Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and verification in real-time distributed computing: an introduction to compositional methods

Formal methods for the specification and verification of real-time systems can be considered from the viewpoint of expressibility (which properties can be specified), spec ification language (real-time temporal logic, first order assertions with time as explicit parameter), and programming features (time-out, communication mechanism, concur rency). We stress compositional methods, i.e. methods in which the specification of a compound program can be inferred from specifications of its constituents without refer ence to the internal structure of those parts. This allows programming with such parts via their specifications rather than through their fully worked out code, thus separating the use ofthose parts as modules from their implementation. Therefore compositionality enables verification during the process of (top-down) design - the derivation of correct programs - instead of the more familiar a posteriori verification based on already com pleted program code. We extend these compositional methods to real-time distributed computing. Compositional reasoning during top-down development is illustrated by an example concerning a watchdog timer.
Deviated nasal septum hinders intranasal sprays: a computer simulation study.

BACKGROUND This study investigates how deviated nasal septum affects the quantity and distribution of spray particles, and examines the effects of inspiratory airflow and head position on particle transport. METHODS Deposition of spray particles was analysed using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model created from a computed tomography scan of a human nose with leftward septal deviation and a right inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Five simulations were conducted using FluentTM software, with particle sizes ranging from 20-110 μm, a spray speed of 3 m/s, plume angle of 68(deg), and with steady state inspiratory airflow either present (15.7 L/min) or absent at varying head positions. RESULTS With inspiratory airflow present, posterior deposition on the obstructed side was approximately four times less than the contralateral side, regardless of head position, and was statistically significant. When airflow was absent, predicted deposition beyond the nasal valve on the left and right sides were between 16% and 69% lower and positively influenced by a dependent head position. CONCLUSION Simulations predicted that septal deviation significantly diminished drug delivery on the obstructed side. Furthermore, increased particle penetration was associated with presence of nasal airflow. Head position is an important factor in particle deposition patterns when inspiratory airflow is absent.
Viable human buccal mucosa cells do not yield typical nucleoids: Impacts on the single‐cell gel electrophoresis/comet assay

Buccal mucosa (BM) cells have been used in human biomonitoring studies for detecting DNA adducts and chromosomal damage in an epithelial cell population. In the present study, we have investigated if human BM cells are suitable for use in the single‐cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/Comet assay as an approach for estimating the exposure of epithelial cells to DNA‐damaging agents. Our results indicate that only a few cells from BM cell samples yield comets that can be analyzed by current methods, and that the yield of cells with comets is independent of the percentage of viable BM cells in the sample. Data generated after enzymatic enrichment of viable cells and immunomagnetic separation of epithelial cells suggest that most of the BM cells that do form comets are probably leukocytes. Moreover, by reevaluating specific cells after running the Comet assay, we found that viable epithelial BM cells give rise to atypical comets that are not included in the analysis. Comparing DNA migration patterns between small groups of smokers and nonsmokers indicated that long‐term smoking had no effect on the subpopulation of cells that yield typical comets. Our results indicate that the SCGE assay, as it is commonly performed, may not be useful for genotoxicity monitoring in human epithelial BM cells. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Competition for Lending in the Internet Era: The Case of Peer-to-Peer Lending Marketplaces in the USA

Peer-to-peer lending marketplaces are a phenomenon in great expansion in the USA and Europe. These Online platforms build an example of two-sided market as they try to attract and match lenders and borrowers, while facing the trade-off between increasing the volume of intermediated transactions and minimizing the risks. In this article, we provide a descriptive analysis on the competitive strategies used by these platforms, in a two-sided market environment, and we try to find whether these two platforms differentiate from each other or from banks. To provide evidence on this comparison, we exploit data obtained by Prosper and LendingClub websites, the two leading peer-to-peer lending platforms in the USA, for the years 2006-2013 in the case of Prosper, while for LendingClub they are for the years 2007 until 2014. We deduce that these platforms are substitutes with one another and that they are frontally competing.
Clinical Implications of Research on Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health

The relation between religion and (or) spirituality (RS), and mental health has shown generally positive associations; however, it is a complex and often emotion-laden field of study. We attempt to examine potential mechanisms that have been proposed as mediators for the RS and mental health relation. We also examine more philosophical areas including patient and physician opinions about inclusion of RS in patient care, and ethical issues that may arise. We review suggested guidelines for sensitive patient inquiry, and opportunities and challenges for education of psychiatrists and trainees. We also study practical ways to incorporate psychospiritual interventions into patient treatment, with specific reference to more common spiritual issues such as forgiveness, gratitude, and altruism.
Inhibition of UVB-induced oxidative stress-mediated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes by green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate.

Exposure of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) to UVB radiation induces intracellular release of hydrogen peroxide (oxidative stress) and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cell signaling pathways. Here, we demonstrate that pretreatment of NHEK with (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant from green tea, inhibits UVB-induced hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production and H(2)O(2)-mediated phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways. We found that treatment of EGCG (20 microg/ml of media) to NHEK before UVB (30 mJ/cm(2)) exposure inhibited UVB-induced H(2)O(2) production (66-80%) concomitant with the inhibition of UVB-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (57-80%), JNK (53-83%), and p38 (50-77%) proteins. To demonstrate whether UVB-induced phosphorylation of MAPK occurs via UVB-induced H(2)O(2) (oxidative stress) production, NHEK were treated with the oxidant H(2)O(2). Treatment of H(2)O(2) to NHEK resulted in phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38. Using the same in vitro system, when these cells were pretreated with EGCG or with the known antioxidant ascorbic acid (as positive control), H(2)O(2)-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 was found to be significantly inhibited. These findings demonstrate that EGCG has the potential to inhibit UVB-induced oxidative stress-mediated phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting that EGCG could be useful in attenuation of oxidative stress-mediated and MAPK-caused skin disorders in humans.
Partial-SOI isolation structure for reduced bipolar transistor parasitics

A bipolar isolation structure with the capability of significantly reducing collector-base capacitance and base resistance is presented. Partial SOI, with SOI surrounding the collector opening, can be used to reduce the collector window width in combination with any emitter-base self-aligned bipolar device structure, and in particular for device structures that feature sublithographic emitter width. Near-ideal transistor Gummel characteristics and a minimum ECL gate delay of 24 ps have been achieved with a nonoptimized lateral device layout, and simulations suggest that sub-20-ps delay at reduced switch current will be possible by using the optimized partial-SOI isolation structure. <<ETX>>
Methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA) is a regulator of antioxidant defense and lifespan in mammals

Oxidation of proteins by reactive oxygen species is associated with aging, oxidative stress, and many diseases. Although free and protein-bound methionine residues are particularly sensitive to oxidation to methionine sulfoxide derivatives, these oxidations are readily repaired by the action of methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA). To gain a better understanding of the biological roles of MsrA in metabolism, we have created a strain of mouse that lacks the MsrA gene. Compared with the wild type, this mutant: (i) exhibits enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress (exposure to 100% oxygen); (ii) has a shorter lifespan under both normal and hyperoxic conditions; (iii) develops an atypical (tip-toe) walking pattern after 6 months of age; (iv) accumulates higher tissue levels of oxidized protein (carbonyl derivatives) under oxidative stress; and (v) is less able to up-regulate expression of thioredoxin reductase under oxidative stress. It thus seems that MsrA may play an important role in aging and neurological disorders.
Heterogeneity of airway inflammation in persistent asthma : evidence of neutrophilic inflammation and increased sputum interleukin-8.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To identify the characteristics of airway inflammation in persistent asthma and to examine the role of neutrophilic inflammation in noneosinophilic persistent asthma. METHODS Nonsmoking adults (n = 56) with persistent asthma and healthy control subjects (n = 8) underwent hypertonic saline solution challenge and sputum induction. Selected sputum portions were dispersed with dithiothreitol and assayed for total cell count, cellular differential, supernatant eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase, and interleukin (IL)-8. RESULTS We identified two distinct inflammatory patterns. Typical eosinophilic inflammation occurred in 41% of subjects, whereas the remainder exhibited noneosinophilic asthma (59%). Both neutrophil percentage and absolute neutrophil counts were increased in subjects with noneosinophilic asthma (64%, 283 x 10(6)/mL) compared to eosinophilic asthma (14%, 41 x 10(6)/mL) and control subjects (34%, 49 x 10(6)/mL; p = 0.0001). Myeloperoxidase was elevated in both noneosinophilic (280 ng/mL) and eosinophilic groups (254 ng/mL) compared with control subjects (82 ng/mL; p = 0.002). Sputum IL-8 levels were highest in subjects with noneosinophilic asthma (45 ng/mL) compared to eosinophilic asthma (9.6 ng/mL) and control subjects (3.5 ng/mL; p = 0.0001). Neutrophils correlated with IL-8 levels (r = 0.72). ECP was highest in subjects with eosinophilic asthma (2,685 ng/mL) compared with noneosinophilic asthma (1,081 ng/mL) and control subjects (110 ng/mL; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION Induced-sputum analysis in persistent asthma identifies two different inflammatory patterns. The most common pattern is noneosinophilic, associated with a neutrophil influx and activation, which may be mediated by IL-8 secretion. There is heterogeneity of airway inflammation in persistent asthma, which indicates differing mechanisms and may impact on treatment responses.
Relativistic calculations of pionic and kaonic atoms' hyperfine structure

We present the relativistic calculation of the hyperfine structure in pionic and kaonic atoms. A perturbation method has been applied to the Klein-Gordon equation to take into account the relativistic corrections. The perturbation operator has been obtained \textit{via} a multipole expansion of the nuclear electromagnetic potential. The hyperfine structure of pionic and kaonic atoms provide an additional term in the quantum electrodynamics calculation of the energy transition of these systems. Such a correction is required for a recent measurement of the pion mass.
Empirical Models for Radiometric Calibration of Digital Aerial Frame Mosaics

The advent of routine collection of high-quality digital photography provides for traditional uses, as well as “remote sensing” uses such as the monitoring of environmental indicators. A well-devised monitoring system, based on consistent data and methods, provides the opportunity to track and communicate changes in features of interest in a way that has not previously been possible. Data that are geometrically and radiometrically consistent are fundamental to establishing systems for monitoring. In this paper, we focus on models for the radiometric calibration of mosaics consisting of thousands of images. We apply the models to the data acquired by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and its partners as part of regular systematic acquisitions over the city of Perth for a project known as Urban Monitor. One goal of the project, and hence the model development, is to produce annually updated mosaics calibrated to reflectance at 0.2-m ground sample distance for an area of approximately 9600 km2. This equates to terabytes of data and, for frame-based instruments, tens of thousands of images. For the experiments considered in this paper, this requires mosaicking estimates derived from 3000 digital photographic frames, and the methods will shortly be expanded to 30 000+ frames. A key part of the processing is the removal of spectral variation due to the viewing geometry, typically attributed to the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of the land surface. A variety of techniques based on semiempirical BRDF kernels have been proposed in the literature for correcting the BRDF effect in single frames, but mosaics with many frames provide unique challenges. This paper presents and illuminates a complete empirical radiometric calibration method for digital aerial frame mosaics, based on a combined model that uses kernel-based techniques for BRDF correction and incorporates additive and multiplicative terms for correcting other effects, such as variations due to the sensor and atmosphere. Using ground truth, which consists of laboratory-measured white, gray, and black targets that were placed in the field at the time of acquisition, we calculate the fundamental limitations of each model, leading to an optimal result for each model type. We demonstrate estimates of ground reflectance that are accurate to approximately 10%, 5%, and 3% absolute reflectances for ground targets having reflectances of 90%, 40%, and 4%, respectively.
Designing training interventions: human or technical skills training?

Training is seen as the key instrument in the implementation of Human Resource Management policies and practices in both the private and public sector. The choice of the type of training, focused on human or technical skills, is crucial in designing the training process. This field study investigates the personal and occupational characteristics of 444 public managers, candidates for human and technical skills training. A classification model is proposed which allows the selection and weighting of the candidate trainees’ personal and occupational differences in order to participate in one of the two types of training. By means of the stepwise logistic regression method, gender, age, education, attitudes towards training, managerial level and job tenure have been identified as the significant variables associated with type of training.
DSM-5 Pathological Personality Traits and the Personality Assessment Inventory

Section 3 of the DSM-5 will include a pathological personality trait system rooted in the quantitative epistemology of personality and clinical psychology. This system has the potential to enhance the clinical utility of the diagnostic nosology by providing a means for the dimensional assessment of individuals with psychopathology. However, there is limited research on the associations of DSM-5 traits with common mental disorders and related clinical phenomena as measured by currently popular assessment instruments. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the convergence of the DSM-5 trait system with a well-validated broadband clinical instrument, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Bivariate correlations were examined and factor analytic methods were used to examine the degree to which the DSM-5 traits and PAI capture common variance in personality and mental health. In a student sample (N = 1,001), we found broad convergence between the DSM-5 traits and PAI, which could be organized effectively using five factors. The implications of these findings for using traits to address issues related to diagnostic co-occurrence and heterogeneity in routine clinical assessment are discussed.
RNA Interference-Based Gene Silencing as an Efficient Tool for Functional Genomics in Hexaploid Bread Wheat1[W][OA]

Insertional mutagenesis and gene silencing are efficient tools for the determination of gene function. In contrast to gain- or loss-of-function approaches, RNA interference (RNAi)-induced gene silencing can possibly silence multigene families and homoeologous genes in polyploids. This is of great importance for functional studies in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum), where most of the genes are present in at least three homoeologous copies and conventional insertional mutagenesis is not effective. We have introduced into bread wheat double-stranded RNA-expressing constructs containing fragments of genes encoding Phytoene Desaturase (PDS) or the signal transducer of ethylene, Ethylene Insensitive 2 (EIN2). Transformed plants showed phenotypic changes that were stably inherited over at least two generations. These changes were very similar to mutant phenotypes of the two genes in diploid model plants. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed a good correlation between decreasing mRNA levels and increasingly severe phenotypes. RNAi silencing had the same quantitative effect on all three homoeologous genes. The most severe phenotypes were observed in homozygous plants that showed the strongest mRNA reduction and, interestingly, produced around 2-fold the amount of small RNAs compared to heterozygous plants. This suggests that the effect of RNAi in hexaploid wheat is gene-dosage dependent. Wheat seedlings with low mRNA levels for EIN2 were ethylene insensitive. Thus, EIN2 is a positive regulator of the ethylene-signaling pathway in wheat, very similar to its homologs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa). Our data show that RNAi results in stably inherited phenotypes and therefore represents an efficient tool for functional genomic studies in polyploid wheat.
Retinal neovascularization is suppressed with a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor.

OBJECTIVES To determine the role of extracellular proteinases in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization in an animal model and to examine the effect of proteinase inhibitors on retinal neovascularization. METHODS Retinal neovascularization was induced in newborn mice exposed to 75% oxygen for 5 days, followed by room air. Retinal extracts underwent zymographic analysis to measure the activity of urokinase and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Some animals under the same conditions also received intraperitoneal injections of an MMP inhibitor. Histological analysis was done to quantitate the neovascular response in these animals. RESULTS Levels of urokinase and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in retinas were significantly increased in animals with induced retinal neovascularization. Neovascularization was significantly inhibited with intraperitoneal administration of an MMP inhibitor. CONCLUSION Systemic inhibition of MMPs may have therapeutic potential in preventing retinopathy associated with retinal neovascularization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Because up-regulation and activation of proteinases represents a final common pathway in the process of retinal neovascularization, pharmacological intervention of this pathway may be an alternative therapeutic approach to proliferative retinopathy.
Importance of self‐rated health and mental well‐being in predicting health outcomes following total joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis

The determinants of outcomes and the scope of outcomes examined in total joint replacement (TJR) typically have been limited to aspects of physical health. We investigated mental well‐being, physical and social health, and self‐rated health (SRH) as predictors of future health status within a cohort undergoing a TJR for hip or knee osteoarthritis. We also investigated the interrelationships among these health dimensions as they relate to SRH.
Pengaruh pengungkapan corporate social responsibility terhadap kinerja keuangan perusahaan manufaktur

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) terhadap kinerja keuangan yang diproksikan dengan Return On Asset (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE), dan Earning Per Share (EPS). Penelitian ini dilakukan karena masih banyak terdapat perbedaan hasil penelitian pada penelitian terdahulu. Populasi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh perusahaan manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) pada tahun 2008-2012. Sedangkan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini dipilih secara purposive judgment sampling yaitu pemilihan sampel secara tidak acak informasinya diperoleh dengan menggunakan kriteria tertentu. Sampel yang terkumpul dalam penelitian ini sejumlah 100. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Return On Asset (ROA) dan Return On Equity (ROE), namun berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Earning Per Share (EPS).
Human muscle nerve sympathetic activity at rest. Relationship to blood pressure and age

1. Recordings of multi‐unit sympathetic activity were made from median or peroneal muscle nerve fascicles in thirty‐three healthy subjects, resting in recumbent position. Simultaneous recordings of intra‐arterial blood pressure were made in seventeen subjects. The neural activity, quantified by counting the number of pulse synchronous sympathetic bursts in the mean voltage neurogram (burst incidence), was plotted against the arterial blood pressure level and the age of the subjects. The effects of spontaneous temporary blood pressure fluctuations were studied by correlating different pressure parameters of individual heart beats to the probability of occurrence of a sympathetic burst and to the amplitude of the occurring burst.