Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analytic Efficient Solution Set for Multi-criteria Quadratic Programs*

We present active set methods to evaluate the exact analytic eecient solution set for multi-criteria convex quadratic programming problems (MCQP) subject to linear constraints. The idea is based on the observations that a strictly convex programming problem admits a unique solution, and that the eecient solution set for a multi-criteria strictly convex quadratic programming problem with linear equality constraints can be parameterized. The case of bi-criteria quadratic programming (BCQP) is rst discussed since many of the underlying ideas can be explained much more clearly in the case of two objectives. In particular we note that the eecient solution set of a BCQP problem is a curve on the surface of a polytope. The extension to problems with more than two objectives is straight forward albeit some slightly more complicated notation. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed methods.
Rise of the mutants: report from the 19th conference of the European Haematology Association, Milan, 12–15 June 2014

At the 19th conference of the European Haematology Association in Milan, we saw the true and dramatic changes brought about by the integration of extensive genomic information in clinical practice, and the dilemmas that accompany such a rapid increase in knowledge. Each disease is sliced more and more into smaller pieces, each with its own better-determined outcome and treatment. We also observed the rise of mutant-specific epigenetic agents, which benefit from knowing the underlying genetic abnormality to specifically assign an epigenetic drug where it is needed. In contrast to the ‘one mutation, one drug’ approach, others are pursuing the search for drugs targeting pathways fundamental for the survival of all or most cancer cells, sometimes looking at more ‘exotic’ pathways like neddylation or nuclear export.
Effect of plant-based filtration and biotreatment on toxicity of bio-oil process water.

This study evaluated physical and biological treatments of bio-oil process water to decrease organic contaminants. A three-sequential-column filtration system compared four treatments: three columns filled with kenaf only; three columns filled with wood shavings only; one column filled with wood shavings and two with kenaf; and one column filled with kenaf and two with wood shavings. The kenaf and wood shavings were composted after filtration. The filtrate water underwent further biotreatment by adding aeration and selected bacteria. After filtration and biotreatment, oil and grease concentrations were decreased more than 80% and toxicity decreased more than 90%. There were no significant differences among filtration treatments. Most of the oil and grease was removed by the first column. Aeration significantly decreased the concentration of oil and grease and toxicity in the filtrate water. Composting of the biofiltration matrices significantly decreased the oil and grease concentrations at Day 45 by 80%.
A Novel Adaptive Load Shedding Scheme for Data Stream Processing

In this paper, we present a novel feedback control-based load shedding scheme for data stream processing. Firstly we apply system identification to establish a dynamic model to describe data stream management system (DSMS), which enables us analyze DSMS quantitatively. Then, based on the model, we use the Root Locus method to design the PI controller with proven performance guarantees. Theoretic analysis and experimental results demonstrate that our approach is robust even when system load changes frequently. Comparing to existing strategies, our approach also achieves significantly better performance.
A Virus-Like Particle System Identifies the Endonuclease Domain of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus

ABSTRACT Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV; genus Nairovirus) is an extremely pathogenic member of the Bunyaviridae family. Since handling of the virus requires a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) facility, little is known about pathomechanisms and host interactions. Here, we describe the establishment of a transcriptionally competent virus-like particle (tc-VLP) system for CCHFV. Recombinant polymerase (L), nucleocapsid protein (N) and a reporter minigenome expressed in human HuH-7 cells resulted in formation of transcriptionally active nucleocapsids that could be packaged by coexpressed CCHFV glycoproteins into tc-VLPs. The tc-VLPs resembled authentic virus particles in their protein composition and neutralization sensitivity to anti-CCHFV antibodies and could recapitulate all steps of the viral replication cycle. Particle attachment, entry, and primary transcription were modeled by infection of naive cells. The subsequent steps of genome replication, secondary transcription, and particle assembly and release can be obtained upon passaging the tc-VLPs on cells expressing CCHFV structural proteins. The utility of the VLP system was demonstrated by showing that the endonuclease domain of L is located around amino acid D693, as was predicted in silico by B. Morin et al. (PLoS Pathog 6:e1001038, 2010, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1001038). The tc-VLP system will greatly facilitate studies and diagnostics of CCHFV under non-BSL-4 conditions. IMPORTANCE Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an extremely virulent pathogen of humans. Since the virus can be handled only at the highest biosafety level, research is restricted to a few specialized laboratories. We developed a plasmid-based system to produce virus-like particles with the ability to infect cells and transcribe a reporter genome. Due to the absence of viral genes, the virus-like particles are unable to spread or cause disease, thus allowing study of aspects of CCHFV biology under relaxed biosafety conditions.
The importance of family history on the development of renal disease

Purpose of reviewFamily history of end-stage renal disease is an important risk factor for the subsequent development of nephropathy. Multiply-affected families with members demonstrating end-stage renal disease often contain individuals with disparate etiologies of renal disease. These observations have led to the search for nephropathy susceptibility genes. Recent findingsGenetic loci associated with susceptibility to diabetic (3q, 18q22.3-23) and non-diabetic nephropathy (chromosome 10) have been identified. A mutation in the uromodulin gene (16p11-13) has recently been linked to medullary cystic kidney disease type 2 and familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy. Familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is linked to the 1q25-31, 11q21-22, and 19q13 loci in different families. Several research groups are evaluating family members of individuals with nephropathy in an attempt to uncover previously undiagnosed cases of renal disease. SummaryFamily members of individuals with chronic kidney disease are disproportionately affected with unrecognized and asymptomatic nephropathy. Screening of these high-risk relatives for early nephropathy, and for risk factors for nephropathy, will probably lead to successful treatment for nephropathy and slow the growing worldwide epidemic of end-stage renal disease.
Differences in responsiveness to CD3 stimulation between naive and memory CD4+ T cells cannot be overcome by CD28 costimulation

Activation of naive CD4+ T cells is essential for the induction of primary immune responses. However, this subset is less responsive to signaling via T cell receptor/CD3 (TcR/CD3) complex than memory CD4+ cells. For mitogenic activation of T cells, in addition to triggering of the TcR/CD3 complex, costimulatory signals are required that can be generated by surface structures present on the antigen‐presenting cells. We investigated here whether differences in responsiveness to TcR/CD3 stimulation of naive and memory cells can be overcome by the costimulatory pathway B7/CD28. Using a B7‐dependent system we show that even in the presence of optimal CD28 costimulation, CD4+ naive cells still have more stringent TcR/CD3 activation requirements than memory cells. Furthermore, titration of the B7 signal revealed that for activation of naive CD4+ cells a higher level of cross‐linking of CD28 molecules is required than for memory cells. Thus, our results show that at least two signals are required for activation of both CD4+ memory and naive cells, but that for activation of naive cells higher cross‐linking of both CD3 and CD28 molecules is necessary.
Relationship between Aortic Intima-media Thickening, Serum IGF-I and Low-density Lipoprotein Particle Diameter in Newborns with Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Much epidemiological evidence has linked low birth weight with late cardiovascular risk. In order to investigate the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on early atherosclerosis in the fetus, we measured aortic wall thickness (abdominal aortic intima-media thickness: aIMT) by ultrasonography in 15 neonates with IUGR and in 31 neonates considered to be appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between aIMT, serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size to investigate the possible effect of these atherosclerosis-related factors on the early atherosclerosis process. The results showed that the mean aIMT was significantly greater in the IUGR neonates than in the AGA neonates (least squares mean ± SE, 537 ± 24.8 vs. 471 ± 17.0 µm, p=0.037). The serum IGF-I levels were lower in the IUGR neonates than in the AGA neonates (27.9 ± 4.3 vs. 42.7 ± 2.9 ng/ml, p=0.009). A significant negative correlation was observed between aIMT and IGF-I in the IUGR neonates (r=–0.646, p=0.009); however, a positive correlation was observed between aIMT and IGF-I (r=0.416, p=0.020) in the AGA neonates. There appeared to be no relationship between aIMT and LDL particle diameter. Atherogenic small, dense LDL was not detected in the IUGR infants. In conclusion, neonates with IUGR have significant aortic thickening with decreased IGF-I, suggesting that prenatal events might predispose them to later cardiovascular risk.
Development of high-temperature thermoelectric materials based on SrTiO3-layered perovskites

Abstract For improving the performance of ceramic thermoelectric materials an increase in the effective mass is required because it is the main factor determining the Seebeck coefficient, in the case of a semiconductor with sufficiently high carrier concentration. The Ruddlesden–Popper phase Sr3Ti2O7, with its conducting perovskites layer in between the phonon absorbing SrO layers, is an example for advanced material design by nano-block integration. Using ab-initio simulations, the electronic bandstructure was calculated, and from the curvature of the bands the effective mass was deduced. While Sr3Ti2O7 has a smaller effective mass than the Nb-doped SrTiO3, the layered perovskites with substitution of Ta instead of Ti possess very large effective masses (m*/m0=9 in average) and a large thermopower is expected. In the experiments, however, the sufficient charge carrier concentration could not yet be reached.
Preparation of Polymer-Nanodiamond Composites with Improved Properties

An efficient method is developed to achieve improved dispersion of detonation nanodiamond particles in amorphous thermoplastic matrices. For an estimation of the nanodiamond distribution in slices, a method of optical and transmission electron microscopy is used. The complex set of mechanical properties of polymer-nanodiamond composites is considered: tensile properties, Izod impact strength and Brinell hardness. It is found that the reinforcing and toughening effects of uniformly-dispersed nanoparticles on polymer matrices is pronounced at lower loading compared with traditional mixing procedure.
Characterization of Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Unique characteristics of MWCNT such as high porosity and high surface area make MWCNT as potential material to be explored in-depth through research. The role of MWCNT as CO2 adsorbent will be more efficient after modification with 3-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS) in order to obtain amine functional group. However, direct functionalization is not permissible due to the hydrophobic problem faced by pristine MWCNT. This complication can be resolved by liquid oxidation treatment using different types of oxidants such as nitric acid (HNO3), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and mixture of nitric and sulfuric acid (HNO3/H2SO4). The characteristics of pristine MWCNT and modified MWCNT were investigated by analyzing the samples using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDXs), fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy technique. Higher degree of functionalization implies higher attachment of amine functional group for higher CO2 adsorption. Here, MWCNT sample treated with HNO3/H2SO4 and APTS recorded the highest degree of functionalization.
Galectin-3 and CD44v6 as Markers for Preoperative Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer by RT-PCR

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of galectin-3 and CD44v6 as markers for preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in lesions of the thyroid. RT-PCR analysis of galectin-3 and CD44v6 expression was performed on RNA isolated from fine-needle aspirates of thyroid lesions from 428 patients. The results were evaluated against the postoperative histopathological diagnosis or definitive cytological diagnosis in cases of nodular goiter and Hashimoto thyroiditis. A total of 57 (13%) samples were inadequate for RT-PCR. Galectin-3 and CD44v6 were positive in 167 (45%) and 158 (43%) out of 371 adequate samples, respectively. Galectin-3 and CD44v6 were positive in 56 (86%) and 54 (83%) out of 65 papillary carcinomas, in 16 (29%) and 18 (32%) out of 56 Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in 61 (34%) and 52 (29%) out of 181 nodular goiters, in 23 (43%) and 23 (43%) out of 53 follicular adenomas, in 3 (100%) and 3 (100%) out of 3 follicular carcinomas, and in 8 (62%) and 8 (62%) out of 13 Hurthle cell adenomas, respectively. Specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values in discriminating between malignant and benign thyroid nodules were 64, 87, and 35 and 96% for galectin-3; 67, 84, and 36 and 95% for CD44v6; and 79, 82, and 47 and 95% for the analysis of both markers (considered positive only if both galectin-3 and CD44v6 were positive), respectively. Owing to relatively low specificity, the clinical value of galectin-3 and CD44v6 analysis by RT-PCR as a marker for preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid lesions is limited.
Carbon monoxide is the heme oxygenase product with a pyretic action: evidence for a cGMP signaling pathway.

We have recently reported that the central heme oxygenase (HO) pathway has an important role in the genesis of lipopolysaccharide fever. However, the HO product involved, i.e., biliverdine, free iron, or carbon monoxide (CO), has not yet been identified with certainty. Therefore, in the present study, we tested the thermoregulatory effects of all HO products. Body core temperature (T(c)) and gross activity of awake, freely moving rats was measured by biotelemetry. Intracerebroventricular administration of heme-lysinate (152 nmol), which induces the HO pathway, evoked a marked increase in T(c), a response that was attenuated by intracerebroventricular pretreatment with the HO inhibitor zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bis glycol (200 nmol), indicating that an HO product has a pyretic action in the central nervous system (CNS) of rats. Besides, heme-lysinate also increased gross activity, but no correlation was found between this effect and the increase in T(c). Moreover, intracerebroventricular biliverdine or iron salts at 152 nmol, a dose at which heme-lysinate was effective in increasing T(c), produced no change in T(c). Accordingly, intracerebroventricular treatment with the iron chelator deferoxamine elicited no change in basal T(c) and did not affect heme-induced pyresis. However, heme-induced pyresis was completely prevented by the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxaline-1-one. Because biliverdine and iron had no thermoregulatory effects and CO produces most of its actions via sGC, these data strongly imply that CO is the only HO product with a pyretic action in the CNS.
Radiolysis of chromatin extracted from cultured mammalian cells: formation of DNA-protein cross links.

Chromatin extracted from Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts has been examined for the formation of radiation-induced DNA-protein cross links, using a membrane filter assay. The relative efficiencies of the aqueous radical intermediates, OH. , eaq- and O2-, were investigated. Cross links were found in gamma-irradiated isolated chromatin and in chromatin irradiated in the cell before isolation. When isolated chromatin was irradiated under conditions in which the chromosomal proteins were dissociated from the DNA, no cross links were detectable. The most efficient radical for the production of cross links in irradiated, isolated chromatin was found to be the hydroxyl radical, whereas, the superoxide radical was essentially ineffective. For chromatin irradiated in the cell before isolation, the greatest effect was seen for cells irradiated in an atmosphere of nitrous oxide, suggesting the hydroxyl radical may be involved in the formation of cross links in intact cells also. The formation of cross links in chromatin irradiated in cells before isolation was considerable less efficient than in irradiated, isolated chromatin.
Big data compression paradigms for supporting efficient and scalable data-intensive IoT frameworks

In this paper we focus on big data compression paradigms within reference data-intensive IoT frameworks, which are currently recognized as one of the emerging scientific in a rich interdisciplinary field that comprises service-oriented infrastructures, Cloud computing, big data management and analytics. Basically, big data compression techniques allow to tame the complexity of big data management tasks within such frameworks, hence beneficially influencing all the other activities, perhaps delivered as services in a reference Cloud architecture. Inspired by these considerations, in this paper we provide an overview on noticeable state-of-the-art big data compression techniques, and depict future research directions on the investigated scientific topic to be considered during future years.
Low incidence of CNS relapse with cranial radiotherapy and intrathecal methotrexate in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence of isolated central nervous system (CNS) relapses in patients of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with a protocol containing cranial irradiation and intrathecal methotrexate as CNS directed therapy. DESIGN Prospective non randomized study. SETTING Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital. SUBJECTS 623 children of ALL on MCP 841. METHODS CNS relapse was diagnosed, if upon examination of the CSF, more than 50 cells/microliter were observed, or a count of 5 cells which were unequivocally lymphoblasts. RESULTS The incidence of isolated CNS relapse was 1.75% with the use of this treatment. Age, sex, white blood cell count, platelet count, lactic dehydrogenase and immunophenotyping were not significantly related to isolated CNS relapse. CONCLUSION A low incidence of isolated CNS relapse demonstrates the adequacy of the presymptomatic CNS therapy.
An Overview of Distributed BeliefNetworks in Engineering SystemsRobert DodierUniversity of Colorado at Boulderdodier

This paper provides an overview of distributed belief networks and how they can model engineering systems. In extending the usual single-processor computational model to multiple processors, several interesting problems arise, which must be solved for the successful implementation of a distributed belief network. In keeping with the distributed computational model, no single processor has information about the structure of the entire distributed belief network , and inferences are to be computed using only local quantities. However, this leads to diiculties (which have not yet been resolved) when there are loops in the distributed belief network which contain nodes in two or more component networks. Also, temporal dependencies in one network lead to temporal dependencies in any other network connected to some of its variables; this may lead to intractable dependencies, especially if some of the dependencies involve diierent time scales. While these problems of induced dependencies have only been identiied, and not resolved, progress has been been made in other areas. A general policy is proposed for publishing information as belief networks. A modeling language for the representation of distributed belief networks has been devised, and software has been implemented to compile the modeling language and carry out inferences. The paper concludes with some notes on the application of distributed belief networks to HVAC systems.
A novel model to restrain email virus propagation

Email is one of the most frequent communication mediums in real life. Simultaneously, virus propagation attaching to email has appeared, and caused a series of losses. However, the email virus propagation was effected by many factors. Therefore, a reliable model was considered as a challenging problem. By analyzing the ways and characters of email virus propagation.an improved propagation model, namely, Anti-virus and Trust level Healthy-Danger-Infected (ATHDI) model is proposed. Besides, a novel algorithm based on anti-virus ability and users' trust level is presented. compares the effect of important factors on infected individuals in different networks. The simulation experiments show that proposed model describes accurately the propagation of virus and the number of infected individuals is very low based on proposed model. Besides, this work provides a reliable method to restrain virus propagation by trust level among users.
On‐line cell lysis and DNA extraction on a microfluidic biochip fabricated by microelectromechanical system technology

Integrating cell lysis and DNA purification process into a micrototal analytical system (μTAS) is one critical step for the analysis of nucleic acids. On‐chip cell lysis based on a chemical method is realized by sufficient blend of blood sample and the lyzing reagent. In this paper two mixing models, T‐type mixing model and sandwich‐type mixing model, are proposed and simulation of those models is conducted. Result of simulation shows that the sandwich‐type mixing model with coiled channel performs best and this model is further used to construct the microfluidic biochip for on‐line cell lysis and DNA extraction. The result of simulation is further verified by experiments. It asserts that more than 80% mixing of blood sample and lyzing reagent which guarantees that completed cell lysis can be achieved near the inlet location when the cell/buffer velocity ratio is less than 1:5. After cell lysis, DNA extraction by means of a solid‐phase method is implemented by using porous silicon matrix which is integrated in the biochip. During continuous flow process in the microchip, rapid cell lysis and PCR‐amplifiable genomic DNA purification can be achieved within 20 min. The potential of this microfluidic biochip is illustrated by pretreating a whole blood sample, which shows the possibility of integration of sample preparation, PCR, and separation on a single device to work as portable point‐of‐care medical diagnostic system.