Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Cross-Layer Effects on Quality of Experience for Video over NGMN

The evolution of wireless network standards, e.g., GSM/GPRS, UMTS, WiFi, WiMAX, and end-user devices has paved the way towards Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN), where users are always connected through multiple radio access networks. NGMN technologies target to improve the user experience especially for mobile data and multimedia services, which are in line with user expectations evident from, for instance, the increasingly popular mobile HTTP video streaming. To understand the quality that can be offered to the user in NGMNs, we compare the Quality of Experience (QoE) for HTTP streaming in a prototype NGMN testbed with WiFi and 3G UMTS/HSDPA support. We use CUBIC TCP as the transport layer protocol as it is typically the default TCP variant, e.g., in Android phones. We complement the QoE estimations with network QoS parameters such as throughput and delay, and transport layer statistics. The results of our evaluation show that (i) video QoE remains stable in WiFi even for high packet losses compared to UMTS, (ii) QoE in UMTS is sensitive to packet loss even for low loss rates due to high variations in the network QoS, namely, throughput and delay, (iii) the decrease in QoE and QoS in HSDPA is due to its negative interactions with the aggressive congestion control of CUBIC TCP, and (iv) handover from WiFi to HSDPA degrades QoE.
Influence of Ozone Generated by Surface Barrier Discharge on Nematode and Plant Growth

To apply plasma technologies for large-scaled and advanced agriculture, the indirect use of plasma is one of the possible ways to overcome the disadvantage of direct plasma application. The recent problems we face in agriculture are due to soil worm damages and residual chemicals that are used for the extermination of the soil worms or for the acceleration of plant growth. Here, we propose soil treatment using ozone, generated by a surface barrier discharge, performing the roles of both pesticides and fertilizers. To investigate the efficacy of ozone for the extermination of soil worms, this paper researched the influence of ozone on nematodes (C. elegans). Furthermore, to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone for plant growth, the growth of radishes planted in the ozone-treated ridge in an actual greenhouse was observed.
Optimal Sizing of a Hybrid Grid-Connected Photovoltaic–Wind–Biomass Power System

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) are a trendy alternative to enhance the renewable energy deployment worldwide. They effectively take advantage of scalability and flexibility of these energy sources, since combining two or more allows counteracting the weaknesses of a stochastic renewable energy source with the strengths of another or with the predictability of a non-renewable energy source. This work presents an optimization methodology for minimum life cycle cost of a HRES based on solar photovoltaic, wind and biomass power. Biomass power seeks to take advantage of locally available forest wood biomass in the form of wood chips to provide energy in periods when the PV and wind power generated are not enough to match the existing demand. The results show that a HRES combining the selected three sources of renewable energy could be installed in a rural township of about 1300 dwellings with an up-front investment of US $7.4 million, with a total life cycle cost of slightly more than US $30 million. Such a system would have benefits in terms of energy autonomy and environment quality improvement, as well as in term of job opportunity creation.
Body Image and Sexual Satisfaction

Abstract This study explored the relationships between body image and sexual satisfaction and between reflected appraisal and sexual satisfaction, by gender. Participants were male (N= 44) and female (N= 130) college students. There was a significant positive linear relationship between both body image and reflected appraisal and sexual satisfaction. The correlation between body image and sexual satisfaction was significant for both genders. There was no statistical difference between males versus females. These findings support the idea that body image concerns are not strictly a female problem and extend previous research by incorporating the outcome variable of sexual satisfaction.
Functional Evidence for a Role of Vascular Chymase in the Production of Angiotensin II in Isolated Human Arteries

Background—In human arteries, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors incompletely block the production of angiotensin (Ang) II from Ang I. This ACE-independent production of Ang II appears to be caused by serine proteases, one of which presumably is chymase. However, several serine proteases may produce Ang II, and the exact role of chymase in the vascular production of Ang II has never been directly evaluated using selective chymase inhibitors. Methods and Results—Rings of human mammary arteries were subjected to either Ang I or the chymase-selective substrate [pro,11 D-Ala12] Ang I in the absence or the presence of the ACE inhibitor captopril, the serine protease inhibitor chymostatin, or the selective chymase inhibitor C41. Captopril only partially inhibited (by 33%) the response to Ang I. In the absence of captopril, C41 markedly reduced (by 44%) the response to Ang I, and this effect was identical to that of chymostatin. C41 also significantly reduced the response to Ang I in the presence of captopril, although this inhibitory effect was slightly less than that of captopril in combination with chymostatin. [Pro,11D-Ala12] Ang I induced potent contractions that were not affected by captopril but were abolished by chymostatin and markedly reduced by C41. In addition, we found that prior treatment of the patients with an ACE inhibitor did not affect the in vitro response to Ang I (in the absence or the presence of captopril) or to [Pro,11D-Ala12] Ang I. Conclusions—Our results reinforce the hypothesis that chymase is a major serine protease implicated in the ACE-independent production of Ang II in human arteries.
Homomorphisms of hyperelliptic jacobians

In his previous papers (Math. Res. Letters 7 (2000), 123--13; Progress in Math. 195 (2001), 473--490; Math. Res. Letters 8 (2001), 429--435; Moscow Math. J. 2 (2002), issue 2, 403-431; Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 131 (2003), no. 1, 95--102) the author introduced certain explicit constructions of hyperelliptic jacobians without nontrivial endomorphisms. In the present paper we discuss when these jacobians are mutually non-isogenous.
PAIN SYMPTOMS AND SLEEP PROBLEMS AMONG SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN Long-term prevalence changes , and pain symptoms as predictors of later mental health

Children’s pain symptoms and sleep problems are among the most common health complaints. They distract children from activities, decrease the quality of life, contribute to a significant economic burden, and have shown continuity into adulthood. The main aims of this thesis were to investigate long-term changes in the prevalence of pain symptoms and sleep problems among Finnish school-aged children, and the later mental health of those who in childhood experience pain. Prevalence, co-occurrence, and associated psychosocial factors of pain symptoms and sleep problems were also assessed. In study I, prevalence changes in eight-year-old children’s pain symptoms and sleep problems were investigated in three cross-sectional population-based samples (years 1989: n=1038, 1999: n=1035, and 2005: n=1030). In study II, cross-sectional associations between pain symptoms, sleep problems, and psychosocial factors were assessed among 13-18-yearold adolescents (n=2476). In studies III and IV, associations between pain symptoms at age eight (n=6017), and register-based data on antidepressant use and severe suicidality by age 24, were examined in a nationwide birth cohort. Pain symptoms and sleep problems were common and often co-occurred. A considerable number of children’s pain symptoms remained unrecognized by the parents. The prevalence of pain symptoms, sleep problems, and multiple concurrent symptoms approximately doubled from 1989 to 2005. Psychiatric difficulties or demographic factors did not explain the increase. Psychosocial factors that were associated with pain, sleep problems, and a higher number of symptoms, were female sex, psychological difficulties, emotional symptoms, smoking, victimization, and feeling not cared about by teachers. In longitudinal analyses, the child’s own report of headache, and to a smaller degree the parental report of the child’s abdominal pain predicted later antidepressant use. Parental report of the child’s abdominal pain predicted severe suicidality among males. If one of the symptoms is present, health care professionals should inquire about other symptoms as well. Questions should be directed to the children, not only to their parents. Inquiring about psychiatric difficulties, substance use, victimization, and relations with teachers should be included as a part of the assessment. Further studies are needed to clarify the reasons that underlie the increased prevalence rates, and the factors that may increase or decrease the risk for later mental health problems among pain-suffering children.
A Kinase Anchor Protein 150 (AKAP150)-associated Protein Kinase A Limits Dendritic Spine Density*

The A kinase anchor protein AKAP150 recruits the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) to dendritic spines. Here we show that in AKAP150 (AKAP5) knock-out (KO) mice frequency of miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSC) and inhibitory post-synaptic currents (mIPSC) are elevated at 2 weeks and, more modestly, 4 weeks of age in the hippocampal CA1 area versus litter mate WT mice. Linear spine density and ratio of AMPAR to NMDAR EPSC amplitudes were also increased. Amplitude and decay time of mEPSCs, decay time of mIPSCs, and spine size were unaltered. Mice in which the PKA anchoring C-terminal 36 residues of AKAP150 are deleted (D36) showed similar changes. Furthermore, whereas acute stimulation of PKA (2–4 h) increases spine density, prolonged PKA stimulation (48 h) reduces spine density in apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons in organotypic slice cultures. The data from the AKAP150 mutant mice show that AKAP150-anchored PKA chronically limits the number of spines with functional AMPARs at 2–4 weeks of age. However, synaptic transmission and spine density was normal at 8 weeks in KO and D36 mice. Thus AKAP150-independent mechanisms correct the aberrantly high number of active spines in juvenile AKAP150 KO and D36 mice during development.
Image Analysis and Data Normalization Procedures are Crucial for Microarray Analyses

This study was conducted with the aim of optimizing the experimental design of array experiments. We compared two image analysis and normalization procedures prior to data analysis using two experimental designs. For this, RNA samples from Charolais steers Longissimus thoracis muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissues were labeled and hybridized to a bovine 8,400 oligochip either in triplicate or in a dye-swap design. Image analysis and normalization were processed by either GenePix/MadScan or ImaGene/GeneSight. Statistical data analysis was then run using either the SAM method or a Student’s t-test using a multiple test correction run on R 2.1 software. Our results show that image analysis and normalization procedure had an impact whereas the statistical methods much less influenced the outcome of differentially expressed genes. Image analysis and data normalization are thus an important aspect of microarray experiments, having a potentially significant impact on downstream analyses such as the identification of differentially expressed genes. This study provides indications on the choice of raw data preprocessing in microarray technology.
Refractory access disorders and the organization of concrete and abstract semantics: Do they differ?

Patients with ‘refractory semantic access deficits’ demonstrate several unique features that make them important sources of insight into the organization of semantic representations. Here we attempt to replicate several novel findings from single-case studies reported in the literature. Patient UM-103 displays the cardinal features of a ‘refractory semantic access deficit’ and showed many of the same effects of semantic relatedness reported in the literature. However, when probing concrete and abstract words, this patient revealed very different patterns of performance compared to two previously reported patients. We discuss the implications of our data for models of semantic organization of abstract and concrete words.
Diurnal Temperature Range and Chikungunya Virus Infection in Invasive Mosquito Vectors

Abstract Climate strongly influences the geographic distribution and timing of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. Environmental temperature affects phenotypic traits of mosquitoes including vector competence for arboviruses mediated by changes in infection, extrinsic incubation period and in rates of transmission. Most experiments, however, are done at constant temperatures. In nature, mosquitoes are more likely to experience daily fluctuations in temperature. Here we compare disseminated infection (leg infection) and saliva infection of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) from Florida following oral exposure to an Asian genotype of chikungunya virus emergent in the Americas. We evaluated experimentally the effect of variable temperature regimens on disseminated infection and saliva infection of these Aedes species. Each of three temperature regimes had approximately the same average temperature (27–28°C), but differed in the magnitude of the diurnal temperature range (DTR). The large DTR was 8.0°C (range 23–31°C) and the small DTR was 4.0°C (range 26–30°C) which approximate ranges in different locations of Florida during July–October when risk of transmission is highest. The constant temperature was set at 27°C. Testing three geographic populations of each mosquito species, significant effects on disseminated infection were detected for an interaction between temperature regime and geographic population for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. There were no significant treatment effects of temperature, geographic population, or temperature by geographic population interaction on saliva infection for either mosquito species. Constant temperature resulted in a higher viral load in the saliva of Ae. albopictus, but not Ae. aegypti, compared to conditions where the temperature fluctuated.
Twist1-Mediated Adriamycin-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Relates to Multidrug Resistance and Invasive Potential in Breast Cancer Cells

Purpose: Besides its therapeutic effects, chemotherapeutic agents also enhance the malignancy of treated cancers in clinical situations. Recently, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has attracted attention in studies of tumor progression. We aimed to test whether transient Adriamycin treatment induces EMT and apoptosis simultaneously in cancer cells, clarify why the same type of cells responds differentially (i.e., apoptosis, EMT) to Adriamycin treatment, and elucidate the role of Twist1, the master regulator of EMT, in this process. Experimental Design: In unsynchronized MCF7 cells or cells synchronized at different phases, apoptosis, EMT, and concurrent events [multidrug resistance (MDR) and tumor invasion] after Adriamycin or/and Twist1 small interfering RNA treatment were examined in vitro and in vivo. The Adriamycin-induced Twist1 expression and the interaction of Twist1 with p53-Mdm2 were examined by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation, respectively. Results: We showed in vitro that Adriamycin induced EMT and apoptosis simultaneously in a cell cycle–dependent manner. Only the cells undergoing EMT displayed enhanced invasion and MDR. Twist1 depletion completely blocked the mesenchymal transformation, partially reversed MDR, and greatly abolished invasion induced by Adriamycin. Also, we confirmed in vivo that Twist1 RNA interference improved the efficacy of Adriamycin for breast cancers. Further, Twist1 reduction in Adriamycin-treated cells promoted p53-dependent p21 induction and disrupted the association of p53 with Mdm2. Conclusions: Our studies show the diverse responses to Adriamycin treatment in cells at different phases, suggest an unrecognized role of EMT in regulating MDR and invasion, and show the efficacy of Twist1 RNA interference in Adriamycin-based chemotherapies for breast cancer.
Sympathetic Actions on the Skeletal Muscle

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) modulates several functions in skeletal muscle fibers, including metabolism, ionic transport across the membrane, and contractility. These actions, together with the sympathetic control of other organ systems, support intense motor activity. However, some SNS actions on skeletal muscles may not always be functionally advantageous. Implications for motor control and sport performance are discussed.
Suspected Anaphylactic Reactions Associated with Anaesthesia

Summary (1) The AAGBI has published guidance on management of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia in 1990, 1995 and 2003. This 2008 update was necessary to disseminate new information. (2) Death or permanent disability from anaphylaxis in anaesthesia may be avoidable if the reaction is recognised early and managed optimally. (3) Recognition of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia is usually delayed because key features such as hypotension and bronchospasm more commonly have a different cause. (4) Initial management of anaphylaxis should follow the ABC approach. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the most effective drug in anaphylaxis and should be given as early as possible. (5) If anaphylaxis is suspected during anaesthesia, it is the anaesthetist’s responsibility to ensure the patient is referred for investigation. (6) Serum mast cell tryptase levels may help the retrospective diagnosis of anaphylaxis: appropriate blood samples should be sent for analysis. (7) Specialist (allergist) knowledge is needed to interpret investigations for anaesthetic anaphylaxis, including sensitivity and specificity of each test used. Specialist (anaesthetist) knowledge is needed to recognise possible non-allergic causes for the ‘reaction’. Optimal investigation of suspected reactions is therefore more likely with the collaboration of both specialties. (8) Details of specialist centres for the investigation of suspected anaphylaxis during anaesthesia may be found on the AAGBI website http://www.aagbi. org. (9) Cases of anaphylaxis occurring during anaesthesia should be reported to the Medicines Control Agency and the AAGBI National Anaesthetic Anaphylaxis Database. Reports are more valuable if the diagnosis is recorded following specialist investigation of the reaction. (10) This guidance recommends that all Departments of Anaesthesia should identify a Consultant Anaesthetist who is Clinical Lead for anaesthetic anaphylaxis.
Epidemiology of Masked and White-Coat Hypertension: The Family-Based SKIPOGH Study

Objective We investigated factors associated with masked and white-coat hypertension in a Swiss population-based sample. Methods The Swiss Kidney Project on Genes in Hypertension is a family-based cross-sectional study. Office and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure were measured using validated devices. Masked hypertension was defined as office blood pressure<140/90 mmHg and daytime ambulatory blood pressure≥135/85 mmHg. White-coat hypertension was defined as office blood pressure≥140/90 mmHg and daytime ambulatory blood pressure<135/85 mmHg. Mixed-effect logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of masked and white-coat hypertension with associated factors, while taking familial correlations into account. High-normal office blood pressure was defined as systolic/diastolic blood pressure within the 130–139/85–89 mmHg range. Results Among the 652 participants included in this analysis, 51% were female. Mean age (±SD) was 48 (±18) years. The proportion of participants with masked and white coat hypertension was respectively 15.8% and 2.6%. Masked hypertension was associated with age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.02, p = 0.012), high-normal office blood pressure (OR = 6.68, p<0.001), and obesity (OR = 3.63, p = 0.001). White-coat hypertension was significantly associated with age (OR = 1.07, p<0.001) but not with education, family history of hypertension, or physical activity. Conclusions Our findings suggest that physicians should consider ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for older individuals with high-normal office blood pressure and/or who are obese.
A Study on Relationship between the Post-stroke Depression and Acceptance

Objective : We aimed to study the relationship between the post-stroke depression and acceptance of the stroke. Method : For this study, 80 stroke patients were surveyed by using questionnaires for CES-D, acceptance for stroke, and social support. Result & Conclusion : 1. Acceptance for stroke varied inversely as the post-stroke depression. 2. The acceptance for the stroke appeased the negative influence caused by the stress of the stroke, and the post-stroke depression was biggest predictable variant. And location of the stroke were the predictable variants of the post-stroke depression. 3. When the gender, location of the stroke, motor power, age, period of stroke, and social support were controlled, the group with depression and the one without depression had a significant difference in the acceptance of the stroke.
Genetic consequences of glacial survival and postglacial colonization in Norway spruce: combined analysis of mitochondrial DNA and fossil pollen

Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) is a broadly distributed European conifer tree whose history has been intensively studied by means of fossil records to infer the location of full‐glacial refugia and the main routes of postglacial colonization. Here we use recently compiled fossil pollen data as a template to examine how past demographic events have influenced the species’ modern genetic diversity. Variation was assessed in the mitochondrial nad1 gene containing two minisatellite regions. Among the 369 populations (4876 trees) assayed, 28 mitochondrial variants were identified. The patterns of population subdivision superimposed on interpolated fossil pollen distributions indicate that survival in separate refugia and postglacial colonization has led to significant structuring of genetic variation in the southern range of the species. The populations in the northern range, on the other hand, showed a shallow genetic structure consistent with the fossil pollen data, suggesting that the vast northern range was colonized from a single refugium. Although the genetic diversity decreased away from the putative refugia, there were large differences between different colonization routes. In the Alps, the diversity decreased over short distances, probably as a result of population bottlenecks caused by the presence of competing tree species. In northern Europe, the diversity was maintained across large areas, corroborating fossil pollen data in suggesting that colonization took place at high population densities. The genetic diversity increased north of the Carpathians, probably as a result of admixture of expanding populations from two separate refugia.