Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SE-CAC: A Novel Call Admission Control Scheme for Multi-service IDMA Systems

In this paper a simple and effective call admission control (CAC) scheme is proposed for the emerging interleave-division multiple-access (IDMA) systems, supporting a variety of traffic types and offering different quality of service (QoS) requirements and priority levels. The proposed scheme is signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) evolution based CAC (SE-CAC). The key idea behind the scheme is to take advantage of the SINR evolution technique in the process of making admission decisions, which is developed from the effective chip-by-chip (CBC) multi-user detection (MUD) process in IDMA systems. By virtue of this semi-analytical technique, the MUD efficiency can be estimated accurately. Additionally, the computational complexity can be considerably reduced. These features make the scheme highly suitable for IDMA systems, which can combat intra-cell interference efficiently with simple CBC MUD. Analysis and simulation results show that compared to the traditional CAC scheme considering MUD efficiency as a constant, the proposed SE-CAC scheme can guarantee high power efficiency and throughput for multimedia traffic even in heavy load conditions, illustrating the high efficiency of CBC MUD. Furthermore, based on the SINR evolution, the SE-CAC can make accurate estimation of available resource considering the effect of MUD, leading to low outage probability as well as low blocking and dropping probability.
On the fault tolerance of some popular bounded-degree networks

The authors analyze the fault-tolerance properties of several bounded-degree networks that are commonly used for parallel computation. Among other things, they show that an N-node butterfly containing N/sup 1- epsilon / worst-case faults (for any constant epsilon >0) can emulate a fault-free butterfly of the same size with only constant slowdown. Similar results are proved for the shuffle-exchange graph. Hence, these networks become the first connected bounded-degree networks known to be able to sustain more than a constant number of worst-case faults without suffering more than a constant-factor slowdown in performance. They also show that an N-node butterfly whose nodes fail with some constant probability p can emulate a fault-free version of itself with a slowdown of 2/sup O(log* N)/, which is a very slowly increasing function of N. The proofs of these results combine the technique of redundant computation with new algorithms for routing packets around faults in hypercubic networks. Techniques for reconfiguring hypercubic networks around faults that do not rely on redundant computation are also presented. These techniques tolerate fewer faults but are more widely applicable since they can be used with other networks such as binary trees and meshes of trees. <<ETX>>
Effect of nutrient dilution on feed intake, eating time and performance of hens in early lay

1. An experiment with 480 ISA Brown layers was conducted to measure the effect of dietary energy (11·8, 11·2 and 10·6 MJ/kg) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) (128, 146 and 207 g/kg) concentration, soluble NSP content (64 and 85 g/kg), particle size distribution of the NSP fraction (fine and coarse) and feed form (mash and crumble) on feed intake, eating time and egg performance of laying hens in early lay (from 18 to 26 weeks of age). Twelve experimental diets were tested, each replicated 4 times. 2. Laying hens in early lay that were fed low- or high-NSP diets were able to compensate for 10% dietary dilution by 9·5 and 4·9% higher feed intakes, respectively. Feeding crumble or coarsely ground mash did not affect feed intake. 3. Eating time of the hens fed the undiluted diets increased over the experimental period from 16·4 to 24·6% of the observation period, but was not affected by sand or grit addition, particle size distribution or feed form. Feeding high-NSP diets increased eating time by 22%. 4. Egg performance and body weight gain of the hens that were fed low-NSP or high-NSP diets were similar or better compared to the undiluted diets, whereas coarse grinding of the diets showed 7 to 10% lower egg performance and weight gain. Egg performance and weight gain were not affected by feed form. 5. It is concluded that hens in early lay, fed energy-diluted diets, by adding sand or grit (low-NSP) or NSP-rich raw materials (high-NSP) to the control diet, were able to increase their feed intake, resulting in energy intake and egg performance comparable to the control group. Supplementing diets with insoluble NSP also decreased eating rate. Prolonged eating time using insoluble NSP could be useful in reducing feather pecking behaviour.
Diabetic pregnancy, maternal and fetal docosahexaenoic acid: a review of existing evidence

Abstract Objective: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is vital for fetal development especially during the third trimester of gestation when the speed of fetal brain growth is at its peak. Diabetes modifies the maternal fatty acid profile, which may in turn change the quantity and/or quality of lipids transferred to the fetus. Neonates born to diabetic mothers might be more vulnerable to DHA deficiency leading to lower cognitive scores together with lower overall intellectual quotients when compared to control. We reviewed the influence of type 1 or type 2 pre-gestational (PGD) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on maternal and fetal DHA levels. Method: We searched MEDLINE articles about PGD and/or GDM and DHA published before October 2016. Results: Maternal blood DHA level seems higher in those with diabetes than those without diabetes. However, DHA in cord plasma of neonates born to PGD and/or GDM mothers seem lower compared to neonates born to nondiabetic mothers. Conclusions: Altogether, these results suggest that the transfer of DHA from the mother to the fetus may be deficient or dysregulated in diabetic pregnancies. What remains to be understood is how placental lipid transport is regulated and whether there is a link with clinical neurodevelopmental phenotypes in the newborns.
Commensal isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis are also well equipped to produce biofilm on polystyrene surfaces.

OBJECTIVES To study biofilm production and to detect icaAD, atlE and aap genes in 137 isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) obtained from healthy individuals from the community (35 isolates), from hospitalized patients at the Antônio Pedro University Hospital (25 isolates) and from individuals from a home-care system (HCS; 77 isolates). METHODS Biofilm production was determined in vitro using polystyrene inert surfaces. icaAD, atlE and aap genes were detected using PCR. Hybridization experiments were also carried out to confirm some PCR results. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the NCCLS methods. RESULTS Although many of the commensal MRSE isolates produced biofilms, the percentage of biofilm producers was significantly higher (P = 0.0107) among hospital isolates (76%) than among isolates from the community (60%) and from the HCS (57%). An association was observed between multiresistance and biofilm production for isolates obtained from healthy individuals from the community and from household contacts from the HCS (P < 0.0001). The concomitant presence of the ica operon and atlE and aap genes was associated with the strong biofilm-producer phenotype (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Because many of the commensal MRSE isolates obtained from nares produced biofilms and carried icaAD, aap and atlE genes, biofilms or such genetic elements should not be used as markers for clinical significance. The biofilm environment seems to increase genetic exchanges and hence may contribute to multiresistance phenotypes.
Effects of short-term dry immersion on bone remodeling markers, insulin and adipokines

Background Dry immersion (DI), a ground-based model of microgravity previously used in Russia, has been recently implemented in France. The aim of this study was to analyze early events in a short-term DI model in which all conditions are met to investigate who is first challenged from osteo- or adipo-kines and to what extent they are associated to insulin-regulating hormones. Methods Twelve healthy men were submitted to a 3-day DI. Fasting blood was collected during pre-immersion phase for the determination of the baseline data collection (BDC), daily during DI (DI24h, DI48H and DI72h), then after recovery (R+3h and R+24h). Markers of bone turnover, phosphocalcic metabolism, adipokines and associated factors were measured. Results Bone resorption as assessed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b and N-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen levels increased as early as DI24h. At the same time, total procollagen type I N- and C-terminal propeptides and osteoprotegerin, representing bone formation markers, decreased. Total osteocalcin [OC] was unaffected, but its undercarboxylated form [Glu-OC] increased from DI24h to R+3h. The early and progressive increase in bone alkaline phosphatase activities suggested an increased mineralization. Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin, as negative regulators of the Wnt-β catenin pathway, were unaltered. No change was observed either in phosphocalcic homeostasis (calcium and phosphate serum levels, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibroblast growth factor 23 [FGF23]) or in inflammatory response. Adiponectemia was unchanged, whereas circulating leptin concentrations increased. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [lipocalin-2], a potential regulator of bone homeostasis, was found elevated by 16% at R+3h compared to DI24h. The secretory form of nicotinamide phosphoribosyl-transferase [visfatin] concentrations almost doubled after one day of DI and remained elevated. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 levels progressively increased. Fasting insulin concentrations increased during the entire DI, whereas fasting glucose levels tended to be higher only at DI24h and then returned to BDC values. Changes in bone resorption parameters negatively correlated with changes in bone formation parameters. Percent changes of ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein positively correlated with changes in osteopontin, lipocalin-2 and fasting glucose. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between changes in FGF23 and Glu-OC, the two main osteoblast-/osteocyte-derived hormones. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that DI induced an unbalanced remodeling activity and the onset of insulin resistance. This metabolic adaptation was concomitant with higher levels of Glu-OC. This finding confirms the role of bone as an endocrine organ in humans. Furthermore, visfatin for which a great responsiveness was observed could represent an early and sensitive marker of unloading in humans.
Association of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Context With Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is underutilized in the United States, with fewer than 20% of eligible patients participating in CR programs. Individual socioeconomic status is associated with CR utilization, but data regarding neighborhood characteristics and CR are sparse. We investigated the association of neighborhood socioeconomic context with CR participation in the SCCS (Southern Community Cohort Study). Methods and Results The SCCS is a prospective cohort study of 84 569 adults in the southeastern United States from 2002 to 2009, 52 117 of whom have Medicare or Medicaid claims. Using these data, we identified participants with hospitalizations for myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass surgery and ascertained their CR utilization. Neighborhood socioeconomic context was assessed using a neighborhood deprivation index derived from 11 census‐tract level variables. We analyzed the association of CR utilization with neighborhood deprivation after adjusting for individual socioeconomic status. A total of 4096 SCCS participants (55% female, 57% black) with claims data were eligible for CR. CR utilization was low, with 340 subjects (8%) participating in CR programs. Study participants residing in the most deprived communities (highest quintile of neighborhood deprivation) were less than half as likely to initiate CR (odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.66, P<0.001) as those in the lowest quintile. CR participation was inversely associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.996, P<0.05). Conclusions Lower neighborhood socioeconomic context was associated with decreased CR participation independent of individual socioeconomic status. These data invite research on interventions to increase CR access in deprived communities.
Fuzzy logic in nondestructive testing of aerospace structures

In nondestructive testing, to locate the faults, we send an ultrasonic signal and measure the resulting vibration at different points. To describe and combine the uncertainty corresponding to different measurements and fuzzy estimates, we used fuzzy logic. As a result, we get reasonably simple computational models which lead to as good fault detection as the known more complicated models.
Water Dynamics at the Root of Metamorphosis in Living Organisms

Liquid water has been recognized long ago to be the matrix of many processes, including life and also rock dynamics. Interactions among biomolecules occur very differently in a non-aqueous system and are unable to produce life. This ability to make living processes possible implies a very peculiar structure of liquid water. According to modern Quantum Field Theory (QFT), a complementary principle (in the sense of Niels Bohr) holds between the number N of field quanta (including the matter field whose quanta are just the atoms/molecules) and the phase Ф. This means that when we focus on the atomic structure of matter it loses its coherence properties and, vice versa, when we examine the phase dynamics of the system its atomic structure becomes undefined. Superfluid liquid Helium is the first example of this peculiar quantum dynamics. In the present paper we show how consideration of the phase dynamics of liquid water makes the understanding of its peculiar role in the onset of self-organization in living organisms and in ecosystems possible.
Deriving Biomass Models for Small-Diameter Loblolly Pine on the Crossett Experimental Forest

Foresters and landowners have a growing interest in carbon sequestration and cellulosic biofuels in southern pine forests, and hence need to be able to accurately predict them. To this end, we derived a set of aboveground biomass models using data from 62 small-diameter loblolly pines (Pinus taeda) sampled on the Crossett Experimental Forest in southeastern Arkansas. Of the 25 equations initially evaluated, we chose 17 that best fit our dataset and compared them using a suite of conventional test statistics, including pseudo-R 2 , root mean squared error (RMSE), and bias. Because most of the 17 models varied little in pseudo- R 2 (ranging between 0.96 and 0.99), bias (all were within ± 0.01), and RMSE, an additional comparison was done using Akaike's Information Criterion corrected for small sample size (AICc). This test statistic produced considerably more discrimination between the biomass models. Of the 17 models c scores that met or exceeded the threshold for substantial support. To recommend a single preferred model, we then extrapolated beyond our actual data and qualitatively compared model predictions with those from the National Biomass Estimator. Our "best" model did not have the minimum AICc score, but rather predicted logically consistent aboveground biomass values at both the upper and lower ends of our extrapolation.
A longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis of the process of kidney recipients’ resolution of complex ambiguities within relationships with their living donors

Much previous research into living kidney donation has focused on the decision-making of the donor, despite evidence suggesting this may be a more psychologically challenging time for the recipient. This longitudinal study explores the experiences of four recipients of kidneys from living donors throughout the transplant process. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes arose from the data, which were as follows: changing perceptions of relationships with kidney donors; upbeat, temporal strategies for remaining positive and journey of the self. Findings from the first theme are presented in detail here. It was found that each participants’ relationship with their donor grew and developed in different ways, presenting their own complex challenges in terms of developing relationships and ambiguity around the decision to use the chosen donor.
Six Myths of Information and Markets: Information Technology Networks, Electronic Commerce, and The Battle for Consumer Surplus

The infusion of powerful information networks into business environments is beginning to have a profound impact on the nature of governance between buyers and sellers in the marketplace. Most articles in this area emphasize the benefits to the consumer side of the equation due to reduced coordination, search, and transactional costs. This article presents a broader view of information and markets by elucidating innovative ways that sellers can survive in intensely competitive markets. The article is framed in terms of six myths and counter myths of information technology and effective markets. The myths provide a conventional view of how increased customization and outsourcing, open architectures, a larger customer base, and low price guarantees will benefit the buyer. The counter myths illustrate that it is altogether feasible for IT to enable supplier strategies that extract consumer surplus. For instance, suppliers could use IT to price discriminate by tailoring product offerings and charging buyers as much as they are willing to pay. They could also segment markets making comparative shopping difficult, thus avoiding the competitive equilibrium. Also, suppliers could focus on the creation of networks that lock in customers or follow aggressive pricing strategies that deter price competition. Both the myths and counter myths are presented and examined in a polemical format using simple, fundamental economic arguments. We hope to provide provocative new avenues for discourse in this area by recognizing the complexity of interactions between buyers and suppliers in a highly networked environment
Karrikins Discovered in Smoke Trigger Arabidopsis Seed Germination by a Mechanism Requiring Gibberellic Acid Synthesis and Light1[W][OA]

Discovery of the primary seed germination stimulant in smoke, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (KAR1), has resulted in identification of a family of structurally related plant growth regulators, karrikins. KAR1 acts as a key germination trigger for many species from fire-prone, Mediterranean climates, but a molecular mechanism for this response remains unknown. We demonstrate that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), an ephemeral of the temperate northern hemisphere that has never, to our knowledge, been reported to be responsive to fire or smoke, rapidly and sensitively perceives karrikins. Thus, these signaling molecules may have greater significance among angiosperms than previously realized. Karrikins can trigger germination of primary dormant Arabidopsis seeds far more effectively than known phytohormones or the structurally related strigolactone GR-24. Natural variation and depth of seed dormancy affect the degree of KAR1 stimulation. Analysis of phytohormone mutant germination reveals suppression of KAR1 responses by abscisic acid and a requirement for gibberellin (GA) synthesis. The reduced germination of sleepy1 mutants is partially recovered by KAR1, which suggests that germination enhancement by karrikin is only partly DELLA dependent. While KAR1 has little effect on sensitivity to exogenous GA, it enhances expression of the GA biosynthetic genes GA3ox1 and GA3ox2 during seed imbibition. Neither abscisic acid nor GA levels in seed are appreciably affected by KAR1 treatment prior to radicle emergence, despite marked differences in germination outcome. KAR1 stimulation of Arabidopsis germination is light-dependent and reversible by far-red exposure, although limited induction of GA3ox1 still occurs in the dark. The observed requirements for light and GA biosynthesis provide the first insights into the karrikin mode of action.
Fetal Growth Velocity, Size in Early Life and Adolescence, and Prediction of Bone Mass: Association to the GH–IGF Axis

Poor growth in early life is associated with numerous adverse outcomes later in life. In 123 adolescents 16–18 yr of age, the previous findings of a positive relation between size in early life and later bone mass was confirmed. These associations were mediated by the current height and weight, but it was not confirmed that alterations of the GH–IGF axis cause this.
A Stochastic Continuation Approach to Piecewise Constant Reconstruction

We address the problem of reconstructing a piecewise constant 3-D object from a few noisy 2-D line-integral projections. More generally, the theory developed here readily applies to the recovery of an ideal n-D signal (n ges 1) from indirect measurements corrupted by noise. Stabilization of this ill-conditioned inverse problem is achieved with the Potts prior model, which leads to a challenging optimization task. To overcome this difficulty, we introduce a new class of hybrid algorithms that combines simulated annealing with deterministic continuation. We call this class of algorithms stochastic continuation (SC). We first prove that, under mild assumptions, SC inherits the finite-time convergence properties of generalized simulated annealing. Then, we show that SC can be successfully applied to our reconstruction problem. In addition, we look into the concave distortion acceleration method introduced for standard simulated annealing and we derive an explicit formula for choosing the free parameter of the cost function. Numerical experiments using both synthetic data and real radiographic testing data show that SC outperforms standard simulated annealing.
Potential of a Simplified p24 Assay for Early Diagnosis of Infant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Haiti

ABSTRACT With global efforts to scale up the prevention of mother-to-child transmission services and pediatric antiretroviral therapy, there is an urgent need to introduce a simple, low-cost infant human immunodeficiency virus test in the field. We postulated that the p24 antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay could be simplified by eliminating signal amplification without compromising diagnostic accuracy.