Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating Emission Reduction Benefit From Intersection Signal Optimization

Most existing intersection signals are timed based on delay minimization. However, minimizing delay does not necessarily lead to the minimization of emissions at an intersection. No study has focused on the difference or the trade-off between delay based and emissions based signal optimization. Delay-based optimization typically uses macroscopic flow conditions such as traffic demands, saturation flow rates, and average delay. However, the latest emission model, MOVES (Motor Vehicle Emission Simulation), requires second-by-second individual vehicle speed profiles, which makes the model difficult to formulate directly in an emission-based signal optimization problem. This study first develops a methodology to derive vehicle profiles given macroscopic inputs so that MOVES can be applied to estimating emissions. Then an optimization methodology of signal timing is developed and solved with a genetic algorithm. The objective function of the optimization problem considers both delay and emissions, with the signal timing elements being the decision variables. Through a case study, the air quality benefit by reducing vehicle emissions through intersection signal control is demonstrated, and the trade-off between operational and emission performance measures is investigated. Furthermore, the air quality benefit from intersection signal control is discussed under different scenarios of cycle lengths, percentages of turning vehicles, and traffic demands on major/minor roads.
ELF Propagation Parameters for the Ground-Ionosphere Waveguide With Finite Ground Conductivity

In the extremely low frequency (ELF) range, the space between the ground and ionosphere forms a spherical waveguide. When studying the ELF radio-wave propagation on Earth using analytical models, it is commonly assumed that the ground has perfect conductivity. In some planetary applications, the ground conductivity is so low that it has a significant influence on the radio-wave propagation in the ELF range and it has to be included in the model. This issue has not been resolved in a satisfactory way yet. In this paper, we analyze the penetration of the ground by an electromagnetic wave traveling along the surface and we propose a solution that allows including ground parameters in the frequently used 2-D analytical model of the ground-ionosphere waveguide. The presented calculations show that in most cases on Earth, the differences with such a model are small, up to a few percent for phase velocity.
Maintenance of Normoglycemia During Cardiac Surgery

We used the hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic clamp technique, i.e., infusion of insulin at a constant rate combined with dextrose titrated to clamp blood glucose at a specific level, to preserve normoglycemia during elective cardiac surgery. Ten nondiabetic and seven diabetic patients entered the clamp protocols. Perioperative glucose control was also assessed in 19 nondiabetic and 11 diabetic patients (control group) receiving a conventional insulin infusion sliding scale. In patients of the clamp group, a priming bolus of insulin (2 U) was started before the induction of anesthesia followed by infusions of insulin at 5 mU·kg−1·min−1 and of variable amounts of dextrose. Arterial blood glucose was measured every 5 min in the clamp group and every 20 min in the control group. Control of normoglycemia was defined as ≥95% of the glucose levels within 4.0–6.0 mmol/L. Glucose concentration was recorded before surgery, 15 min before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), during early and late CPB, and at sternal closure. Patients of the control group became progressively hyperglycemic during surgery (late CPB; nondiabetics, 9.0 ± 3.2 mmol/L; diabetics, 10.1 ± 3.6 mmol/L), whereas normoglycemia was achieved in the study group (late CPB; nondiabetics, 5.5 ± 0.7 mmol/L; diabetics, 4.9 ± 0.6 mmol/L; P < 0.05 versus control group). In conclusion, it seems that normal blood glucose concentration during open heart surgery can be reliably maintained in nondiabetic and diabetic patients by using the hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic clamp technique.
A Wide-Range All-Digital Duty Cycle Corrector with a Period Monitor

A wide-range all-digital duty cycle corrector (DCC) with a period monitor is presented. It corrects the duty cycle within four cycles. It generates the output clock of 50% duty cycle when the input duty cycle is within 10% ~ 90%. After this DCC locked, a closed-loop monitor continuously tracks the period of input clock to keep 50% duty-cycle in every eight cycles. The proposed circuit has been fabricated in a 0.18 um CMOS technology. The measured duty cycle error is between 1.3% and 1.6% and the measured frequency range is from 1GHz to 1.6 GHz.
Clinical Exercise Physiology PHYSICAL FITNESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES IN A PULMONARY REHABILITATION PROGRAM UTILIZING SYMPTOM LIMITED INTERVAL TRAINING AND RESISTANCE TRAINING

M.E. KAELIN, A.M. SWANK, K.L. BARNARD, K.J. ADAMS, P. BEACH, AND J. NEWMAN Physical Fitness And Quality Of Life Outcomes In A Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Utilizing Symptom Limited Interval Training And Resistance Training. JEPonline. 2001;4(3):30-37. This investigation examined the efficacy of a program utilizing symptom-limited interval training (IT) combined with strength training (ST) on 6-minute walk distances, increases in exercise capacity (METs), and quality of life. Outcome Data for 50 patients enrolled in outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation with a Mean Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) of 39.45±11.51 and an average age of 68.34±6.94 were analyzed using dependent t-tests to compare admit and discharge values (mean±SD). Values collected were 6-minute walk results 931.20 feet±305.00 to 1131.9 feet±226.32 (p < 0.0001), peak exercise tolerance with symptom limited interval training 2.55±0.52 METs to 4.78±1.22 METs (p < 0.0001). Quality of life scores on the Health Status Questionnaire 2.0 increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in the areas of physical function, health role limits, emotional role limits, social function, mental health, and energy levels. There was no significant change in patients’ perception of overall health and body pain. Results suggest that IT combined with ST can be tolerated by individuals with severe COPD and results in significant increases in 6-minute walk results, peak exercise tolerance, and quality of life.
Transforming growth factor‐beta signaling promotes hepatocarcinogenesis induced by p53 loss

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results from the accumulation of deregulated tumor suppressor genes and/or oncogenes in hepatocytes. Inactivation of TP53 and inhibition of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) signaling are among the most common molecular events in human liver cancers. Thus, we assessed whether inactivation of TGF‐β signaling, by deletion of the TGF‐β receptor, type II (Tgfbr2), cooperates with Trp53 loss to drive HCC formation. Albumin‐cre transgenic mice were crossed with floxed Trp53 and/or floxed Tgfbr2 mice to generate mice lacking p53 and/or Tgfbr2 in the liver. Deletion of Trp53 alone (Trp53KO) resulted in liver tumors in approximately 41% of mice by 10 months of age, whereas inactivation of Tgfbr2 alone (Tgfbr2KO) did not induce liver tumors. Surprisingly, deletion of Tgfbr2 in the setting of p53 loss (Trp53KO;Tgfbr2KO) decreased the frequency of mice with liver tumors to around 17% and delayed the age of tumor onset. Interestingly, Trp53KO and Trp53KO;Tgfbr2KO mice develop both HCC and cholangiocarcinomas, suggesting that loss of p53, independent of TGF‐β, may affect liver tumor formation through effects on a common liver stem cell population. Assessment of potential mechanisms through which TGF‐β signaling may promote liver tumor formation in the setting of p53 loss revealed a subset of Trp53KO tumors that express increased levels of alpha‐fetoprotein. Furthermore, tumors from Trp53KO mice express increased TGF‐β1 levels compared with tumors from Trp53KO;Tgfbr2KO mice. Increased phosphorylated Smad3 and ERK1/2 expression was also detected in the tumors from Trp53KO mice and correlated with increased expression of the TGF‐β responsive genes, Pai1 and Ctgf. Conclusion: TGF‐β signaling paradoxically promotes the formation of liver tumors that arise in the setting of p53 inactivation. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Mit Kindergartenkindern Medientechnologien ergründen: Alltägliche Lebensführung und subjektwissenschaftliche Technikforschung

Der alltaglichen Nutzung von Medientechnologien liegen komplexe Interaktionsprozesse zugrunde. Eine Erforschung des Kind-Technik-Verhaltnisses benotigt daher Konzepte, die der intersubjektiven und materiellen Beziehungshaftigkeit menschlichen Alltags gerecht werden. Das zuletzt verstarkt von der Kinderforschung aufgegriffene Konzept der alltaglichen Lebensfuhrung unterstreicht die Zweiseitigkeit des Mensch-Welt-Verhaltnisses, die sozio-materielle Vermitteltheit alltaglichen Lebens sowie die Gerichtetheit menschlicher Handlungen. Potenziell ermoglicht es dadurch eine Uberwindung naheliegender einseitiger Erklarungen fur die Kind-Technik-Interaktion. Der Beitrag bezieht in einem Kindergarten erhobenes Datenmaterial ein, um das Konzept der alltaglichen Lebensfuhrung fur eine subjektwissenschaftliche Technikforschung mit Kindern fruchtbar zu machen. Die hier vorgeschlagene Erweiterung betont die Relevanz einer prazisen Analyse materieller Anordnungen in den spezifischen Praxiszusammenhangen sowie die kollektive Gestaltung dieser Zusammenhange durch Erziehende, akademisch Forschende und Kinder.
Electrochemical Evidence for Neuroglobin Activity on NO at Physiological Concentrations*

The true function of neuroglobin (Ngb) and, particularly, human Ngb (NGB) has been under debate since its discovery 15 years ago. It has been expected to play a role in oxygen binding/supply, but a variety of other functions have been put forward, including NO dioxygenase activity. However, in vitro studies that could unravel these potential roles have been hampered by the lack of an Ngb-specific reductase. In this work, we used electrochemical measurements to investigate the role of an intermittent internal disulfide bridge in determining NO oxidation kinetics at physiological NO concentrations. The use of a polarized electrode to efficiently interconvert the ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) forms of an immobilized NGB showed that the disulfide bridge both defines the kinetics of NO dioxygenase activity and regulates appearance of the free ferrous deoxy-NGB, which is the redox active form of the protein in contrast to oxy-NGB. Our studies further identified a role for the distal histidine, interacting with the hexacoordinated iron atom of the heme, in oxidation kinetics. These findings may be relevant in vivo, for example, in blocking apoptosis by reduction of ferric cytochrome c, and gentle tuning of NO concentration in the tissues.
Mortality and HIV transmission among male Vietnamese injection drug users.

AIMS To estimate all-cause mortality rate and to assess predictors of all-cause mortality among injection drug users (IDUs) in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam between 2005 and 2007. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Community-dwelling IDUs were enrolled and followed at 3-month intervals for up to 2 years. PARTICIPANTS A total of 894 male IDUs (median age of 32 years, 22.8% HIV-positive, all having injected opioids). MEASUREMENTS Deaths were confirmed by family members and by reviewing government records. Marginal Cox proportional hazards models for clustered data were constructed to determine the independent predictors of all-cause mortality, using both fixed baseline measurements and time-dependent repeated measurements. FINDINGS During 710.1 person-years of follow-up, 45 (5.0%) drug injectors died. The causes of deaths were AIDS-related (14 cases, 31%), drug overdose (12, 27%), suicide (three, 7%), traffic accident (three, 7%), violence (two, 4%), pneumonia (two, 4%), non-traffic accident (one, 2%) and unknown causes (eight, 18%). The all-cause mortality rate was 6.3% (95% CI = 4.6-8.5) per 100 person-years. The standardized mortality ratio was 13.4. The HIV incidence rate was 5.2 (95% CI = 3.5-7.6) per 100 person-years. In multi-factorial analysis, HIV infection [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.9-6.3] and previous diagnosis of tuberculosis (HR = 10.0, 95% CI = 4.1-24.3) were associated significantly with increased hazard of death. CONCLUSIONS The all-cause, age- and sex-standardized mortality among Vietnamese IDUs is 13-fold higher than the general population and substantially higher than IDUs studied in developed countries. Effective prevention and control of HIV infection and tuberculosis are needed urgently.
Isolation and selection of fluorescent pseudomonads based on multiple plant growth promotion traits and siderotyping

Fluorescent pseudomonads, acclaimed plant associated bacterial group, are well-known plant growth promoting-biocontrol agents in rhizosphere arena. In this study, 144 fluorescent pseudomonad isolates from rhizosphere soil samples were screened with King's medium B supplemented with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) chelator and comprehensively profiled for plant growth promotion viz., production of indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, motility, phosphate solubilization, root growth promotion, and biofilm forming ability, along with two known control strains of pseudomonads. Iron and IAA regulated secondary metabolite siderophore production were investigated quantitatively. All isolates were positive for ammonia production and motility; 46% isolates were positive for hydrogen cyanide, 44% shown positivity for phosphate solubilization, and 40% isolates for siderophore production. Siderotyping showed production of hydroxamate type of siderophores which are known to be more efficient biocontrol agents. All isolates stimulated root growth to varying extent and had potentiality to form biofilms, a critical constituent for survival on different environments. Forty-two isolates of pseudomonads showed antagonistic behavior against the deleterious fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum (MTCC1755). Based on the above observations and statistical analysis, 11 isolates were shortlisted for further scrutiny. The study of biogeographic correlation and secondary metabolite profiling in association with plant growth promotion focalizes significant assessment on the behavior and antagonistic action, which probably brings out a competent biocontrol agent in a sustainable eco-friendly dimension.
Wild-type p53-mediated Induction of Rat mdr1bExpression by the Anticancer Drug Daunorubicin*

The expression of P-glycoproteins encoded by themdr gene family is associated with the emergence of the multidrug resistance phenotype in animal cells. mdrexpression can be induced by many extracellular stimulants including cytotoxic drugs and chemical carcinogens. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved. Here, we report that the expression of the rat mdr1b can be induced by anticancer drug daunorubicin. Further analysis identified a bona fide p53-binding site spanning from base pairs −199 to −180 (5′-GAACATGTAGAGACATGTCT-3′) in the rat mdr1b promoter that is essential for basal and daunorubicin-inducible promoter activities. In addition, our results show that wild-type p53 can up-regulate not only the promoter function but also endogenous expression of the rat mdr1b. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that a specific p53-binding site is involved in the transcriptional regulation ofmdr gene by wild-type p53. Since p53 is a sensor for a wide variety of genotoxic stresses, our finding has broad implications for understanding the mechanisms involved in the inducible expression ofmdr gene by anticancer drugs, chemical carcinogens, UV light, and other DNA-damaging agents.
Association of Knowledge, Anxiety, and Fear with Adherence to Follow Up for Colposcopy

Objectives To evaluate the association of pre-visit anxiety with pre- and post-visit knowledge, satisfaction, and adherence to colposcopy follow-up visits. Methods A group of 122 women presenting for colposcopy between July 1999 and May 2000 were studied. Immediately prior to their appointment, 98% of eligible patients participated in a self-administered questionnaire. Patients were sent a follow-up questionnaire within two weeks of the appointment. Statistical analyses included Chi-Square and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. Results The mean follow up was 112 days (SE 9.47). Although the mean fear score was 7.3 (SE 3, range 1–10) and mean anxiety score was 7.8 (SE 2.8, range 1–10), there was no significant association with pre-visit fear and adherence to follow up. Pre-evaluation knowledge was positively associated with fear, anxiety, post-visit knowledge, and adherence to follow up. Conclusions Pre-visit intervention may improve adherence and reduce anxiety associated with colposcopy.
Effect of Lipopolysaccharide and Inflammatory Cytokines on Interleukin-6 Production by Healthy Human Gingival Fibroblasts

ABSTRACT Cytokines are hormone-like proteins which mediate and regulate inflammatory and immune responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokines on regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). The HGF cell lines used in this study, H-CL and F-CL, were established by the explant technique from healthy gingival tissue. Cultured cells were grown to confluency and incubated with various concentrations of LPS from Escherichia coli orPorphyromonas gingivalis or with the recombinant human cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1α, or IL-1β. Culture supernatants were collected at various times and assessed for IL-6 production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total RNA was isolated from the harvested cells and used to assess levels of IL-6 mRNA by the RNase protection assay. Both LPS preparations induced IL-6 production (1 to 4 ng of IL-6 per ml) by both HGF cell lines. Although TNF-α stimulated IL-6 production by HGF, >10-fold-larger amounts were induced with IL-1α and IL-1β. Furthermore, the addition of both IL-1α and TNF-α to cultured cells resulted in approximately 600- to 800-fold-higher levels of IL-6 than seen in control cultures, suggesting that these cytokines synergistically induced IL-6 production by HGF. IL-6 message in cultured cells was upregulated 20-fold by TNF-α, 1,000-fold by IL-1α and IL-1β, and 1,400-fold by IL-1α plus TNF-α. IL-1α and TNF-α alone upregulate IL-6 production in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. The addition of IL-1α and TNF-α to cultured HGF cells resulted in a synergistic induction of IL-6 after 8 h of incubation and when greater than 10 pg of this combination per ml was used. Our studies show that inflammatory cytokines are hundreds of times more potent than LPS in stimulating IL-6 production by HGF.
Detection and localization of multiple sources in noise with unknown covariance

A technique for detection and localization of multiple sources in the presence of noise with unknown and arbitrary covariance is presented. The technique is applicable to coherent and noncoherent signals and to arbitrary array geometry. It is based on Rissanen's (1983) MDL minimum description length principle for model selection. Its computational load is comparable to that of analogous techniques for white noise. Simulation results demonstrating the performance of this technique are included. <<ETX>>
Histopathology of the liver in histiocytosis syndromes.

Liver biopsies were studied in 47 cases representing various histiocytosis syndromes. These included 32 cases of hemophagocytic syndrome, 11 cases of Langerhans cell histiocysis (LCH), and 4 cases of other histiocytic disorders. All cases of hemophagocytic syndrome, except one with cytomegalovirus infection, displayed portal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates dominated by T lymphocytes. Activation of the hepatic mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS), evidenced by enlarged von Kupffer cells, some of which were hemophagocytic, was seen in 28 cases of hemophagocytic syndrome. Endothelial enlargement, minor degrees of hepatocellular degeneration, and steatosis were also noted. Ten of the 11 cases of LCH also showed activation of the MPS. It was the only lesion in two biopsies. Seven cases demonstrated nonspecific "triaditis. " In three this was associated with cholangiocentric and random acinar histiocytic lesions. Evidence of activation of the MPS was also observed in both cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease and was accompanied by acinar histiocytic lesions in one and triaditis in the other. Likewise, both cases of juvenile xanthogranuloma showed activation of the MPS and focal granulomatous lesions. It is concluded that activation of the MPS is a common feature of liver disease in histiocytosis syndromes and that hepatic enlargement may be the result of this process instead of, or in addition to, the liver lesions known to be featured in these disorders. Hepatic lesions of the various histiocytosis syndromes resemble typical lesions in other sites and, in some instances, are accompanied by nonspecific changes. These nonspecific changes may occur in the absence of lesions that are diagnostic or typical of the particular histiocytosis syndrome. The location and character of hepatic lesions are important factors in the significance of liver involvement.
DETERMINANTS OF ABNORMAL AUDIT FEES IN NIGERIAN QUOTED COMPANIES

The aim of the study is to investigate the determinants of abnormal audit fees in Nigerian quoted companies, with specific emphasis on how the firm size, Big4, profitability, joint audit, and leverage impact on abnormal audit fee. The study involved about eighty four (84) manufacturing companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as at 31 December 2014. A sample of 56 companies representing 67% was finally selected for the study. Panel regression estimation technique was used in the analysis of the variables. The choice of the panel regression technique is premised on its quality of unbiasedness, increased data point, and control for individual heterogeneity. To test the accuracy of the model, we employed the classical regression assumption tests of normality, heteroskedasticity, serial correlation and multi co-linearity. The study found a positive and statistically significant relationship between the interaction of Big 4 audit firms and firm size and the dependent variable of abnormal audit fees which implies that large firms using Big 4 audit firms tend to pay abnormal audit fees. We, therefore, recommend that large firms should patronise reputable indigenous audit firms.