recurrent parental depression (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.26-1.87), as opposed to direct (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.69-1.63). Childhood internalizing behaviour might be an early indicator of depression risk. Conclusion: Early parental depression increases the risk of adolescent depression, but the effect is strongly mediated by recurrent parental depression.
Effect of an educational Inpatient Diabetes Management Program on medical resident knowledge and measures of glycemic control: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness of an Inpatient Diabetes Management Program (IDMP) on physician knowledge and inpatient glycemic control. METHODS Residents assigned to General Internal Medicine inpatient services were randomized to receive the IDMP (IDMP group) or usual education only (non-IDMP group). Both groups received an overview of inpatient diabetes management in conjunction with reminders of existing order sets on the hospital Web site. The IDMP group received print copies of the program and access to an electronic version for a personal digital assistant (PDA). A Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT) was administered at baseline and at the end of the 1-month rotation. The frequency of hyperglycemia among patients under surveillance by each group was compared by using capillary blood glucose values and a dispersion index of glycemic variability. IDMP users completed a questionnaire related to the program. RESULTS Twenty-two residents participated (11 in the IDMP group and 11 in the non-IDMP group). Overall Diabetes Knowledge Test scores improved in both groups (IDMP: 69% ± 1.7% versus 83% ± 2.1%, P = .003; non-IDMP: 76% ± 1.2% versus 84% ± 1.4%, P = .02). The percentage of correct responses for management of corticosteroid-associated hyperglycemia (P = .004) and preoperative glycemic management (P = .006) improved in only the IDMP group. The frequency of hyperglycemia (blood glucose level >180 mg/dL) and the dispersion index (5.3 ± 7.6 versus 3.7 ± 5.6; P = .2) were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION An IDMP was effective at improving physician knowledge for managing hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients treated with corticosteroids or in preparation for surgical procedures. Educational programs directed at improving overall health care provider knowledge for inpatient glycemic management may be beneficial; however, improvements in knowledge do not necessarily result in improved glycemic outcomes.
State selection in Taylor-vortex flow reached with an accelerated inner cylinder

The selection of the axial wavelength in axisymmetric Taylor-vortex flow was studied by numerical experiments where the inner cylinder speed was linearly increased from subcritical to supercritical values over a finite ramp time to values not far above $\hbox{\it Re}_c$. For impulsive increases of the inner cylinder speed (zero ramp time) the preferred axial wavelength was less than the critical wavelength. As the ramp time was increased, the preferred axial wavelength increased and approached the critical wavelength, so that for very slow increases of the inner cylinder speed the preferred axial wavelength was equal to the critical wavelength. A linear model was developed which revealed that a linearly increased inner cylinder speed resulted in a delayed growth for each of the amplitudes of the modes. When the ramp time was sufficiently large, the amplitude of the mode with the critical wavelength was delayed the least from growing to high amplitudes. This mode then self-interacted and saturated resulting in steady Taylor-vortex flow. Finally, nonlinear effects and state selection are discussed from the point of view of nonlinear dynamics.
Alcohol history and smoking cessation in nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion sustained release and varenicline trials: a review.

AIMS We conducted a review of published reports of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy trials in order to address the following: (i) the generalizability of findings to smokers with a history of alcohol problems; (ii) the extent to which alcohol use affects smoking cessation overall and the efficacy of pharmacotherapy specifically and (iii) the effect of smoking cessation on alcohol use. METHODS We located published reports of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion sustained release (SR) and varenicline clinical trials using an approach based on prior Cochrane reviews. The reports were searched for alcohol-related inclusion/exclusion criteria and for findings related to alcohol. RESULTS The present review included 212 published reports from 149 trials. Alcohol-related exclusion criteria appeared frequently (41.6% of trials)--45/125 NRT trials (36%), 15/22 bupropion SR trials (68.2%) and 3/3 varenicline trials--and most commonly involved exclusion of participants with either current or recent alcohol problems. Most studies failed to provide any baseline alcohol-related characteristics. Eleven trials reported on the relationship between alcohol history and likelihood of smoking cessation. In the majority of these studies, smokers with a past history of alcohol problems were not at a disadvantage, although contrary findings exist. Only two studies examined the potential influence of smoking cessation on alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS Smokers with alcohol problems, particularly those with current or recent problems, are underrepresented in studies of approved pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. Future trials should assess alcohol use at baseline and during treatment and examine reciprocal influences between alcohol consumption and smoking cessation.
The marketing power of emotion

How does one choose between a brand name and a generic named product? Why does one choose an item with a slightly lower price than the other? The answer is emotion. This book provides an account of the marketing power of emotion, complete with references and real-life examples. Emotions, whether it is realized or not, is one of the central factors in our buying behaviour. Emotions energize the motivation to buy and certain persuasive techniques are more effective than others are when marketers are trying to resonate emotionally with consumers. This book covers all the essential relevant topics, including the scope of emotion in marketing and how - in response to these - customers make product appraisals. Finally, the volume covers branding and how emotions play a role in consumer loyalty to brands.
Activation of Kupffer Cells Is Associated with a Specific Dysbiosis Induced by Fructose or High Fat Diet in Mice

The increase consumption of fructose in diet is associated with liver inflammation. As a specific fructan substrate, fructose may modify the gut microbiota which is involved in obesity-induced liver disease. Here, we aimed to assess whether fructose-induced liver damage was associated with a specific dysbiosis, especially in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD). To this end, four groups of mice were fed with normal and HFD added or not with fructose. Body weight and glucose sensitivity, liver inflammation, dysbiosis and the phenotype of Kupffer cells were determined after 16 weeks of diet. Food intake was increased in the two groups of mice fed with the HFD. Mice fed with HFD and fructose showed a higher infiltration of lymphocytes into the liver and a lower inflammatory profile of Kupffer cells than mice fed with the HFD without fructose. The dysbiosis associated with diets showed that fructose specifically prevented the decrease of Mouse intestinal bacteria in HFD fed mice and increased Erysipelotrichi in mice fed with fructose, independently of the amount of fat. In conclusion, fructose, used as a sweetener, induced a dysbiosis which is different in presence of fat in the diet. Consequently, the activation of Kupffer cells involved in mice model of HFD-induced liver inflammation was not observed in an HFD/fructose combined diet. These data highlight that the complexity of diet composition could highly impact the development of liver lesions during obesity. Specific dysbiosis associated with the diet could explain that the progressions of liver damage are different.
Expression of melanin-concentrating hormone receptors in insulin-producing cells: MCH stimulates insulin release in RINm5F and CRI-G1 cell-lines.

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a hypothalamic orexigenic peptide. Recently, an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (SLC-1) was identified that binds MCH with high affinity. Here, we demonstrate the mRNA expression of this receptor in insulin-producing cells including CRI-G1 and RINm5F cells, and in rat islets of Langerhans. Immunofluorescence studies in CRI-G1 and RINm5F cell-lines demonstrated cell-surface expression of the receptor. Rat MCH significantly stimulated insulin secretion in both cell-lines. The potency and the efficacy of MCH were significantly increased in the simultaneous presence of forskolin, suggesting that MCH may amplify the insulinotropic effect of cyclic AMP elevating stimuli. Salmon MCH, which differs from rat/human MCH by six amino acids, was less efficacious than rat/human MCH in stimulating insulin release. The data provide evidence for the expression of MCH receptors in insulin producing cells. The insulinotropic effect of MCH may contribute to the regulation of metabolism and energy balance by this peptide.