Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constructions and analysis of crosstalk-free optical queues

There are several recent advances in the constructions of conflict-free optical queues using optical switches and fiber delay lines (SDL). Many of these conflict-free optical queues are constructed by 2 times 2 switches and thus suffer from the notorious crosstalk problem. To alleviate the crosstalk problem, it is suggested in the literature that one should avoid routing two packets to the same 2 times 2 switch at the same time. A construction with such a property is called crosstalk-free. Our first contribution of this paper is to extend the two-step method by Deng and Lee to a three-step method that converts a conflict-free SDL element into a crosstalk-free SDL element. For certain optical queues, including linear compressors, linear decompressors, and non-overtaking delay lines, an additional step (the fourth step in our paper) can be taken to further reduce the construction complexity. For such optical queues, one only needs one more 2 times 2 switch than the original construction. Our second contribution of this paper is to provide worst case analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in both the original conflict-free SDL element and the converted crosstalk-free SDL element. Closed-form expressions for the worst case SNRs in both SDL elements are obtained. These expressions show that the gain of the worst case SNR in the converted crosstalk-free SDL element is quite substantial.
Molecular HPV Typing as a Diagnostic Tool to Discriminate Primary From Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

In this study, typing of human papilloma virus (HPV) was performed in squamous cell carcinomas of the lung (n=26) as well as putative primaries of head and neck (n=21) and female genital tract (n=5) of the same patients, to test whether additional information to discriminate lung primaries from metastases can be gained by a direct comparison of the HPV status in both tumors. In 3 (14.2%) patients with head and neck as well as lung squamous cell carcinoma, an identical HPV subtype could be detected in both tumors suggesting metastatic disease. In 9 (42.9%) cases, discordant HPV status strongly suggested secondary primaries of the lung. In the remaining 9 (42.9%) patients, no HPV was evident in either tumor. In all patients with carcinomas of the cervix uteri an identical HPV subtype was detected in the cervical and in the lung tumor. In conclusion, the results suggest HPV typing, a method routinely used in cervical biopsies for years, as a very useful diagnostic tool to discriminate primary from metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, which in our cohort in 57.1% of cases allowed for almost definite classification.
Joint radar alignment and odometry calibration

An unsupervised online procedure for the precise alignment of fully integrated Doppler radar sensors is proposed. Alignment is the precise determination of the angle between the principal beam direction of the radar sensor and the thrust axis of the vehicle. The method is based on the accurate determination of the sensor movement through the analysis of the Doppler distribution of stationary targets over the azimuth angle. The precise alignment facilitates estimating the ego motion of the vehicle. The approach is long-term stable and bias free and therefore predestined for the calibration of standard vehicle's odometry (gyroscope and wheel sensors). A hierarchical optimization strategy to obtain the systematic errors is presented and Maximum Likelihood estimators are derived for each step. A Monte-Carlo simulation is used to identify critical impact factors and determine them quantitatively. The performance of all approaches is finally evaluated with promising results using measurements obtained by a pre-series 77 GHz Doppler radar sensor. An alignment precision on the order of 0.01-0.05° is achieved.
Evaluation of subcutaneous and oral administration of robenacoxib and meloxicam for the treatment of acute pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To assess efficacy and tolerability of robenacoxib for control of pain and inflammation in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery. ANIMALS 140 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES A multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded field trial was conducted to compare robenacoxib (97 dogs) and meloxicam (43 dogs). After randomization, each dog received an initial dose (robenacoxib, 2 mg/kg; meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg) via SC injection before surgery and daily doses (robenacoxib, 1 to 2 mg/kg; meloxicam, 0.1 mg/kg) administered orally for up to 15 days after surgery. Efficacy was assessed by veterinarians and owners via numeric rating scales and visual analogue scales. Safety was assessed on the basis of reported adverse events, clinical signs, results of hematologic and biochemical analyses, and buccal mucosa bleeding times. RESULTS Treatment groups were balanced with respect to baseline and demographic data. Both treatments provided similar adequate pain control, as assessed with a modified Glasgow pain scale as the primary end point and supported by secondary end points in evaluations conducted by veterinarians and owners. For the primary end point, the ratio of the reciprocal of the scores for robenacoxib to meloxicam was 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 0.98 to 1.37). No dogs required rescue analgesia. Both treatments were associated with only minor adverse events, which were not necessarily related to the administered treatments and did not affect mucosal bleeding times. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Robenacoxib provided efficacy and tolerability similar to those of meloxicam for the management of perioperative pain and inflammation in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery.
A microspectrophotometric study of the desoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) content in cells of normal and malignant human tissues.

Desoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) is a constant and perhaps the most important nuclear constituent of all living cells. It is an essential part of chromatin and of the chromosomes, and is intimately concerned with the process of cell division. It would be reasonable to expect that the DNA content of tumor cells is different from that of normal cells. That such is the case is suggested by the increase in size and staining density of nuclei so frequently observed in tumors. To date, however, there are no chemical data to confirm or negate this concept. This may seem surprising, but it can be explained by the lack of adequate chemical methods to attack such a problem. One must keep in mind that in order to answer the pertinent question whether the DNA content of a tumor cell is different from that of a normal cell, a special method is needed which permits the chemical analysis of a single cell. It is obvious that the conventional biochemical procedure which determines the DNA content in a mashed neoplastic tissue cannot give an answer because it yields only a value which refers to the fresh or dry weight of the tissue without discrimination between cellular and non-cellular material. Even if biochemical analysis is done on a mass of isolated cells or nuclei (which in most tumors is nearly impossible because of the technical difficulties encountered in isolating nuclei of human tumors) the DNA content per cell is only an average value computed from the analysis of a mass of cells. ' While such an average value may be representative for single cells in cell suspensions with a uniform DNA content, it is not significant for the single cell, hor does it reveal any variation from cell to cell if the suspension analyzed consists of cells with varying DNA content. The difficulties and pitfalls encountered in interpreting the biochemical results in suspensions of polyploid cells
Characteristics of HCV Co-Infection among HIV Infected Individuals from an Area with High Risk of Blood-Borne Infections in Central China

Objective Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection has been proved to be a growing public health concern. The prevalence and genotypic pattern vary with geographic locations. Limited information is available to date with regard to HCV genotype and its clinical implications among those former commercial blood donor communities. The aims of this study were to genetically define the HCV genotype and associated clinical characteristics of HIV/HCV co-infected patients from a region with commercial blood donation history in central China. Methods A cross sectional study, including 164 HIV infected subjects, was conducted in Shanxi province central China. Serum samples were collected and HCV antibody testing, AST and ALT testing were performed. Seropositive samples were further subjected to RT-PCR followed by direct sequence coupled with phylogenetic analysis of Core-E1 and NS5B regions performed in comparison with known reference genotypes. Findings A total of 139 subjects were HCV antibody positive. Genotype could be determined for 88 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the predominant circulating subtype was HCV 1b (65.9%), followed by HCV 2a (34.1%). The HCV viral load in the subjects infected with HIV1b was significantly higher than those infected with HCV 2a (P = 0.006). No significant difference for HCV RNA level was detected between ART status, CD4+ cell count level and HIV RNA level. Serum AST and ALT level were likely to increase with HCV RNA level, although no significance was observed. Those who had conducted commercial donation later than 1991 (OR 3.43, 95% CI: 1.12–10.48) and had a short duration of donation (OR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13–0.96) were more likely to be infected with HCV 1b. Conclusion These results suggest that HCV subtype 1b predominates in this population, and the impact of HIV status and ART on HCV disease progression is not significantly correlated.
Dopaminergic Neurons Respond to Iron-Induced Oxidative Stress by Modulating Lipid Acylation and Deacylation Cycles

Metal-imbalance has been reported as a contributor factor for the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson Disease (PD). Specifically, iron (Fe)-overload and copper (Cu) mis-compartmentalization have been reported to be involved in the injury of dopaminergic neurons in this pathology. The aim of this work was to characterize the mechanisms of membrane repair by studying lipid acylation and deacylation reactions and their role in oxidative injury in N27 dopaminergic neurons exposed to Fe-overload and Cu-supplementation. N27 dopaminergic neurons incubated with Fe (1mM) for 24 hs displayed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and elevated plasma membrane permeability. Cu-supplemented neurons (10, 50 μM) showed no evidence of oxidative stress markers. A different lipid acylation profile was observed in N27 neurons pre-labeled with [3H] arachidonic acid (AA) or [3H] oleic acid (OA). In Fe-exposed neurons, AA uptake was increased in triacylglycerols (TAG) whereas its incorporation into the phospholipid (PL) fraction was diminished. TAG content was 40% higher in Fe-exposed neurons than in controls. This increase was accompanied by the appearance of Nile red positive lipid bodies. Contrariwise, OA incorporation increased in the PL fractions and showed no changes in TAG. Lipid acylation profile in Cu-supplemented neurons showed AA accumulation into phosphatidylserine and no changes in TAG. The inhibition of deacylation/acylation reactions prompted an increase in oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial dysfunction in Fe-overloaded neurons. These findings provide evidence about the participation of lipid acylation mechanisms against Fe-induced oxidative injury and postulate that dopaminergic neurons cleverly preserve AA in TAG in response to oxidative stress.
LDL-cholesterol versus non-HDL-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio and risk for coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes

Aims We assessed the association between different blood lipid measures and risk of fatal/nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD), which has been less analysed previously in type 2 diabetes. Design, methods Observational study of 46,786 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 30–70 years, from the Swedish National Diabetes Register, followed for a mean of 5.8 years until 2009. Baseline and updated mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-, non-HDL-cholesterol, and non-HDL-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio were measured. Results Hazard ratios (HR) for CHD with quartiles 2–4 of baseline lipid measures, with lowest quartile 1 as reference: 1.03–1.29–1.63 for LDL; 1.23–1.41–1.95 for non-HDL; 1.29–1.39–1.57 for HDL; and 1.31–1.67–2.01 for non-HDL:HDL, all p < 0.001 except for quartile 2 of LDL, when adjusted for clinical characteristics and nonlipid risk factors. A similar picture was seen with updated mean values. Splines with absolute 6-year CHD rates in a Cox model showed decreasing rates only down to around 3 mmol/l for LDL, with linearly decreasing rates to the lowest level of non-HDL:HDL. Non-HDL and HDL were independent additive risk factors for CHD risk. HRs per 1 SD continuous decrease in baseline or updated mean HDL were 1.14–1.17 when fully adjusted as above, and 1.08–1.13 when also adjusted for non-HDL (p < 0.001). HRs were 1.13–1.16 adjusted for LDL, and 1.22–1.26 adjusted for total cholesterol and triglycerides (p < 0.001). Splines showed progressively increasing 6-year CHD rates with lower HDL down to 0.5 mmol/l. Conclusions This study suggests that lower levels of non-HDL:HDL are a better risk marker for CHD than LDL-cholesterol below 3 mmol/l.
Microarray Analysis of Brassinosteroid-Regulated Genes in Arabidopsis

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroidal plant hormones that are essential for growth and development. Although insights into the functions of BRs have been provided by recent studies of biosynthesis and sensitivity mutants, the mode of action of BRs is poorly understood. With the use of DNA microarray analysis, we identified BR-regulated genes in the wild type (WT; Columbia) of Arabidopsis and in the BR-deficient mutant, det2. BR-regulated genes generally responded more potently in the det2 mutant than in the WT, and they showed only limited response in a BR-insensitive mutant, bri1. A small group of genes showed stronger responses in the WT than in the det2. Exposure of plants to brassinolide and brassinazole, which is a specific inhibitor of BR biosynthesis, elicited opposite effects on gene expression of the identified genes. The list of BR-regulated genes is constituted of transcription factor genes including the phytochrome-interacting factor 3, auxin-related genes, P450 genes, and genes implicated in cell elongation and cell wall organization. The results presented here provide comprehensive view of the physiological functions of BRs using BR-regulated genes as molecular markers. The list of BR-regulated genes will be useful in the characterization of new mutants and new growth-regulating compounds that are associated with BR function.
Design of IDSS for Traffic Microsimulation Model Calibration

Traffic microsimulation is a widely used tool in the field of computer-aided traffic engineering. In procedure of building traffic microsimulation model, the step of model calibration is difficult. Although several factors of calibration has been discussed by scholars, the calibration step has been handled by means of the experience of individual traffic engineer up to now. This unsystemic approach way makes the traffic microsimulation modeling unreliable and inefficient. In this paper, we take the process of microsimulation model calibration as a decision-making problem, and design an IDSS (intelligence decision support system), named VisController, to aid this decision-making process. In VisController, we integrate several preceding researches about traffic microsimulation model calibration into a system. Two main computer technologies are combined in VisController to make this system intelligentized: neural network and genetic algorithm. Neural network are used in pattern recognition of a micro simulation model; genetic algorithm is used to identify the optimal parametric values. In addition, a demo, which is based on Vissim, a widely used traffic microsimulation software, has been presented.
Moderating Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Group Facilitation

Introduction The Focus Group Methodology Focus Groups Versus One-on-One ( In-Depth ) Interviews Role of the Moderator The Characteristics of a Successful Moderator Preparation for Moderating Recruiting Participants Pre- and Post-Group Briefing The Discussion Guide External Stimuli The Moderator Report Moderating Fundamentals Advanced Moderating Techniques Unique Moderating Situations Moderating Focus Groups Internationally Building a Business Moderating Focus Groups Pricing Focus Groups
Design of Single User Limited Feedback Systems

The available channel state information (CSI) in a limited feedback system like the frequency division duplex (FDD) downlink is not perfect since it is subject to estimation, quantization and feedback errors, and in addition, can be outdated. Despite the fact that the capacity of limited feedback systems is unknown in general, we derive a novel lower bound on the capacity of single user limited feedback systems with imperfect CSI. Based on this bound, we propose the design of an FDD system by finding the optimum training and number of feedback bits. To this end we also take the FDD uplink into account, since practical FDD systems represent two-way systems. We also provide closed-form approximations for the optimum downlink training, uplink training and number of feedback bits which basically maximize lower bounds on the FDD downlink and uplink capacity with imperfect CSI.
HIV Knowledge and Associated Factors among Internet-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in South Africa and the United States

Background We compared factors associated with low HIV/AIDS knowledge among internet-using MSM in South Africa and the United States. Methods 1,154 MSM in the US and 439 MSM in South Africa, recruited through Facebook.com, completed an online survey using a US-validated HIV knowledge scale (HIV-KQ-18). Separate multivariable logistic regression models were built, one for the US and one for South Africa, using a dichotomized variable of scoring less than and equal to 13/18 (“low knowledge”) on the HIV-KQ-18 as outcome. Results Median knowledge scores were 16/18 for both groups of respondents. For South African MSM, factors associated with low knowledge were: a high school education or less (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–4.6), not using condom-compatible lubrication during last anal sex with another man (aOR: 1.9, CI: 1.0–3.5), number of gay or bisexual acquaintances (aOR: 0.89, CI: 0.81–0.99), being unemployed (aOR: 2.2, CI: 1.0–4.6), and testing HIV negative (aOR: 0.30, CI: 0.16–0.59) or testing HIV positive (aOR: 0.15, CI: 0.03–0.74) compared to those never HIV tested. For US MSM, associated factors were: a high school education or less (aOR: 2.7, CI: 1.9–3.8), low pride and acceptance of homosexuality (aOR: 1.3, CI: 1.2–1.5), age 18–24 (aOR: 2.3, CI: 1.3–3.8) or age 50+ (aOR: 3.2, CI: 1.6–6.3) compared to age 25–29, Hispanic ethnicity compared to white non-Hispanic (aOR: 1.9, CI: 1.1–3.2), and testing HIV positive (aOR: 0.34, CI: 0.16–0.69) or testing HIV negative (aOR: 0.59, CI: 0.39–0.89) compared to those tested. Conclusions Those developing programs for MSM in South Africa should weigh these data and other relevant factors, and might consider focusing education services towards MSM with limited education, less integration into gay/bisexual communities, no HIV testing history, limited use of condom-compatible lube, and the unemployed. In the United States, Hispanic MSM, those with limited education, no HIV testing history, low pride/acceptance of homosexuality, and those aged 18–24 or 50+ may be at risk for gaps in HIV knowledge.
Enhanced Productivity of a Lutein-Enriched Novel Acidophile Microalga Grown on Urea

Coccomyxa acidophila is an extremophile eukaryotic microalga isolated from the Tinto River mining area in Huelva, Spain. Coccomyxa acidophila accumulates relevant amounts of β-carotene and lutein, well-known carotenoids with many biotechnological applications, especially in food and health-related industries. The acidic culture medium (pH < 2.5) that prevents outdoor cultivation from non-desired microorganism growth is one of the main advantages of acidophile microalgae production. Conversely, acidophile microalgae growth rates are usually very low compared to common microalgae growth rates. In this work, we show that mixotrophic cultivation on urea efficiently enhances growth and productivity of an acidophile microalga up to typical values for common microalgae, therefore approaching acidophile algal production towards suitable conditions for feasible outdoor production. Algal productivity and potential for carotenoid accumulation were analyzed as a function of the nitrogen source supplied. Several nitrogen conditions were assayed: nitrogen starvation, nitrate and/or nitrite, ammonia and urea. Among them, urea clearly led to the best cell growth (~4 × 108 cells/mL at the end of log phase). Ammonium led to the maximum chlorophyll and carotenoid content per volume unit (220 μg·mL·1 and 35 μg·mL·1, respectively). Interestingly, no significant differences in growth rates were found in cultures grown on urea as C and N source, with respect to those cultures grown on nitrate and CO2 as nitrogen and carbon sources (control cultures). Lutein accumulated up to 3.55 mg·g·1 in the mixotrophic cultures grown on urea. In addition, algal growth in a shaded culture revealed the first evidence for an active xanthophylls cycle operative in acidophile microalgae.
Identification and functional characterization of an ovarian aquaporin from the cockroach Blattella germanica L. (Dictyoptera, Blattellidae)

SUMMARY Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that form water channels, allowing rapid movement of water across cell membranes. AQPs have been reported in species of all life kingdoms and in almost all tissues, but little is known about them in insects. Our purpose was to explore the occurrence of AQPs in the ovary of the phylogenetically basal insect Blattella germanica (L.) and to study their possible role in fluid homeostasis during oogenesis. We isolated an ovarian AQP from B. germanica (BgAQP) that has a deduced amino acid sequence showing six potential transmembrane domains, two NPA motifs and an ar/R constriction region, which are typical features of the AQP family. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that BgAQP belongs to the PRIP group of insect AQPs, previously suggested to be water specific. However, ectopic expression of BgAQP in Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrated that this AQP transports water and modest amounts of urea, but not glycerol, which suggests that the PRIP group of insect AQPs may have heterogeneous solute preferences. BgAQP was shown to be highly expressed in the ovary, followed by the fat body and muscle tissues, but water stress did not significantly modify the ovarian expression levels. RNA interference (RNAi) reduced BgAQP mRNA levels in the ovary but the oocytes developed normally. The absence of an apparent ovarian phenotype after BgAQP RNAi suggests that other functionally redundant AQPs that were not silenced in our experiments might exist in the ovary of B. germanica.