Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Pricing and Service Provisioning Strategies in Cloud Systems: A Stackelberg Game Approach

In this paper we consider several Software as a Service (SaaS) providers, that offer a set of applications using the Cloud facilities provided by an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider. We assume that the IaaS provider offers a pay only what you use scheme similar to the Amazon EC2 service, comprising flat, on demand, and spot virtual machine instances. We propose a two stage provisioning scheme. In the first stage, the SaaS providers determine the number of required flat and on demand instances by means of standard optimization techniques. In the second stage the SaaS providers compete, by bidding for the spot instances which are instantiated using the unused IaaS capacity. We assume that the SaaS providers want to maximize a suitable utility function which accounts for both the QoS delivered to their users and the associated cost. The IaaS provider, on the other hand, wants to maximize his revenue by determining the spot prices given the SaaS bids. We model the second stage as a Stackelberg game, and we compute its equilibrium price and allocation strategy by solving a Mathematical Program with Equilibrium Constraints (MPEC) problem. Through numerical evaluation we study the equilibrium solutions as function of the system parameters.
Microsatellite Instability, Immunohistochemistry, and Additional PMS2 Staining in Suspected Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microsatellite instability (MSI) analysis can be used to identify patients with a possible DNA mismatch repair defect [hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC)]. The Bethesda criteria have been proposed to select families for determination of MSI. The aims of this study were to assess the yield of MSI analysis in families suspected for HNPCC, to compare the results of immunohistochemical staining and MSI analysis, and to assess the additional value of PMS2 staining. Experimental Design: Clinical data and tumors were collected from 725 individuals from 631 families with suspected HNPCC. MSI analysis was performed using eight markers including the 5 National Cancer Institute markers. Four immunohistochemical staining antibodies were used (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2). Results: A MSI-H (tumors with instability for >30% of the markers) phenotype in colorectal cancers (CRCs) was observed in 21–49% of families that met the various Bethesda criteria. In families with three cases of CRC diagnosed at age > 50 years, families with a solitary case of CRC diagnosed between ages 45 and 50 years, and families with one CRC case and a first-degree relative with a HNPCC-related cancer, one diagnosed between ages 45 and 50 years (all Bethesda-negative families), the yield of MSI-H was 10–26%. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the MSI results in 93% of the cases. With IHC, adding PMS2 staining led to the identification of an additional 23% of subjects with an hMLH1 germ-line mutation (35 carriers were tested). Conclusions: The Bethesda guidelines for MSI analysis should include families with three or more cases of CRC diagnosed at age > 50 years. The age at diagnosis of CRC in the original guidelines should be raised to 50 years. Routine IHC diagnostics for HNPCC should include PMS2 staining.
Possible linkages between Saharan dust and tropical cyclone rain band invigoration in the eastern Atlantic during NAMMA‐06

The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is a dominant feature that influences the large‐scale environment from West Africa to the western tropical North Atlantic. While the SAL can create hostile thermodynamic and kinematic environmental conditions for tropical cyclogenesis, it also provides an infusion of cloud condensation and ice nuclei which can potentially invigorate convection. Here we show that these mechanisms may have been involved with the development of Tropical Storm (TS) Debby and Tropical Depression (TD) 8 (later Hurricane Helene) in 2006. Satellite imagery and rawinsondes indicate SAL outbreaks just prior to the emergence of these disturbances over the extreme Eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. Here we examine the invigoration of convective bands associated with TS Debby and TD‐8 based on satellite and direct aircraft measurement. In‐situ aircraft measurements show enhanced cloud water content, cloud and precipitation sized particles, lightning and a 26 ms‐1 updraft just south of the SAL with TD‐8.
STDP Provides the Substrate for Igniting Synfire Chains by Spatiotemporal Input Patterns

Spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity (STDP), which depends on the temporal difference between pre- and postsynaptic action potentials, is observed in the cortices and hippocampus. Although several theoretical and experimental studies have revealed its fundamental aspects, its functional role remains unclear. To examine how an input spatiotemporal spike pattern is altered by STDP, we observed the output spike patterns of a spiking neural network model with an asymmetrical STDP rule when the input spatiotemporal pattern is repeatedly applied. The spiking neural network comprises excitatory and inhibitory neurons that exhibit local interactions. Numerical experiments show that the spiking neural network generates a single global synchrony whose relative timing depends on the input spatiotemporal pattern and the neural network structure. This result implies that the spiking neural network learns the transformation from spatiotemporal to temporal information. In the literature, the origin of the synfire chain has not been sufficiently focused on. Our results indicate that spiking neural networks with STDP can ignite synfire chains in the cortices.
The design of information systems: parti, formats and sketching

In this article it is argued that an information system must be treated as an artefact with a format. We need to see information systems design as based on architectonic and not tectonic thinking. Design based on architectonic thinking emphasizes (1) the task of giving form to a design proposal, and (2) the task of creating an overall structure for the information system. These two activities are closely related because they both deal with the issue of seeing the idea or whole of systems, and the problem of how to give form to that whole. The paper begins with an exploration of the concept formative faculties in relation to ‘given’ and ‘non‐given’ objects. The concepts of parti and format are then presented as a way to grasp the ‘whole’ of an information system. How formats can be used in information systems design is discussed as well as how this leads to the act of sketching as an important but neglected activity in information systems design. Sketching is promoted by introducing diathenic graphologue as the art of ‘giving form to the unknown’. The paper ends by suggesting how formats and diathenic graphologue can be practised and included as important aspects of information systems design education and training.
The radio to infrared emission of very high redshift gamma-ray bursts: probing early star formation through molecular and atomic absorption lines

We evaluate the broad-band afterglow emission of very high redshift gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) using standard relativistic blast-wave models with both forward and reverse shock components. For a broad range of parameters, a generic property for GRBs at redshifts z ∼ 5-30 is that the emission peaks in the millimetre to far-infrared (far-IR) bands with milli-Jansky flux levels, first at a few hours after the burst due to the reverse shock, and then again for several days afterwards with somewhat lower flux due to the forward shock. The radio, submillimetre and IR continuum emission should be readily detectable out to z ≥ 30 by the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA), Extended Very Large Array, Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and other facilities. For relatively bright bursts, spectroscopic measurements of molecular and atomic absorption lines due to ambient protostellar gas may be possible. Utilizing models of primordial protostellar clouds, we show that under certain conditions, appreciable absorption may be caused by HD rotational transitions even in metal-free environments. After sufficient metal enrichment, absorption from CO rotational transitions and [OI] fine-structure transitions can also become strong. With appropriate observing strategies in combination with optical telescopes, ALMA and/or SKA may be able to detect such lines, offering a unique probe of physical conditions in individual Population III (Pop III) and early Pop II star-forming regions. We also remark on potential near-IR absorption features due to electronic transitions of H 2 .
Randomized Online PCA Algorithms with Regret Bounds that are Logarithmic in the Dimension

We design an online algorithm for Principal Component Analysis. In each trial the current instance is centered and projected into a probabilistically chosen low dimensional subspace. The regret of our online algorithm, that is, the total expected quadratic compression loss of the online algorithm minus the total quadratic compression loss of the batch algorithm, is bounded by a term whose dependence on the dimension of the instances is only logarithmic. We first develop our methodology in the expert setting of online learning by giving an algorithm for learning as well as the best subset of experts of a certain size. This algorithm is then lifted to the matrix setting where the subsets of experts correspond to subspaces. The algorithm represents the uncertainty over the best subspace as a density matrix whose eigenvalues are bounded. The running time is O(n2) per trial, where n is the dimension of the instances.
A Leukemia-Associated CD 34 / CD 123 / CD 25 / CD 99-positive Immunophenotype Identifies FLT 3-mutated Clones in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

A Leukemia-Associated CD34/CD123/CD25/CD99-positive Immunophenotype Identifies FLT3-mutated Clones in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Daniela F. Angelini*, Tiziana Ottone,* Gisella Guerrera, Serena Lavorgna, Michela Cittadini, Francesco Buccisano, Marco De Bardi, Francesca Gargano, Luca Maurillo, Mariadomenica Divona, Nélida I. Noguera, Maria Irno Consalvo, Giovanna Borsellino, Giorgio Bernardi, Sergio Amadori, Adriano Venditti, Luca Battistini, and Francesco Lo-Coco 2-3
High Latitude Changes in Ice Dynamics and Their Impact on Polar Marine Ecosystems

Polar regions have experienced significant warming in recent decades. Warming has been most pronounced across the Arctic Ocean Basin and along the Antarctic Peninsula, with significant decreases in the extent and seasonal duration of sea ice. Rapid retreat of glaciers and disintegration of ice sheets have also been documented. The rate of warming is increasing and is predicted to continue well into the current century, with continued impacts on ice dynamics. Climate‐mediated changes in ice dynamics are a concern as ice serves as primary habitat for marine organisms central to the food webs of these regions. Changes in the timing and extent of sea ice impose temporal asynchronies and spatial separations between energy requirements and food availability for many higher trophic levels. These mismatches lead to decreased reproductive success, lower abundances, and changes in distribution. In addition to these direct impacts of ice loss, climate‐induced changes also facilitate indirect effects through changes in hydrography, which include introduction of species from lower latitudes and altered assemblages of primary producers. Here, we review recent changes and trends in ice dynamics and the responses of marine ecosystems. Specifically, we provide examples of ice‐dependent organisms and associated species from the Arctic and Antarctic to illustrate the impacts of the temporal and spatial changes in ice dynamics.
A Short Review of Fuel Consumption Rates of Whole Tree and Cut-To-Length Timber Harvesting Methods

The fuel consumption of equipment during forest harvesting operations is still not well known and existing measurement technologies are largely untested. Considering forest industry’s need, some countries have developed and compared tools to quantify, control and analyses fuel consumption to create suitable analysis methods. Comprehensive trials have been carried out by researchers in different countries to quantify the fuel consumption rates for different harvesting methods. This article provides a short review of fuel consumption rates of whole tree and cut-to-length harvesting methods. The article explains the factors influencing the fuel consumption and provides suggestions to control and reduce fuel consumption of harvesting machines. ;
Investigation of Interactive Effects on Water Flow and Solute Transport in Sandy Loam Soil Using Time Domain Reflectometry

Surface-applied chemicals move through the unsaturated zone with complex flow and transport processes due to soil heterogeneity and reach the saturated zone, resulting in groundwater contamination. Such complex processes need to be studied by advanced measurement and modeling techniques to protect soil and water resources from contamination. In this study, the interactive effects of factors like soil structure, initial soil water content (SWC), and application rate on preferential flow and transport were studied in a sandy loam field soil using measurement (by time domain reflectometry (TDR)) and modeling (by MACRO and VS2DTI) techniques. In addition, statistical analyses were performed to compare the means of the measured and modeled SWC and EC, and solute transport parameters (pore water velocity and dispersion coefficient) in 12 treatments. Research results showed that even though the effects of soil structural conditions on water and solute transport were not so clear, the applied solution moved lower depths in the profiles of wet versus dry initial SWC and high application rate versus low application rates. The effects of soil structure and initial SWC on water and solute movement could be differentiated under the interactive conditions, but the effects of the application rates were difficult to differentiate under different soil structural and initial SWC conditions. Modeling results showed that MACRO had somewhat better performance than VS2DTI in the estimation of SWC and EC with space and time, but overall both models had relatively low performances. The means of SWC, EC, and solute transport parameters of the 12 treatments were divided into some groups based on the statistical analyses, indicating different flow and transport characteristics or a certain degree nonuniform or preferential flow and transport in the soil. Conducting field experiments with more interactive factors and applying the models with different approaches may allow better understanding of flow and transport processes in addition to the simulations of them in the unsaturated zone.
A Retinol Isotope Dilution Equation Predicts Both Group and Individual Total Body Vitamin A Stores in Adults Based on Data from an Early Postdosing Blood Sample123

Background: Retinol isotope dilution (RID) is used to determine vitamin A total body stores (TBS) after an oral dose of a vitamin A stable isotope. The generally accepted prediction equation proposed by Olson’s group in 1989 (Furr et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;49:713–6) includes factors related to dose absorption and retention, isotope equilibration in plasma compared with stores, catabolism during the mixing period, and the optimal time for measuring plasma isotope enrichment. Objectives: The objectives were 1) to develop a modified RID equation and identify an earlier sampling time for predicting TBS and 2) to improve prediction in individuals as well as groups. Methods: To develop a modified RID equation, we used results of model-based compartmental analysis [the Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software (WinSAAM version 3.0.8; http://www.WinSAAM.org)] of plasma [13C10]retinol kinetic data from 32 previously studied, healthy young adults of European ancestry who had moderate vitamin A intakes and who ingested 2.95 μmol [13C10]retinyl acetate. Results: We examined the time dependence of factors in the prediction equation related to absorption/retention (Fa) and isotope equilibration (S) and determined that 4 or 5 d postdosing was the optimal sampling time. TBS calculated by the equation TBS = Fa x S x (1/SAp), where SAp is plasma retinol specific activity (fraction of dose/μmol), were highly correlated with model-predicted TBS (r = 0.95 and 0.96 for 4 and 5 d, respectively; P < 0.001); predictions for individuals were also highly correlated (Rs = 0.94 and 0.94; P < 0.001). Conclusion: The equation TBS ≈ 0.5 × (1/SAp) accurately predicted vitamin A TBS in this group of 32 healthy young adults and its individual members with the use of data from 1 blood sample taken 4 d after isotope administration.
Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses of contact lens deposition

Purpose The purpose of this report is to describe the contact lens deposition proteome associated with two silicone hydrogel contact lenses and care solutions using a mass spectrometric-based approach. Methods This was a randomized, controlled, examiner-masked crossover clinical trial that included 48 participants. Lenses and no-rub care solutions evaluated included galyfilcon A (Acuvue Advance, Vistakon Inc., Jacksonville, FL), lotrafilcon B (O2 Optix, CIBA Vision Inc., Duluth, GA), AQuify (CIBA Vision Inc.), and ReNu MoistureLoc (Bausch and Lomb Inc., Rochester, NY). After two weeks of daily wear in each lens-solution combination, the left lens was removed by the examiner (using gloves and forceps) and placed in a protein precipitation buffer (acetone). The precipitate was quantitated for total protein concentration (per lens), and proteins were then identified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) and peptide sequencing. Results Between 7.32 and 9.76 µg/lens of protein was observed on average from each lens-solution combination. There were 19 total unique proteins identified across the two lens materials, and six proteins were identified in all four lens-solution combinations including lipocalin, lysozyme, lacritin, lactoferrin, proline rich 4, and Ig Alpha. Lotrafilcon B was associated with 15 individual proteins (across both care solutions), and 53% of these proteins were observed in at least 50% of the analyses. Galyfilcon A was associated with 13 individual proteins, and 38.5% of these proteins were observed in at least 50% of the analyses. There were three unique proteins identified from galyfilcon A and four unique proteins identified from lotrafilcon B. Conclusions The total amount of proteins identified from silicone hydrogel materials is much less than the amount from traditional soft lens materials. For the most part, the deposition proteome across these lenses is similar, although the different polymer characteristics might be associated with some variability in observance of the less frequently identified proteins.
Improving the MAC error exponent using distributed structure

Structured codes have been utilized in deriving the best known achievable rate regions in certain network scenarios. In this paper we demonstrate that structure can be also beneficial in terms of error exponents even in cases where there is no capacity gain. We use distributed structure, i.e., different users use codes which satisfy a nesting condition. Specifically, for the scalar Gaussian multiple-access channel we obtain an improvement over the best known achievable exponent, given by Gallager, for certain rate pairs.
Prevalence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus-A study in a tertiary care rural hospital

Introduction: The present study was planned to determine the prevalence of Methicillin ResistantS. aureus (MRSA) from clinical specimens and to know the Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of MRSA Methodology: The Study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon (Dabhade), Pune from 1st April 2007 to 31st Dec. 2012. A total of 1217S.aureus strains were isolated fromclinical specimens like urine, pus, blood, sputum etc.All strains were identified by standard microbiological techniques.S.aureus strains were subsequently tested for Methicillin resistance by using Oxacillindisc [1mcg]. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of all MRSA strain was determined by Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method. Summary of Results: Out of 1217 S.aureus, 856 (70.33%) isolates were MRSA.The highest percentage of MRSA strains was obtained from urine sample (82.38%). More than 70% of MRSA strains were found resistant to Cefuroxime, Augmentin,and Ofloxacin &Ciprofloxacin (74%). The lowest rate of resistance was noted to Linezolid(21.22%)&Ampicillin-Sulbactum combination(24.12%). Conclusion: S. aureus is the most important nosocomial pathogen seen in tertiary care hospitals. The worst feature of MRSA is simultaneous drug resistance to many antibiotics. Knowledge of prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of MRSA helps clinician.Linezolid and Ampicillin-Sulbactum combination are promising therapeutic option in an era of rapidly growingantibiotic resistance for treatment against MRSA infections.
From blastocyst to gastrula: gene regulatory networks of embryonic stem cells and early mouse embryogenesis

To date, many regulatory genes and signalling events coordinating mammalian development from blastocyst to gastrulation stages have been identified by mutational analyses and reverse-genetic approaches, typically on a gene-by-gene basis. More recent studies have applied bioinformatic approaches to generate regulatory network models of gene interactions on a genome-wide scale. Such models have provided insights into the gene networks regulating pluripotency in embryonic and epiblast stem cells, as well as cell-lineage determination in vivo. Here, we review how regulatory networks constructed for different stem cell types relate to corresponding networks in vivo and provide insights into understanding the molecular regulation of the blastocyst–gastrula transition.
Glomerular Filtration Response to Elevated Ureteral Pressure in Both the Hydropenic and the Plasma‐Expanded Rat

The factors affecting glomerular ultrafiltration with elevated ureteral pressure were examined in both plasma-expanded (2.5% body weight) and hydropenic Munich-Wistar rats. Elevated ureteral pressure (20 mm Hg) alternated as the initial condition in both groups. Glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure (PG) and Bowman's space pressure (P,) were measured directly in surface glomeruli with a servonulling device (AP - PG - Pt) systemic (πA) and efferent (πE) peritubular capillary oncotic pressures were estimated by microprotein methods, and single-nephron glomerular filtration rates (sngfr) were determined by micropuncture techniques under control ureteral pressure and after increased ureteral pressure in both experimental groups. All data were then applied to equations describing the process of glomerular ultrafiltration to define the profile of effective filtration pressure (EFP = ΔP - π) and the glomerular permeability coefficient (LpA), where sngfr = LpA EFP. In plasma-expanded rats, sngfr fell from 44.8 ± 2.2 to 38.5 ±1.5 nliters/min g−1 kidney weight (P < 0.025) with elevated ureteral pressure entirely as a result of a decrease in the hydrostatic pressure gradient (ΔP), since PG did not rise and nephron plasma flow remained constant. In hydropenic rats, sngfr fell from 34.7 ± 1.6 to 27.3 ± 1.6 nliters/min g−1 kidney weight with increased ureteral pressure. PG rose 8.7 mm Hg (P < 0.001) due to an increase in vascular resistance between the peritubular capillaries and the renal vein which prevented the reduction in ΔP. The reduction in sngfr appeared to result from a reduction in LP A resulting in disequilibration of EFP. Nephron plasma flow was not changed. The filtration response to elevated ureteral pressure was modified by the prior state of volume expansion and was not associated with changes in either nephron blood flow or afferent arteriolar resistance.