Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resource-Efficient Real-Time Scheduling Using Credit-Controlled Static-Priority Arbitration

A present-day System-on-Chip (SoC) runs a wide range of applications with diverse real-time requirements. Resources, such as processors, interconnects and memories, are shared between these applications to reduce cost. Resource sharing causes temporal interference, which must be bounded by a suitable resource arbiter. System-level analysis techniques use the service guarantee of the arbiter to ensure that real-time requirements of these applications are satisfied. A service guarantee that underestimates the minimum service provided by an arbiter results in more allocation of resources than needed to satisfy latency and throughput requirements. For instance, a linear service guarantee cannot accurately capture burst service provision by many priority-based schedulers, such as Credit-Controlled Static Priority (CCSP) and Priority-Budget Scheduling (PBS). As a result, the timing analysis of these arbiters becomes too pessimistic. This leads to unnecessary cost penalties since some SoC resources, such as SDRAM bandwidth, are scarce and expensive. This paper addresses this problem for the CCSP arbiter. The two main contributions are: (1) a piecewise linear service guarantee that accurately captures bursty service provisioning, and (2) an equivalent dataflow model of the new service guarantee, which is an essential component to integrate the arbiter with dataflow-based system-level design techniques that analyze the worst-case latency and throughput of real-time applications. The new service guarantee enables efficient resource utilization under CCSP arbitration. Experimental results of an H.263 video decoder application show that memory bandwidth savings from 26% up to 67% can be achieved by using the new service guarantee as compared to the existing linear service guarantee.
Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Diabetic Women

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is closely associated with diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, increased visceral fat in menopause is also associated with IR, which makes postmenopausal diabetic women in a big risk for cardiovascular diseases. There are conflicting reports about the effects on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on IR. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of HRT on IR. METHODS: A total of 40 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes were enrolled and followed for 12 months. Half of them were assigned to take HRT, while the other half made the control group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulinemia were measured in both groups at baseline and after 12 months. IR was represented by Homeostatic model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: HRT was associated with significant decrease in HOMA-IR, FPG and insulinemia in the examined group. There was no significant reduction in FPG and no significant increase in insulinemia levels and HOMA-IR values in control group after 12 months. CONCLUSION: HRT was associated with statistically signifficant increase of insulin sensitivity. Larger clinical trials will be necessary to understand whether HRT may improve insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis in women with diabetes, especially when given shortly after entering menopause.
Isotopic evidence for the extent of early Proterozoic basement in Scotland and northwest Ireland

Abstract Tightly clustered Sm–Nd model ages, with an average of 1.96±0.02Ga, for the gneiss complex of Inishtrahull indicate coeval development with the earlyProterozoic gneiss terrane of Islay. The extent of this terrane, largely beneath the Dalradian Supergroup, is argued to be 100×600 km, from northeast Scotland to western Ireland. This is based on the distribution of dated basement in conjunction with Pb, Sr and Nd isotope systematics and inherited zircons in Caledonian granites of the region.
Constructing the reality of recovery: Family home care management strategies

Development of home health care programs for family caregivers is predicated on an understanding of prolems caregivers encounter and ways in which they manage those problems. This article describes home care management strategies of family caregivers of stroke survivors. Qualitative analysis of interviews with a purposive sample of family caregivers indicated that caregivers of stroke survivors practice situational vigilance for the stroke survivor, create solutions for problems associated with functional losses of a stroke, construct the reality of recovery for themselves and the stroke survivor, and seek to find personal meaning in the caregiving experience. Implications for practice and future research are proposed.
3D UWB magnitude-combined tomographic imaging for biomedical applications. Algorithm validation

Biomedical microwave imaging is a topic of continuous research for its potential in different areas especially in breast cancer detection. In this paper, 3D UWB Magnitude-Combined tomographic algorithm is assessed for this recurrent application, but also for a more challenging one such as brain stroke detection. With the UWB Magnitude-Combined concept, the algorithm can take advantage of both the efficiency of Fourier Diffraction Theorem-based tomographic formulation and the robustness and image quality improvement provided by a multi-frequency combination.
A numerical study of the upwelling circulation off central Chile: Effects of remote oceanic forcing

[1] A numerical ocean model is used to study the upwelling circulation off central Chile in response to local winds and remote forcing. In an idealized study of equatorial-forced, intraseasonal variability (period of 50 days), a first mode coastal trapped wave (CTW) paddle is applied to the northern boundary with coastal sea level amplitude of 12 cm. Without this CTW forcing, the steady seasonal winds upwell undercurrent water from depths of 250–320 m to depths of 180–250 m. The subsequent formation of mesoscale and headland eddies drive this water into the Gulf of Arauco and to depths of 50–120 m. With the CTW paddle, the circulation is strongly modified. The mesoscale and headland eddies reform during the CTW upwelling phase. During the CTW upwelling phase, the upwelling over winds and eddies is enhanced by up to 40 m on the shelf. Model simulations are undertaken using realistic winds and a CTW paddle modulated by observed sea level. Without CTW forcing included in the model the agreement with data is poor. In the Gulf of Arauco area the variability of alongshore currents below 130 m is dominated by CTW activity. Above 130 m, wind-driven current variability dominates. In agreement with the idealized CTW analysis, water is found to be upwelled from depths of 320 m to 100 m or less, and 10°C undercurrent water is found at the surface and within the Gulf.
Insulin restores GH responsiveness during lactation-induced negative energy balance in dairy cattle: effects on expression of IGF-I and GH receptor 1A.

Early lactation in dairy cattle is a period of severe negative energy balance (NEB) characterized by reduced blood glucose and insulin concentrations and elevated blood GH concentrations. The liver is refractory to GH during NEB and this uncoupling of the GH-IGF axis results in diminished plasma concentrations of IGF-I. Our objectives were to examine the effects of insulin administration during the immediate postpartum period on plasma IGF-I and GH concentrations and to examine the hepatic expression of total GH receptors (all GH receptor transcripts), GH receptor 1A (GHR 1A) and IGF-I. In addition, we examined adipose tissue for total GH receptor and IGF-I mRNA levels to establish the effects of chronic hyperinsulinemia on an insulin-responsive peripheral tissue. Holstein cows (n=14) were subjected to either a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (insulin; INS) or saline infusion (control; CTL) for 96 h starting on day 10 postpartum. Insulin was infused i.v. (1 micro g/kg body weight per h), blood samples were collected hourly, and euglycemia was maintained by infusion of glucose. Insulin concentrations during the infusions were increased 8-fold in INS compared with CTL cows (2.33+/-0.14 vs 0.27+/-0.14 ng/ml (S.E.M.); P<0.001) while blood glucose concentrations were not different between treatments (45.3+/-2.2 vs 42.5+/-2.2 mg/dl; P>0.1). Plasma IGF-I increased continuously during the insulin infusion, and reached the highest concentrations at the end of the clamp, being almost 4-fold higher in INS compared with CTL cows (117+/-4 vs 30+/-4 ng/ml; P<0.001). Hepatic expression of GHR 1A and IGF-I mRNA was low in CTL cows, but was increased 3.6-fold (P<0.05) and 6.3-fold (P<0.001) respectively in INS cows. By contrast, in adipose tissue the changes in gene expression in response to insulin were reversed with decreases in both total GHR and IGF-I mRNA. The expressions of GHR 1A and IGF-I mRNA in liver tissue were correlated in INS (r=0.86; P<0.05), but not CTL cows (r=0.43; P>0.1). Insulin appears to be a key metabolic signal in coupling the GH-IGF axis, thus orchestrating a marked elevation in circulating IGF-I concentrations.
Effect of Ibuprofen dose on platelet aggregation and coagulation in blood samples from pigs.

INTRODUCTION Ibuprofen is commonly used by Soldiers in the deployed environment. This study investigated its dose-effects on in vitro coagulation. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 4 normal healthy pigs and were processed to make platelet-adjusted (100×10(3)/μL) blood samples. Ibuprofen was added to the samples at doses of 0 μg/mL (control), recommended oral dose (163 μg/mL, 1×), 2×, 4×, 8×, 10×, 12×, 16×, and 20×. Arachidonic acid or collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation was assessed at 15 minutes after the addition of ibuprofen. Coagulation was assessed with measurements of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombelastography by Rotem. RESULTS A robust inhibition of ibuprofen on arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation was observed at all doses tested. Collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation was inhibited to 71%±5% and 10%±5% of the control values at ibuprofen doses of 4× and 20×, respectively (both p<0.05). No changes were observed in PT at any dose, but aPTT was prolonged at dose of 16× and 20×. Rotem measurements of coagulation time, clot formation time, maximum clot firmness, and A10 were compromised at dose 16× and 20× (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION Ibuprofen inhibited platelet aggregation at recommended doses, but did not compromise aPTT or coagulation profile until at 16 times the recommended doses and higher. Further effort is needed to clarify whether there are different dose-responses between human and pig blood samples in trauma situations.
Genome-Wide Association of Body Fat Distribution in African Ancestry Populations Suggests New Loci

Central obesity, measured by waist circumference (WC) or waist-hip ratio (WHR), is a marker of body fat distribution. Although obesity disproportionately affects minority populations, few studies have conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) of fat distribution among those of predominantly African ancestry (AA). We performed GWAS of WC and WHR, adjusted and unadjusted for BMI, in up to 33,591 and 27,350 AA individuals, respectively. We identified loci associated with fat distribution in AA individuals using meta-analyses of GWA results for WC and WHR (stage 1). Overall, 25 SNPs with single genomic control (GC)-corrected p-values<5.0×10−6 were followed-up (stage 2) in AA with WC and with WHR. Additionally, we interrogated genomic regions of previously identified European ancestry (EA) WHR loci among AA. In joint analysis of association results including both Stage 1 and 2 cohorts, 2 SNPs demonstrated association, rs2075064 at LHX2, p = 2.24×10−8 for WC-adjusted-for-BMI, and rs6931262 at RREB1, p = 2.48×10−8 for WHR-adjusted-for-BMI. However, neither signal was genome-wide significant after double GC-correction (LHX2: p = 6.5×10−8; RREB1: p = 5.7×10−8). Six of fourteen previously reported loci for waist in EA populations were significant (p<0.05 divided by the number of independent SNPs within the region) in AA studied here (TBX15-WARS2, GRB14, ADAMTS9, LY86, RSPO3, ITPR2-SSPN). Further, we observed associations with metabolic traits: rs13389219 at GRB14 associated with HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting insulin, and rs13060013 at ADAMTS9 with HDL-cholesterol and fasting insulin. Finally, we observed nominal evidence for sexual dimorphism, with stronger results in AA women at the GRB14 locus (p for interaction = 0.02). In conclusion, we identified two suggestive loci associated with fat distribution in AA populations in addition to confirming 6 loci previously identified in populations of EA. These findings reinforce the concept that there are fat distribution loci that are independent of generalized adiposity.
BMI, Overweight Status and Obesity Adjusted by Various Factors in All Age Groups in the Population of a City in Northeastern Brazil

Objective: In Brazil, demographic, socioeconomic and epidemiological changes over time have led to a transition in nutritional standards, resulting in a gradual reduction of malnutrition and an increased prevalence of overweight and obese individuals, similar to the situation in developed countries in previous decades. This study assessed the body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of an overweight status and obesity, adjusted for various factors, in a population in northeastern Brazil including all age groups. Methods: This is a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological study using single sampling procedure composed of levels. Given the heterogeneity of the variable “income” and the relationship between income, prevalence of diseases and nutrition, a stratified sampling on blocks in the first level was used. In this, city districts were classified by income into 10 strata, according to information obtained from IBGE. A systematic sampling was applied on randomly selected blocks in order to choose the residences that would be part of the sample (second level), including 1165 participants from all age groups. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of an overweight status or obesity was adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle variables. When the Chi-square test was applied, a relationship was observed between the prevalence of an overweight status or obesity and the age group, gender, educational level and income of the participants. Regarding lifestyle parameters, only smoking was associated with the prevalence of an overweight status or obesity, in both adults and in the total sample. The results for the following groups were significant (p < 0.05): the age group from 20 to 59 years, when the individual presented an educational level greater than or equal to high school; and the age group ≥ 60 years, when the individual was female. It is noteworthy that educational level and being female were significant in adjusting for the total population as major factors influencing an increased BMI, followed by the variables physical activity and family income. Conclusions: The adjusted results justify the adoption of intervention and prevention policies to combat these clinical conditions for the study population as a whole, particularly directed toward adults with higher education level as well as elderly females.
Observations on “cryoplanation” benches in Antarctica

A series of benches on nunataks of Alexander Island (Antarctica) are described. An increase in bench size with distance away from the retreating glacier suggests an age spectrum. The benches have thermal contraction cracks (in bedrock) on shallower, upper sections of the risers as well as salt encrusted runnels on the steeper lower section of the tread. The benches also show a distinct orientational preference (orientated to the north through to west) and, from first principles, these seem to be the aspects with optimal freeze-thaw cycles and temperatures conducive to thermal stress fatigue. The extensive dilatation associated with the retreating glaciers is thought to play a significant role in the origin and development of the benches as the combination of extensive jointing and optimal process conditions are thought to constrain where benches begin. The jointing, aided by the thermal contraction cracking, then facilitates extension and continued weathering of the treads. It would appear that these benches are examples of so called “cryoplanation terraces” that have been reported as fossil forms in Europe and North America. The study of such active forms in the Antarctic may provide good analogues for fossil features found in the Northern Hemisphere.
p53 Suppression of Arsenite-Induced Mitotic Catastrophe Is Mediated by p21CIP1/WAF1

Arsenic trioxide, an acute promyelocytic leukemia chemotherapeutic, may be an efficacious treatment for other cancers. Understanding the mechanism as well as genetic and molecular characteristics associated with sensitivity to arsenite-induced cell death is key to providing effective chemotherapeutic usage of arsenite. Arsenite sensitivity correlates with deficient p53 pathways in multiple cell lines. The role of p53 in preventing arsenite-induced mitotic arrest-associated apoptosis (MAAA), a form of mitotic catastrophe, was examined in TR9-7 cells, a model cell line with p53 exogenously regulated in a tetracycline-off expression system. Arsenite activated G1 and G2 cell cycle checkpoints independently of p53, but mitotic catastrophe occurred preferentially in p53(-) cells. Cyclin B/CDC2(CDK1) stabilization and caspase-3 activation persisted in arsenite-treated p53(-) cells consistent with MAAA/mitotic catastrophe. N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone, a pan-caspase inhibitor, completely abolished arsenite-induced MAAA/mitotic catastrophe and greatly increased the mitotic index. WEE1 and p21CIP1/WAF1 inhibit cyclin B/CDC2 by CDC2 tyrosine-15 phosphorylation and direct binding, respectively. CDC2-Y15-P was transiently elevated in arsenite-treated p53(+) cells but persisted in p53(-) cells. Arsenite induced p53-S15-P and p21CIP1/WAF1 only in p53(+) cells. P21CIP1/WAF1-siRNA-treated p53(+) cells were similar to p53(-) cells in mitotic index and cell cycle protein levels. p53-inducible proteins GADD45α and 14-3-3σ are capable of inhibiting cyclin B/CDC2 but did not play a p53-dependent role in mitotic escape in TR9-7 cells. The data indicate that p53 mediates cyclin B/CDC2 inactivation and mitotic release directly via p21CIP1/WAF1 induction.
Roles for Dnmt3b in mammalian development: a mouse model for the ICF syndrome

ICF (Immunodeficiency, Centromeric instability and Facial anomalies) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the DNA methyltransferase gene DNMT3B. To investigate the function of Dnmt3b in mouse development and to create animal models for ICF syndrome, we have generated three mutant alleles of Dnmt3b in mice: one carrying a deletion of the catalytic domain (null allele) and two carrying ICF-like missense mutations in the catalytic domain. The Dnmt3b null allele results in embryonic lethality from E14.5 to E16.5 with multiple tissue defects, including liver hypotrophy, ventricular septal defect and haemorrhage. By contrast, mice homozygous for the ICF mutations develop to term and some survive to adulthood. These mice show phenotypes that are reminiscent of ICF patients, including hypomethylation of repetitive sequences, low body weight, distinct cranial facial anomalies and T cell death by apoptosis. These results indicate that Dnmt3b plays an essential role at different stages of mouse development, and that ICF missense mutations cause partial loss of function. These mutant mice will be useful for further elucidation of the pathogenic and molecular mechanisms underlying ICF syndrome.
Use and Outcomes of Wound Drain in Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design. A multicenter retrospective analysis. Objective. To evaluate outcomes of closed-suction wound drainage after posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and to identify surgeon patterns of drain use in this cohort. Summary of Background Data. There is little evidence on the use of drains in spinal surgery, particularly for repair of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Studies on hip and knee arthroplasty suggest no advantage to draining. There are few published reports on surgeon technique and rationale for drain use in spinal surgery. Methods. Patients were divided into drain and no drain cohorts and followed for 2 years. Primary outcome was complication rate. A separate survey was conducted from surgeons in the Spinal Deformity Study Group to evaluate drain practice patterns. Results. There were 324 drained and 176 undrained patients. Complication rate did not differ between the drain and no drain cohorts in any of the 4 categories (wound infection, neural injury, other infection, and other complication) at any time (all P > 0.1). More drained patients received postoperative transfusions compared with those without a drain (43% vs. 22%, P < 0.001). Of the 50 surgeons in the group, 36 used drains. Half of these did so out of habit. Surgeons tended to place deep drains with bulb suction, without drain manipulation. Half removed drains on the basis of output, whereas half removed them after 1 to 3 days. Conclusion. More patients tended to receive wound drains than not receive wound drains. Drains did not impact complication rate and drained patients received more blood product. There are no universal criteria for draining and practice patterns vary widely.