Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SAT03-1: Loss and Delay QoS Mapping Control for Satellite Systems

An optimization problem for QoS mapping over protocol layers is formalized in this work by taking the ETSI satellite independent-service access point (SI-SAP) as technological reference. The joint optimization of loss and delay performance metrics, together with the presence of SI-SAP QoS mapping operations, introduces the generalization of the regular concept of equivalent bandwidth. This leads to the study of a proper measurement-based control, able to capture the most stringent QoS requirement over time (between loss and delay) and the related instantaneous bandwidth need at the lower layer of the protocol stack. The control methodology is tested through real fading and traffic traces to highlight its effectiveness for real time control of QoS mapping operations.
Exploring the market concentration and the market dominance of international tourist hotels in Taiwan

Abstract This study primarily analyzed the market concentration and market dominance of international tourist hotels in Taiwan. The results are presented as follows: (a) Northern Taiwan was classified as a lowly concentrated market, which is similar to the fragmented industry described in Michael Porter’s Five Forces of Competitive Position theory, in which firms are extremely competent and no individual firm can become the major player in the industry. (b) Central and Eastern Taiwan were classified using the four-firm concentration ratio (CR4) as having an industrial structure of highly concentrated markets. (c) CR4 was employed to measure the industrial structure of Southern Taiwan, and a moderately concentrated market was obtained. The second part of this study involved analyzing the market dominance of leading firms. Only when the industrial structures were categorized as highly concentrated markets by using CR4 for measurements and when the firms that held the largest and second largest market shares formed strategic alliances, can the leading firms demonstrate market dominance, and their operation performance can be enhanced by employing marketing strategies.
Colocalization in pericentral hepatocytes in adult mice and similarity in developmental expression pattern of ornithine aminotransferase and glutamine synthetase mRNA.

In situ hybridization showed that the mRNA for ornithine aminotransferase (OAT; ornithine-oxo-acid aminotransferase; L-ornithine: 2-oxo-acid aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.13) colocalized with glutamine synthetase [GS; glutamate-ammonia ligase; L-glutamate: ammonia ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.3. 1.2] in pericentral hepatocytes of the adult mouse liver. In addition to an identical distribution in adult hepatocytes, OAT and GS have very similar expression patterns in fetal and neonatal liver. As was earlier described for GS, there is a low level of OAT mRNA in fetal cells and increasing pericentral levels in neonates that reach adult patterns within 2 weeks. These results suggest that the transcriptional regulation of the two genes is similar in the liver. However, there was a lack of colocalization of the mRNAs for the two enzymes in cells of the kidney, intestine, and brain, suggesting different regulatory decisions for the OAT and GS genes in the cells of these different tissues. The metabolic consequences of these localized expression patterns favor ammonia clearance from the blood by the liver and urea synthesis by the kidney.
Phase II clinical investigation of gemcitabine in advanced soft tissue sarcomas and window evaluation of dose rate on gemcitabine triphosphate accumulation.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and optimal dose rate of gemcitabine in adult patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas (STS) by comparing levels of gemcitabine triphosphate (GTP) in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients receiving two different dose rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-six assessable patients with STS (17 gastrointestinal [GI] leiomyosarcomas and 39 other histologies) were treated on a two-arm phase II study. Gemcitabine was given at 1 g/m2 as a 30-minute infusion weekly for up to 7 weeks followed by 1 week of rest and reassessment of tumor. Subsequent cycles were given at 1 g/m2 weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of rest. Nine patients underwent cellular pharmacologic studies at two different dose rates (1 g/m2 over a standard 30-minute infusion on week 1 and over pharmacologically based infusion of 150 minutes on week 2) to evaluate GTP levels in PBMCs. RESULTS Seven partial responses were noted among 39 patients, for an overall response rate of 18% (95% confidence interval, 7% to 29%). Median duration of response was 3.5 months (range, 2 to 13 months). Four of 10 patients with non-GI leiomyosarcomas achieved a partial response. No objective responses were noted in 17 patients with GI leiomyosarcomas. One patient had a mixed response. Median time to progression for all patients (both arms) was 3 months; median survival was 13.9 months. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Comparison of cellular pharmacology demonstrated a significant 1.4-fold increase in the concentration of GTP with the 150-minute infusion. CONCLUSION Given the limited therapeutic armamentarium for STS, the activity of gemcitabine is encouraging. Its potential for combination therapy in the salvage setting should be studied with pharmacologically guided fixed dose-rate infusion.
RELATIONSHIPS : DO MATCHING EXPECTATIONS IMPROVE RELATIONSHIP STRENGTH ?

A typical problem with relationship management in a B2B environment is that implementing companies often see the relationship only from their own perspective. In other words, the supplier decides which customer is worth treating as a key customer, without involving the customer in this decision, or vice versa. As a result, even resource-consuming key account customers might move to competitors if they do not value the relationship in the same way as the supplier and see an opportunity to save costs by switching sources. This study develops a better understanding of value in B2B relationships. It investigates the segmentation methods currently used in relationship management and develops a new approach that brings the value perspectives from buyer and seller together. The major contribution of the research, however, is to test the proposition that congruency of the value expectations of buyer and seller will optimize the relationship strength. In the literature there seem two general approaches, the hard and the soft. This research combines these measures to form a single, cohesive measurement of congruency of relationship value, from the perspective of both partners in the relationship. There is a lacuna in the burgeoning literature on relationship management, where trust is often inadequately represented in the research, and where reciprocity of value between relationship partners is often omitted. This research addresses this critical, yet underresearched, issue. It also provides a useful, practical, guide to companies desirous of setting up strong relationships with other organizations by explaining the importance of soft value measures and focusing on shared value expectations in these relationships. The quantitative survey was conducted among buyers and sellers in small and medium sized companies in Germany that are operating on an international level. The empirical results strongly support the research thesis. Implications for theory and practice are provided as well as recommendations for further research.
Sensor fusion for obstacle detection and its application to an unmanned ground vehicle

This paper presents a method for the detection of obstacles in the trajectory of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). To detect obstacles, two different sensors are used, i.e., a vision sensor and a scanning lidar. While lidar measures the precise distance of the object, it cannot detect low objects due to its constant scanning height and angle. In contrast, vision sensor provides 2-D scenery information with relatively poor distance information. To compensate for the drawbacks of these two sensors, the sensor fusion method for obstacle detection of UGV is proposed. Finally the proposed method is validated experimentally.
Subnuclear targeting of Runx/Cbfa/AML factors is essential for tissue-specific differentiation during embryonic development

Runx (Cbfa/AML) transcription factors are critical for tissue-specific gene expression. A unique targeting signal in the C terminus directs Runx factors to discrete foci within the nucleus. Using Runx2/CBFA1/AML3 and its essential role in osteogenesis as a model, we investigated the fundamental importance of fidelity of subnuclear localization for tissue differentiating activity by deleting the intranuclear targeting signal via homologous recombination. Mice homozygous for the deletion (Runx2ΔC) do not form bone due to maturational arrest of osteoblasts. Heterozygotes do not develop clavicles, but are otherwise normal. These phenotypes are indistinguishable from those of the homozygous and heterozygous null mutants, indicating that the intranuclear targeting signal is a critical determinant for function. The expressed truncated Runx2ΔC protein enters the nucleus and retains normal DNA binding activity, but shows complete loss of intranuclear targeting. These results demonstrate that the multifunctional N-terminal region of the Runx2 protein is not sufficient for biological activity. We conclude that subnuclear localization of Runx factors in specific foci together with associated regulatory functions is essential for control of Runx-dependent genes involved in tissue differentiation during embryonic development.
Azospirillum soli sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing species isolated from agricultural soil.

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod or spiral-shaped diazotrophic bacterium (designated strain CC-LY788T), was isolated from agricultural soil in Taiwan. Strain CC-LY788T was able to grow at 25-40 °C, pH 6.0-8.0 and tolerated NaCl to 2.0% (w/v). Positive for nitrogen fixation with the activity recorded as 6.5 nmol ethylene h(-1). Strain CC-LY788T showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Azospirillum picis DSM 19922T (97.2%) and Azospirillum rugosum DSM 19657T (97.1%) and lower sequence similarities (<96.6%) to all other species of the genus Azospirillum. According to the DNA-DNA hybridization, the relatedness values of strain CC-LY788T with A. picis DSM 19922T and A. rugosum DSM 19657T were 51.1±5.5% and 46.8±2.1%, respectively. Strain CC-LY788T was positive for the rapid identification of the genus-specific primer set. The respiratory quinone system was ubiquinone (Q-10) and the DNAG+C content was 69.8 mol%. The major fatty acids found in strain CC-LY788T were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 2-OH, C14 : 0 3-OH/C16 : 1 iso I (summed feature 2), C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3), C18 : 0 ante/C18 : 2ω6,9c (summed feature 5) and C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8). Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain CC-LY788T represents a novel species of the genus Azospirillum, for which the name Azospirillum soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-LY788T (=BCRC 80569T=JCM 18820T).
Active rehabilitation for children who are slow to recover following sport-related concussion

Primary objective: To present an innovative approach to the management of children who are slow to recover after a sport-related concussion. Research design: The article describes the underlying principles and the development of specific interventions for a new rehabilitation programme as well as preliminary data on pre- and post-rehabilitation changes in outcome measures. Methods and procedures: Development of the intervention was done using multiple perspectives including that of the literature, of experts in the field of traumatic brain injury and of experienced clinicians involved with the paediatric and adolescent MTBI clientele. A logic model was developed providing sound theoretical background to the intervention. The intervention was implemented and evaluated with a sample of 16 children and adolescents. Main outcomes and results: The presented cases suggest that involvement in controlled and closely monitored rehabilitation in the post-acute period may promote recovery in children and adolescents who present with atypical recovery following a concussion. All 16 of the children and adolescents who participated in the programme experienced a relatively rapid recovery and returned to their normal lifestyles and sport participation. Conclusions: A gradual, closely-supervised active rehabilitation programme in the post-acute period (i.e. after 1 month post-injury) appears promising to improve the care provided to children who are slow to recover.
Let's talk about gay sex: gay and bisexual men's sexual communication with healthcare professionals after prostate cancer

Although sexual changes after prostate cancer (PCa) have specific meanings and consequences for gay and bisexual (GB) men, little is known about how GB men navigate sexual well-being support. We surveyed 124 GB men with PCa and 21 male partners, and interviewed a sub-sample of 46 GB men and 7 male partners, to examine GB men's experiences of sexual communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs) since the onset of PCa. GB men perceived a number of deficits in HCPs communication: medical support dominated sexual and psychological support; heterosexuality of GB patients was often assumed; sexual orientation disclosure was problematic; and GB men perceived rejection or lack of interest and knowledge from a majority of HCPs with regard to gay sexuality and the impact of PCa on GB men. Facilitators of communication were acknowledgement of sexual orientation and exploration of the impact of PCa on GB men. In order to target improved support for GB men with PCa, it is concluded that HCPs need to address issues of hetero-centricism within PCa care by improving facilitation of sexual orientation disclosure, recognising that GB men with PCa might have specific sexual and relational needs, and increasing knowledge and comfort discussing gay sexuality and gay sexual practices.
A Novel Flower Pollination Based Global Maximum Power Point Method for Solar Maximum Power Point Tracking

To maximize solar photovoltaic (PV) output under dynamic weather conditions, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers are incorporated in solar PV systems. However, the occurrence of multiple peaks due to partial shading adds complexity to the tracking process. Even though conventional and soft computing techniques are widely used to solve MPPT problem, conventional methods exhibit limited performance due to fixed step size, whereas soft computing techniques are restricted by insufficient randomness after reaching the vicinity of maximum power. Hence, in this paper, a new flower pollination algorithm (FPA) with the ability to reach global peak is proposed. Optimization process in FPA method performs global and local search in single stage and it is a key tool for its success in MPPT application. The ruggedness of the algorithm is tested with zero, weak, and strong shade pattern. Further, comprehensive performance estimation via simulation and hardware are carried out for FPA method and are quantified with conventional perturb and observe and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods. Results obtained with FPA method show superiority in energy saving and proved to be economical.
Are Fiscal Multipliers Larger during Recessions?

This paper estimates how fiscal multipliers have changed over time using a time varying parameter model vector autorregressive model with stochastic volatility (TVPSV-VAR). First, I find that there is significant evidence that the multiplier has changed over time, once we control for changes in volatility, but that there is no empirical support to claim that the fiscal multiplier is bigger during a recession even if we consider different components of government spending. Second, I show that stochastic volatility plays an important role in the estimation of the model, and therefore, it should be taken into account when estimating VARs that include government spending or output. Finally, I show that government spending was extremely ineffective during the Great Recession of 2008, but taxes and transfer payments played an important role to stabilize the economy.
Limits to vertical force and power production in bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Bombus impatiens)

SUMMARY Maximum vertical forces produced by flying animals can be difficult to identify unequivocally, but potentially indicate general limits to aerodynamic force and muscle power output. We used two methods (i.e. incremental addition of supplemental mass and asymptotic load lifting) to determine both the intraspecific allometry of and methodological differences in estimates of maximum flight performance for the bumblebee Bombus impatiens. We found that incremental mass addition underestimated maximum lifting capacity by approximately 18% relative to values obtained by asymptotically increasing the applied load during a lifting bout. In asymptotic loading, bumblebees lifted on average 53% of their body weight, and demonstrated a significantly negative allometry of maximum aerodynamic force production relative to thoracic muscle mass. Estimates of maximum body mass-specific mechanical power output increased intraspecifically with body mass to the 0.38–0.50 power, depending on values assumed for the profile drag coefficient. We also found a significant reduction in vertical force production when both hindwings were removed. Limits to load-lifting capacity ultimately co-occur with an upper bound on stroke amplitude (∼145 deg.). Although thoracic muscle mass showed positive allometry, overall load-lifting performance exhibited significant size-dependent degradation.
Changes in plasma concentrations of LH, progesterone and oestradiol in relation to the occurrence of luteolysis, oestrus and time of ovulation in the Shiba goat (Capra hircus).

Luteolysis in Shiba goats was spontaneous (N = 5) or induced by prostaglandin F-2 alpha (N = 5). Blood sampling and the test for oestrous behaviour were carried out at 2-h intervals, and the time of follicular rupture (ovulation) was determined by culdoscopic observations performed every 2 h around the periovulatory period. In both groups plasma LH concentrations showed a temporary but significant increase during the abrupt fall in plasma progesterone concentrations at luteolysis. This LH rise may be responsible for the preovulatory development of antral follicles and the increase in oestradiol secretion from them. The total number of antral follicles (spontaneous luteolysis 3.6 +/- 0.6, induced luteolysis 4.2 +/- 0.7; mean +/- s.e.m.) and the number of ovulations (1.8 +/- 0.4, 2.4 +/- 0.2) did not differ significantly between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in the timing of oestrus, LH surge and ovulation following the two modes of luteolysis. The interval from luteolysis to the peak of the LH surge averaged 65 h (range 56-72 h). The period of oestrous behaviour coincided with the acrophase of the LH surge and lasted for 22 h (12-28 h). Ovulations occurred 21 (16-24) h after the LH peak and 7 (2-12) h after the end of oestrus.
Analysis of promoters in Borrelia burgdorferi by use of a transiently expressed reporter gene

A transient chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression system was developed for Borrelia burgdorferi. An Escherichia coli vector containing a promoterless Streptococcus agalactiae cat gene was constructed. Promoters for ospA, ospC, and flaB were placed upstream of this cat gene, and CAT assays were performed in E. coli from these stably maintained plasmids. The plasmids with putative promoters ospA and flaB were found to be approximately 20-fold more active than were the plasmids with ospC or no promoter. The level of activity correlated well with the resistance to chloramphenicol that each plasmid provided. Next, the nonreplicative plasmid constructs were transformed by electroporation into B. burgdorferi. CAT assays were performed by both thin-layer chromatography and the fluor diffusion method. Measurement of CAT activity demonstrated that the ospA promoter was again about 20-fold more active than the promoterless cat gene. The flaB and ospC promoters increased the activity seven- and threefold, respectively, over that with the promoterless construct. This simple transient-expression assay was shown to be an effective method to study promoter function in B. burgdorferi in the absence of a well-developed genetic system.
All-optical enhancement of clock and clock-to-data suppression ratio of NRZ data

A scheme for all-optical enhancement of clock and clock-to-data suppression ratio of nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) data based on self-phase modulation is proposed and demonstrated. More than 3-dB clock enhancement and 11-dB clock-to-data suppression ratio enhancement has been realized by a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in reflection. Clock enhancement of more than 6 dB is possible using a FBG in transmission. Using this technique, all-optical clock recovery from NRZ data has been demonstrated.
Texting appointment reminders to repeated non-attenders in primary care: randomised controlled study

Background: Failure to attend appointments compromises health service efficiency. Despite considerable interest in using novel technologies to improve attendance, evidence from rigorously conducted controlled studies is lacking. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of texting appointment reminders to patients who persistently fail to attend appointments. Design: Randomised controlled study. Setting: Inner city general practice in Lothian, Scotland. Method: We included 415 appointments made by patients (n = 173) who had failed to attend two or more routine appointments in the preceding year. Patients whose appointments were randomised to the intervention group received a text message reminder of the appointment. Patients whose appointments were in the control group received no reminder. Our primary outcome measure was non-attendance rates. We undertook an intention-to-treat analysis and multi-level analysis to take account of the lack of independence of the outcomes of repeated appointments for the same patient. Results: Of the 418 appointments originally included in the study, three were excluded due to clerical error; 189 were randomised to the intervention group and 226 to the control group. Twenty-two appointments (12%) were not attended in the intervention group compared with 39 (17%) in the control group. A chi-square analysis, considering the outcome of appointments as independent from one another, gave a non-significant difference of 5% (95% CI of difference −1.1 to 12.3%, p = 0.13). Multilevel analysis applied to the binary outcome data on non-attendance gave an odds ratio for non-attendance in the intervention group compared with the control group of 0.63 (95% CI 0.36 to 1.1, p = 0.11). Conclusion: Although the intervention showed promise, we failed to demonstrate significant reduction in non-attendance rates, as a result of texting appointment reminders to patients who persistently fail to attend their general practice appointments.