Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy efficiency of p-persistent CSMA under variable traffic conditions

Battery-powered wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are highly constrained in energy. In order to maximize the node and network lifetime, the energy usage has to be optimized. In this paper, we analyze the sources of energy consumption in p-persistent CSMA for non-saturated conditions, showing that maximum efficiency is achieved for a narrow range of traffic load. Furthermore, the optimum traffic load is a function of the consumption characteristics of the node and it does not guarantee maximum system throughput. Our analytical framework can be applied in various CSMA variants, thus aiding in the design of Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols for WSNs.
A novel frequency allocation mechanism with separation in mobile cellular network based on distributed setting

Frequency allocation is defined as the problem of assigning a set of compatible channels to each cell in a cellular network in an efficient manner. So an efficient frequency assignment is very important in cellular mobile network planning because it gives an efficient use of the available spectrum. The problem is closely related to computation of maximal independent set of graph and graph coloring with the objective function to minimize the total number of colors used. The paper presents an experimental analysis of simple distributed algorithm for optimized vertex coloring problem. It considers coloring of a cellular graph in a distributed setting, where each vertex in the graph is represented by an independent agent.
Benchmarking the CATMA Microarray. A Novel Tool forArabidopsis Transcriptome Analysis1[w]

Transcript profiling is crucial to study biological systems, and various platforms have been implemented to survey mRNAs at the genome scale. We have assessed the performance of the CATMA microarray designed for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transcriptome analysis and compared it with the Agilent and Affymetrix commercial platforms. The CATMA array consists of gene-specific sequence tags of 150 to 500 bp, the Agilent (Arabidopsis 2) array of 60mer oligonucleotides, and the Affymetrix gene chip (ATH1) of 25mer oligonucleotide sets. We have matched each probe repertoire with the Arabidopsis genome annotation (The Institute for Genomic Research release 5.0) and determined the correspondence between them. Array performance was analyzed by hybridization with labeled targets derived from eight RNA samples made of shoot total RNA spiked with a calibrated series of 14 control transcripts. CATMA arrays showed the largest dynamic range extending over three to four logs. Agilent and Affymetrix arrays displayed a narrower range, presumably because signal saturation occurred for transcripts at concentrations beyond 1,000 copies per cell. Sensitivity was comparable for all three platforms. For Affymetrix GeneChip data, the RMA software package outperformed Microarray Suite 5.0 for all investigated criteria, confirming that the information provided by the mismatch oligonucleotides has no added value. In addition, taking advantage of replicates in our dataset, we conducted a robust statistical analysis of the platform propensity to yield false positive and false negative differentially expressed genes, and all gave satisfactory results. The results establish the CATMA array as a mature alternative to the Affymetrix and Agilent platforms.
A Gaussian Mixture Filter for Range-Only Tracking

Range-only tracking problems arise in extended data collection for inverse synthetic radar applications, robotics, navigation and other areas. For such problems, the conditional density of the state variable given the measurement history is multi-modal or exhibits curvature, even in seemingly benign scenarios. For this reason, the use of extended Kalman filter (EKF) and other nonlinear filtering techniques based on Gaussian approximations can result in inaccurate estimates. We introduce a new filter for such tracking problems in two dimensions called the Gaussian mixture range-only filter (GMROF), which generates Gaussian mixture approximations to the conditional densities. The filter equations are derived by analytic techniques based on the specific nonlinearities of range-only tracking. A slight modification of the standard measurement process model, “noise before nonlinearity,” is used to simplify the moment calculations. Implementation requires, at each step, the fitting of a low order Gaussian mixture to a simple exponentiated trigonometric function of a scalar variable. Simulations involving scenarios from earlier comparative studies indicate that the GMROF consistently outperformed the EKF, and achieved the accuracy of particle filters while significantly reducing the computational cost.
Mortality in the Polish small-scale fishing industry.

BACKGROUND The fishing industry has a high occupational mortality. AIM To investigate the cause of mortality amongst Polish small-scale fishermen during a 40 year period. METHOD The retrospective data from three independent sources on deaths in the Polish small-scale fishing industry were analysed. RESULTS A total of 177 deaths were identified, with an average annual mortality rate of 89 per 100 000 employees per year. The death rate was significantly higher in boats <13 m in length. In 96% of cases, death was due to external (non-medical) causes, while 60% were related to sea catastrophes, often involving multiple vessels. Alcohol was implicated in 45% of deaths where autopsy was carried out. CONCLUSION The Polish small-scale fishing industry has a high mortality rate which varies significantly by type of vessel and use of alcohol may be a significant contributory factor.
Quantitative deposition of aerosolized gentamicin in cystic fibrosis.

In cystic fibrosis (CF), the clinical effectiveness of aerosolized antibiotics is controversial. Previous investigators have not considered the type of nebulizer, droplet size, and dose to the lung in assessing the results of aerosol therapy. The present study tests the importance of these factors by standardizing an aerosol system for delivery of antibiotics and other agents to patients with CF. Particle size, distribution, and output from a commercially available nebulizer were measured. Thirteen patients with CF inhaled aerosol (MMAD = 1.1 micron) containing gentamicin (160 mg in nebulizer) and 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin. Patients' sputum and serum were analyzed for gentamicin levels by immunoenzymatic assay (Emit; Syva Corp., Palo Alto, CA). Using a gamma camera and suitable filters, central versus peripheral deposition (C/P ratio) and whole lung deposition were measured and related to sputum gentamicin levels. Gentamicin deposit averaged 12.3 mg +/- 5.9 (SD) or 7.69% of the original amount placed in the nebulizer. Peak sputum levels averaged 376.6 micrograms/ml +/- 275, whereas serum levels were undetectable in all patients. When peak sputum levels were normalized for the amount deposited, a close correlation with C/P ratio was obtained (r = 0.88, p less than 0.05). Furthermore, an inverse relationship was found between the C/P ratio and the %FEV1 (r = 0.76, p less than 0.05). Finally, a bell-shaped relationship between deposited dose and minute ventilation was seen in the patients (r = 0.88, p less than 0.05), i.e., an optimal minute ventilation was shown. These relationships may be important when designing future clinical studies.
Modeling, pricing and risk management of power derivatives

Deregulation of energy markets has necessitated the adoption of risk management techniques in the power industry. The launched liberalization and therewith the uncertainty involved in gas, fuel and electrical power prices requires an efficient management of production facilities and financial contracts. Thereby derivatives build essential instruments to exchange volume as well as price risks. However, the valuation of financial derivatives in power markets has proven to be particularly challenging. The fact that electrical power is not physically storable eliminates the direct application of the no–arbitrage methodology from financial mathematics. Consequently, new approaches are required to value even the simplest derivative products in electricity markets. That is, modeling arbitrage– free electricity price dynamics turns out to be the crucial step towards fair pricing of financial products in power markets. In this work we propose an approach, which converts an electricity market into a virtual base market consisting of zero bonds and an additional risky asset. Using this structure, interest rate theory as well as the change– of–numeraire technique are applied to elaborate risk neutral price dynamics in electricity markets. As a result, explicit formulas are obtained for European type derivatives such as spread, cap, floor and collar options. Through the performed historical calibration it can be seen that in the proposed model, contract volatilities close to maturity increase significantly. For valuing swing type derivatives, which possess no closed–form solutions, an algorithm based on finite element methods is proposed. Thereby the reduction of multiple stopping time problems to a cascade of single stopping time problems is utilized. The obtained numerical results for different swing options all show a smooth and stable behavior. This allows an interpretation of the optimal exercise boundary and an analysis
Endothelial progenitor cells in subclinical hypothyroidism: the effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

CONTEXT Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, and possibly CV disease. However, its management remains controversial. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), expressing both endothelial and stem cell markers, are known to offer a novel CV risk marker. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to ascertain whether EPC count or function is reduced in SCH and whether it improves with T(4) therapy. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION EPC were studied in peripheral blood by fluorescence-activated cell sorter and following in vitro cultures before and after T(4) together with CV risk factors in 20 SCH and healthy controls (HC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE EPC count was measured at baseline and after T(4) replacement in SCH. RESULTS EPC count was significantly reduced in SCH compared to HC: median (range)-CD133+/VEGFR-2+, 0.09 (0.02-0.44) vs. 0.47 (0.17-2.12), P < 0.001; CD34+/VEGFR-2+, 0.10 (0.04-0.46) vs. 0.39 (0.11-2.13), P < 0.001; whereas EPC function was similar. There was a significant positive correlation between CD133+/VEGFR-2+ with free T(4) levels (r = 0.38; P = 0.02); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (r = 0.51; P = 0.001); and negative correlation with TSH concentrations (r = -0.64; P < 0.001). After adjustment for conventional CV risk factors, SCH predicted lower EPC count, beta coefficient/P value: CD133+/VEGFR-2+ (-0.77/<0.001), and CD34+/VEGFR-2+ (-0.71/<0.001). In SCH participants, EPC count increased and was similar to HC after T(4); CD133+/VEGFR-2+, 0.32 (0.03-0.94) vs. 0.09 (0.02-0.44), P < 0.001; and CD34+/VEGFR-2+, 0.26 (0.06-0.88) vs. 0.10 (0.04-0.46), P < 0.001. CONCLUSION SCH predicted lower EPC count, which improved with T(4) treatment, independent of other CV risk factors, providing additional evidence that T(4) replacement may improve CV risk in SCH.
Age-related gene response of human corneal endothelium to oxidative stress and DNA damage.

PURPOSE Nuclear oxidative DNA damage increases with age in human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) and contributes to their decreased proliferative capacity. These studies investigated whether HCECs respond to this damage by upregulating their expression of oxidative stress and DNA damage-signaling genes in an age-dependent manner. METHODS HCECs were dissected from the corneas of young (30 years and younger) and older (50 years and older) donors. Total RNA was isolated and reverse-transcribed. Oxidative stress and DNA damage-signaling gene expression were analyzed using commercial PCR-based microarrays. Western blot analyses were conducted on selected proteins to verify the microarray results. Nuclear DNA damage foci were detected in the endothelium of ex vivo corneas by immunostaining for H2AX-Ser139. RESULTS Four of 84 genes showed a statistically significant age-related difference in the expression of oxidative stress-related genes; however, Western blot analysis demonstrated an age-related increase in only 2 (cytoglobin and GPX-1) of 11 proteins tested. No age-related differences were detected in the expression of DNA damage-signaling genes. Western blot analysis of seven DNA damage-related proteins verified this finding. Intense nuclear staining of DNA damage foci was observed in nuclei within the central endothelium of older donors. Central endothelium from young donors consistently showed a low level of positive staining. CONCLUSIONS HCECs respond to age-related increases in oxidative nuclear DNA damage by forming DNA damage repair foci; however, they do not vigorously defend against or repair this damage by upregulating the expression of multiple oxidative stress or DNA damage-signaling genes.
Host traits explain the genetic structure of parasites: a meta-analysis

SUMMARY Gene flow maintains the genetic integrity of species over large spatial scales, and dispersal maintains gene flow among separate populations. However, body size is a strong correlate of dispersal ability, with small-bodied organisms being poor dispersers. For parasites, small size may be compensated by using their hosts for indirect dispersal. In trematodes, some species use only aquatic hosts to complete their life cycle, whereas others use birds or mammals as final hosts, allowing dispersal among separate aquatic habitats. We performed the first test of the universality of the type of life cycle as a driver of parasite dispersal, using a meta-analysis of 16 studies of population genetic structure in 16 trematode species. After accounting for the geographic scale of a study, the number of populations sampled, and the genetic marker used, we found the type of life cycle to be the best predictor of genetic structure (Fst): trematode species bound to complete their life cycle within water showed significantly more pronounced genetic structuring than those leaving water through a bird or mammal host. This finding highlights the dependence of parasites on host traits for their dispersal, suggesting that genetic differentiation of parasites reflects the mobility of their hosts.
Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 Determines Cell Binding Properties under Dynamic Flow by Controlling Golgi Localization of Core 2 N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1*

Background: Golgi retention mechanism of the core 2 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (C2GnT1) is not known. Results: Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) controls Golgi localization of C2GnT1 by binding to its cytoplasmic tail. Conclusion: GOLPH3 determines cell binding properties under dynamic flow by controlling Golgi localization of C2GnT1. Significance: Cell-cell interactions can be regulated by a protein that controls the Golgi localization of a glycosyltransferase. Core 2 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (C2GnT1) is a key enzyme participating in the synthesis of core 2-associated sialyl Lewis x (C2-O-sLex), a ligand involved in selectin-mediated leukocyte trafficking and cancer metastasis. To accomplish that, C2GnT1 needs to be localized to the Golgi and this step requires interaction of its cytoplasmic tail (CT) with a protein that has not been identified. Employing C2GnT1 CT as the bait to perform a yeast two-hybrid screen, we have identified Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) as a principal candidate protein that interacts with C2GnT1 and demonstrated that C2GnT1 binds to GOLPH3 via the LLRRR9 sequence in the CT. Confocal fluorescence microscopic analysis shows substantial Golgi co-localization of C2GnT1 and GOLPH3. Upon GOLPH3 knockdown, C2GnT1 is found mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum and decorated with complex-type N-glycans, indicating that the enzyme has been transported to the Golgi but is not retained. Also, we have found that a recombinant protein consisting of C2GnT1 CT1–16-Leu17–32-Gly33–42-GFP is localized to the Golgi although the same construct with mutated CT (AAAAA9) is not. The data demonstrate that the C2GnT1 CT is necessary and sufficient for Golgi localization of C2GnT1. Furthermore, GOLPH3 knockdown results in reduced synthesis of C2-O-sLex associated with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, reduced cell tethering to and rolling on immobilized P- or E-selectin, and compromised E-selectin-induced activation of spleen tyrosine kinase and cell adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 under dynamic flow. Our results reveal that GOLPH3 can regulate cell-cell interaction by controlling Golgi retention of C2GnT1.
Fam65b Is a New Transcriptional Target of FOXO1 That Regulates RhoA Signaling for T Lymphocyte Migration

Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors favor both T cell quiescence and trafficking through their control of the expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, adhesion, and homing. In this article, we report that the product of the fam65b gene is a new transcriptional target of FOXO1 that regulates RhoA activity. We show that family with sequence similarity 65 member b (Fam65b) binds the small GTPase RhoA via a noncanonical domain and represses its activity by decreasing its GTP loading. As a consequence, Fam65b negatively regulates chemokine-induced responses, such as adhesion, morphological polarization, and migration. These results show the existence of a new functional link between FOXO1 and RhoA pathways, through which the FOXO1 target Fam65b tonically dampens chemokine-induced migration by repressing RhoA activity.
The Culture of Nursing Engagement: A Historical Perspective

Work engagement is key to organizational efforts to retain nurses and mitigate future nursing shortages. In their dual role as caregivers and organization “keepers,” nurses may already have the key to creating a culture of engagement. The characteristics and benefits of “engaging” work environments are captured in nursing professional practice models, as evidenced by a quarter century of research on Magnet hospitals and professional practice. An inflection point, providing an opportunity for transformational change in the nursing work environment, may be generated by a critical need for nurses and a call for healthcare delivery system redesign. This article explores this opportunity for change by (1) examining history and nursing's deep roots in professional practice and its journey as an evolving profession and (2) mapping the growth of hospitals and the advancement of nursing's role in the United States, in the context of organizational theory. Finally, it examines the relationship and alignment of goals between the Institute of Medicine's call for system redesign and professional practice model elements, as the potential infrastructure for change. Focusing on the past and today provides us with a beginning framework from which to move expeditiously toward creating a culture of nursing engagement now.
Proposed Reference Material for Human Free Immunoglobulin Light Chain Measurement

Abstract Human free immunoglobulin light chain (FLC) kappa and lambda are useful clinical markers for light chain myeloma and AL amyloidosis. With the recent development of specific and reliable FLC immunoassays, the quantitative measurement of FLCs will be widely used in clinical practice. However, researchers have used various calibrators, mainly monoclonal FLCs; thus, no standardization has been performed among the assay methods. This prompted us to purify intact FLCs from the pooled urine specimens of healthy volunteers as the first reference materials for FLC assays. After precipitation with ammonium sulfate, FLCs were purified by the following steps of chromatography; cation exchange, gel filtration, and antibody‐assisted immunoaffinity. SDS‐PAGE and Western blotting analyses showed that the purity of FLC kappa and FLC lambda was more than 98%. These purified FLCs did not contain the other immunological types of light chains. These intact and purified FLCs are suitable as the first reference materials to standardize FLC assays.
[The relation of diabetic retinopathy with blood-fat and lipid peroxidation].

PURPOSE To observe and inquire into the relation of diabetic retinopathy with lipid metabolism, and lipid peroxidation. METHODS The contents of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxide (LPO) of serum were examined and determined both in thirty patients with diabetes in early stage suffering from retinopathy and twenty four healthy people. RESULTS TG, TC, LDL-C and LPO in patients group were obviously higher than those in the control group, while HDL-C and SOD were lower than those in healthy control group. CONCLUSION The disorder of lipid metabolism and the growing intensity of lipid peroxidation caused by diabetes may be one of the dangerous factors to bring about the retinopathy.
Al2O3 Coatings on Magnesium Alloy Deposited by the Fluidized Bed (FB) Technique

Magnesium alloys are widely employed in several industrial domains for their outstanding properties. They have a high strength-weight ratio, with a density that is lower than aluminum (33% less), and feature good thermal properties, dimensional stability, and damping characteristics. However, they are vulnerable to oxidation and erosion-corrosion phenomena when applied in harsh service conditions. To avoid the degradation of magnesium, several coating methods have been presented in the literature; however, all of them deal with drawbacks that limit their application in an industrial environment, such as environmental pollution, toxicity of the coating materials, and high cost of the necessary machinery. In this work, a plating of Al2O3 film on a magnesium alloy realized by the fluidized bed (FB) technique and using alumina powder is proposed. The film growth obtained through this cold deposition process is analyzed, investigating the morphology as well as tribological and mechanical features and corrosion behavior of the plated samples. The resulting Al2O3 coatings show consistent improvement of the tribological and anti-corrosive performance of the magnesium alloy.
Cutting Edge: Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cell Clones and the Maintenance of Replicative Function during a Persistent Viral Infection

Persistent viral infections induce the differentiation and accumulation of large numbers of senescent CD8+ T cells, raising the possibility that repetitive stimulation drives clones of T cells to senesce. It is therefore unclear whether T cell responses are maintained by the self-renewal of Ag-experienced peripheral T cell subsets or by the continuous recruitment of newly generated naive T cells during chronic infections. Using a transgenic mouse model that permits the indelible marking of granzyme B-expressing cells, we found that T cells primed during the initial stages of a persistent murine γ-herpes infection persisted and continued to divide during a latent phase of up to 7 mo. Such cells maintained an ability to extensively replicate in response to challenge with influenza virus expressing the same Ag. Therefore, Ag-experienced, virus-specific CD8+ T cell populations contain a subset that maintains replicative potential, despite long-term, persistent antigenic stimulation.