Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective method to restore data in distributed data storage systems

In this work, a method for backup and restoring data is proposed. The data is stored on different remote disks (storage nodes) and temporary or permanent loss of access to any q of them appears. The high efficiency of the proposed method is achieved by using a theoretically proved minimum number of backup storage nodes, which is equal to the number of the disks to which access has been lost. The theoretical justification with a methodology of backup codes and their use for data recovery, which is illustrated by examples, is presented. The theoretical and experimental effectiveness evaluation of the proposed method is demonstrated as well. The proposed method is aimed to ensure a high level of survivability of system of distributed data storage for military applications.
Pharmaceutical development and manufacturing of a parenteral formulation of a novel antitumor agent, VNP40101M

The objective of this study was to develop and manufacture a stable parenteral formulation for Phase I clinical trials of VNP40101M (1,2-Bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-[(2-methylamino)carbonyl] hydrazine), a novel antitumor agent. The solubility and stability of the drug was determined. Solubility studies suggested that VNP40101M exhibited poor aqueous solubility but showed appreciable solubility in nonaqueous solvents. The aqueous solubility of the drug could not be increased by adjusting the pH. At a pH above 7, basecatalyzed decomposition of VNP40101M occurred. The low octanol-water partition coefficient of 0.75 suggested poor solubility in lipophilic solvents. Based on these preformation observations, a parenteral formulation containing 10 mg/mL of VNP40101M was prepared in a solvent system consisting of 30% ethyl alcohol and 70% polyethylene glycol-300 (PEG-300). To minimize base-catalyzed hydrolytic degradation. citric acid at 0.6% concentration was included to acidify the formulation. Rubber closures, filter membranes, and liquid transfer tubing were selected on the basis of compatibility studies and absence of loss of drug the of adsorption of these components. The formulation was subjected to accelerated stability studies and dilution studies with large volume parenteral (LVP) solutions, normal saline, and 5% dextrose injection (D5W). The results of the dilution study indicated that the formulation could be diluted in these solutions up to 2 mg/mL for 8 hours without drug precipitation and degradation. Accelerated stability studies suggested that the product should be kept at 2°C to 8°C for long-term storage. The developed formulation was successfully scaled up and manufactured for use in clinical trials.
The Bank Multiplier and A New Mechanism for the Transmission of the Monetary Policy

The concept of economic multiplier has been extensively used in the design and analysis of the fiscal policy. However, it has never been used to analyse the impact of nominal interest income received by the depositors through the banking channel on the total output. Here, we investigate the impact of nominal interest income on the macroeconomy using multiplier theory. We define and calculate the corresponding multiplier values algebraically and then we empirically calculate them using impulse response analysis. Along the way, we have shown a new mechanism for the transmission of the monetary policy decision which transcends through, as we call it here, the nominal interest income channel.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release influence metabotropic and ionotropic cytosolic Ca2+ responses in rat oligodendrocyte progenitors

1 Many physiologically important activities of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (O‐2A cells), including proliferation, migration and differentiation, are regulated by cytosolic Ca2+ signals. However, little is known concerning the mechanisms of Ca2+ signalling in this cell type. We have studied the interactions between Ca2+ entry, Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ regulation by mitochondria in influencing cytosolic Ca2+ responses in O‐2A cells. 2 Methacholine (MCh; 100 μM) activated Ca2+ waves that propagated from several initiation sites along O‐2A processes. 3 During a Ca2+ wave evoked by MCh, mitochondrial membrane potential was often either depolarized (21 % of mitochondria) or hyperpolarized (20 % of mitochondria), as measured by changes in the fluorescence of 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′,3,3′‐tetraethylbenzimidazole carbocyanine iodide (JC‐1). 4 Stimulation with kainate (100 μM) evoked a slowly rising, sustained cytosolic Ca2+ elevation in O‐2A cells. This also, in some cases, resulted in either a depolarization (15 % of mitochondria) or hyperpolarization (12 % of mitochondria) of mitochondrial membrane potential. 5 Simultaneous measurement of cytosolic (fluo‐3 AM) and mitochondrial (rhod‐2 AM) Ca2+ responses revealed that Ca2+ elevations in the cytosol evoked by either MCh or kainate were translated into long‐lasting Ca2+ elevations in subpopulations of mitochondria. In some mitochondria, Ca2+ signals appeared to activate Ca2+ release into the cytosol. 6 Inhibition of the mitochondrial Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger by CGP‐37157 (25 μM) decreased kainate Ca2+ response amplitude and increased the rate of return of the response to basal Ca2+ levels. 7 Thus, both ionotropic and metabotropic stimulation evoke changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca2+ levels in O‐2A cells. Ca2+ uptake into some mitochondria is activated by Ca2+ entry into cells or release from stores. Mitochondrial Ca2+ release appears to play a key role in shaping kainate‐evoked Ca2+ responses.
11C-Methionine Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging of Biologic Activity of a Recurrent Glioblastoma Treated with Stereotaxy-Guided Laser-Induced Interstitial Thermotherapy

In patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), local minimally invasive treatment modalities have gained increasing interest recently because they are associated with fewer side effects than open surgery. For example, local tumor coagulation by laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) is such a minimally invasive technique. We monitored the metabolic effects of stereotaxy-guided LITT in a patient with a recurrent GBM using amino acid positron emission tomography (PET). Serial 11C-methyl-L-methionine positron emission tomography (MET-PET) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) were performed using a hybrid PET/CT system in a patient with recurrent GBM before and after LITT. To monitor the biologic activity of the effects of stereotaxy-guided LITT, a threshold-based volume of interest analysis of the metabolically active tumor volume (MET uptake index of ≥ 1.3) was performed. A continuous decline in metabolically active tumor volume after LITT could be observed. MET-PET seems to be useful for monitoring the short-term therapeutic effects of LITT, especially when patients have been pretreated with a multistep therapeutic regimen. MET-PET seems to be an appropriate tool to monitor and guide experimental LITT regimens and should be studied in a larger patient group to confirm its clinical value.
Proteolytic activation of canatoxin, a plant toxic protein, by insect cathepsin-like enzymes.

Canatoxin is a protein isolated from jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis), seeds. Injected intraperitoneally, the toxin is lethal to mice but it is inactive if given orally. Canatoxin is also lethal when fed to insects with cathepsin-based digestion while insects with trypsin-based digestion are not affected. The hypothesis that canatoxin is proteolytically activated by cathepsins was investigated. Experiments were performed with 4(th) instar and adult Rhodnius prolixus fed meals containing canatoxin (2.5 microg/mg weight body). While 100% of nymphs died, no effect was observed in adults. Hemolymph taken from nymphs and adults showed the presence of canatoxin's proteolytic fragments. Reduced lethality was seen in R. prolixus 4(th) instars fed meals containing canatoxin and inhibitors of cathepsin enzymes, E-64 (2.0 microM) or Pepstatin-A (2. 0 microM). In another approach, canatoxin was digested in vitro with enzymes from the bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus, and the resulting peptides were tested in R. prolixus. Three groups of toxic peptides (8,000-12,000 kD range) were separated by gel-filtration. When these peptides were fed to the insects simultaneously with the cathepsin inhibitors, no protective effect was seen. These results confirm the proteolytic activation of canatoxin by insect cathepsin-like enzymes to produce entomotoxic peptide(s). Furthermore, our data point towards overlooked differences in the digestive physiology of distinct life stages of R. prolixus. Arch.
Transoral “Adenoidectomy” Excision of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibromas

Objectives: We describe a minimally invasive technique for excision of selected juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) using indirect visualization of the nasopharynx. Methods: An observational case series with follow-up of 9 months to 3 years was performed. The subjects included 4 teenage boys with early-stage nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. The intervention included computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography and embolization, tumor excision, pathologic examination, and follow-up. The outcome measures included blood loss, perioperative morbidity, and surgical cure. Results: Four teenage boys underwent excision of early stage JNAs — 3 with preoperative embolization. The JNAs were excised under indirect mirror guidance with an adenoid curette and the nasopharynx packed. Residual tumor was removed endoscopically. The operative time was less than 1 hour in each case, and blood loss was less than 100 mL. All 4 boys are free of disease. Conclusions: With the advent of refined imaging techniques and relatively safe preoperative embolization, minimally invasive approaches to JNA excision have been advocated. Endoscopic transnasal piecemeal excision is feasible but time-consuming. Transoral avulsion of the tumor mass by adenoidectomy techniques combined with endoscopic removal of tumor remnants from the pterygopalatine fossa allows complete, controlled surgical excision with minimal blood loss.
Low iron availability modulates the course of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria residing exclusively in host cell vesicles termed inclusions. We have investigated the effects of deferoxamine mesylate (DAM)‐induced iron deficiency on the growth of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2. In epithelial cells subjected to iron starvation and infected with either C. pneumoniae or C. trachomatis L2, small inclusions were formed, and the infectivity of chlamydial progeny was impaired. Moreover, for C. trachomatis L2, we observed a delay in homotypic fusion of inclusions. The inhibitory effects of DAM were reversed by adding exogenous iron‐saturated transferrin, which restored the production of infectious chlamydiae. Electron microscopy examination of iron‐deprived specimens revealed that the small inclusions contained reduced numbers of C. pneumoniae that were mostly reticulate bodies. We have previously reported specific accumulation of transferrin receptors (TfRs) around C. pneumoniae inclusions within cells grown under normal conditions. Using confocal and electron microscopy, we show here a remarkable increase in the amount of TfRs surrounding the inclusions in iron‐starved cultures. It has been shown that iron is an essential factor in the growth and survival of C. trachomatis. Here, we postulate that, for C. pneumoniae also, iron is an indispensable element and that Chlamydia may use iron transport pathways of the host by attracting TfR to the phagosome.
Feasibility of Using Social Networking Technologies for Health Research Among Men Who Have Sex With Men

This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using social networking as a health research platform among men who have sex with men (MSM). Fifty-five MSM (primarily African American and Latino) were invited to join a “secret” group on the social networking website, Facebook. Peer leaders, trained in health education, posted health-related content to groups. The study and analysis used mixed (qualitative and quantitative) methods. Facebook conversations were thematically analyzed. Latino and African American participants voluntarily used social networking to discuss health-related knowledge and personal topics (exercise, nutrition, mental health, disease prevention, and substance abuse) with other group participants (N = 564 excerpts). Although Latinos comprised 60% of the sample and African Americans 25.5%, Latinos contributed 82% of conversations and African Americans contributed only 15% of all conversations. Twenty-four percent of posts from Latinos and 7% of posts from African Americans were related to health topics. Results suggest that Facebook is an acceptable and engaging platform for facilitating and documenting health discussions for mixed methods research among MSM. An understanding of population differences is needed for crafting effective online social health interventions.
A CMOS differential tesla-volt multiplier cell

A fully CMOS process-compatible differential Tesla-Volt multiplier cell is proposed. It is made of a pair of identical split-drain magnetic field-effect transistors. An absolute and a relative Tesla-Volt multiplying with sensitivities of 2.85/spl mu/A/VT and 1.2%/VT, respectively, have been measured. The double-balanced configuration gives a good linearity of the Tesla-Volt multiplying function.
Environmental conditions during compliance testing: An analysis of impact and the need for documentation

The process of compliance testing for electrical equipment can be performed in a multitude of environments possessing various unique conditions that are potentially critical influences to the proper results of each test. This is particularly true when testing is performed outside of the controlled environment of a laboratory as it may be in field evaluation. The variations in these environmental conditions raise concerns as to the requirement for the compensation of results and their documentation based solely upon the severity of their influences. By researching the general effects of environmental factors, including ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity, on the various electrical properties of different electrical components and equipment, and applying such considerations to common compliance testing methods, the requirement for the technical documentation of these factors will be determined. The data analyzed suggested that each environmental factor exhibits similar effects to varying degrees when applied to the common compliance testing methods consisting of the dielectric strength test, leakage current test, ratings test, and temperature test. Ultimately, due to the variations in their significance when applied to common compliance testing methods, the consensus for evaluators of equipment to document environmental conditions in addition to compensating results is deemed necessary only while operating in environments to which specific conditions are severe enough to distort results.
In Vitro Activities of New Antifungal Agents against Chaetomium spp. and Inoculum Standardization

ABSTRACT Chaetomium is an unusual etiological agent of human infections, but the mortality rate among immunocompromised patients is considerably greater than that among nonimmunocompromised individuals. We investigated the in vitro antifungal susceptibilities to novel antifungal agents of 19 strains belonging to three species of Chaetomium which have been involved in human infections, i.e., Chaetomium globosum, C. atrobrunneum, and C. nigricolor, and one strain of the closely related species Achaetomium strumarium. A modification of the NCCLS reference microdilution method (M38-A) was used to evaluate the in vitro activities of ravuconazole, voriconazole, albaconazole, and micafungin. Micafungin was not active at all, while the geometric mean MICs and minimum effective concentrations of the three triazoles were less than 0.5 and 0.4 μg/ml, respectively.
12 Treatment of Late Complications After Os Calcis Fractures

That the management of os calcis fractures has run the gamut of a wide variety of treatment methods since the turn of the century is mute testimony that this vexing problem remains unsolved. No single treatment has produced consistently satisfactory results or succeeded in eliminating the numerous late complications that may plague the person who has broken his heel.
Harmonics Reduction in Current Source Converters Using Fuzzy Logic

High power ratings gate turn-off (GTO) thyristors are usually used with low switching frequency in high power applications current source converters (CSCs), i.e., rectifiers and inverters. Space vector modulation (SVM) technique for CSC is established by dividing ac-side line current cycle into six sectors. Each sector is divided into certain number of space vector (SV) cycles. SV cycle is divided into three states, two active and one zero state. SVM technique generates fifth and seventh harmonics (HD5-7 ) in the CSC ac-side current when operated with low switching frequencies, i.e., low number of SV cycles. Minimal reduction in HD5-7 was achieved by using certain states sequence inside SV cycle, and by calculating states on times at once in the middle of each SV cycle. In this paper, fuzzy logic-dependent technique for calculating states on times in SVM-CSC is proposed. First, two straightforward techniques are discussed. One calculates each state on time from SVM equations in the middle of each state effecting time period. The other calculates all states on times from SVM equations at once when the effective state is changing from one active state to the other. Both techniques give high reduction in HD5-7. Fuzzy logic technique adjusts states on times to give the least possible HD5-7 with a compromise between both straightforward techniques, fuzzy logic tune states on time calculating instants in SVM-CSC. The target for fuzzy logic is to achieve fast states on times adjustment with fixed least HD5-7 in steady state for states on times. States on time's adjustment with fuzzy logic is applied also to a CSC with a small size ac-side filter. An experimental investigation is introduced.
Microbial stimulation of the aggregation process between submicron-sized particles and suspended particles in coastal waters

Transfer rates of submicron-sized particles (SMP) to micro-suspended particles (5 to 20 µm in diameter) in coastal waters around Japan were measured using fluorescent beads (0.5 µm in diameter) and flow cytometry, with and without metabolic inhibitors (thiuram or NaN3). This flow cytometric technique has the advantage that it allows the number of beads stuck to suspended parti- cles to be counted without any pre-treatment, such as filtration, that can introduce artifacts. The transfer rates to particles in the 5-20 µm fraction without inhibitors were on average 4.3 to 5.8 times higher than with added NaN3. On the other hand, ingestion rates of fluorescent beads by protozoa in the 5-20 µm fraction were less than 10% of the transfer rates to particles in the 5-20 µm fraction. These results indicate that biological activities were more efficient than physical mechanisms for the transfer process of SMP into the 5-20 µm fraction separately from the grazing process. Also, the inhibitory effect of thiuram on the transfer rates suggests an involvement of eukaryotic cells in this stimulation. The intensity of this stimulation was positively correlated with the density of attached nanoflagellates per particle (Da) (R = 0.630, n = 22), bacterial abundance (R = 0.489, n = 22), concen- tration of chlorophyll a (R = 0.518, n = 18) and water temperature (R = 0.569, n = 22). These results indicate that biological processes are key mechanisms for the coagulation process of submicro- and micro-scale particles in coastal environments.
Continuous measurement of systolic blood pressure using the PTT and other parameters

In this paper, we proposed the regression model which could estimate unspecified people's systolic blood pressure (SBP) conveniently and continuously and checked its accuracy through clinical experiments. The method for estimating each individual SBP by using only pulse transit time (PTT) has been studied, but it is difficult to estimate unspecified people's SBP with the method using only PTT. Thus we researched several physical characteristic parameters which might affect blood pressure (BP) with the standard that we can measure them easily and conveniently, chose valid physical characteristic parameters through a clinical testing and correlation analysis, and made the regression model using PTT and valid physical characteristic parameters for estimating unspecified people's SBP. Comparing the result of the proposed method with American National Standards Institute of the Association of the Advancement of Medical Instrument (ANSI/AAMI), we know that the proposed regression model gives an acceptable result
Chi-Spark-RS: An Spark-built evolutionary fuzzy rule selection algorithm in imbalanced classification for big data problems

The significance and benefits of addressing classification tasks in Big Data applications is beyond any doubt. To do so, learning algorithms must be scalable to cope with such a high volume of data. The most suitable option to reach this objective is by using a MapReduce programming scheme, in which algorithms are automatically executed in a distributed and fault tolerant way. Among different available tools that support this framework, Spark has emerged as a “de facto” solution when using iterative approaches. In this work, our goal is to design and implement an Evolutionary Fuzzy Rule Selection algorithm within a Spark environment. To do so, we build different local rule bases within each Map Task that are later optimized by means of a genetic process. With this procedure, we seek to minimize the total number of rules that are gathered by each Reduce task to obtain a compact and accurate Fuzzy Rule Based Classification System. In particular, we set the experimental framework in the scenario of imbalanced classification. Therefore, the final objective will be analyzing the best synergy between the novel Evolutionary Fuzzy Rule Selection algorithm and the solutions applied to cope with skewed class distributions, namely cost-sensitive learning, random under-sampling and random-oversampling.
Infectious Entry of West Nile Virus Occurs through a Clathrin-Mediated Endocytic Pathway

ABSTRACT The pathway of West Nile flavivirus early internalization events was mapped in detail in this study. Overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of Eps15 strongly inhibits West Nile virus (WNV) internalization, and pharmacological drugs that blocks clathrin also caused a marked reduction in virus entry but not caveola-dependent endocytosis inhibitory agent, filipin. Using immunocryoelectron microscopy, WNV particles were seen within clathrin-coated pits after 2 min postinfection. Double-labeling immunofluorescence assays and immunoelectron microscopy performed with anti-WNV envelope or capsid proteins and cellular markers (EEA1 and LAMP1) revealed the trafficking pathway of internalized virus particles from early endosomes to lysosomes and finally the uncoating of the virus particles. Disruption of host cell cytoskeleton (actin filaments and microtubules) with cytochalasin D and nocodazole showed significant reduction in virus infectivity. Actin filaments are shown to be essential during the initial penetration of the virus across the plasma membrane, whereas microtubules are involved in the trafficking of internalized virus from early endosomes to lysosomes for uncoating. Cells treated with lysosomotropic agents were largely resistant to infection, indicating that a low-pH-dependent step is required for WNV infection. In situ hybridization of DNA probes specific for viral RNA demonstrated the trafficking of uncoated viral RNA genomes to the endoplasmic reticulum.