Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SVNE: Survivable Virtual Network Embedding Algorithms for Network Virtualization

Network virtualization can offer more flexibility and better manageability for the future Internet by allowing multiple heterogeneous virtual networks (VN) to coexist on a shared infrastructure provider (InP) network. A major challenge in this respect is the VN embedding problem that deals with the efficient mapping of virtual resources on InP network resources. Previous research focused on heuristic algorithms for the VN embedding problem assuming that the InP network remains operational at all times. In this paper, we remove this assumption by formulating the survivable virtual network embedding (SVNE) problem. We then develop a pro-active, and a hybrid policy heuristic to solve it, and a baseline policy heuristic to compare to. The hybrid policy is based on a fast re-routing strategy and utilizes a pre-reserved quota for backup on each physical link. Our evaluation results show that our proposed heuristics for SVNE outperform the baseline heuristic in terms of long term business profit for the InP, acceptance ratio, bandwidth efficiency, and response time.
Semi-stable semantics

In this paper, we examine an argument-based semantics called semi-stable semantics. Semi-stable semantics is quite close to traditional stable semantics in the sense that every stable extension is also a semi-stable extension. One of the advantages of semi-stable semantics is that there exists at least one semi-stable extension. Furthermore, if there also exists at least one stable extension, then the semi-stable extensions coincide with the stable extensions. This, and other properties, make semi-stable semantics an attractive alternative for the more traditional stable semantics, which until now has been widely used in fields such as logic programming and answer set programming.
Complexities of tonal realisation in a right-dominant Chinese Wu dialect - disyllabic tone sandhi in a speaker form Wencheng

An acoustically-based description is given of the isolation tones and right-dominant tone sandhi in disyllabic words of a male speaker of the Chinese Oūjiāng 甌江 Wu吳 dialect of Wencheng 文成. His seven isolation tones show typical Wu complexity, comprising two mid-level, two rising, two falling-rising and one depressed level pitch shapes. Typical too is his three-way voicing contrast in syllable-Onset stops. However, the typical Wu relationship between tonal register and phonemic Onset voicing is shown to be disrupted, Onset voicing no longer correlating with tonal pitch height. The word-final tones in sandhi are shown to be straightforwardly related, phonologically and phonetically, to the isolation tones, with biuniqueness preserved. The realization of the word-initial tones in sandhi, on the other hand, involves complex mergers conditioned by largely non-phonetic factors related to historical tone categories, resulting in five extra sandhi tones that do not occur in isolation. It is suggested that they not be related phonologically to the isolation tones. The historical implications of the patterns are also briefly explored.
An improved quadtree-based algorithm for lossless compression of volumetric datasets

In this paper a novel algorithm for lossless compression of volumetric data is presented. This algorithm is based on our previously presented algorithm for lossless compression of volumetric data, which uses quadtree encoding of slices of data for discovering the coherence and similarities between consecutive slices. By exploiting these properties of the data, the algorithm can efficiently compress volumetric datasets. In this paper we upgrade the basic algorithm by introducing several new routines for determination of coherence and similarities between slices, as well as some new entropy encoding techniques. With this approach, we managed to additionally improve the compression ratio of the algorithm. Presented algorithm has two significant properties. Firstly, it is designed for lossless compression of volumetric data, which is not the case with most of existing algorithms for compression of voxel data, but this is a very important feature in some fields, i.e. medicine. Secondly, the algorithm supports progressive reconstruction of volumetric data and is therefore appropriate for visualization of compressed volumetric datasets over the internet.
Quorum and Turnout in Referenda

We analyze the effect of turnout requirements in referenda in the context of a group turnout model. We show that a participation quorum requirement may reduce the turnout so severely that it generates a "quorum paradox": In equilibrium, the expected turnout exceeds the participation quorum only if this requirement is not imposed. Furthermore, a participation quorum does not necessarily imply a bias for the status quo. We also show that in order to induce a given expected turnout and avoid the quorum paradox, the quorum should be set at a level that is lower than half the target. Finally, we argue that a super majority requirement to overturn the status quo is never equivalent to a participation quorum. (JEL: D72) (c) 2010 by the European Economic Association.
Exercise Electrocardiogram Testing: Beyond the ST Segment

Exercise testing remains the most widely accessible and relatively inexpensive method for initial evaluation of suspected coronary disease and for evaluation of its severity.1–3 Clinical usefulness has been limited, however, by poor sensitivity of standard ST-segment depression criteria for assessment of anatomic and functional coronary disease severity and for prediction of risk.1,2,4–6 Recent data make it clear that symptomatic obstructive plaques that typically result in exercise-mediated ischemia may be less relevant to infarction and sudden death than less obstructive unstable plaques.7 These limitations mandate a rethinking of the exercise ECG along 2 distinct lines: First, is it possible to improve the diagnostic value of the exercise ECG? Second, separate from its ability to diagnose obstructive coronary artery lesions, can the exercise test be used as a prognostic tool that can encourage effective prevention of premature deaths or coronary events? Both goals take us beyond the ST segment. Reversible ST-segment depression is the characteristic finding associated with exercise-induced, demand-driven ischemia in patients with significant coronary obstruction but no flow limitation at rest. This process differs from the flow-limited acute coronary syndromes because exercise-related ischemia is generally limited to the subendocardium and is proportional to increases in myocardial oxygen demand. Ventricular waveforms of the ECG can be related to the net uncanceled transmural gradients between endocardial and epicardial myocardium, as extrapolated from the work of Holland and Brooks, among others.8–10 Accordingly, isoelectric TQ and ST segments in normal and in nonischemic patients can be related to comparable resting membrane and action potential plateau voltages in endocardial and epicardial action potentials. During exercise, progressive ischemia results in changing endocardial action potentials during both diastole and systole. Less negative endocardial cell resting membrane potential leads to current flow across the ischemic boundary during diastole, leading to elevation of the TQ …
Mutations in katG, inhA, and ahpC Genes of Brazilian Isoniazid-Resistant Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT The presence of mutations in specific regions of the katG, inhA, and ahpC genes was analyzed with 69 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isoniazid-resistant isolates from three Brazilian states. Point mutations in codon 315 of the katG gene were observed in 87.1, 60.9, and 60% of the isolates from Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, respectively. Mutations in the inhA gene were identified only in one isolate from RJ State, and the ahpC promoter region revealed mutations in distinct positions in 12.9, 21.7, and 6.7% of the isolates from RS, RJ and SP, respectively.
Actin-Bundling Protein L-Plastin Regulates T Cell Activation

Engagement of TCRs induces actin rearrangements, which are critical for T cell activation. T cell responses require new actin polymerization, but the significance of higher-order actin structures, such as microfilament bundles, is unknown. To determine the role of the actin-bundling protein leukocyte-plastin (L-plastin; LPL) in this process, T cells from LPL−/− mice were studied. LPL−/− T cells were markedly defective in TCR-mediated cytokine production and proliferation. LPL−/− T cells also spread inefficiently on surfaces with immobilized TCR ligands and formed smaller immunological synapses with APCs, likely due to defective formation of lamellipodia. LPL−/− mice showed delayed rejection of skin allografts after release from immunosuppression. Moreover, LPL−/− mice developed much less severe neurologic symptoms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which correlated with impaired T cell responses to Ag, manifested by reduced proliferation and production of IFN-γ and IL-17. Thus, LPL-dependent actin bundling facilitates the formation of lamellipodia and normal immunological synapses and thereby enables T cell activation.
Characterization of an RFamide‐Related Peptide Orphan GPCR in C. elegans

Abstract: We cloned and characterized an orphan FMRFamide‐related peptide (FaRP) GPCR in Caenorhabditis elegans. We synthesized numerous structurally different FaRPs that were found in the C. elegans genome by bioinformatic analysis and used them to screen cells expressing the C26F1.6 receptor. Two peptides ending in M(orL)VRFamide elicited a calcium response in receptor‐expressing mammalian Chinese hamster ovary cells. The response was dose‐dependent and appeared to be very specific; that is, none of the other FaRPs were active, not even closely related peptides also ending in M(orL)VRFamide, which are encoded by the same peptide precursor. Pharmacological profiling with a truncated series of the most active peptide revealed that the full peptide sequence is necessary for receptor activation.
Carl Schmitt and the Global Age

Schmitt’s thought is the deconstruction of modern political theory. Th is is true both in internal politics, for the exception/decision theory and for the theory of the “political” (Schmitt, 1972d), which is a genealogy of the Hobbesian rational state theory, and in international politics, for the theory of nomos and the theory of the partisan (which are genealogical complications of geopolitics and state-based international right). Th us, the conflictual element in Schmitt’s political thought—the enemy has an ineradicable role in the creation of order, both in the theory of the “political,” in the theory of decision of the secularized theologico-political matrix, as well as in the theory of constituent power—is not an apologia for absolute conflict, but serves the orientation of order and the political unity inherent in modern political theory, not to mention Schmittian thought. In Schmitt, this functionality is never completely instrumental to the conflict of order, nor completely subordinate to it. Rather, it is the perpetual disturbance of that order by originary,
Modeling of a greenhouse prototype using PSO algorithm based on a LabViewTM application

This paper presents a simple method based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to identify several parameters in a proposed mathematical model of a greenhouse prototype. These parameters are sought in order to approximate the real characteristics of a greenhouse physic prototype building in CINVESTAV Unidad Guadalajara, by using the PSO to minimize a proposed error function, based on the estimation of the two more representative dynamics of the climate conditions inside the greenhouse: the air temperature and relative humidity. The implementation is carried out in an offline optimization schedule using real data recorded through the LabViewTM SignalExpress application, and a real-time implementation in a LabViewTM code to optimize the model in a sample-to-sample execution of the PSO. Validation shows a good agreement in a direct comparison with the real dynamic behavior of temperature and relative humidity measures inside the greenhouse prototype, as shown by the reached level of adaptation of the model through the several PSO tests under the best calibration conditions.
Adolescent reports of physician counseling for smoking.

OBJECTIVE Physicians can play an important role in reducing adolescent smoking by counseling their adolescent patients. The appropriate delivery of smoking prevention and cessation messages depends on adequate screening of adolescents, identification of smokers, and adolescents' willingness to disclose their smoking. The present study assessed adolescent reports of physician screening and counseling and adolescents' willingness to disclose smoking, as well as demographic and health status differences in these rates. METHODS Adolescents (n = 5016), ages 16 to 19, completed a survey on smoking and health. Reports of the prevalence of physician screening, counseling, and adolescents' willingness to disclose their smoking were examined, and logistic regression analyses assessed demographic and health status differences in these prevalence estimates. RESULTS Overall, 43.4% of the sample reported physician screening, 42.1% reported receiving counseling, and only 28.8% of adolescents reported both. Furthermore, 79.3% of smokers reported that they would admit their smoking if asked. Screening, counseling, and disclosure rates differed by gender, neighborhood income level, smoking status, and asthma status. CONCLUSIONS More intensive provider-delivered intervention is needed. Efforts should focus on helping providers to identify smoking correctly and to communicate appropriate prevention or cessation messages. Persistence and sensitivity with boys, experimental smokers, and youths with chronic health conditions should be a focus of provider training, because the lower willingness of these youths to disclose their smoking may be a barrier to their identification and intervention.
Significant Life Experiences Revisited: A Review of Research on Sources of Environmental Sensitivity

Abstract Environmental sensitivity, an important variable in environmental awareness and in the predisposition to take responsible environmental action, has been the subject of a growing body of qualitative research, in which sensitivity is associated with particular kinds of significant life experiences. Studies of significant life experiences of environmental educators and other environmental professionals are reviewed, from original pioneering work through many open-ended surveys, questionnaires, and interview studies that have built on this tradition. Various definitions of the term environmental sensitivity are explored. The strengths and weaknesses of this research tradition are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.
Ferritin Stimulates Oligodendrocyte Genesis in the Adult Spinal Cord and Can Be Transferred from Macrophages to NG2 Cells In Vivo

Injured CNS tissue often contains elevated iron and its storage protein ferritin, which may exacerbate tissue damage through pro-oxidative mechanisms. Therefore, therapeutic studies often target iron reduction as a neuroprotective strategy. However, iron may be crucial for oligodendrocyte replacement and remyelination. For instance, we previously showed that intraspinal toll-like receptor 4 macrophage activation induced the generation of new ferritin-positive oligodendrocytes, and that iron chelation significantly reduced this oligodendrogenic response. Since macrophages can secrete ferritin, we hypothesize that ferritin is a macrophage-derived signal that promotes oligodendrogenesis. To test this, we microinjected ferritin into intact adult rat spinal cords. Within 6 h, NG2+ progenitor cells proliferated and accumulated ferritin. By 3 d, many of these cells had differentiated into new oligodendrocytes. However, acute neuron and oligodendrocyte toxicity occurred in gray matter. Interestingly, ferritin-positive NG2 cells and macrophages accumulated in the area of cell loss, revealing that NG2 cells thrive in an environment that is toxic to other CNS cells. To test whether ferritin can be transferred from macrophages to NG2 cells in vivo, we loaded macrophages with fluorescent ferritin then transplanted them into intact spinal white matter. Within 3–6 d, proliferating NG2 cells migrated into the macrophage transplants and accumulated fluorescently labeled ferritin. These results show that activated macrophages can be an in vivo source of ferritin for NG2 cells, which induces their proliferation and differentiation into new oligodendrocytes. This work has relevance for conditions in which iron-mediated injury and/or repair likely occur, such as hemorrhage, stroke, spinal cord injury, aging, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Motion and structure of four points from one motion of a stereo rig with unknown extrinsic parameters

An analytical method for recovering 3-D motion and structure of four or more points from one motion of a stereo rig is described. The extrinsic parameters are unknown. Because of the exploitation of information redundancy, the approach gains over the traditional motion and structure from motion approach in that less features and less motions are required. Thus, more robust estimation of motion and structure can be obtained. Since the constraint on the rotation matrix is not fully exploited in the analytical method, nonlinear minimization can be used to improve the result. Both computer simulated data and real data are used to validate the proposed algorithm. Very promising results are obtained. <<ETX>>
Therapeutic alliance in youth with autism spectrum disorder receiving cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety

Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may influence alliance in psychotherapy. This study examined therapeutic alliance and its relationship with child characteristics and anxiety treatment outcomes in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Youth (N = 64) with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring anxiety (7–16 years, IQ > 70) received 16 sessions of modular cognitive-behavioral therapy. Post-treatment therapist, youth and parent ratings of alliance as well as pre- and post-treatment ratings of child behavior were gathered. Ratings of alliance were commensurate to ratings seen in children without autism spectrum disorder. Measures of treatment outcome, but not pretreatment characteristics, were significantly associated with therapist ratings of alliance strength. Data suggest that therapeutic alliance may not be impaired in anxious youth with autism spectrum disorder and may be associated with treatment outcome.
Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs

Cancer is a common problem in dogs and although all breeds of dog and crossbred dogs may be affected, it is notable that some breeds of pedigree dogs appear to be at increased risk of certain types of cancer suggesting underlying genetic predisposition to cancer susceptibility. Although the aetiology of most cancers is likely to be multifactorial, the limited genetic diversity seen in purebred dogs facilitates genetic linkage or association studies on relatively small populations as compared to humans, and by using newly developed resources, genome-wide association studies in dog breeds are proving to be a powerful tool for unravelling complex disorders. This paper will review the literature on canine breed susceptibility to histiocytic sarcoma, osteosarcoma, haemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumours, lymphoma, melanoma, and mammary tumours including the recent advances in knowledge through molecular genetic, cytogenetic, and genome wide association studies.
Heterodyne Instrumentation Upgrade at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory

Under development at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory is a dual polarization, continuous comparison (correlation) receiver. The instrument has two beams on the sky; a reference and a signal beam. Using only cooled reflecting optics, two polarizing grids, and a quadrature hybrid coupler, the sky beams are coupled to four tunerless SIS mixers (both polarizations). The 4-8 GHz mixer IF outputs are, after amplification, correlated against each other. In principle, this technique results in flat baselines with very low RMS noise and is especially well suited for high redshift Galaxy work. At the same time an upgrade is planned to the existing facility heterodyne instrumentation. Dual frequency mode receivers are under development for the 230/460 GHz and 345/660 GHz atmospheric windows. The higher frequency receivers are implemented in a balanced configuration, which reduces both the LO power requirement and noise. Each mixer has 4 GHz of IF bandwidth and can be controled remotely. Not only do these changes greatly enhance the spectroscopic capabilities of the CSO, they also enable the observatory to be integrated into the Harvard-Smithsonian Submillimeter Array (SMA) as an additional baseline.
The KIT-Split in South African English: A critical review

Abstract This article provides a thorough critical review of the literature on the so-called ‘KIT-Split’ in South African English (SAfE). The main result of this review is to show how the use and understanding of this term has undergone change. It was originally coined by Wells (1982) and used by him to explicitly refer to a phonemic split originating in SAfE. This use appears to have arisen on the basis of a selective appropriation of earlier work by Lanham and Traill (1962) and Lanham (1967) who, in their turn, had also identified a separate (marginal) phonemic split of the KIT vowel in Received Pronunciation (RP), as well as certain RP-based varieties of SAfE, while at the same time postulating, for SAfE more generally, a greater degree of complementation for the various qualities of KIT, as well as their greater polarisation in phonetic space. While the lack of full complementation and the presence of some minimal pairs in SAfE KIT was confirmed by and continued to attract the attention of some later commentators (e.g., Lass and Wright 1985, Taylor 1991), the meaning of the term ‘KIT-Split’ has, in the meantime, been tacitly reformulated to refer solely to the polarisation of allophones mentioned above. The literature on the nature and extent of this polarisation is thus also subject to review, one result of which is to show that the ‘split’ is not as ubiquitous in SAfE as is occasionally assumed.
Topiramate in Migraine Prevention: Results of a Large Controlled Trial

Background Open-label trials and small controlled studies report topiramate's efficacy in migraine prevention. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of topiramate as a migraine-preventive therapy. Design A 26-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting Outpatient treatment at 49 US clinical centers. Patients Patients were aged 12 to 65 years, had a 6-month International Headache Society migraine history, and experienced 3 to 12 migraines per month, but had 15 or fewer headache days per month during the 28-day baseline period. Interventions Participants were randomized to placebo or topiramate, 50, 100, or 200 mg/d, titrated by 25 mg/wk to the assigned dose or as tolerated in 8 weeks; maintenance therapy continued for 18 weeks. Main Outcome Measures The primary efficacy assessment was a reduction in mean monthly migraine frequency across the 6-month treatment phase. Secondary end points were responder rate, time to onset of action, mean change in migraine days per month, and mean change in rescue medication days per month. Results Four hundred eighty-seven patients were randomized, and 469 composed the intent-to-treat population. The mean ± SD monthly migraine frequency decreased significantly for the 100-mg/d group (from 5.4 ± 2.2 to 3.3 ± 2.9; P P P = . 04]; 100 mg/d, 54.0% [ P P Conclusion Topiramate, 100 or 200 mg/d, was effective as a preventive therapy for patients with migraine.