Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Symposium II: intervention for renal artery disease.

The primary goal of this American Heart Association renal intervention writing group was to discuss current controversies related to renal interventions and to recommend important areas of clinical research and advocacy initiatives in this peripheral arterial bed. The 4 areas covered in this section include (1) management of asymptomatic renal artery disease, (2) treatment of ischemic nephropathy, (3) prevention and treatment of atheroembolism in renal artery interventions, and (4) treatment of renal in-stent restenosis (ISR). Atherosclerotic renal artery disease is an often unrecognized contributor to refractory hypertension, renal insufficiency, and increased risk of cardiovascular death.1,2 Renal artery disease is associated with increased cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and death), and when associated with symptomatic coronary artery disease, it independently doubles the risk of death.3 Additionally, the presence of bilateral renal artery stenoses is associated with a reduced 4-year survival rate when compared with unilateral disease (47% versus 59%, P <0.001). 3 Hypertension, renal insufficiency, and multisystem atherosclerosis are common entities, and the independent occurrence of these conditions is frequent. Thus, the physician must distinguish between association and causation in the evaluation of patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease and critically appraise the potential for clinical improvement in selecting patients for renal artery intervention. In contrast to other regional manifestations of atherosclerosis, it is impractical to classify patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease into symptomatic or asymptomatic categories. Two of the cardinal manifestations of renal artery disease, hypertension and renal insufficiency, are frequently “silent” with regard to clinical manifestations until end-organ damage or uremia occurs. Thus, the majority of patients may be deemed asymptomatic. A more appropriate classification of patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease may be to classify them in relation to potential clinical consequences. We propose the following classification scheme in patients with renal artery disease:
Production of inflammatory cytokines in response to diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT), haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and 7-valent pneumococcal (PCV7) vaccines

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and 7-valent pneumococcal (PCV7) vaccines both became recommended in Japan in 2010. In this study, cytokine production was investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultures stimulated with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids combined with acellular pertussis vaccine (DPT), Hib, and PCV7 separately or concurrent different combinations, all as final off-the-shelf vaccines without the individual vaccine components as controls. Higher IL-1β levels were produced when cultures were stimulated with PCV than with DPT or Hib, and the concurrent stimulation including PCV7 enhanced the production of IL-1β. Although Hib induced higher levels of IL-6, no significant difference was observed in IL-6 production with the concurrent stimulation. The concurrent stimulation with Hib/PCV7 and DPT/Hib/PCV7 produced higher levels of TNF-α and human G-CSF. Cytokine profiles were examined in serum samples obtained from 61 vaccine recipients with febrile reactions and 18 recipients without febrile illness within 24 h of vaccination. No significant difference was observed in cytokine levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ, MIP-1, TNF-α, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in sera between the two groups. However, significantly higher levels of human G-CSF were observed in recipients with febrile illness than in those without febrile reactions. Further investigations of the significance of elevated serum G-CSF levels are required in vaccine recipients with febrile illness.
Optimized TDMA based distance routing for Data Centric Storage

The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Data Centric Storage (DCS) scheme is a promising alternative to External Storage (ES) and Local Storage (LS) schemes because the ES and LS schemes may lead to high overhead and latency. The DCS scheme, however, might incur high update traffic due to the lack of an optimally synchronized routing algorithm. This paper presents a new distributed Sector Based Distance (SBD) routing algorithm that has been designed for a low power DCS implementation. In order to guarantee reliability and minimizing end-to-end latency, a simple Grid Coloring Algorithm (GCA) is used to derive the time division multiple access (TDMA) schedules. The GCA uses a slot reuse concept to achieve minimum TDMA frame length. Extensive simulations demonstrate that SBD yields significant improvement in achieving high reliability and low latency while providing optimal energy consumption.
Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA phylogeography of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus): evidence for secondary contact zones in central Europe

Mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers were applied to infer the phylogeography, intraspecific diversity and dynamics of the distributional history of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) with focus on its central and northern European distribution range. Phylogenetic and nested clade analyses revealed at least four major mtDNA lineages, which evolved in geographical isolation during the Pleistocene. These lineages should be recognized as the basic evolutionary significant units (ESUs) for grayling in central and northern Europe. In addition, and in contrast to previous work on grayling, the results of Bayesian analysis of individual admixture coefficients, two‐dimensional scaling analysis and spatial analysis of molecular variance provided evidence for a high level of admixture among major lineages in contact zones between drainages (e.g. the low mountain range of Germany), most likely resulting from glacial perturbations and ancient river connections between drainages during the Pleistocene glaciations. Even within river systems, a high level of differentiation among populations was revealed as indicated by the microsatellite data. Grayling sampled from 29 sites displayed high levels of differentiation (overall FST = 0.367), a high number of private alleles and high bootstrap support for the genetic distance‐based population clusters across 12 loci. We specifically discuss our results in context of phylogeograpic studies on other European freshwater fish species with habitat preferences similar to those of grayling. Our study shows that both large‐scale phylogeographical and detailed genetic analyses on a fine scale are mandatory for developing appropriate conservation guidelines of endangered species.
Improving the utilization of an elastic resource : a client-side approach

Resource management is traditionally addressed by policies implemented inside the resource provider. Here we study the problem with an attitude that is specular but complementary, which consists in designing a distributed client-side access regulation algorithm that improves the utilization of an elastic resource. The introduction of elastic resources — a feature of the cloud computing paradigm — complicates their management since, when the workload applied on the resource varies (for instance with the number of users) the resource automatically follows such variations with its capacity. But the presence of an extra computational cost related with capacity variations motivates a non linear, lazy response, that penalizes dynamic environments. Hence the interest for an algorithm that shapes the production of service requests on the client side. To make our investigation more adherent to a practical environment, we introduce a real time requirement: each client must have access to the service at least every π time units. Examples of this requirement, that features a bounded degree of asynchrony, are found, for instance, in network streaming applications: stream chunks must feed the input buffer at the destination. The algorithm we investigate is based on the random walk of a token. To evaluate the range of applicability of the algorithm, we define an analytic model of its stochastic behavior — described by a non-Markov process — and then we compare its performance with a benchmark algorithm, representative of an effective solution that is often used in practice.
Downregulation of TBXAS1 in an iron-induced malignant mesothelioma model

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and therapy‐resistant neoplasm arising from mesothelial cells. Evidence suggests that the major pathology associated with asbestos‐induced mesothelioma is local iron overload. In the present study, we induced iron‐induced mesothelioma in rats based on previous reports. Ten Wistar rats were given ferric saccharate and nitrilotriacetate i.p. for 5 days a week. Five of the ten rats exhibited widespread mesotheliomas in the peritoneum and tunica vaginalis. The tumor cells showed positive immunostaining for calretinin, wilms tumor‐1, podoplanin and the oxidative DNA marker 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine. In three of the five rats with mesothelioma, array‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis identified a common chromosomal deletion mapped to the chromosomal 4q31 locus, which encompasses the TBXAS1 gene. Downregulation of the TBXAS1 gene was confirmed using quantitative PCR. TBXAS1 gene expression was also reduced in three of four human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines compared with normal bronchial epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that TBXAS1 expression was weakly positive and positive in five and three out of eight human malignant mesothelioma samples, respectively. In conclusion, TBXAS1 gene expression was downregulated in rats with iron‐induced mesothelioma. The relationship between iron overload and TBXAS1 downregulation should be pursued further.
JComp: A Reuse-Driven Componentization Framework for Java Applications

Program componentization has been proved to be an effective way to increase the speed and cost-effectiveness of reusing, maintaining, and understanding existing software systems. JComp is a componentization framework that supports semi-automatically extracting reusable components from an existing Java system and automatically transforming the existing system into a component-based system. Based on the automated class dominance analysis and domain knowledge, JComp introduces a novel technique to incrementally identify reusable components in a low cost but high precision way. Also, JComp provides a methodology to automate the transformation of existing object-oriented systems into component-based systems
Classical conditioning, temporal learning and spatial learning in the ant Myrmica sabuleti

CAMMAERTS, M. -C. , Classical conditioning, temporal learning and spatial learning in the ant Myrmica sabuleti. Biologia, Bratislava, 59: 243|256, 2004; ISSN 0006-3088. After working for 30 years on ethological, physiological and chemical problems concerning ants, we predicted that conditioning and/or learning may be obtained in these animals. Therefore, the rst thing we made was to test three types of learning in foragers of the ant Myrmica sabuleti :t emporal learning, spatial learning and classical conditioning. Workers were able to perform temporal learning of a particular period of the day after a 12-day training period. This initial learning extinguished after 3 days in the absence of food. A second subsequent temporal learning was more rapid and more ecient. Moreover, its extinction took longer. The workers were also able to exhibit spatial learning of a feeding place precisely located in their foraging area. After extinction of this rst spatial learning in a few experiments in the absence of food, a second subsequent learning performed under the same training conditions was more rapid and generally more ecient, and its extinction took a little longer, as previously found for temporal learning. Classical conditioning was possible in M. sabuleti, when the conditioned stimuli (visual: green triangle; olfactive: onion) were presented either a few minutes before, just before, or at the same time as the unconditioned stimulus (liquid sugared food). Such conditioning failed if the conditioned stimulus was presented, then removed, 15 min before the unconditioned stimulus, or, if it was presented after the unconditioned stimulus. In the three cases where conditioning occurred, the ants’ responses extinguished after a few experiments. Second subsequent conditionings were more rapid and generally more ecient, and extinguished more slowly. The workers discriminated yellow and blue from green, but generalised the response they gave to a triangle, to a square and a rectangle; they generalised their response to onion, to leek and garlic, but discriminated cabbage and Belgian endive from onion. Thus, in summary, classical conditioning as well as temporal and spatial learning can be obtained in the ant M. sabuleti using precise experimental protocols. This discovery allows us to go further and to study, in the same species, spatial conditioning, visual perception, and operant conditioning (works respectively published and in press).
Effectiveness of advisory warnings based on cooperative perception

Cooperative perception makes it possible to provide drivers with early advisory warnings about potentially dangerous driving situations. On the basis of the research results pertaining to imminent crash warnings, it was expected that the effectiveness of such advisory warnings depends on situation-specific anticipations by the driver. During a simulator study, N = 20 drivers went through a wide range of longitudinal traffic and intersection scenarios. The scenarios varied in the possibility to anticipate traffic conflicts (anticipation: high against low) and were completed under different visibility conditions (visibility: obstructed against visible), with and without driver assistance based on cooperative perception (i.e. visual–auditory advisory warnings 2 s prior to the last-possible warning moment; assistance: no assistance against with assistance). The warning concept was based on empirical pre-studies and previously validated on a public test intersection. During non-assisted driving, critical situations were mainly experienced when the possibility to anticipate traffic conflicts was low. Visual obstructions lead to a further increase in the frequency of critical situations. Furthermore, the results indicate a clear mitigation of critical encounters when providing early advisory warnings. This applies particularly to surprising and unexpected scenarios and thus illustrates the potential of cooperative perception to enhance active traffic safety.
Hybrid ray tracing - ray tracing using gpu-accelerated image-space methods

In recent years, interactive ray tracing has become a reality, although mainly by using clustered workstations and sophisticated acceleration structures. On non-clustered computer architectures this is still not an easy task, especially when rendering animated scenes, even though the computation power of modern workstations is increasing rapidly. In this paper we propose known image-space rendering techniques to be used for accelerating ray tracing. Firstly, we describe a GPU-based visibility preprocessing algorithm to perform interactive ray casting by applying the standard depth testing capability of graphics processing units. This method – called object intersection buffer (OIB) – is particularly suitable for ray casting animated scenes, as it completely avoids the necessity of creating and updating any kind of spatial acceleration structures in order to achieve high frame rates. Then we integrate shadow rendering into our ray caster using the shadow mapping technique to avoid computationally expensive shadow rays. Then, we convert our GPU-based ray caster into a hybrid ray tracer by computing reflection and refraction rays on the CPU using a spatial acceleration structure. This allows us to exploit parallel rendering to increase the overall frame rate. Finally, we compare our implementations to each other and analyse their advantages and disadvantages in terms of visual quality and rendering performance.
Spray coating process with polymer material for insulation in CIS-TSV wafer-level-packaging

This paper presents a novel spray coating process for the forming of sidewall insulation of through silicon via (TSV) which was a challenging process in CMOS image sensor (CIS) packaging. In conventional way, silicon oxide by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is chosen as insulation material. In this paper, one kind of phenolic aldehyde polymer is deposited on the sidewall of though silicon via with the diameter of 75μm and depth of 100μm by novel spray coating process. To avoid the failure of TSV sidewall insulation and electrical interconnection characteristic, the thickness of polymer on the sidewall should be not less than 2μm. To achieve the insulation layer thickness target value, the temperature of spray coating process temperature was adjusted to control the viscosity of polymer. After the process optimization, the minimum thickness of sidewall polymer insulation layer is over 2. 5μm meanwhile the conformal coverage characters of sidewall insulation layers are promoted.
Capital mobility in transition countries of Central Europe : macroeconomic performance factors and structural policies

In the course of transition, the former centrally planned economies of central Europe have attracted increasing shares of the international capital flows to emerging market economies. Moreover, compared to other world regions, a relatively large share of these flows has been constituted of foreign direct investment. An exploration of the determinants of these capital flows, using a neo-classical model, provided only medium-low levels of explanation, and the importance of considering institutional frameworks. The remainder of the paper examines the influence of financial sector development and of privatisation on foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, and ‘other’ forms of investment.
Image distortions in stereoscopic video systems

This paper discusses the origins, characteristics and effects of image distortions in stereoscopic video systems. The geometry of stereoscopic camera and display systems is presented first. This is followed by the analysis and diagrammatic presentation of various image distortions such as depth plane curvature, depth non-linearity, depth and size magnification, shearing distortion and keystone distortion. The variation of system parameters is also analyzed with the help of plots of image geometry to show their effects on image distortions. The converged (toed-in) and parallel camera configurations are compared and the amount of vertical parallax induced by lens distortion and keystone distortion are discussed. The range of acceptable vertical parallax and the convergence/accommodation limitations on depth range are also discussed. It is shown that a number of these distortions can be eliminated by the appropriate choice of camera and display systems parameters. There are some image distortions, however, which cannot be avoided due to the nature of human vision and limitations of current stereoscopic video display techniques.
Mre11 modulates the fidelity of fusion between short telomeres in human cells

The loss of telomere function can result in the fusion of telomeres with other telomeric loci, or non-telomeric double-stranded DNA breaks. Sequence analysis of fusion events between short dysfunctional telomeres in human cells has revealed that fusion is characterized by a distinct molecular signature consisting of extensive deletions and micro-homology at the fusion points. This signature is consistent with alternative error-prone end-joining processes. We have examined the role that Mre11 may play in the fusion of short telomeres in human cells; to do this, we have analysed telomere fusion events in cells derived from ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder (ATLD) patients that exhibit hypomorphic mutations in MRE11. The telomere dynamics of ATLD fibroblasts were indistinguishable from wild-type fibroblasts and they were proficient in the fusion of short telomeres. However, we observed a high frequency of insertion of DNA sequences at the fusion points that created localized sequence duplications. These data indicate that Mre11 plays a role in the fusion of short dysfunctional telomeres in human cells and are consistent with the hypothesis that as part of the MRN complex it serves to stabilize the joining complex, thereby controlling the fidelity of the fusion reaction.
Cultral Adaptation of the Westminster Model: Some examples from Fiji and Samoa

The Westminster system has been a very successful model of responsible government having demonstrated its relevance around the globe in a wide variety of cultural settings – national and provincial. Cultural adaptability is arguably a critical part of the explanation for the institutional success of the Westminster model. A capacity for localising is scarcely the only reason, of course. The enormous extent of the British Empire, its policy of indirect rule and its less troubled disengagement with colonisation were important elements contributing to a widespread acceptance of the Westminster model as the winds of change blew through the Empire creating a need for democratic legislatures. Nevertheless, a political seed planted in foreign soil does not flourish if it cannot adjust to its new environment and is not nourished locally. And, in some circumstances, the process of adaptation has been itself a significant challenge.
Pupillary Responses during Learning of Suppressed Tracking Tasks

We measured tracking performance in two groups while either the target or the manual cursor was suppressed for a brief period during each trial. We have used this approach to investigate the internal models used during tracking, and their updating during motor learning. We have simultaneously measured tracking performance and pupil dilation as a measure of cognitive load. The results showed that pupil diameter decreases with learning process of tracking performance. Decrease of pupil diameter suggests that automatization is linked specifically to the learning of internal models.
Asympotic behavior of the total length of external branches for Beta-coalescents

We consider a ${\Lambda}$-coalescent and we study the asymptotic behavior of the total length $L^{(n)}_{ext}$ of the external branches of the associated $n$-coalescent. For Kingman coalescent, i.e. ${\Lambda}={\delta}_0$, the result is well known and is useful, together with the total length $L^{(n)}$, for Fu and Li's test of neutrality of mutations% under the infinite sites model asumption . For a large family of measures ${\Lambda}$, including Beta$(2-{\alpha},{\alpha})$ with $0<\alpha<1$, M{o}hle has proved asymptotics of $L^{(n)}_{ext}$. Here we consider the case when the measure ${\Lambda}$ is Beta$(2-{\alpha},{\alpha})$, with $1<\alpha<2$. We prove that $n^{{\alpha}-2}L^{(n)}_{ext}$ converges in $L^2$ to $\alpha(\alpha-1)\Gamma(\alpha)$. As a consequence, we get that $L^{(n)}_{ext}/L^{(n)}$ converges in probability to $2-\alpha$. To prove the asymptotics of $L^{(n)}_{ext}$, we use a recursive construction of the $n$-coalescent by adding individuals one by one. Asymptotics of the distribution of $d$ normalized external branch lengths and a related moment result are also given.