Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis for nonlinear second order differential equations with impulses

In this paper we investigate the impulsive equation � (r(t)x 0 ) 0 + a(t)x + f (t, x, x 0 ) = p(t), tt 0, t 6 tk, x(tk) = ckx(tk − 0), x 0 (tk) = dkx 0 (tk − 0), k = 1, 2, 3, . , and establish a couple of criteria to guarantee the equations of this type to possess the stability, including boundedness and asymptotic properties. Some examples are given to illustrate our results and the last one shows that, to some extent, our criteria have more comprehen- sive suitability than those given by G. Morosanu and C. Vladimirescu.
The clinical significance and underlying correlation of pStat-3 and integrin αvβ6 expression in gallbladder cancer

Background Both phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(pStat-3) and integrin αvβ6 can play vital role in the development and progression of cancer. However, little is known about their expression correlation and clinical significance in gallbladder cancer(GBC). Objective The aim of our present study was to investigate the expression of pStat-3 and integrin αvβ6, two proteins’ correlation and their clinical significance in GBC tissues. Results The expression of pStat-3 and integrin αvβ6 were both significantly associated with T stage, lymph node metastasis status, TNM stage (P=0.008, P=0.000, P=0.000 and P=0.036, P=0.001,P=0.000,respectively). IHC and Western blot showed their expressions in GBC tissues were higher than that in paraneoplastic tissues. Moderate positive correlation existed between the two proteins (r =0.349, P <0.001). The survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model showed that GBC patients with pStat-3 or integrin αvβ6 positive expression had a significantly poorer 2-year survival rate (P = 0.002 and 0.000, the log-rank test, respectively), and either marker could act as unfavorable independent prognostic factors(RR=1.907, P=0.021 and RR=2.046, P=0.038). Materials and Methods The expression levels of pStat-3 and integrin αvβ6 were analyzed in GBC cancerous and paraneoplastic tissues of 97 cases via immunohistochemistry(IHC) and further validated by western blot method. Besides, SPSS software was used to observe their clinical significance as well as the two proteins’ correlation. Conclusion pStat-3 and integrin αvβ6 were indicators of tumor's progression and poor prognosis of patients with GBC. And the further study involving them may provide a helpful therapeutic target in prevention and treatment of GBC patients.
Efficacy of Pregabalin as Premedication for Post-Operative Analgesia in Vaginal Hysterectomy

Background Pregabalin, a structural analogue of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), is shown to be effective in treatment of several types of neuropathic pain, incisional injury, and inflammatory injury. Objectives The aim of the present study is to compare the efficacy of two doses (75 mg or 150 mg) of pregabalin with the administration of a placebo for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. Patients and Methods A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 135 patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. The patients were divided in three groups of 45 patients each: group 0, placebo; group 1, 75 mg pregabalin; and group 2, 150 mg pregabalin; each treatment of which was administered one hour before surgery. The Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) was used for pre-operative assessment and the visual analog scale (VAS) was used to determine pain at rest and for cough on the first post-operative day. The time for the requirement of rescue analgesics on the first post-operative day was also assessed. Results The RSS scores were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 as compared to the controls (P < 0.001). Postoperative VAS scores for pain both at rest and on cough were significantly reduced in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Rescue analgesic consumption decreased significantly in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). The time at which rescue analgesia was administered (first dose) was 4.45 hours in group 0, 10.86 hours in group 1, and 16.82 hours in group 2 (P < 0.001). Conclusions Pregabalin administered as premedication provided significant postoperative pain relief and decreased the requirement of other parenteral analgesics. Pregabalin doses of 150 mg had a better analgesic profile, but the advantages of their use may be limited by side effects such as dizziness. Thus, it is concluded that pregabalin doses of 75 mg may be the optimal pre-emptive dose.
The Politics of Democratization: The Moscow Election of 1990

An American political scientist studying the 1989 elections in Moscow applies advanced analysis techniques to data gathered in the field. The study is based on a uniquely large number of observations. The election process, the main political blocs fielding candidates, and their campaign strategies are outlined and discussed. Regression analysis is used to identify relationships between election results and the socioeconomic characteristics of candidates as well as of the electorate in urban neighborhoods. The effort represents the first systematic attempt to trace the broad sociological contours of democratic elections in the USSR on the basis of statistics compiled by a Western scholar. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 128, 931.
Protein 4 . 1 , a component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton and its related homologue proteins forming the protein 4 . 1 / FERM superfamily

The review is focused on the domain structure and function of protein 4.1, one of the proteins belonging to the membrane skeleton. The protein 4.1 of the red blood cells (4.1R) is a multifunctional protein that localizes to the membrane skeleton and stabilizes erythrocyte shape and membrane mechanical properties, such as deformability and stability, via lateral interactions with spectrin, actin, glycophorin C and protein p55. Protein 4.1 binding is modulated through the action of kinases and/or calmodulin-Ca2+. Non-erythroid cells express the 4.1R homologues: 4.1G (general type), 4.1B (brain type), and 4.1N (neuron type), and the whole group belongs to the protein 4.1 superfamily, which is characterized by the presence of a highly conserved FERM domain at the N-terminus of the molecule. Proteins 4.1R, 4.1 G, 4.1 N and 4.1 B are encoded by different genes. Most of the 4.1 superfamily proteins also contain an actin-binding domain. To date, more than 40 members have been identified. They can be divided into five groups: protein 4.1 molecules, ERM proteins, talin-related molecules, protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPH) proteins and NBL4 proteins. We have focused our attention on the main, well known representatives of 4.1 superfamily and tried to choose the proteins which are close to 4.1R or which have distinct functions. 4.1 family proteins are not just linkers between the plasma membrane and membrane skeleton; they also play an important role in various processes. Some, such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), non-receptor tyrosine kinase that localizes to focal adhesions in adherent cells, play the role in cell adhesion. The other members control or take part in tumor suppression, regulation of cell cycle progression, inhibition of cell proliferation, downstream signaling of the glutamate receptors, and establishment of cell polarity; some are also involved in cell proliferation, cell motility, and/or cell-to-cell communication.
Physical Mechanism and Theoretical Foundation of Ambient RF Power Harvesting Using Zero-Bias Diodes

Estimating the amount of harvestable ambient RF and microwave power from the omnipresent electromagnetic sources is of vital importance when designing a wireless device that makes use of ambient microwave power harvesting (AMPH) as a power source. This paper studies and looks into the underlying RF and microwave rectification mechanism at low input ambient power levels, specifically -30 dBm and below. A fundamental theory is formulated and developed, which is able to correctly predict the efficiency of a rectifier including the effects of matching network insertion losses through an easy-to-understand analytical model. The suggested model provides a direct design guideline in determining and choosing the optimal diode for a predetermined application. Based on the developed theoretical framework, the diode characteristics that have a direct impact on the microwave power conversion efficiency are discussed in detail. Three different Schottky diode rectifiers were designed on the basis of the tools described in this paper, thereby validating the proposed model and highlighting the influence of critical diode parameters on its performances. The measured results are then compared with those predicted by the proposed model and state-of-the-art microwave power rectifiers, showing a good model accuracy and also a 10% improvement in the rectifying efficiency for the low input power levels of interest.
Beneficial Effects of Calcitriol on Hypertension, Glucose Intolerance, Impairment of Endothelium-Dependent Vascular Relaxation, and Visceral Adiposity in Fructose-Fed Hypertensive Rats

Besides regulating calcium homeostasis, the effects of vitamin D on vascular tone and metabolic disturbances remain scarce in the literature despite an increase intake with high-fructose corn syrup worldwide. We investigated the effects of calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D, on vascular relaxation, glucose tolerance, and visceral fat pads in fructose-fed rats. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6 per group). Group Con: standard chow diet for 8 weeks; Group Fru: high-fructose diet (60% fructose) for 8 weeks; Group Fru-HVD: high-fructose diet as Group Fru, high-dose calcitriol treatment (20 ng / 100 g body weight per day) 4 weeks after the beginning of fructose feeding; and Group Fru-LVD: high-fructose diet as Group Fru, low-dose calcitriol treatment (10 ng / 100 g body weight per day) 4 weeks after the beginning of fructose feeding. Systolic blood pressure was measured twice a week by the tail-cuff method. Blood was examined for serum ionized calcium, phosphate, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Intra-peritoneal glucose intolerance test, aortic vascular reactivity, the weight of visceral fat pads, adipose size, and adipose angiotensin II levels were analyzed at the end of the study. The results showed that the fructose-fed rats significantly developed hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, heavier weight and larger adipose size of visceral fat pads, and raised adipose angiotensin II expressions compared with the control rats. High- and low-dose calcitriol reduced modestly systolic blood pressure, increased endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation, ameliorated glucose intolerance, reduced the weight and adipose size of visceral fat pads, and lowered adipose angiotensin II expressions in the fructose-fed rats. However, high-dose calcitriol treatment mildly increased serum ionized calcium levels (1.44 ± 0.05 mmol/L). These results suggest a protective role of calcitriol treatment on endothelial function, glucose tolerance, and visceral adiposity in fructose-fed rats.
Social effects of interpersonal synchronization during listening to music compared to a metronome: What can we learn from implicit measures?

Interpersonal coordination, such as simultaneous rhythmic movement, is a fundamental way to form socioemotional connections. The social and emotional power of music might further strengthen such interpersonal bonds. Here, we tested if interpersonal synchronization (synchronous vs. asynchronous finger-tapping) affects sympathy and helpfulness more strongly when listening to music compared to a metronome. We tested 40 participants and used an explicit and an implicit measure to assess their social orientation toward a tapping partner (i.e., one of two experimenters). Participants directly rated the friendliness of the experimenter on a 9-point Likert scale. As a more indirect or implicit measure of social orientation, we counted the number of pencils (out of a total of eight) that the participants collected after the experimenter “accidentally” dropped them. After five seconds, the experimenter started to help the participants or collected the pencils herself. Results of the pencil test showed that participants were more helpful toward an experimenter who tapped synchronously compared to asynchronously. Importantly, this result was completely driven by the effect of interpersonal synchrony during listening to music. When listening to music, participants collected 38 pencils (M = 3.80, SD = 3.29) after tapping in interpersonal synchrony compared to only 13 pencils (M = 1.30, SD = 2.67) after tapping asynchronously. No such effect was found for the metronome. The results of explicit ratings of the experimenter’s friendliness, however, did not confirm these effects. The direct ratings might have been more strongly influenced by social desirability or related motivational distortions. Since music is a product of social interactions and might even be the result of evolutionary adaptation, we conclude that especially during listening to music, interpersonal synchrony or asynchrony can fulfill or violate hardwired social expectations. Additionally, we could show that implicit or indirect measures can help elucidate how music, movement and prosocial behavior are connected.
Intelligent Method for Cloud Task Scheduling Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

The core idea of cloud computing is managing and scheduling uniformly computing resources that are connected by a network to provide user services according to the needs. One of the important issues in this environment is related to task scheduling. The scheduler should do the scheduling process efficiently in order to utilize the available resources. In this paper, a particle swarm optimization algorithm for cloud task scheduling has been proposed. Particle swarm optimization algorithm is a computational method that optimizes a solution to problem by iteratively trying to improve a candidate solution with regard to a given measure of quality. The main goal of the proposed algorithm is minimizing the makespan of a given tasks set. The proposed algorithm has been compared with ant colony optimization and random algorithms using CloudSim toolkit package. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm outperformed ant colony optimization and random algorithms.
Evaluation of different magnetic resonance imaging contrast materials to be used as dummy markers in image-guided brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies*

Objective To identify a contrast material that could be used as a dummy marker for magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods Magnetic resonance images were acquired with six different catheter-filling materials-water, glucose 50%, saline, olive oil, glycerin, and copper sulfate (CuSO4) water solution (2.08 g/L)-inserted into compatible computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ring applicators placed in a phantom made of gelatin and CuSO4. The best contrast media were tested in four patients with the applicators in place. Results In T2-weighted sequences, the best contrast was achieved with the CuSO4-filled catheters, followed by saline- and glycerin-filled catheters, which presented poor visualization. In addition (also in T2-weighted sequences), CuSO4 presented better contrast when tested in the phantom than when tested in the patients, in which it provided some contrast but with poor identification of the first dwell position, mainly in the ring. Conclusion We found CuSO4 to be the best solution for visualization of the applicator channels, mainly in T2-weighted images in vitro, although the materials tested presented low signal intensity in the images obtained in vivo, as well as poor precision in determining the first dwell position.
A middleware for distributed system in heterogeneous wireless networks

Ubiquitous access of the resource is the greatest challenge in the world of distributed mobile computing. This paper discusses the framework of agent based middleware to provide efficient, flexible and scalable system support for configuration and communication in heterogeneous wireless networks. The proposed middleware satisfies the requirement of ubiquitous access of the resource in multilayer modular manner by hiding the platform heterogeneity.
Lottery Participants and Revenues: An International Survey of Economic Research on Lotteries

Government sponsored lotteries operate around the world. Their popularity has grown substantially over time. Legal lottery gambling generates significant public revenue, much of it from the lower part of the income distribution. Lottery is almost always an unfair bet, so explaining the purchase of lottery tickets by risk-averse consumers has long challenged economic theory. Lotteries can be analyzed from the perspective of public finance, as source of public revenue, or consumer theory, as a consumer commodity. We survey the state of economic research on lotteries from both perspectives, focusing on the key empirical findings.
Policy transfer, new public management, and globalization : Mexico and the Caribbean

Chapter 1 Foreword: Christopher Hood Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 External Influences on Caribbean Public: Administrative Reform in the Contemporary Period Chapter 4 Corporate Strategy in Mexico: The Long Road to Internalization Chapter 5 Ethnic Policy in the Commonwealth Caribbean Chapter 6 Globalization and the Challenge for Economic Activity in the Caricom Region Chapter 7 Development Policies in the French Caribbean: From State Centrality to Competitive Polycentralism Chapter 8 Small States Adapting to a Transforming Global Economy Chapter 9 Introducing New Public Management in Caribbean Bureaucracies: A Case of Direct Coercive Transfer Chapter 10 Financial Policy Options for the Caribbean in Response to the Crisis in the International Financial System Chapter 11 Direct and Financial Foreign Investment: How Do They Differ in Benefits to Developing Countries? Chapter 12 Key Issues in the Economics of Public Education with Relevance to Trinidad and Tobago Chapter 13 Notes on the Contributors Chapter 14 Index
Beyond the unemployment rate: three new measures of labour under utilisation for South Australia

"The official Australian unemployment rate is presently about five per cent and set to fall further. In South Australia the unemployment rate is somewhat higher, a little over six per cent. Nevertheless, it is the lowest that it has been in a generation. However, this paper reevaluates the experiences of the South Australian labour market over the course of the last business cycle, using three new measures of labour under-utilisation. These new labour market indicators are calculated using data obtained from the monthly Labour Force Survey. The paper argues that the official unemployment rate greatly under-estimates the level of labour under-utilisation in South Australia. The real level of labour under-utilisation in South Australia has fallen little since the trough of the last recession was attained in 1993. This under-estimation of the extent of labour under-utilisation in South Australia has serious implications for industry and employment policy in South Australia. "
The phylogenetics of succession can guide restoration: an example from abandoned mine sites in the subarctic

Summary 1. Phylogenetic tools have increasingly been used in community ecology to describe the evolutionary relationships among co-occurring species. In studies of succession, such tools may allow us to identify the evolutionary lineages most suited for particular stages of succession and habitat rehabilitation. However, to date, these two applications have been largely separate. Here, we suggest that information on phylogenetic community structure might help to inform community restoration strategies following major disturbance. 2. Our study examined phylogenetic patterns of succession based on a chronosequence of three abandoned subarctic mine spoil heaps (waste piles) dating from the early 1970s, mid-1970s and early 1980s. The vegetation at each mine site was compared to the surrounding vegetation, and community structure on mines was explored assuming species pools at nested spatial scales. 3. We found that the adjacent vegetation was more phylogenetically clustered than the vegetation on the mines, with mines demonstrating weaker phylogenetic community structure. Using simulation models, we showed that phylogenetic dissimilarity between mine sites did not depart from null expectations. However, we found evidence for species sorting along abiotic gradients (slope and aspect) on the mine sites that had been abandoned for the longest. 4. Synthesis and applications. Understanding the trajectory of succession is critical for restoration efforts. Our results suggest that early colonizers represent a phylogenetically random subset of species from the local species pool. Over time, there appears to be selection for particular lineages that come to be filtered across space and environment. The species most appropriate for mine site restoration might, therefore, depend on the successional stage of the community and the local species composition. For example, in later succession, it could be more beneficial to facilitate establishment of more distant relatives. Our findings can improve management practices by providing relatedness information for known successful colonizers and by informing seeding decisions with knowledge of the surrounding and regional species pools. The application of phylogenetics to restoration ecology and succession is relatively new, but it has the potential to provide novel insight into the dynamics of changing community structures during succession.
Cross sections and modelling results for high-energy radiation and positron beams produced within a thundercloud

Satellite measurements have revealed that thunderclouds emit flashes gamma-rays (terrestrial gamma-ray flashes/TGFs) and beams of electrons and positrons. We model the energy resolved angular distribution of these beams produced by a negative lightning leader stepping upwards in a thundercloud. First we present our results for doubly differential cross sections for Bremsstrahlung and pair production based on the triply differential cross-sections of Bethe and Heitler. Other cross sections in literature and databases do not cover the appropriate energy range or do not apply to the small atomic numbers of nitrogen and oxygen or do not resolve both energies and emission angles of emitted photons or positrons. Second we have extended a Monte Carlo model designed for streamer modelling towards relativistic electron energies, and we have included the new cross sections as well as Compton scattering of photons and photo ionization.