Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accounting Method and Its Application of Provincial Electricity CO_2 Emissions Responsibility

It is a great significance to consider the scope of both producers' and the consumers' responsibility since it would promote the fairness in trans-regional emissions reduction cooperation among provinces. This paper provides a new solution method in calculating the provincial electricity carbon emissions based on the shared responsibility by taking the factor of interregional electricity trade into consideration. This method would raise the sense of mutual responsibility for both the electricity production side and the consumption side and ensure the rationality of corresponding responsibility proportion in emissions reduction between the net electricity outflow and inflow among the provinces as well. We account the estimated carbon emissions responsibility of power generation based on 2011 statistic data. The empirical results indicate that the production-based criterion altering to the shared responsibility criterion would lead to over 10% of carbon emission responsibility reduction,while it surge more than 20% carbon emission responsibility for electricity consumption provinces. Secondly,based on the principle of shared responsibility accounting,the province of largest power emissions was Inner Mongolia,the province of smallest power emissions was Hainan. Thirdly,the results also presents that the largest four provinces in China of net power emissions outflow were Inner Mongolia,Shanxi,Hubei and Anhui. The amount of net carbon emissions transferred out of those provinces have reached up to 14 million tons in 2011,which occupied 74. 42% of total power emissions in the nationwide. At the same time,the largest six provinces of net power emissions inflow were Hebei,Beijing,Guangdong,Liaoning,Shandong and Jiangsu,whose net power emissions outflow reached to the amount of 11 million tons in 2011,taking up 71. 44% of total carbon emission nationally. Lastly,this paper further estimates the provincial emission factors of electricity consumption,which will help avoiding double counting when accounting the emission responsibility of power consumption terminal,such as construction,automobile manufacturing and other industries. In addition,we could also account emissions responsibility for the State grid at provincial level by using these emission factors.
Parents Negotiating Change

This article explores the views and experiences of schooling among parents of children with autism from middle-income families in urban India. A total of 18 parents with children attending private mainstream schools in Kolkata were interviewed about their school choice, interactions with the school and perceptions regarding their child’s schooling. The findings position parents as strategic agents, who actively negotiate a range of obstacles, resolve dilemmas and handle tensions to ensure their child’s admission and continuity in school. It was clear that parents shared a precarious and fragile relationship with the school. While parents were, on the face of it, positive about the school, parental accounts show how the school had not made any significant changes to accommodate the needs of their child. The article concludes by reflecting on the complexities inherent in these findings and questions why these agentic middle-class parents who could be the impetus of greater change seemed rather limited in the ways in which they sought the school to change to accommodate their child with disability.
Service chain embedding with maximum flow in software defined network and application to the next-generation cellular network architecture

With software-defined network (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) techniques, we can embed the service chain consisting of a sequence of virtualized network functions (VNFs), i.e., we can determine the flow path and deploy the VNFs contained in the service chain at any place on the path. In the literature, the methods of service chain embedding bound the number of VNFs at a node, whereas the link capacities are disregarded and the amount of flows is not considered, which could cause serious congestion. In addition, according to our experiment, the process overhead on a computation node is linear to the total amount of flows processed. In this paper, we propose a method of service chain embedding to maximize the total amount of flows while bounding the process overhead of the flows on a node by its computation capability and the total amount of flows on an link by its bandwidth capacity. To our knowledge, our method is the first approximation algorithm of service chain embedding with considering flow in the literature. Simulations show our algorithm has good performance in terms of the total amount of flows.
Suppression of Altered Hepatic Foci Development by a High Fish Oil Diet Compared With a High Corn Oil Diet in Rats

Effects of low corn oil, high corn oil, and high fish oil diets on altered hepatic foci development in female Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated. Rats assigned to Groups 1-4 were initiated with saline as the control and those assigned to Groups 5-7 were initiated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN 15 mg/kg) at 24 hours of age. After weaning, all rats, except those in Group 1, received 500 ppm phenobarbital (PB) in their diet as tumor promoter for three months. Altered hepatic foci development was significantly lower in DEN-initiated rats fed the high fish oil + PB diet than in DEN-initiated rats fed the high corn oil + PB diets. Liver weight and relative liver weight were significantly greater in rats fed the high fish oil + PB diet than in rats fed the other diets, and hepatic biotransformation/detoxification enzyme activities were greater in rats fed the fish oil + PB diets than in rats fed the other diets. These results suggest that the effect of a high fish oil diet on altered hepatic foci may occur through regulation of hepatic biotransformation/detoxification enzyme activities, leading to alteration in the tumor-promoting action of PB. Dietary lipid significantly affected the hepatic phospholipid fatty acid composition of rats. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were incorporated into membrane phospholipid at the expense of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A high fish oil diet caused greater oxidative stress in rats, as measured by plasma vitamin E level, red blood cell glutathione status, liver lipid peroxidation, and hepatic glutathione reductase activity. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that the foci number was negatively correlated to the liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance and 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity, and the foci area was negatively correlated to the liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance activity (p << 0.05) in rats of groups that developed foci. These results suggest that the type of dietary lipid is the more important determinant for γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci development than the amount of dietary lipid when rats consumed approximately the same amount of calories in all the dietary groups, and the underlying mechanisms may be partially ascribed to the antioxidant/oxidation status and biotransformation/detoxification system of rats.
Optimal Power Allocation and Outage Analysis for Cognitive Full Duplex Relay Systems

This paper investigates the use of full duplex relaying (FDR) in cognitive radio systems. Cognitive full duplex relay networks (CogFRNs) offer the advantage not only of increasing spectral efficiency by spectrum sharing but also of extending coverage through the use of relays. Concurrent transmissions at the source and relay in CogFRNs can overcome a loss of resource efficiency in a way that conventional half duplex relay (HDR) systems cannot. However, in CogFRNs, the primary user experiences interference from the secondary source and relay simultaneously due to the effects of full duplexing. Satisfying the interference constraint by simply reducing transmission power results in performance degradation for the secondary user. What is therefore needed is a way to optimize the transmission powers at the secondary source and relay. To address this need, we propose an optimal power allocation scheme based on minimizing the outage probability in CogFRNs. We then analyze the outage probability of the secondary user in the noise-limited and interference-limited environments. In addition, we also propose an outage-constrained power allocation scheme which does not require the instantaneous channel state information (CSI) for the link between the primary and secondary users. Simulation results show that the proposed schemes achieve performance improvement in terms of outage probability.
Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment in Aging: Testing Efficacy and Clinical Ecology of Different Interfaces

Digital technologies have opened new opportunities for psychological testing, allowing new computerized testing tools to be developed and/or paper and pencil testing tools to be translated to new computerized devices. The question that rises is whether these implementations may introduce some technology-specific effects to be considered in neuropsychological evaluations. Two core aspects have been investigated in this work: the efficacy of tests and the clinical ecology of their administration (the ability to measure real-world test performance), specifically (1) the testing efficacy of a computerized test when response to stimuli is measured using a touch-screen compared to a conventional mouse-control response device; (2) the testing efficacy of a computerized test with respect to different input modalities (visual versus verbal); and (3) the ecology of two computerized assessment modalities (touch-screen and mouse-control), including preference measurements of participants. Our results suggest that (1) touch-screen devices are suitable for administering experimental tasks requiring precise timings for detection, (2) intrinsic nature of neuropsychological tests should always be respected in terms of stimuli presentation when translated to new digitalized environment, and (3) touch-screen devices result in ecological instruments being proposed for the computerized administration of neuropsychological tests with a high level of preference from elderly people.
Forearm skin tissue dielectric constant measured at 300 MHz: effect of changes in skin vascular volume and blood flow

Skin tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values measured via the open‐ended coaxial probe method are useful non‐invasive indices of local skin tissue water. However, the effect of skin blood flow (SBF) or skin blood volume (SBV) on TDC values is unknown. To determine the magnitude of such effects, we decreased forearm SBV via vertical arm raising for 5 min (test 1) and increased SBV by bicep cuff compression to 50 mmHg for 5 min (test 2) in 20 healthy supine subjects (10 men). TDC values were measured to a depth of 1·5 mm on anterior forearm, and SBF was measured with laser‐Doppler system simultaneously on forearm and finger. Results indicate that decreasing vascular volume (test 1) was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in TDC (3·0 ± 4·3%, P = 0·003) and increasing vascular volume (test 2) was associated with a slight but statistically significant increase in TDC (3·5 ± 3·0%, P<0·001). SBF changes depended on test and measurement site. For forearm, test 1 significantly increased SBF (102·6 ± 156·2%, P<0·001) and test 2 significantly decreased it (39·5 ± 13·1%, P<0·001). In finger, SBF was significantly reduced by both tests: in test 1 by 55·3 ± 32·1%, P<0·001 and in test 2 by 53·3 ± 27·6%, P<0·001. We conclude that the small percentage changes in TDC values (3·0–3·5%) over the wide range of induced SBV and SBF changes suggest a minor effect on clinically determined TDC values because of SBV or SBF changes or differences when comparing TDC longitudinally over time or among individuals of different groups in a research setting.
Cross-Cultural Study on Social Support, Sense of Coherence and Outcomes in Pakistan and Germany

The current research examines the mediating role of sense of coherence between social support and outcomes including well-being and stress in collectivistic (Pakistan) and individualistic culture (Germany). Sample comprises of university students (N = 200) further equally divided in individualistic and collectivistic culture. Hierarchical regression is applied for data analysis. The hypotheses are confirmed by the findings. Sense of coherence partially mediated between social support and well-being in collectivistic culture, individualistic culture and overall sample. Similarly, sense of coherence partially mediated between social support and stress among students. The current investigation is an important addition in the literature on the theory of sense of coherence. The direct paths of sense of coherence and outcomes were well-established in the past literature; however, the present study contributes to the theory by suggesting an indirect path to well-being and stress.
Artificial Life for Image Segmentation

Artificial life has been successfully used for understanding biological systems and in many applications in robotics, computer graphics, etc. In this paper, we pioneer the use of artificial life for image segmentation, a challenging area in image processing. Our method associates each pixel in an image with a life and it evolves according to a system of rules. The segmented partitions emerge when the state of the lives reaches an equilibrium. The artificial life approach is promising in image processing because it is inherently parallel and coincides with the self-governing biological process. In addition, it has the advantage of the integration of both detail preservation and noise removal. The experiments demonstrate the feasibility of the artificial life approach on both intensity images and color images. We also compared the approach with other four commonly used methods for three different kinds of noise corrupted images.
Comparison of Particle-Tracking Features in GEANT4 and MCNPX Codes for Applications in Mapping of Proton Range Uncertainty

Abstract The accuracy of proton therapy is partially limited by uncertainties that result from changing pathological conditions in the patient such as tumor motion and shrinkage. These uncertainties can be minimized with the help of a time-resolved range telescope. Monte Carlo methods can help improve the performance of range telescopes by tracking proton interactions on a particle-by-particle basis thus broadening our understanding on the behavior of protons within the patient and the detector. This paper compared the proton multiple coulomb scattering algorithms in the Monte Carlo codes MCNPX and Geant4 to well-established scattering theories. We focus only on beam energies associated with proton imaging. Despite slight discrepancies between scattering algorithms, both codes appear to be capable of providing useful particle-tracking information for applications such as the proton range telescope.
Computer models of Kabul, Afghanistan, medium-wave antennas

Design and implementation of new feed systems for two Russian-built skirted Franklin vertical antennas near Kabul, Afghanistan, were accomplished using moment method techniques. To facilitate re-tuning to new operating frequencies, the original stub-tuned matching network was replaced with a conventional "T" network. The proper settings of the terminating stubs on the lower skirts in order to obtain the desired current distributions were also evaluated by moment method techniques. At the completion of the installation, the measured drive impedances correlated very well with the calculated values, indicating achievement of the desired performance.
Small-Dose Clonidine Prolongs Postoperative Analgesia After Sciatic-Femoral Nerve Block with 0.75% Ropivacaine for Foot Surgery

To evaluate the effects of adding small-dose clonidine to 0.75% ropivacaine during peripheral nerve blocks, 30 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing hallux valgus repair under combined sciatic-femoral nerve block were randomly allocated in a double-blinded fashion to receive block placement with 30 mL of either 0.75% ropivacaine alone (group Ropivacaine, n = 15) or 0.75% ropivacaine plus 1 &mgr;g/kg clonidine (group Ropivacaine-Clonidine, n = 15). Hemodynamic variables, oxygen saturation, and levels of sedation, as well as the time required to achieve surgical block and time to first analgesic request, were recorded by a blinded observer. Time to surgical blockade required 10 min in both groups. Patients in the Ropivacaine-Clonidine group were more sedated than patients in the Ropivacaine group only 10 min after block placement. No differences in oxygen saturation and hemodynamic variables, degree of pain measured at first analgesic request, and consumption of postoperative analgesics were observed between the two groups. The mean time from block placement to first request for pain medication was shorter in group Ropivacaine (13.7 h; 25th–75th percentiles: 11.8–14.5 h) than in group Ropivacaine-Clonidine (16.8 h; 25th–75th percentiles: 13.5–17.8 h) (P = 0.038). We conclude that adding 1 &mgr;g/kg clonidine to 0.75% ropivacaine provided a 3-h delay in first request for pain medication after hallux valgus repair, with no clinically relevant side effects. Implications This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study demonstrated that, when providing combined sciatic-femoral nerve block for hallux valgus repair, the addition of 1 &mgr;g/kg clonidine to 0.75% ropivacaine prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia by 3 h, with only a slight and short-lived increase in the degree of sedation and no hemodynamic adverse effects.
Feasibility of a Combination HIV Prevention Program for Men Who Have Sex With Men in Blantyre, Malawi

Introduction:The use of combination HIV prevention interventions (CHPI) now represent the standard of care to minimize HIV acquisition risks among men who have sex with men (MSM). There has been limited evaluation of these approaches in generalized HIV epidemics and/or where MSM are stigmatized. A peer-based CHPI program to target individual, social, and structural risks for HIV was developed for MSM in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods:To test the feasibility of CHPI, adult MSM were followed prospectively from January 2012 to May 2013. Participants (N = 103) completed sociobehavioral surveys and HIV testing at each of the 3 follow-up study visits. Results:Approximately 90% of participants attended each study visit and 93.2% (n = 96) completed the final visit. Participants met with peer educators a median of 3 times (range: 1–10) in the follow-up visits 2 and 3. Condom use at last sex improved from baseline through follow-up visit 3 with main (baseline: 62.5%, follow-up 3: 77.0%; P = 0.02) and casual male partners (baseline: 70.7%, follow-up 3: 86.3%; P = 0.01). Disclosure of sexual behaviors/orientation to family increased from 25% in follow-up 1 to 55% in follow-up 3 (P < 0.01). Discussion:Participants maintained a high level of retention in the study highlighting the feasibility of leveraging community-based organizations to recruit and retain MSM in HIV prevention and treatment interventions in stigmatizing settings. Group-level changes in sexual behavior and disclosure in safe settings for MSM were noted. CHPI may represent a useful model to providing access to other HIV prevention for MSM and aiding retention in care and treatment services for MSM living with HIV in challenging environments.
Volatile-Based Short-Term Sedation in Cardiac Surgical Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the differences in extubation times in a group of cardiac surgical patients who were anesthetized and sedated with either IV propofol or inhaled volatile anesthetic agents. Design: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial performed between September 2009 and August 2011. Setting: Cardiovascular ICU within a tertiary referral university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients: One hundred forty-one patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with normal or mildly reduced left ventricular systolic function. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to receive anesthesia and postoperative sedation using IV propofol (n = 74) or inhaled volatile (isoflurane or sevoflurane) anesthetic agent (n = 67). Measurements and Main Results: Patients sedated using inhaled volatile agent displayed faster readiness to extubation time at 135 minutes (95–200 min) compared with those receiving IV propofol at 215 minutes (150–280 min) (p < 0.001). Extubation times were faster within the volatile group at 182 minutes (140–255 min) in comparison with propofol group at 291 minutes (210–420 min) (p < 0.001). The volatile group showed a higher prevalence of vasodilatation with hypotension and higher cardiac outputs necessitating greater use of vasoconstrictors. There was no difference in postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, sedation score, ICU or hospital length of stay, or patient mortality. Conclusions: Inhaled volatile anesthesia and sedation facilitates faster extubation times in comparison with IV propofol for patient undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Influence of Primate Lentiviral Vif and Proteasome Inhibitors on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Virion Packaging of APOBEC3G

ABSTRACT The Vif protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is essential for viral evasion of the host antiviral protein APOBEC3G, also known as CEM15. Vif mutant but not wild-type HIV-1 viruses produced in the presence of APOBEC3G have been shown to undergo hypermutations in newly synthesized viral DNA upon infection of target cells, presumably resulting from C-to-U modification during minus-strand viral DNA synthesis. We now report that HIV-1 Vif could induce rapid degradation of human APOBEC3G that was blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. The efficiency of Vif-induced downregulation of APOBEC3G expression depended on the level of Vif expression. A single amino acid substitution in the conserved SLQXLA motif reduced Vif function. Vif proteins from distantly related primate lentiviruses such as SIVagm were unable to suppress the antiviral activity of human APOBEC3G or the packaging of APOBEC3G into HIV-1 Vif mutant virions, due to a lack of interaction with human APOBEC3G. In the presence of the proteasome inhibitor MG132, virion-associated Vif increased dramatically. However, increased virion packaging of Vif did not prevent virion packaging of APOBEC3G when proteasome function was impaired, and the infectivity of these virions was significantly reduced. These results suggest that Vif function is required during virus assembly to remove APOBEC3G from packaging into released virions. Once packaged, virion-associated Vif could not efficiently block the antiviral activity of APOBEC3G.
Spectral characterization of human EHG frequency components based on the extraction and reconstruction of the ridges in the scalogram

Numerous studies have observed and analyzed the external electrical activity of the uterus, the so-called electrohysterogram (EHG), associated with contractions during pregnancy and labor. The EHG is mainly composed of two distinct frequency components, FWL (fast wave low, low frequency component) and FWH (fast wave high, high frequency component). It has been suggested that FWH is mainly associated with uterine cell excitability and FWL with the propagation of this activity. This hypothesis is still unproven. We compared two procedures for ridge extraction/reconstruction of the EHG scalogram, with the objective of analyzing the propagation of the EHG on FWH and FWL separately. The performance of the methods under investigation was tested on both synthetic and real signals. The results indicate that the EHG can be characterized by two distinct continuous ridges, supposed to be FWH and FWL, with a low reconstruction error. We have also shown that the extracted ridges have different energy, temporal characteristics and bandwidths.