Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large Join Optimization on a Hypercube Multiprocessor

Optimizing large join queries that consist of many joins has been recognized as NP-hard. Most of the previous work focuses on a uniprocessor environment. In a multiprocessor, the location of each join adds another dimension to the complexity of the problem. In this paper, we examine the feasibility of exploiting the inherent parallelism in optimizing large join queries on a hypercube multiprocessor. This includes using the multiprocessor not only to answer the large join query but also to optimize it. We propose an algorithm to estimate the cost of a parallel large join plan. Three heuristics are provided for generating an initial solution, which is further optimized by an iterative local-improvement method. The entire process of parallel query optimization and execution is simulated on an Intel iPSC/2 hypercube machine. Our experimental results show that the performance of each heuristic depends on the characteristics of the query. >
Conservation of NADPH utilization by chorismate synthase and its implications for the evolution of the shikimate pathway

The shikimate pathway is essential for the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds. The seventh and last step is catalysed by chorismate synthase, which has an absolute requirement for reduced FMN in its active site. There are two classes of this enzyme, which are distinguished according to the origin of the reduced cofactor. Monofunctional chorismate synthases sequester it from the cellular environment whereas bifunctional enzymes can generate reduced FMN at the expense of NADPH. These bifunctional enzymes are found in fungi and the ciliated protozoan Euglena gracilis while all bacterial and plant enzymes are monofunctional. In this study, we introduce an in vivo screen, which is based on a chorismate synthase‐deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, allowing the classification of hitherto uncharacterized chorismate synthases. This analysis revealed that bifunctionality is present in the enzymes of protozoan species. In contrast, all bacterial and plant enzymes tested are monofunctional. In addition, we demonstrate that a monofunctional chorismate synthase confers prototrophy in conjunction with a NADPH : FMN oxidoreductase indicating that bifunctionality is required due to the lack of free reduced FMN in fungal and possibly protozoan species. Interestingly, the distribution of bifunctional chorismate synthase concurs with the presence of a pentafunctional enzyme complex.
Optimal file allocation in a distributed computer network by orthogonal array experiments

The problem of allocating files in a distributed network of interconnected computers, is one of minimizing the overall operating cost while satisfying the finite computer storage capacity constraint and the bounds on the time to access the files. The overall operating cost consists of the cost of storing the files in the computers and the cost of transferring them across the network. This problem has been formulated previously as a nonlinear zero-one integer programming problem (W.W.Chu, 1969) and solved as a linear zero-one integer programming problem, using the Gomory cutting technique (1963). When the communication link capacities are non-uniform, the dimension, of the problem increases drastically, and conventional integer programming techniques are not computationally efficient. The author provides an alternative approach, in which he solves the nonlinear integer problem directly, using what is known as the orthogonal array experiment. Also known as the Taguchi method used in quality control, the orthogonal array experiment is extremely efficient and, for this class of problems, provides the same optimal allocation as do compositionally intensive conventional integer programming methods.
Linking hypercompetition and strategic group theories: strategic maneuvering in the US insurance industry

Focusing on the dynamics of strategic maneuvering, this paper draws parallels between the accumulated perspectives of strategic group theory and ideas drawn from evolutionary economics and from a recent strategy-oriented book on hypercompetition (D'Aveni RA. 1994. Hypercompetition: Managing the Dynamics of Strategic Maneuvering. The Free Press: New York). Using insurance industry data, the paper first uses the methodological framework of strategic groups to define competitive positioning and the identity of close competitors. It then develops a Markovian model to analyse two important aspects of strategic maneuvering over time: the level of firm movement, and the determination of optimal maneuvering paths and their related long-term performance. The results provide insights into industry competitive dynamics and rivalry. First, there is clear evidence of strategic maneuvering over the entire time period studied and a higher level of maneuvering in the long run. Second, for some competitive scenarios, there are optimal maneuvering trajectories that optimize a firm's long-term economic performance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytic Moments for GARCH Processes

Conditional returns distributions generated by a GARCH process, which are important for many problems in market risk assessment and portfolio optimization, are typically generated via simulation. This paper extends previous research on analytic moments of GARCH returns distributions in several ways: we consider a general GARCH model -- the GJR specification with a generic innovation distribution; we derive analytic expressions for the first four conditional moments of the forward return, of the forward variance, of the aggregated return and of the aggregated variance -- corresponding moments for some specific GARCH models largely used in practice are recovered as special cases; we derive the limits of these moments as the time horizon increases, establishing regularity conditions for the moments of aggregated returns to converge to normal moments; and we demonstrate empirically that some excellent approximate predictive distributions can be obtained from these analytic moments, thus precluding the need for time-consuming simulations.
Investigating the Effect of Service Quality on Customer Post-Purchasing Behaviors in the Hotel Sector: The Moderating Role of Service Convenience

This study contributes to a conceptual model indicating the effect of service quality on customer post-purchasing behaviors in the hotel sector by including both the mediating role of customer satisfaction and the moderating role of customer-perceived service convenience. The analysis confirms that customer satisfaction is positively influenced by service quality whereas behavioral intention is positively influenced by customer satisfaction. Therefore, behavioral intention is indirectly influenced by service quality through customer satisfaction. Finally, another key finding is that the relationship between customer satisfaction and behavioral intention is stronger for customers who perceive high service convenience than for those who perceive low service convenience. According to these findings, implications and future research directions are discussed.
Further Analysis of Overurbanization

Many students of urbanization have suggested that countries in the early stages of industrialization suffer an imbalance in both the size and distribution of their urban populations, implying primarily that they have a higher percentage of people living in cities and towns than is "warranted" at their stage of economic development. The term used to describe this phenomenon is "overurbanization," which refers to the end result of excessive migration of unand underemployed rural folk to the cities in advance of adequate expansion of urban employment opportunities. One consequence of this premature migration is the high rate of unemployment and/or marginal employment in the labor forces of the great cities of Asia and Africa. '
Bortezomib disrupts tumour–dendritic cell interactions in myeloma and lymphoma: therapeutic implications

Recent studies have shown that the interactions between tumour and dendritic cells (DCs) promote clonogenic growth of lymphoproliferative tumours, particularly myeloma. The present study showed that the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, disrupts this interaction. Targeting the drug to DCs was required for optimal suppression of tumour growth, including primary myeloma tumour progenitors in clonogenic assays. Bortezomib lead to dose‐dependent induction of apoptosis in both myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs, and the sensitivity of DCs to bortezomib was comparable with that of tumour cells. These data suggest that disruption of tumour–DC interactions may contribute to the clinical effects of bortezomib.
Role of Cytotoxic Protease Granzyme‐b in Neuronal Degeneration During Human Stroke

Infiltration of leukocytes into post‐ischemic cerebrum is a well‐described phenomenon in stroke injury. Because CD‐8+ T‐lymphocytes secrete cytotoxic proteases, including granzyme‐b (Gra‐b) that exacerbates post‐ischemic brain damage, we investigated roles of Gra‐b in human stroke. To study the role of Gra‐b in stroke, ischemic and non‐ischemic tissues (from post‐mortem stroke patients) were analyzed using immunoblotting, co‐immunoprecipitation, terminal deoxy uridine nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Annexin–V immunostaining, and in vitro neuron survival assays. Activated CG‐SH cells and supernatants were used to model leukocyte‐dependent injury. Non‐ischemic brain tissues were used as non‐pathological controls. Non‐activated CG‐SH cells and supernatants were used as controls for in vitro experiments. Human stroke (ischemic) samples contained significantly higher levels of Gra‐b and interferon‐gamma inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10/CXCL10) than non‐ischemic controls. In stroke, poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 and heat shock protein‐70 were cleaved to canonical proteolytic “signature” fragments by Gra‐b. Gra‐b was also found to bind to Bid and caspase‐3. Gra‐b also co‐localized with Annexin‐V+/TUNEL+ in degenerating neurons. Importantly, Gra‐b inhibition protected both normal and ischemia‐reperfused neurons against in vitro neurotoxicity mediated by activated CG‐SH cells and supernatants. These results suggest that increased leukocyte infiltration and elevated Gra‐b levels in the post‐stroke brain can induce contact‐dependent and independent post‐ischemic neuronal death to aggravate stroke injury.
Variation in glottalization at prosodic boundaries in clear and plain lab speech

Previous research on glottalization shows that this voice quality occurs more frequently at prosodic boundaries than in the middle of prosodic phrases. This study investigates ten speakers’ use of glottalization at prosodic boundaries in five passages read in both clear and plain lab speech. We analyzed each syllable in every passage for its voice quality (glottalized or modal) and for its prosodic boundary strength using the ToBI system. We found that glottalization is used regularly in phrase-final syllables, and marginally in phrase-initial syllables. We also found that speaking style had no effect on overall glottalization.
Determination of 4-hydroxytamoxifen in mouse plasma in the pg/mL range by gradient capillary liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Capillary high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC; 300 microm i.d.) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry has been used to determine the concentration of 4-hydroxytamoxifen in mouse plasma in the pg/mL range following the administration of Tamoxifen. A limit of quantification (LOQ) of 100 pg/mL was achieved using only 25 microL of plasma. The on-column sensitivity was determined to be 100 fg. The column performance was determined isocratically before and after the assay and showed only a 15% reduction in performance after 70 injections of plasma extract. No significant peak band broadening was observed due to the mass spectrometer interface using a standard TurboIonspray source.
Broadband Local Field Potentials Correlate with Spontaneous Fluctuations in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signals in the Rat Somatosensory Cortex Under Isoflurane Anesthesia

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely used for exploring spontaneous brain activity and large-scale networks; however, the neural processes underlying the observed resting-state fMRI signals are not fully understood. To investigate the neural correlates of spontaneous low-frequency fMRI fluctuations and functional connectivity, we developed a rat model of simultaneous fMRI and multiple-site intracortical neural recordings. This allowed a direct comparison to be made between the spontaneous signals and interhemispheric connectivity measured with the two modalities. Results show that low-frequency blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) fluctuations (<0.1 Hz) correlate significantly with slow power modulations (<0.1 Hz) of local field potentials (LFPs) in a broad frequency range (1-100 Hz) under isoflurane anesthesia (1%-1.8%). Peak correlation occurred between neural and hemodynamic activity when the BOLD signal was delayed by ~4 sec relative to the LFP signal. The spatial location and extent of correlation was highly reproducible across studies, with the maximum correlation localized to a small area surrounding the site of microelectrode recording and to the homologous area in the contralateral hemisphere for most rats. Interhemispheric connectivity was calculated using BOLD correlation and band-limited LFP (1-4, 4-8, 8-14, 14-25, 25-40, and 40-100 Hz) coherence. Significant coherence was observed for the slow power changes of all LFP frequency bands as well as in the low-frequency BOLD data. A preliminary investigation of the effect of anesthesia on interhemispheric connectivity indicates that coherence in the high-frequency LFP bands declines with increasing doses of isoflurane, whereas coherence in the low-frequency LFP bands and the BOLD signal increases. These findings suggest that resting-state fMRI signals might be a reflection of broadband LFP power modulation, at least in isoflurane-anesthetized rats.
Analytical challenges in the quantitative determination of 2H/1H ratios of methyl iodide.

RATIONALE A published method to determine the hydrogen isotope ((2)H/(1)H) ratios of methoxyl groups, cleaved from lignin by hydroiodic acid (HI), calls for the analysis of methyl iodide (CH(3)I). However, analysis of halogenated compounds by gas chromatography/pyrolysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/P/IRMS) yields incomplete conversion into H(2) and unwanted HX products post-pyrolysis. METHODS We tested analytical capabilities when measuring a pure CH(3) I standard using a GC Isolink pyrolysis furnace at 1420 °C and a DELTA V(Plus) ™ isotope ratio mass spectrometer, both by Thermo Scientific. We added and tested the efficacy of either a secondary reduction furnace containing heated metals or a cold trap to eliminate unwanted HI prior to IRMS analysis for (2)H/(1) H determinations. RESULTS While 94% of the hydrogen in CH(3) I is converted into H(2) in GC/P/IRMS, 6% yields HI. The use of either a secondary reduction furnace or cold trap can eliminate HI. However, secondary reduction is untenable given changes in reduction/transmission efficiency and (2)H/(1) H drift. A cold trap provides a pragmatic solution: the δ(2)H values of -97 ‰ were measured from injections of 23-57 µg of CH(3)I to a precision of 4.5 ‰ (n = 26), within the error of the offline measurements. CONCLUSIONS We have refined an earlier method to measure the δ(2)H values of CH(3)I by GC/P/IRMS by adding a cold trap to remove HI. This approach should facilitate future experimentation with the measurement of CH(3)I liberated from natural samples for potentially diverse applications including forensic sourcing of wood and tree-wood-based reconstructions of source water.
Efficiency Convergence in All EU Member and Candidate Countries' Banking Markets

This paper examines whether there has been convergence of cost and profit efficiency levels among all European Union (EU) member and candidate countries following the process of legislative harmonization, using dynamic panel data models. The test results indicate evidence of β-convergence and σ-convergence in both cost and profit efficiency among all EU member and candidate countries. Hence, the results provide evidence in favor of the process of banking markets integration in the European Union. The results also indicate that the mean cost efficiency levels are higher than those of profit efficiency, verifying the importance of inefficiencies on the revenue side of banking activity in EU banking markets. The results further suggest that there have been significant efficiency gains in the newer member and candidate countries' banking sectors.
Changes in the Structure of Public Housing Provision in Urban China

Housing provision in a socialist country is generally characterised by the dominance of public housing. However, provision of public housing is a complicated process, which involves various social agencies. In the case of China, the simple notion of 'state provision' covers huge differences between municipally-managed and work-unit housing. The lack of understanding in the structure of public housing provision has led to unsuccessful efforts in promoting the 'commercialisation' of housing in recent years. This paper, adopting a perspective of structure of housing provision (SHP), attempts to examine the changes in public-sector housing in China and to reveal the critical role of state work-units in the SHP. Housing reform has led to some significant changes in the SHP. The transformation, however, is far from a process of commercialisation or privatisation of public housing stock. On the production side, work-units do withdraw themselves from direct involvement in housing construction. However, on the consumption side, the low incomes of state workers, due to the political economy, have forced the work-unit system to remain as an indispensable part of the SHP. The increasing role played by state work-units shows the contradiction embedded in a socialist market economy—i.e. the reproduction of labour through market mechanisms and the persistence of public ownership of production. The changes certainly have profound implications for the nation's urban development and urban spatial structure.
Role of Osteoblast Gi Signaling in Age-Related Bone Loss in Female Mice

Age-related bone loss is an important risk factor for fractures in the elderly; it results from an imbalance in bone remodeling mainly due to decreased bone formation. We have previously demonstrated that endogenous G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven Gi signaling in osteoblasts (Obs) restrains bone formation in mice during growth. Here, we launched a longitudinal study to test the hypothesis that Gi signaling in Obs restrains bone formation in aging mice, thereby promoting bone loss. Our approach was to block Gi signaling in maturing Obs by the induced expression of the catalytic subunit of pertussis toxin (PTX) after the achievement of peak bone mass. In contrast to the progressive cancellous bone loss seen in aging sex-matched littermate control mice, aging female Col1(2.3)+/PTX+ mice showed an age-related increase in bone volume. Increased bone volume was associated with increased bone formation at both trabecular and endocortical surfaces as well as increased bending strength of the femoral middiaphyses. In contrast, male Col1(2.3)+/PTX+ mice were not protected from age-related bone loss. Our results indicate that Gi signaling markedly restrains bone formation at cancellous and endosteal bone surfaces in female mice during aging. Blockade of the relevant Gi-coupled GPCRs represents an approach for the development of osteoporosis therapies—at least in the long bones of aging women.
Crossbred cow adoption and its correlates: Countable adoption specification search in Sri Lanka's small holder dairy sector

Considerable specification choice confronts countable adoption investigations and there is need to measure, formally, the evidence in favor of competing formulations. This article presents alternative countable adoption specifications—hitherto neglected in the agricultural-economics literature—and assesses formally their usefulness to practitioners. Reference to the left side of de Finetti's (1937) famous representation theorem motivates Bayesian unification of agricultural adoption studies and facilitates comparisons with conventional binary-choice specifications. Such comparisons have not previously been considered. The various formulations and the specific techniques are highlighted in an application to crossbred cow adoption in Sri Lanka's small-holder dairy sector.
Social Contacts and Mixing Patterns Relevant to the Spread of Infectious Diseases

Background Mathematical modelling of infectious diseases transmitted by the respiratory or close-contact route (e.g., pandemic influenza) is increasingly being used to determine the impact of possible interventions. Although mixing patterns are known to be crucial determinants for model outcome, researchers often rely on a priori contact assumptions with little or no empirical basis. We conducted a population-based prospective survey of mixing patterns in eight European countries using a common paper-diary methodology. Methods and Findings 7,290 participants recorded characteristics of 97,904 contacts with different individuals during one day, including age, sex, location, duration, frequency, and occurrence of physical contact. We found that mixing patterns and contact characteristics were remarkably similar across different European countries. Contact patterns were highly assortative with age: schoolchildren and young adults in particular tended to mix with people of the same age. Contacts lasting at least one hour or occurring on a daily basis mostly involved physical contact, while short duration and infrequent contacts tended to be nonphysical. Contacts at home, school, or leisure were more likely to be physical than contacts at the workplace or while travelling. Preliminary modelling indicates that 5- to 19-year-olds are expected to suffer the highest incidence during the initial epidemic phase of an emerging infection transmitted through social contacts measured here when the population is completely susceptible. Conclusions To our knowledge, our study provides the first large-scale quantitative approach to contact patterns relevant for infections transmitted by the respiratory or close-contact route, and the results should lead to improved parameterisation of mathematical models used to design control strategies.
Standard test interface language (STIL), extending the standard

This paper is a status report on the current state of STIL (standard tester interface language) as developed by the IEEE-P1450 standards development committee, followed by a comprehensive overview of the areas that the committee is pursuing for the next round of development for the language. This paper explains the rationale for the extensions being worked on, the applications for these extensions, the process, and the time frame that is expected for this development.