Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectrum sharing strategy using bipartite matching for cooperative cognitive radio networks

In this paper, a spectrum sharing strategy in cooperative cognitive radio network (CCRN) is investigated. Specifically, a multi-phase cooperation architecture is proposed including cooperation partner selection and spectrum sharing among secondary users (SUs). The cooperation partners who are selected from SUs forward the data of primary users (PUs), and then acquire the spectrum access opportunities for their own transmissions as a reward. To improve the utility for the PU-SU cooperation pairs, the partner selection is modeled as an optimally weighted bipartite matching problem to maximize the total utility where energy efficiency is also considered. The partner SU further improves spectrum utilization by sharing the acquired spectrum with the surrounding SUs via cooperative network coding. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed partner selection and spectrum sharing approach adapts well to the dynamic traffic loads in CCRN.
Automatic correspondence using the enhanced hexagonal centre-based inner search algorithm for point-based dental image registration.

OBJECTIVES In this paper, the enhanced hexagonal centre-based inner search (EHCBIS) algorithm, for automatic point correspondence, is proposed for dental image registration. METHODS The presented algorithm is incorporated within a general registration scheme, which is based on extracting a set of candidate points on the reference image, finding their corresponding points in the image to be transformed (float image) using the proposed algorithm and applying a suitable geometrical transformation towards automatic registration. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated against three well-known methods for automatic correspondence, the self-organizing maps, the automatic extraction of corresponding points and the trimmed iterative closest point method, in terms of registration accuracy. RESULTS Qualitative and quantitative results on registering 123 dental pairs show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other methods for automatic correspondence with or without the presence of noise. CONCLUSIONS The EHCBIS method is capable of defining automatically corresponding points in dental image pairs. It can be incorporated within a general scheme for point-based registration of dental radiographs acquired with or without rigorous a priori standardization. The applied projective transformation provides a reliable model for registering intraoral radiographs. The methodology does not require any segmentation prior to alignment providing subtraction radiographs and fused images for clinical evaluation regarding the evolution of a disease or the response to a therapeutic scheme.
The saleability of urban road pricing

The key issues concerning road pricing are now well understood, and they must be addressed at local level if the policy is to be saleable. This means that objections to pricing need to be addressed at local level. Experience abroad suggests that equity and the use of the resulting cash flow are likely to be the most significant points that would need to be addressed.
Comparison of four embolic materials at uterine artery embolization by using postprocedural MR imaging enhancement.

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that not all embolic materials are equivalent by using postprocedural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging enhancement of uterine fibroids in patients treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS Approval and a waiver of consent from the institutional human investigations committee was received for this study. The study was HIPAA compliant. A total of 84 women who underwent 6-month MR imaging follow-up constituted this retrospective study. Within this group, 25 women were treated with Contour polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles, 23 were treated with Contour SE particles, 19 were treated with Embosphere microspheres, and 17 were treated with Bead Block microspheres. Pre- and postprocedural MR imaging results were analyzed for the total number of fibroids present in the uterus of each patient and for the percentage of individual fibroid enhancement. Enhancement of individual fibroids was measured with quartile intervals. Greater than 25% residual enhancement of a fibroid after embolization was considered an incomplete infarction. The overall percentage change in enhancement was calculated for each patient. Bivariate analysis by using generalized linear modeling and one-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in infarction with different embolic materials. RESULTS Among patients treated with Contour and Embosphere, there was a mean reduction in enhancement by 76.60% and 83.07%, respectively, compared with a mean reduction of 52.53% and 49.78% in patients treated with Bead Block and Contour SE, respectively. There was a significant difference in postembolization enhancement between Bead Block and Embosphere, Bead Block and Contour, Contour SE and Embosphere, and Contour SE and Contour. CONCLUSION Patients treated with Bead Block or Contour SE demonstrated a reduced degree of infarction at follow-up MR imaging compared with patients treated with Contour or Embosphere.
Infected Lives

This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of young African American HIV-infected women. Eleven women between the ages of 21 and 35 participated. One pattern, Infected Lives, and three themes—Living Alone With HIV, Living With Unresolved Conflicts, and Living With Multiple Layers of Betrayal—emerged. The pattern and themes portray the very complex and challenging experiences faced by these young women living with HIV infection. They have experienced isolation, abandonment, betrayal, and discrimination in their interpersonal and social systems. They often dealt with conflicts of hope and anguish in the relationships with their children, and portraying strength, while feeling fragile. These complexities negatively influence the ability to fully engage in self-care activities. Implications for future research include further investigation about the experiences of psychological distress experienced post-diagnosis, development and evaluation of holistic nursing interventions, and evaluative research on mass media educational campaigns to reduce HIV-related stigma.
Modeling and manufacturing for surface wave control

Recently, a huge interest emerged in the field of surface waves, in particular the possibility to control and manipulate their propagation properties at will. The aim of this paper is to present a new approach to design new devices for surface waves manipulation. All the steps will be considered and interlinked each other: from modeling to manufacturing, through design. To validate the proposed approach, two structures, an alldielectric device, and a meta-surface implementation, for surface wave cloaking will be presented and compared. The proposed method offers great potential, not only in terms of device properties design, but also it makes easier the manufacturing process, in different practical application fields.
Theoretical Foundations of Asset Allocation and Pricing Models with Higher‐order Moments

The purpose of this chapter is to present the theoretical foundations of multi-moment asset allocation and pricing models in an expected utility framework. Using an infinite-order Taylor series expansion, we first recall the link between the expected utility and higher moments of the investment return distribution (Tsiang, 1972; Loistl, 1976 and Lhabitant, 1997). Following the approach of Benishay (1987, 1989 and 1992) and Rossi and Tibiletti (1996), we next develop a quartic utility specification to obtain an exact mean–variance– skewness–kurtosis decision criterion. We also present the behavioural and distributional conditions under which the preference of a rational agent can be approximated by a fourthorder Taylor series expansion. The Taylor approach and the polynomial utility specification are then compared when justifying a moment-based decision criterion.
PTK 787 / ZK 222584 , a Novel and Potent Inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinases , Impairs Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-induced Responses and Tumor Growth after Oral Administration

PTK787/ZK 222584 (1-[4-chloroanilino]-4-[4-pyridylmethyl] phthalazine succinate) is a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinases, active in the submicromolar range. It also inhibits other class III kinases, such as the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor b tyrosine kinase, c-Kit, and c-Fms, but at higher concentrations. It is not active against kinases from other receptor families, such as epidermal growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1, c-Met, and Tie-2, or intracellular kinases such as c-Src, c-Abl, and protein kinase C-a. PTK787/ZK 222584 inhibits VEGF-induced autophosphorylation of kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR), endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival in the nanomolar range in cell-based assays. In concentrations up to 1 mM, PTK787/ZK 222584 does not have any cytotoxic or antiproliferative effect on cells that do not express VEGF receptors. After oral dosing (50 mg/kg) to mice, plasma concentrations of PTK787/ZK 222584 remain above 1mM for more than 8 h. PTK787/ZK 222584 induces dose-dependent inhibition of VEGF and PDGF-induced angiogenesis in a growth factor implant model, as well as a tumor cell-driven angiogenesis model after once-daily oral dosing (25–100 mg/kg). In the same dose range, it also inhibits the growth of several human carcinomas, grown s.c. in nude mice, as well as a murine renal carcinoma and its metastases in a syngeneic, orthotopic model. Histological examination of tumors revealed inhibition of microvessel formation in the interior of the tumor. PTK787/ZK 222584 is very well tolerated and does not impair wound healing. It also does not have any significant effects on circulating blood cells or bone marrow leukocytes as a single agent or impair hematopoetic recovery after concomitant cytotoxic anti-cancer agent challenge. This novel compound has therapeutic potential for the treatment of solid tumors and other diseases where angiogenesis plays an important role.
European armaments collaboration and integration

Purpose – The paper seeks to address the European Union's emerging role in the management of international security challenges and its implications for collaboration in armaments procurement. While the former is about integrating member governments at policy level, the latter concerns organising states' defence industries into a cohesive and competitive supply base.Design/methodology/approach – Theoretical frameworks include historic‐comparative analysis and the bureaucratic politics model. Independent variable comprises state actors and interest groups, while the dependent variable comprises the outcomes in terms of defence policy and armaments collaboration decisions. European armaments integration is considered, contrasting liberal inter‐governmentalism and neo‐functionalism theory. Case study data are derived from official EU document sources.Findings – In general, national governments tend to protect important industrial actors irrespective of ownership. Bringing market and defence issues closer chal.
Inhibition of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Replication by Niclosamide

ABSTRACT Antiviral agents are urgently needed to fight severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We showed that niclosamide, an existing antihelminthic drug, was able to inhibit replication of a newly discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV; viral antigen synthesis was totally abolished at a niclosamide concentration of 1.56 μM, as revealed by immunoblot analysis. Thus, niclosamide represents a promising drug candidate for the effective treatment of SARS-CoV infection.
Both Pertussis Toxin‐Sensitive and Insensitive G‐Proteins Link Melatonin Receptor to Inhibition of Adenylate Cyclase in the Ovine Pars Tuberalis

Bordetella pertussis toxin (islet activating protein, IAP) has been used to investigate the G‐proteins involved in mediating the action of the melatonin receptor. Melatonin inhibits iorskolin‐stimulated cyclic AMP production in ovine pars tuberalis (PT) cells. In cells treated with IAP for 16 h this response is attenuated in a dose‐dependent manner, but not abolished. IAP catalyses the incorporation of [32 P‐ADP]ribose into a 41 kd protein present in PT membranes, but this labelling can be reduced if PT cells are preincubated with IAP for 16 h. Treatment of crude membrane preparations with IAP (20 /ig/ml) suppresses the binding of 2‐[125 l]iodomelatonin by 20%, whereas 1 mM GTP alone reduces binding by 40%, and in combination with IAP its effect is additive (60% inhibition). Therefore, these results indicate that the melatonin receptor acts via two G‐proteins, one pertussis toxin‐sensitive and the other pertussis toxin‐insensitive.
OpenGamma Quantitative Research Eight ways to strip your caplets: An introduction to caplet stripping

This paper is neither a primer on vanilla interest rate derivatives or numerical optimisation. It is, as its name suggests, an introduction to caplet stripping, i.e. inferring caplet/floorlet prices from the market prices of interest rate caps and floors. This of course required some numerical optimisation. We present several techniques (of different levels of sophistication) to achieve our goal. These fall roughly into two camps: producing caplet volatilities such that the market (cap/floor) prices are recovered exactly (or to some high tolerance), with little regard for whether there is any arbitrage between caplets at different strikes; producing arbitrage free caplet volatility surfaces, which do not fully recover the market prices.
The impact of cancer development on the risk of mycobacterial diseases among rheumatoid arthritis patients

SUMMARY Mycobacterial diseases are prevalent in cancer and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, especially those receiving tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor (TNFi). However, the impact of cancer development on the risk of mycobacterial diseases among RA patients is unknown. Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used to conduct a retrospective study to assess the occurrence of mycobacterial diseases in RA patients developing cancer (cancer-positive), those using TNFi (TNFi-exposure), those with cancer and using TNFi (cancer-TNFi-comb), and those without cancer and not using TNFi (cancer-TNFi-free). Cancer and TNFi exposure were time-dependent, and independent risk factors of mycobacterial diseases were assessed by Cox regression. Among 1344 RA patients diagnosed during 2000–2013, 68 (5·1%) developed cancer before their end points. The incidence rates of mycobacterial diseases in the cancer-positive (n = 56), TNFi-exposure (n = 290), cancer-TNFi-comb (n = 12), and cancer-TNFi-free (n = 986) subgroups were 6·7, 2·0, 7·6, and 1·3 per 1000 person-years, respectively. As compared with the cancer-TNFi-free group, the risk for mycobacterial diseases increased for the TNFi-exposure group (adjusted HR = 3·6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1·1–11·5, P = 0·032) and remained high for cancer-positive (adjusted HR = 14·6, 95% CI 3·3–63·7, P < 0·001) after adjustment. This study suggested that cancer development increased the risk of mycobacterial diseases in RA patients, and risk assessment for this subgroup should be considered.
Holistic versus decomposed ratings of general dimensions of work activity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the accuracy of the US Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network (O*NET), which, replacing the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, analyzes jobs via a hierarchical taxonomy of work in which all task‐level activities are summarized into a 42‐construct taxonomy of first‐order generalized work activities (GWAs). Design/methodology/approach – This study examined the degree of convergence between ratings made using the holistic‐judgment process in the O*NET (which directly rates GWAs using single‐item scales) vs traditional decomposed‐judgment methods which statistically combine ratings of multiple activity items for each GWA.Findings – Analysis of holistic O*NET general work activity ratings with decomposed common‐metric questionnaire (CMQ) ratings revealed poor convergence between holistic vs decomposed methods, low interrater agreement and a tendency for incumbents to rate higher than job analysts.Practical implications – It is believed that these.
Research and technology evaluation in the United Kingdom

It can be argued that the UK has one of the most advanced research evaluation systems in Europe. This system has developed from a means of ensuring value for money in public expenditure, to a process aimed at informing decision-making at all levels, including that of policy-making. This paper describes the UK's evaluation system in the context of the country's science and technology policy, in terms of the actors, institutions and methodologies involved. It discusses the most recent developments in this field, and asks whether or not they address the problems that still beset the evaluation process, even after many years of practice. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Specific Changes of Exocarp and Mesocarp Occurring during Softening Differently Affect Firmness in Melting (MF) and Non Melting Flesh (NMF) Fruits

Melting (MF) and non melting flesh (NMF) peaches differ in their final texture and firmness. Their specific characteristics are achieved by softening process and directly dictate fruit shelf life and quality. Softening is influenced by various mechanisms including cell wall reorganization and water loss. In this work, the biomechanical properties of MF Spring Crest’s and NMF Oro A’s exocarp and mesocarp along with the amount and localization of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids were investigated during fruit ripening and post-harvest. The objective was to better understand the role played by water loss and cell wall reorganization in peach softening. Results showed that in ripe Spring Crest, where both cell turgor loss and cell wall dismantling occurred, mesocarp had a little role in the fruit reaction to compression and probe penetration response was almost exclusively ascribed to the epidermis which functioned as a mechanical support to the pulp. In ripe Oro A’s fruit, where cell wall disassembly did not occur and the loss of cell turgor was observed only in mesocarp, the contribution of exocarp to fruit firmness was consistent but relatively lower than that of mesocarp, suggesting that in addition to cell turgor, the integrity of cell wall played a key role in maintaining NMF fruit firmness. The analysis of phenols suggested that permeability and firmness of epidermis were associated with the presence of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids.
The Bootstrap Efficient Frontier for Mixed‐Asset Portfolios

How much in real estate? To answer this question, uncertainty needs to be introduced into the efficient frontier, so that a confidence interval can be estimated for the real estate weight in a mixed‐asset portfolio. Instead of focusing on a single optimal portfolio, this study examines the entire efficient frontier using the traditional point estimate method and the bootstrap simulation. The bootstrap distributions of the estimated weight vectors indicate that their confidence intervals are large enough to render them effectively useless. Once uncertainty is introduced, the efficient frontier becomes fuzzy and the weight vectors become even fuzzier.
Development of a Probiotic Cheddar Cheese Containing Human-Derived Lactobacillus paracaseiStrains

ABSTRACT Cheddar cheese was manufactured with either Lactobacillus salivarius NFBC 310, NFBC 321, or NFBC 348 or L. paracasei NFBC 338 or NFBC 364 as the dairy starter adjunct. These five strains had previously been isolated from the human small intestine and have been characterized extensively with respect to their probiotic potential. Enumeration of these strains in mature Cheddar cheese, however, was complicated by the presence of high numbers (>107 CFU/g of cheese) of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria, principally composed of lactobacilli which proliferate as the cheese ripens. Attempts to differentiate the adjunct lactobacilli from the nonstarter lactobacilli based on bile tolerance and growth temperature were unsuccessful. In contrast, the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA method allowed the generation of discrete DNA fingerprints for each strain which were clearly distinguishable from those generated from the natural flora of the cheeses. Using this approach, it was found that both L. paracasei strains grew and sustained high viability in cheese during ripening, while each of the L. salivarius species declined over the ripening period. These data demonstrate that Cheddar cheese can be an effective vehicle for delivery of some probiotic organisms to the consumer.
The environmental Kuznets curve and satiation: a simple static model

The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is a hypothesis stating that pollution rises with income at low income levels but falls at higher ones. We analyse the EKC in a representative consumer model in which pollution is generated by consumption and can be abated. We show that at low income levels no abatement is optimal and pollution increases with income. Once abatement expenditures are positive, we demonstrate that satiation in consumption is not only sufficient to find an EKC, but a tendency to satiation—or in other words the condition that environmental quality is a normal good—is even necessary if we assume a standard functional form for the pollution function. Finally, we reconsider the results of two related models of the literature: We verify that the relationship between the income elasticity of demand for environmental quality and the EKC is ambiguous. (JEL: D62, O40, Q20)
Black Home-owners as a Gentrifying Force? Neighbourhood Dynamics in the Context of Minority Home-ownership

A significant portion of the literature on gentrification has implied, if not explicitly described, a racial dynamic associated with the process whereby White households replace Black households as neighbourhood incomes rise. However, this racial dimension to gentrification rules out the possibility that the neighbourhood transitions that are a part of gentrification could be sparked by middle- and upper-income Black households. This paper re-examines this view of gentrification by establishing if Black home-owners were a gentrifying influence in US cities from 1970 to 1990. Based on findings from previous case studies, a new scoring technique for identifying gentrifying neighbourhoods is used. Evidence is found that Black home-owners were a gentrifying influence in the 1970s, but not in the 1980s. Changes in housing market racial dynamics during the period are a possible explanation for the divergent results.