Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Shadowing Correlation Modeling on the System Level Performance of Adaptive Radio Resource Management Techniques

The use of software emulators to evaluate complex mobile communication systems is becoming increasingly useful and common. To conduct a valid and accurate study, the models employed in such simulators need to be carefully selected. On the other hand, increasing the complexity of such models in situations in which they do not affect or interact with the particular technique under study only contributes at increasing the simulator's implementation and simulation costs. In this context, this work aims at evaluating the impact of considering different types of correlation when developing shadowing models for system level investigations. For that purpose, link adaptation, an adaptive radio resource management technique, has been considered as a case study.
Endogenous Insulin Modulates Circulating Endothelin-1 Concentrations in Humans

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of oral glucose loading on plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in humans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 75 g D-glucose was given orally to 14 nonobese nondiabetic essential hypertensive subjects (eight men and six women, mean age 43.1 ± 3.0 years) and eight normotensive subjects (four men and four women, mean age 45.2 ± 4.1 years). Blood samples for plasma ET-1 measurement were drawn every 30 min for 2 h and then at 180 and 240 min. RESULTS After glucose load, insulin increased more significantly in hypertensive subjects than in normotensive subjects at times 60 (P = 0.004) and 90 (P = 0.001) min. Glucose loading was followed by a mild but significant increase in circulating ET-1 levels in both groups (hypertensive subjects, from 0.87 ± 0.25 pg/ml at time 0 to 1.64 ± 0.33 pg/ml at 120 min and 1.74 ± 0.38 pg/ml at 180 min, P < 0.05; normotensive subjects, from 0.82 ± 0.38 pg/ml at time 0 to 1.42 ± 0.18 pg/ml at 180 min, P < 0.05). Whereas baseline ET-1 levels were similar between the two groups, postload ET-1 levels were higher in hypertensive subjects than in normotensive subjects (P = 0.003 at 120 min; P = 0.04 at 180 min). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that significant changes in circulating ET-1 levels occur after oral glucose loading, probably due to a glucose-induced increment in endogenous insulin concentration.
Prospective evaluation of morphology, function, and quality of life after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and endoscopic treatment of chronic calcific pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE:Therapeutic endoscopy may be effective in selected patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP). We prospectively evaluated the early outcome of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in combination with interventional endoscopy, using broad inclusion criteria.METHODS:A total of 48 consecutive patients (35 male, 13 female) were recruited for ESWL and endoscopic therapy of symptomatic CCP. Symptoms, quality of life, pancreatic morphology and function were assessed before and after ESWL.RESULTS:Multiple stones (n = 43), strictures (n = 34), and pancreas divisum (n = 11) were found. A median of 13 ESWL sessions (range 2–74) with a median of 22,100 shockwaves (1,700–150,900) were required. Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (n = 48), stricture dilation (n = 12), and/or stenting (n = 27) were performed. After therapy, drainage of the pancreatic duct system was achieved in 36, complete stone clearance in 21 patients. Follow-up (n = 38) at 7 months (range 5–9) showed a significant decrease in pancreatic duct diameter (p < 0.001) and pain score (p < 0.0001) whereas complete pain relief was observed in 45% of cases. Several quality of life scores improved significantly. Weight gain occurred in 68% of patients. Normalization of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were observed in four patients, without modifying their treatment. Improvement in pain score correlated with weight gain and decrease in pancreatic duct diameter. Nonalcoholic etiology was associated with a better chance for improvement in pain score and decrease in pancreatic duct diameter. The presence of strictures did not deteriorate the clinical outcome.CONCLUSIONS:Besides pain relief, ESWL in combination with interventional endoscopy resulted in pancreatic ductal decompression, weight gain, and improvement in quality of life in a considerable number of patients with advanced CCP.
The late chlamydial inclusion membrane is not derived from the endocytic pathway and is relatively deficient in host proteins

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular parasites which multiply within infected cells in a membrane-bound structure termed an inclusion. Newly internalized bacteria are surrounded by host plasma membrane; however, the source of membrane for the expansion of the inclusion is unknown. To determine if the membrane for the mature inclusion was derived by fusion with cellular organelles, we stained infected cells with fluorescent or electron-dense markers specific for organelles and examined inclusions for those markers. We observed no evidence for the presence of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, late endosomal, or lysosomal proteins in the inclusion. These data suggest that the expansion of the inclusion membrane, beginning 24 h postinoculation, does not occur by the addition of host proteins resulting from either de novo host synthesis or by fusion with preexisting membranes. To determine the source of the expanding inclusion membrane, antibodies were produced against isolated membranes from Chlamydia-infected mouse cells. The antibodies were demonstrated to be solely against Chlamydia-specified proteins by both immunoprecipitation of [35S]methionine-labeled extracts and Western blotting (immunoblotting). Techniques were used to semipermeabilize Chlamydia-infected cells without disrupting the permeability of the inclusion, allowing antibodies access to the outer surface of the inclusion membrane. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated a ring-like fluorescence around inclusions in semipermeabilized cells, whereas Triton X-100-permeabilized cells showed staining throughout the inclusion. These studies demonstrate that the inclusion membrane is made up, in part, of Chlamydia-specified proteins and not of existing host membrane proteins.
Body Contouring After Bariatric Surgery: How Much is Really Being Done?

Abstract The proportion of postbariatric surgery patients who undergo body contouring (BC) procedures is unknown. We designed a study to explore demographic features and patient education regarding BC in the bariatric surgery (BS) population. A survey was mailed to 1158 patients who underwent BS by 2 surgeons between 2003 and 2011. A total of 284 (24.5%) patients responded. Seventy-two patients (25.4%) reported discussing BC surgery with their bariatric surgeon perioperatively. Forty patients (14.1%) were referred for plastic surgery consultation. Thirty-three patients (11.6%) underwent BC procedures. The most frequent reasons cited for not undergoing BC were expense (29.2%) and lack of awareness regarding options (23.6%). Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported that they might have chosen differently, had they received more information. As a result of insufficient perioperative counseling, the majority of BS patients are unaware of the multitude of BC procedures available. Additional efforts toward improving patient (and surgeon) education regarding postbariatric BC options are warranted.
Topology maintenance of Ad Hoc wireless sensor networks with an optimum distributed power saving scheduling learning automata based algorithm

The scheduling of nodes in a wireless Ad Hoc Sensor network is getting them to alternate between the sleeping and active mode. If this process of adjusting the wake/sleep schedule of all nodes that is, a topology management mechanism, is maintained in an optimal manner, further energy can be saved, which will have a direct impact on prolonging the lifetime of the network. So, in this paper a distributed power saving coordination algorithm for multi-hop ad hoc wireless networks based on learning automata without significantly diminishing the quality of services of the network such as capacity or connectivity of the network is proposed such that all nodes in the network that are equipped with learning automata don't need to be synchronized with each other. Learning automata abilities such as low computational load, usability in distributed environments with ambiguous information, and adaptability to changes via low environmental feedbacks are all, factors that can provide the mentioned optimal manner for nodes; and cause better fitness with local techniques in ad hoc wireless networks. The proposed protocol, SpanLAQ, consists of two phases: coordinator announcement and coordinator withdrawal which are based on learning automata to ensure fairness, and to make local decisions on whether a node is going to sleep or joining to a forwarding backbone as a coordinator. So, using learning automata with passing of time causes a decrease in energy consumption and an improvement of the network lifetime in SpanLAQ protocol with an 802.11 network in power saving mode, in comparison to other similar protocols such as Span and without any topology management protocols. Simulation results with a practical energy model also show that the above result is being achieved with some improvements in capacity, connectivity and communication latency.
Dielectric properties of sol-gel derived barium-strontium-titanate (Ba/sub 0.4/Sr/sub 0.6/TiO/sub 3/) thin films

The structural and dielectric properties of sol-gel derived barium-strontium-titanate (Ba/sub 0.4/Sr/sub 0.6/TiO/sub 3/) thin films have been investigated. The as-fired films are found to be amorphous, and films crystallize to a cubic phase after a post deposition annealing at 700/spl deg/C for one hour in air. The variation of dielectric constant with temperature and field was investigated as a function of film thickness. These films display a nonlinear dielectric response that can be described in terms of a power series expansion of the free energy in polarization as in Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire approach. The measured room temperature dielectric constant (/spl epsi/') of the film was about 320. The dielectric constant did not show any significant frequency dependence up to 100 kHz. The temperature dependence of dielectric constant exhibited a diffused ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition at -60/spl deg/C. The room temperature dielectric constant and magnitude of the dielectric peak at the Curie point was dependent on the thickness of the film. The obtained dielectric data on sol-gel barium strontium titanate thin films on platinized substrates were analyzed in the light of a barrier layer model.
Inefficiency and Self-Determination: Simulation-Based Evidence from Meiji Japan

We consider a model in which the arrangement of political boundaries involves a tradeoff between efficiencies of scale and geographic heterogeneity. If jurisdiction formation is decentralized, the model corresponds to a fractional hedonic game. We show how mixed integer programming can be used to calculate core partitions for fractional hedonic games via a sequence of myopic deviations. Using historical data from Japan regarding a set of centralized boundary changes, we estimate parameters using moment inequalities and find that core partitions always exist. In a counterfactual world in which there are no between-village income differences, these core partitions are extremely close to the partition that would be chosen by a utilitarian central planner. When actual cross-village income differences are used, however, sorting on income results in mergers that are both smaller and geographically bizarre.
Persistence of Immunity Following a Booster Dose of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B-Meningococcal Serogroup C Glycoconjugate Vaccine: Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Antibodies against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis (MenC) wane after early infant immunization. Methods: Children previously immunized in a randomized controlled trial at ages 2, 3, and 4 months with DTPa-IPV-Hib and MenC-CRM197 (MenC-CRM group) or DTPa-IPV and Hib-MenC-TT (Hib-MenC-TT group) had blood samples drawn at 1 and 2 years following a booster dose of Hib-MenC-TT at 12 to 15 months of age. A blood sample was also drawn at the year 2 follow-up from a separately recruited age-matched control group who had not received a booster. Results: In 271 children at year 1, mean 14.6 months (range: 12–18 months) following the Hib-MenC-TT booster, MenC bactericidal titers above the protective threshold (rSBA ≥1:8) was demonstrated in 89.0% of the Hib-MenC-TT group and 69.5% of MenC-CRM participants. Antipolyribosylribitol phosphate Ig ≥1.0 &mgr;g/mL (Hib correlate for long-term protection) was seen in 94.9% and 82.5%, respectively. In 379 participants (including 72 control children) at year 2 (age: 39–43 months, 25–31 months post Hib-MenC-TT) persistence of MenC antibodies was demonstrated in 67.1% of the Hib-MenC-TT group and 40.5% of the MenC-CRM group, compared with 44.1% of control group participants. Antipolyribosylribitol phosphate Ig ≥1.0 &mgr;g/mL was seen in 89.0%, 74.7%, and 38.9%, respectively. Conclusions: A toddler Hib-MenC-TT booster helps sustain immunity against Hib to 3½ years of age. Persistence of MenC antibody is similar in children primed with MenC-CRM197 in infancy who receive a booster Hib-MenC-TT, to those who receive no booster. Persistence of MenC antibody is better when primed and boosted with Hib-MenC-TT.
Bacteriophage growth on stationary phase Achromobacter cells.

A new phage-host system is described in which phage alpha 3a grows on stationary phase Achromobacter mutant strains. Characteristic clear plaques are formed, at an e.o. p. 10(-1) to 10(-2), on already confluent bacterial lawns of the mutant strains. Phage growth is sensitive to aeration and growth only occurs under micro-aerophilic conditions. Lysates prepared on the mutant strains cannot transduce in contrast to transducing lysates prepared from wild type Achromobacter strains.
Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Prophylaxis of Chronic Daily Headache: Subgroup Analysis of Patients Not Receiving Other Prophylactic Medications: A Randomized Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Objective. —To assess the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A; BOTOX®, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) for the prophylaxis of headaches in patients with chronic daily headache (CDH) without the confounding factor of concurrent prophylactic medications.
Speeding up coeliac disease diagnosis in cardiological settings

Introduction High prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) has been reported among patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of screening for CD by rapid test of anti-transglutaminase antibodies in the cardiology outpatients’ clinic. Material and methods We screened the blood samples of 104 patients with DCM, 44 of their first-degree relatives, 63 diseased controls and 101 healthy controls for the presence of anti-transglutaminase antibodies in a drop of whole blood using a rapid assay. This test was compared to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the anti-endomysium antibody test. Results Our rapid test was positive in three (2.9%) DCM patients, in one (2%) relative and in one (1%) healthy control. These subjects were positive at both control assays. Two DCM patients had iron-deficient anaemia. The healthy relative was asymptomatic, while the healthy control experienced extreme asthenia. The relative refused intestinal biopsy, while the others showed histological evidence of CD. During the gluten-free diet, the patient with the worst left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) underwent heart transplant, and LVEF values improved in the other two. Anaemia and tiredness resolved in all patients. Conclusion Early detection of CD in a cardiological setting allows prompt treatment with a gluten-free diet of gluten-dependent complaints with potential benefits for the course of DCM.
Evaluation of an effective multifaceted implementation strategy for elective single-embryo transfer after in vitro fertilization.

STUDY QUESTION What is the relationship between the rate of elective single-embryo transfer (eSET) and couples' exposure to different elements of a multifaceted implementation strategy? SUMMARY ANSWER Additional elements in a multifaceted implementation strategy do not result in an increased eSET rate. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A multifaceted eSET implementation strategy with four different elements is effective in increasing the eSET rate by 11%. It is unclear whether every strategy element contributes equally to the strategy's effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN AND SIZE An observational study was performed among 222 subfertile couples included in a previously performed randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS, SETTINGS AND METHODS Of the 222 subfertile couples included, 109 couples received the implementation strategy and 113 couples received standard IVF care. A multivariate regression analysis assessed the effectiveness of four different strategy elements on the decision about the number embryos to be transferred. Questionnaires evaluated the experiences of couples with the different elements. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE Of the couples who received the implementation strategy, almost 50% (52/109) were exposed to all the four elements of the strategy. The remaining 57 couples who received two or three elements of the strategy could be divided into two further classes of exposure. Our analysis demonstrated that additional elements do not result in an increased eSET rate. In addition to the physician's advice, couples rated a decision aid and a counselling session as more important for their decision to transfer one or two embryos, compared with a phone call and a reimbursement offer (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION The differences in eSET rate between exposure groups failed to reach significance, probably because of the small numbers of couples in each exposure group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Adding more elements to an implementation strategy does not always result in an increased effectiveness, which is in concordance with recent literature. This in-depth evaluation of a multifaceted intervention strategy could therefore help to modify strategies, by making them more effective and less expensive.
BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (IFRSS) AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (FASS): THE DEBATE CONTINUES

This article continues the on-going debate on what would be the more relevant accounting standards for Islamic banks. It addresses this important issue by first examining the differences between IFRSs and FASs in light of their objectives, scope, and suitability for adoption by Islamic banks in reporting their sharī‘ah-compliant transactions. Specifically, the study approaches the issue from the ethics of reporting, that is on the possibility of misreporting leading to sharī‘ah non-compliance. Most importantly, in reviewing selected standards of IFRSs and FASs, the study finds that the over-emphasis on ‘comparability’ may potentially lead to misreporting. Thus, it views sharī‘ah a compliance from a broader perspective instead of only limiting it to the execution of underlying transactions. Finally, it calls for collaboration between the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Accounting and Auditing Organization of Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).
Cannabis sativa and the Endogenous Cannabinoid System: Therapeutic Potential for Appetite Regulation

The herb Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) has been used in China and on the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years as a medicine. However, since it was brought to the UK and then the rest of the western world in the late 19th century, its use has been a source of controversy. Indeed, its psychotropic side effects are well reported but only relatively recently has scientific endeavour begun to find valuable uses for either the whole plant or its individual components. Here, we discuss evidence describing the endocannabinoid system, its endogenous and exogenous ligands and their varied effects on feeding cycles and meal patterns. Furthermore we also critically consider the mounting evidence which suggests non‐Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol phytocannabinoids play a vital role in C. sativa‐induced feeding pattern changes. Indeed, given the wide range of phytocannabinoids present in C. sativa and their equally wide range of intra‐, inter‐ and extra‐cellular mechanisms of action, we demonstrate that non‐Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol phytocannabinoids retain an important and, as yet, untapped clinical potential. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microvillar Ca++ signaling: A new view of an old problem

Proceeding from the recent finding that the main components of the Ca++ signal pathway are located in small membrane protrusions on the surface of differentiated cells, called microvilli, a novel concept of cellular Ca++ signaling was developed. The main features of this concept can be summarized as follows: Microvilli are formed on the cell surface of differentiating or resting cells from exocytic membrane domains, growing out from the cell surface by elongation of an internal bundle of actin filaments. The microvillar tip membranes contain all functional important proteins synthesized such as ion channels and transporters for energy‐providing substrates and structural components, which are, in rapidly growing undifferentiated cells, distributed over the whole cell surface by lateral diffusion. The microvillar shaft structure, a bundle of actin filaments, forms a dense cytoskeletal matrix tightly covered by the microvillar lipid membrane and represents an effective diffusion barrier separating the microvillar tip compartment (entrance compartment) from the cytoplasm. This diffusion barrier prevents the passage of low molecular components such as Ca++ glucose and other relevant substrates from the entrance compartment into the cytoplasm. The effectiveness of the actin‐based diffusion barrier is modulated by various signal pathways and effectors, most importantly, by the actin‐depolymerizing/reorganizing activity of the phospholipase C (PLC)‐coupled Ca++ signaling. Moreover, the microvillar bundle of actin filaments plays a dual role in Ca++ signaling. It combines the function of a diffusion barrier, preventing Ca++ influx into the resting cell, with that of a high‐affinity, ATP‐dependent, and IP3‐sensitive Ca++ store. Activation of Ca++ signaling via PLC‐coupled receptors simultaneously empties Ca++ stores and activates the influx of external Ca++. The presented concept of Ca++ signaling is compatible with all established data on Ca++ signaling. Properties of Ca++ signaling, that could not be reconciled with the basic principles of the current hypothesis, are intrinsic properties of the new concept. Quantal Ca++ release, Ca++‐induced Ca++ release (CICR), the coupling phenomen between the filling state of the Ca++ store and the activity of the Ca++ influx pathway, as well as the various yet unexplained complex kinetics of Ca++ uptake and release can be explained on a common mechanistic basis. J. Cell. Physiol. 180:19–34, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.