Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decentralized slot synchronization in highly dynamic ad hoc networks

Ad hoc networks provide data communication services without being bound to an existing infrastructure. An exciting application of highly dynamic ad hoc networks is the exchange of data between running vehicles. For air-interfaces based on a slotted time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme, slot synchronization is required among the rapidly moving vehicles. A scheme for completely decentralized slot synchronization of nodes in an inter-vehicle communication (IVC) environment is presented. To evaluate the performance of the proposed mechanism, the influence of real synchronization to the network throughput in case of a slotted ALOHA medium access protocol is investigated. Simulation results indicate only a minor throughput degradation compared to an ideal slot synchronization.
Inferring the Source of Transmission with Phylogenetic Data

Identifying the source of transmission using pathogen genetic data is complicated by numerous biological, immunological, and behavioral factors. A large source of error arises when there is incomplete or sparse sampling of cases. Unsampled cases may act as either a common source of infection or as an intermediary in a transmission chain for hosts infected with genetically similar pathogens. It is difficult to quantify the probability of common source or intermediate transmission events, which has made it difficult to develop statistical tests to either confirm or deny putative transmission pairs with genetic data. We present a method to incorporate additional information about an infectious disease epidemic, such as incidence and prevalence of infection over time, to inform estimates of the probability that one sampled host is the direct source of infection of another host in a pathogen gene genealogy. These methods enable forensic applications, such as source-case attribution, for infectious disease epidemics with incomplete sampling, which is usually the case for high-morbidity community-acquired pathogens like HIV, Influenza and Dengue virus. These methods also enable epidemiological applications such as the identification of factors that increase the risk of transmission. We demonstrate these methods in the context of the HIV epidemic in Detroit, Michigan, and we evaluate the suitability of current sequence databases for forensic and epidemiological investigations. We find that currently available sequences collected for drug resistance testing of HIV are unlikely to be useful in most forensic investigations, but are useful for identifying transmission risk factors.
Clinical Profile and Management Outcome of Acute Dacryocystitis: Two Decades of Experience in a Tertiary Eye Care Center*

Abstract Aim: To report the demographic profile, clinical presentation, and management outcome of acute dacryocystitis. Methods: Retrospective study of 347 eyes of 320 patients, who presented to the Ophthalmic Plastic Clinic of a tertiary eye care center over a period of 22 years from January 1990 to March 2012 with acute dacryocystitis, were reviewed for demographic profile, clinical presentation, and management outcome. The numbers of patients with lacrimal disorders during the same period were retrieved to assess the incidence of acute dacryocystitis. Successful anatomical outcome was defined as patency on irrigation and a successful functional outcome was defined as resolution of infection and epiphora. Results: The mean age at presentation was 37 years. The female to male ratio was 2:1. There was no difference in the laterality between the right and the left eyes. Bilateral disease was noted in 8.4% (27/320) patients. 23% (80/347) eyes presented with lacrimal abscess while 2.8% (10/347) eyes had orbital cellulitis. Intensive medical care with hospital admission was needed in 4.4% (14/320) patients. The mean time to resolution of acute symptoms was 10 days. 5.6% (18/320) patients developed a fistula, among which 83% (15/18) were following a spontaneous rupture of the lacrimal abscess. Dacryocystorhinostomy was performed in 82.5% (264/320) patients with an anatomical success of 94.5% and a functional success of 93.5%. Conclusions: Acute dacryocystitis comprises 2.4% of all patients presenting with lacrimal system disorders. Fistula formation is a sequel more commonly seen with spontaneous rupture of a lacrimal abscess. The long-term outcomes in patients presenting with acute dacryocystitis are good with a surgical success rate of 94.3%.
A prediction-based dynamic resource management approach for network virtualization

In network virtualization environment, multiple virtual networks share the same resource of a physical network. Since the physical resources of a substrate network is limited, it is necessary to improve the utilization of physical resources. Considering the resource requirement of a virtual network may change over its lifetime, we propose a prediction-based resource management mechanism. To increase the utilization of the substrate network, we can adjust the resource allocated to the virtual network based on the result of prediction. Additionally, in order to avoid the result of prediction deviates from the real requirement, we compare our prediction result with the collection of the resource utilization at real time to ensure the correctness of our result. The simulation results show that our approach can increase the utilization of the physical resource and improve the virtual network acceptance ratio while ensuring the requirement of the virtual networks.
Functional Heterogeneity in Human Olfactory Cortex: An Event-Related Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Studies of patients with focal brain injury indicate that smell perception involves caudal orbitofrontal and medial temporal cortices, but a more precise functional organization has not been characterized. In addition, although it is believed that odors are potent triggers of emotion, support for an anatomical association is scant. We sought to define the neural substrates of human olfactory information processing and determine how these are modulated by affective properties of odors. We used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in an olfactory version of a classical conditioning paradigm, whereby neutral faces were paired with pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant odors, under 50% reinforcement. By comparing paired (odor/face) and unpaired (face only) conditions, odor-evoked neural activations could be isolated specifically. In primary olfactory (piriform) cortex, spatially and temporally dissociable responses were identified along a rostrocaudal axis. A nonhabituating response in posterior piriform cortex was tuned to all odors, whereas activity in anterior piriform cortex reflected sensitivity to odor affect. Bilateral amygdala activation was elicited by all odors, regardless of valence. In posterior orbitofrontal cortex, neural responses evoked by pleasant and unpleasant odors were segregated within medial and lateral segments, respectively. The results indicate functional heterogeneity in areas critical to human olfaction. They also show that brain regions mediating emotional processing are differentially activated by odor valence, providing evidence for a close anatomical coupling between olfactory and emotional processes.
Stimulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Prostacyclin and Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis by Plasma High and Low Density Lipoproteins

We studied the effects of plasma high density and low density lipoproteins upon the synthesis of prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 by vascular smooth muscle cells. Prostaglandin synthesis was measured in 24-hour cultures by radioimmunoassay of the stable metabolites of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α and of prostaglandin E2. High density lipoproteins induced dose-dependent increases in the release of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α and of prostaglandin E2 from smooth muscle cells to values 14- and 50-fold above control. Incubations with low density lipoproteins at comparable cholesterol concentrations also induced dose-dependent release of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α and prostaglandin E2 but to a lesser extent. Rat high density lipoprotein, which contained 2.5 times more cholesteryl arachidonate than human high density lipoproteins, stimulated 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α and prostaglandin E2 release 2- to 3-fold more than human high density lipoproteins, whereas the delipidated apoproteins of high density lipoproteins had no significant effect on prostaglandin synthesis. Recombinant hjgh density lipoproteins containing cholesteryl-[l-MC]arachidonate stimulated release of [14C]-6-keto-prostaglandin F]n and [14C]-prostaglandin E2 by smooth muscle cells. The ionophore, A 23187, released labeled 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α and prostaglandin E2 from cells preincubated with recombinant high density lipoprotein containing cholesteryl-[l-14C]arachidonate. Unlabeled high density lipoproteins, in contrast, did not cause release of radioactive prostaglandins from cells preincubated with [1-14C]-arachidonate. Phospholipase activators were synergistic (bradykinin) or additive (angiotensin II) with high density lipoprotein in stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis. The data indicate that both high and low density lipoproteins stimulate the synthesis of prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 by vascular smooth muscle cells. The results suggest that the lipoproteins provide arachidonate to a phospholipase-sensibve pool accessible to cyclooxygenase.
Formation of fibroblastic reticular network in the brain after infection with neurovirulent murine coronavirus

cl‐2 virus is an extremely neurovirulent murine coronavirus. However, during the initial phase of infection between 12 and 24 h post‐inoculation (hpi), the viral antigens are detected only in the meninges, followed by viral spread into the ventricular wall before invasion into the brain parenchyma, indicating that the viruses employ a passage between the meninges and ventricular wall as an entry route into the brain parenchyma. At 48 hpi, the passage was found to be constructed by ER‐TR7 antigen (ERag)‐positive fibers (ERfibs) associated with laminin and collagen III between the fourth ventricle and meninges at the cerebellopontine angle. The construct of the fibers mimics the reticular fibers of the fibroblastic reticular network, which comprises a conduit system in the lymphoid organs. In the meninges, ERfibs together with collagen fibers, lining in a striped pattern, made up a pile of thin sheets. In the brain parenchyma, mature ERfibs associated with laminin were found around blood vessels. Besides mature ERfibs, immature Erfibs without associations with other extracellular matrix components like laminin and collagen appeared after infection, suggesting that the CNS creates a unique conduit system for immune communication triggered by viral invasion.
Probing isoform-specific functions of polypeptide GalNAc-transferases using zinc finger nuclease glycoengineered SimpleCells

Our knowledge of the O-glycoproteome [N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) type] is highly limited. The O-glycoproteome is differentially regulated in cells by dynamic expression of a subset of 20 polypeptide GalNAc-transferases (GalNAc-Ts), and methods to identify important functions of individual GalNAc-Ts are largely unavailable. We recently introduced SimpleCells, i.e., human cell lines made deficient in O-glycan extension by zinc finger nuclease targeting of a key gene in O-glycan elongation (Cosmc), which allows for proteome-wide discovery of O-glycoproteins. Here we have extended the SimpleCell concept to include proteome-wide discovery of unique functions of individual GalNAc-Ts. We used the GalNAc-T2 isoform implicated in dyslipidemia and the human HepG2 liver cell line to demonstrate unique functions of this isoform. We confirm that GalNAc-T2–directed site-specific O-glycosylation inhibits proprotein activation of the lipase inhibitor ANGPTL3 in HepG2 cells and further identify eight O-glycoproteins exclusively glycosylated by T2 of which one, ApoC-III, is implicated in dyslipidemia. Our study supports an essential role for GalNAc-T2 in lipid metabolism, provides serum biomarkers for GalNAc-T2 enzyme function, and validates the use of GALNT gene targeting with SimpleCells for broad discovery of disease-causing deficiencies in O-glycosylation. The presented glycoengineering strategy opens the way for proteome-wide discovery of functions of GalNAc-T isoforms and their role in congenital diseases and disorders.
Texture segmentation influences the spatial profile of presaccadic attention

Attention is important for selecting targets for action. Several studies have shown that attentional selection precedes eye movements to a target, and results in an enhanced sensitivity at the saccade goal. Typically these studies have used isolated targets on blank backgrounds, which are rare in real-world situations. Here, we examine the spatial profile of sensitivity around a saccade target on a textured background and how the influence of the surrounding context develops over time. We used two textured backgrounds: a uniform texture, and a concentric arrangement of an inner and an outer texture with orthogonal orientations. For comparison, we also measured sensitivity around the target on a blank background. The spatial profile of sensitivity was measured with a brief, dim, probe flashed around the saccade target. When the target was on a blank or a uniformly textured background, spatial sensitivity peaked near the target location around 350 ms after cue onset and declined with distance from the target. However, when the background was made up of an inner and outer texture, sensitivity to the inner texture was uniformly high, peaking at about 350 ms after cue onset, suggesting that the entire inner texture was selected along with the target. The enhancement of sensitivity on the inner texture was much smaller when observers attended the target covertly and performed the probe-detection task. Thus, our results suggest that the surface representation around the target is taken into account when an observer actively plans to interact with the target.
Clinical correlates of left ventricular hypertrophy in black patients with arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between the lipid profile, other cardiovascular risk factors and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in black hypertensive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We undertook a cross-sectional study of a case series at the hypertension clinic, University of Kinshasa Hospital. Lipids, lipoproteins and other cardiovascular risk factors were analysed in 100 consecutive hypertensive patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy was assessed by 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) using Cornell voltage index. RESULTS Forty-eight hypertensive patients, 26 men and 22 women, had LVH. With univariate analysis, the patients with LVH were older (age 52 +/- 9 vs 45 +/- 9 years; p </= 0.001), had higher pulse pressure levels (57 +/- 11 vs 50 +/- 15 mm Hg; p </= 0,01), and more were receiving antihypertensive treatment (68 vs 28%; </= 0.001) compared to those without LVH. With multiple logistic regression analysis, the duration of hypertension, high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and plasma glucose levels, and being on antihypertensive treatment have emerged as the main predictors of the presence of LVH. The patients with duration of hypertension two years or more (adjusted OR 7.23; 95% CI: 1.576-42.884) had a higher risk for LVH; however, those with HDL-C >/= 1.03 mmol/l (adjusted OR 0.19; 95% CI: 0.057-0.651), plasma glucose >/= 6.11 mmol/l (adjusted OR 0.19; 95% CI: 0.046- 0.828), or on treatment for hypertension (adjusted OR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.082-0.645) had a lower risk for cardiac damage compared to their respective control groups. CONCLUSION LVH is a common complication in Congolese hypertensives. Dyslipidaemia, high plasma glucose levels, the duration of hypertension and being on antihypertensive therapy appear to be the main predictors of hypertensive cardiac damage.
Movers and Shakers Robert Akerlof

Most projects, in most walks of life, require the participation of multiple parties. While it is difficult to unite people in a common endeavor, some people, whom we call “movers and shakers,” seem able to do it. The paper specifically examines moving and shaking of an investment project. We analyze a model with a large number of ex ante identical agents. Agents form social connections, bid to buy ownership and cashflow rights to an asset that is necessary for undertaking a project, and acquire private iid signals of the project’s quality, which they can communicate, at a cost, to those with whom they are linked. Finally, agents choose whether to invest in the project whose returns are a function both of its underlying quality and aggregate investment. We characterize the equilibrium of this game, including the endogenously formed network structure, information flows, and payoffs. We show that a single agent emerges as most connected; these connections confer the ability to increase aggregate investment (i.e., move and shake the project); he consequently earns a rent. In extensions, we move away from the assumption of ex ante identical agents to highlight various forces that lead one agent or another to become a mover and shaker. Finally, we explore various applications, including: anchor investors, funds management, and insider trading. ∗Akerlof: University of Warwick. email: r.akerlof@warwick.ac. ak. Holden: University of New South Wales. email: richard.holden@unsw.edu.
Advanced Intercross Line Mapping Suggests That Ncf1 (Ean6) Regulates Severity in an Animal Model of Guillain-Barré Syndrome1

We here present the first genetic fine mapping of experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN), the animal model of Guillain-Barré syndrome, in a rat advanced intercross line. We identified and refined a total of five quantitative trait loci on rat chromosomes 4, 10, and 12 (RNO4, RNO10, RNO12), showing linkage to splenic IFN-γ secretion and disease severity. All quantitative trait loci were shared with other models of complex inflammatory diseases. The quantitative trait locus showing strongest linkage to clinical disease was Ean6 and spans 4.3 Mb on RNO12, harboring the neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (Ncf1) among other genes. Polymorphisms in Ncf1, a member of the NADPH oxidase complex, have been associated with disease regulation in experimental arthritis and encephalomyelitis. We therefore tested the Ncf1 pathway by treating rats with a NADPH oxidase complex activator and ameliorated EAN compared the oil-treated control group. By proving the therapeutic effect of stimulating the NADPH oxidase complex, our data strongly suggest the first identification of a gene regulating peripheral nervous system inflammation. Taken together with previous reports, our findings suggest a general role of Ncf1 and oxidative burst in pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune animal models.
Collapse of the world’s largest herbivores

The collapsing populations of large herbivores will have extensive ecological and social consequences. Large wild herbivores are crucial to ecosystems and human societies. We highlight the 74 largest terrestrial herbivore species on Earth (body mass ≥100 kg), the threats they face, their important and often overlooked ecosystem effects, and the conservation efforts needed to save them and their predators from extinction. Large herbivores are generally facing dramatic population declines and range contractions, such that ~60% are threatened with extinction. Nearly all threatened species are in developing countries, where major threats include hunting, land-use change, and resource depression by livestock. Loss of large herbivores can have cascading effects on other species including large carnivores, scavengers, mesoherbivores, small mammals, and ecological processes involving vegetation, hydrology, nutrient cycling, and fire regimes. The rate of large herbivore decline suggests that ever-larger swaths of the world will soon lack many of the vital ecological services these animals provide, resulting in enormous ecological and social costs.
Assessing the influence of biofilm surface roughness on mass transfer by combining optical coherence tomography and two‐dimensional modeling

Imaging and modeling are two major approaches in biofilm research to understand the physical and biochemical processes involved in biofilm development. However, they are often used separately. In this study we combined these two approaches to investigate substrate mass transfer and mass flux. Cross‐sectional biofilm images were acquired by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for biofilms grown on carriers. A 2D biofilm model was developed incorporating OCT images as well as a simplified biofilm geometry serving as structural templates. The model incorporated fluid flow, substrate transfer and biochemical conversion of substrates and simulated the hydrodynamics surrounding the biofilm structure as well as the substrate distribution. The method allowed detailed analysis of the hydrodynamics and mass transfer characteristics at the micro‐scale. Biofilm activity with respect to substrate fluxes was compared among different combinations of flow, substrate availability and biomass density. The combined approach revealed that higher substrate fluxes at heterogeneous biofilm surface under two conditions: pure diffusion and when high flow velocity along the biofilms surface renders the whole liquid‐biofilm interface to be highly active. In‐between the two conditions the substrate fluxes across the surface of smooth biofilm geometry were higher than that of the heterogeneous biofilms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 989–1000. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effectiveness of a group-based educational program on the self-efficacy and self-acceptance of menopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a group-based educational training on the self-efficacy and self-acceptance of Iranian menopausal women using the PRECEDE–PROCEED model. This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted on 80 menopausal women in the age range of 47–55 years residing in the northeast of Iran. The participants were divided randomly into a test group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40). We found that designing and implementation of a group-based educational training according to the PRECEDE–PROCEED model can significantly enhance the knowledge and performance of the test group with regard to self-efficacy and self-acceptance.
Capri: Programmable Analytics for Linked Data

Link Data (LD) initiative has fundamentally changed the way how data are published, distributed, and consumed. It advocates data transparency and accessibility to fulfill the Web of Data vision. Thus far, tens of billions of data items have been made publicly available in machine-understandable forms (e.g. RDF). The sheer size of LD data, however, has not resulted in a significant increase of data consumption and thus a self-sustainable consumption-driven publication. We contend that this is primarily due to the lack of tooling for exploiting LD. A new programming paradigm is necessary to simplify and encourage value-add LD data utilisation. This paper reports an on-going project towards programmable Linked Open Data. We propose to tap into a distributed computing environment underpinning the popular statistical toolkit R. Where possible, native R operators and functions are used in our approach so as to lower the learning curve for experienced data scientists. We believe a report to the relevant community at this stage can help us to collect critical requirements before moving into the next stage of development. The crux of our future work lies in comprehensive and extensive evaluations, in terms of, but not limited to, system performance, system stability, system scalability, programming productivity and user experience.