Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of parental occupational exposure questionnaires for a childhood leukemia study.

OBJECTIVES This paper presents the results of a pilot study of job-specific modules developed for use in the study questionnaire of the Northern California Childhood Leukemia Study (i) to estimate the variability in response between people administered the same module and (ii) to estimate the number of modules required per family. METHODS For 63 participants in the pilot study, between-person variability was assessed by comparing reported job tasks among the respondents administered the same job-specific module. Within-respondent variability was assessed by examining changes in the timing and frequency of the job tasks and product use across critical time segments from 12 months before the child's birth to 3 years of age. Parental occupational histories were reviewed to estimate the expected number of job-specific modules required per family. RESULTS Considerable variability was identified for the tasks performed by the respondents with similar jobs and in the timing of tasks and products used across critical time windows. Parents' occupational histories indicated that detailed exposure information could be obtained for 95% of the families with a maximum of two job-specific modules added to the study interview. CONCLUSIONS The job-specific modules captured individualized exposure information for the parents of cases and controls and thus reduced the potential for nondifferential misclassification when compared with the use of a job title approach, while avoiding an exposure checklist approach. These improvements in exposure estimation may increase the statistical power for identifying any true association between parental occupational exposures and childhood leukemia.
An Efficient Subcarrier Assignment Algorithm for Downlink OFDMA

In this paper, the rate adaptive optimization (RA) problem, which maximizes the sum of user data rates subject to total power constraint and individual guaranteed rates, is considered. Two tasks are commonly examined: bandwidth allocation and specific subcarrier assignment. A mechanism to provide a degree of fairness among users is coupled with the first task. Considering the second task, a novel algorithm, rate profit optimization algorithm (RPO), is defined to assign specific subcarriers to different devices of a multiuser downlink OFDM system. In RPO, a new approach is proposed to assign a conflicting subcarrier (best subcarrier for several users). This algorithm is shown to exhibit good results regarding spectral efficiency and fairness with a complexity significantly lower than the Hungarian algorithm.
Function and Regulation of Yeast Hexose Transporters

SUMMARY Glucose, the most abundant monosaccharide in nature, is the principal carbon and energy source for nearly all cells. The first, and rate-limiting, step of glucose metabolism is its transport across the plasma membrane. In cells of many organisms glucose ensures its own efficient metabolism by serving as an environmental stimulus that regulates the quantity, types, and activity of glucose transporters, both at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. This is most apparent in the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has 20 genes encoding known or likely glucose transporters, each of which is known or likely to have a different affinity for glucose. The expression and function of most of these HXT genes is regulated by different levels of glucose. This review focuses on the mechanisms S. cerevisiae and a few other fungal species utilize for sensing the level of glucose and transmitting this information to the nucleus to alter HXT gene expression. One mechanism represses transcription of some HXT genes when glucose levels are high and works through the Mig1 transcriptional repressor, whose function is regulated by the Snf1-Snf4 protein kinase and Reg1-Glc7 protein phosphatase. Another pathway induces HXT expression in response to glucose and employs the Rgt1 transcriptional repressor, a ubiquitin ligase protein complex (SCFGrr1) that regulates Rgt1 function, and two glucose sensors in the membrane (Snf3 and Rgt2) that bind glucose and generate the intracellular signal to which Rgt1 responds. These two regulatory pathways collaborate with other, less well-understood, pathways to ensure that yeast cells express the glucose transporters best suited for the amount of glucose available.
The Effect of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine Compared to Propofol on Patients Hemodynamics as a Sedative in Brachial Plexus Block: A Comparative Study

Background: The quest for an ideal sedative during regional anesthesia is on. Although propofol has been accepted as a sedative intraoperatively, it can be associated with troublesome hemodynamic changes. Dexmedetomidine is a new alpha 2 agonist used widely for sedation. Aims: In this study, we tried to compare equivalent doses of dexmedetomidine infusion with propofol with emphasis on their effect on the hemodynamics. Settings and Design: Prospective, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: In a single blinded study, 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II patients scheduled for forearm surgeries under brachial plexus block were randomized to receive either propofol (Group I) or dexmedetomidine (Group II) infusion. Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block was given in all the patients. After confirming adequate motor and sensory blockade, they were administered an initial loading dose of the drug over 10 min followed by a maintenance dose till the end of the surgery. The rate of infusion was titrated to maintain Ramsay sedation score of 2–4. Intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory effects were documented along with surgeon and patient satisfaction. Any adverse effect such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting was also noted. Statistical Analysis Used: The data collected were evaluated using Stata version 10. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Heart rate decreased significantly in Group II (dexmedetomidine) while mean arterial pressure decreased significantly in Group I (propofol). There was no increase in the incidence of bradycardia or hypotension in either groups. Patient satisfaction score was significantly greater in Group II (dexmedetomidine) while surgeon satisfaction score was similar in both the groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine at equivalent doses of propofol has a similar hemodynamic and respiratory effect, similar surgeon's satisfaction score, higher patient's satisfaction score, and no significant side effects in ASA I/II patients. Thus, dexmedetomidine may prove to be a valuable alternative to propofol for sedation in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries in brachial plexus block.
Treatment of chlamydial infections: 2014 update

Introduction: Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens whose entry into mucosal epithelial cells is required for intracellular survival and subsequent growth. The life cycle of Chlamydia spp. and the ability to cause persistent, often subclinical infection, has major ramifications for diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis and C. pneumoniae infections in humans. Areas covered: This paper reviews the current literature on the antimicrobial susceptibilities and treatment of genital infections due to C. trachomatis and respiratory infections due to C. pneumoniae published since 2011. Expert opinion: Chlamydiae are susceptible to antibiotics that interfere with DNA and protein synthesis, including tetracyclines, macrolides and quinolones, which are the compounds that have been most extensively studied and used for treatment of human infection. Since our original review was published in 2011, there have been some major advances in diagnostic tests for C. trachomatis and the introduction of the first FDA-approved test for the detection of C. pneumoniae in respiratory samples. However, the options for treating chlamydial infections have largely remained the same. There are a small number of new drugs currently in preclinical development and early clinical trials that may have a role in the treatment of chlamydial infections.
Linking Heterogeneous Conceptual Models through a Unifying Modeling Concepts Ontology

discussion paper we report on our ongoing work in applying Semantic-Web technologies for supporting business integration. Our method foresees the reengineering of conceptual models into ontologies for performing domain-semantics oriented matching. For linking models in differing modeling languages as well as different model types, we have developed a bridge ontology. The first results show the feasibility of our approach.
Formal Versus Material Ontologies for Information Systems Interoperation in the Semantic Web

Information systems ontology is intended to facilitate interoperability among the many applications which are now becoming available on the Internet. In particular, it is intended to facilitate the development of intelligent agents which can automate a large part of the task of a user achieving some end employing multiple autonomous applications. A large number of ontologies exist supporting specific kinds of interoperation among selected, generally mutually aware, applications. The intent of the upper ontology movement is to develop an abstract description of what there is in the world, in an application-independent form, which can be used both to help build specific ontologies and to help in finding common ground among them. This paper argues that, for the purposes of information systems interoperation and the semantic web, application-independent upper ontologies are unlikely to be successful because of semantic heterogeneity. However, the paper argues for a distinction in upper ontologies between formal and material ontologies, based on analogies with concepts in Kant's synthetic a priori, and that formal ontologies whose focus is on how we see the world are more likely to be successfully developed in the absence of applications than are material ontologies, which attempt to catalog the world a priori. Categories and Descriptors: C.2. 4 [Distributed Systems] Distributed Applications, Distributed Databases D.2. 12 [Software Engineering] Interoperability---Data Mapping; H.3. 5 [Information Storage and Retrieval] Online Information Services---Data Sharing and Web-based Services; H.2. 1 [Database Management] Systems.
A PDE approach to the derivation of the Brayton-Moser form for power-shaping control

Power-shaping control is an extension of energy-balancing passivity-based control based on a particular form of the dynamics, the Brayton-Moser form. One of the main difficulties in this approach is to write the dynamics in the suitable form since it requires the solution of a partial differential equation (PDE) system with an additional sign constraint. Here a general methodology is described for solving this partial differential equation system. The set of all solutions to the PDE system is given as the solution of a linear equation system. A necessary condition is given so that a solution of the linear system which meets the sign condition exists. This methodology is illustrated on a chemical reactor example, where the physical knowledge of the system is used to find a suitable solution.
Web page revisitation revisited: implications of a long-term click-stream study of browser usage

This paper presents results of an extensive long-term click-stream study of Web browser usage. Focusing on character and challenges of page revisitation, previous findings from seven to thirteen years ago are updated. The term page re-visit had to be differentiated, since the recurrence rate--the key measure for the share of page revisits--turns out to strongly depend on interpretation. We identify different types of revisitation that allow assessing the quality of current user support and developing concepts for new tools. Individual navigation strategies differ dramatically and are strongly influenced by personal habits and type of site visited. Based on user action logs and interviews, we distinguished short-term revisits (backtrack or undo) from medium-term (re-utilize or observe) and long-term revisits (rediscover). We analyze current problems and provide suggestions for improving support for different revisitation types.
Logic Meets Algebra: the Case of Regular Languages

The study of finite automata and regular languages is a privileged meeting point of algebra and logic. Since the work of Buchi, regular languages have been classified according to their descriptive complexity, i.e. the type of logical formalism required to define them. The algebraic point of view on automata is an essential complement of this classification: by providing alternative, algebraic characterizations for the classes, it often yields the only opportunity for the design of algorithms that decide expressibility in some logical fragment. We survey the existing results relating the expressibility of regular languages in logical fragments of MSO[S] with algebraic properties of their minimal automata. In particular, we show that many of the best known results in this area share the same underlying mechanics and rely on a very strong relation between logical substitutions and block-products of pseudovarieties of monoid. We also explain the impact of these connections on circuit complexity theory.
PTEN regulates natural killer cell trafficking in vivo

Significance Natural killer (NK) cells are critical players in the response to viruses and transformed cells, but the molecular mechanisms controlling their functions are incompletely understood. A major pathway leading to NK cell activation is the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway. However, the impact of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a key phosphatase opposing this pathway, on NK cells has not been reported. We generated a previously unreported NK cell-intrinsic PTEN-deletion mouse model to evaluate its role in NK cell biology. In contrast to other lymphocytes, we demonstrate that the primary effects of PTEN loss are marked perturbation in NK cell trafficking and distribution during both homeostasis and malignancy. These findings indicate that PTEN plays an essential role in NK cell localization in vivo. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a critical negative regulator of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase pathway, members of which play integral roles in natural killer (NK) cell development and function. However, the functions of PTEN in NK cell biology remain unknown. Here, we used an NK cell-specific PTEN-deletion mouse model to define the ramifications of intrinsic NK cell PTEN loss in vivo. In these mice, there was a significant defect in NK cell numbers in the bone marrow and peripheral organs despite increased proliferation and intact peripheral NK cell maturation. Unexpectedly, we observed a significant expansion of peripheral blood NK cells and the premature egress of NK cells from the bone marrow. The altered trafficking of NK cells from peripheral organs into the blood was due to selective hyperresponsiveness to the blood localizing chemokine S1P. To address the importance of this trafficking defect to NK cell immune responses, we investigated the ability of PTEN-deficient NK cells to traffic to a site of tumor challenge. PTEN-deficient NK cells were defective at migrating to distal tumor sites but were more effective at clearing tumors actively introduced into the peripheral blood. Collectively, these data identify PTEN as an essential regulator of NK cell localization in vivo during both homeostasis and malignancy.
THE EFFECT OF MALE CIRCUMCISION ON SEXUAL SATISFACTION AND FUNCTION: RESULTS FROM A RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF MALE CIRCUMCISION FOR HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS PREVENTION, RAKAI, UGANDA

1 Kigozi G, Watya S, Polist CB et al . The effect of male circumcision on sexual satisfaction and function, results from a randomized trial of male circumcision for human immunodeficiency virus prevention, Rakai, Uganda, BJU Int 2008; 101 : 65–70 2 Winkelmann RK. The erogenous zones: their nerve supply and significance, Mayo Clin Proc 1959; 34 : 39–47 3 Taylor JR, Lockwood AP, Taylor AJ. The prepuce: specialized mucosa of the penis and its loss to circumcision. Br J Urol 1996; 77 : 291–5 4 Sorrells ML, Snyder JL, Reiss MD et al . Fine-touch pressure thresholds in the adult penis. BJU Int 2007; 99 : 864– 9 5 Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR), World Health Organization. A systematic review of the health complications of female genital mutilation including sequelae in childbirth. WHO, 2001
Modeling, signaling and cytoskeleton dynamics: integrated modeling‐experimental frameworks in cell migration

Cell migration is a complex and multistep process involved in homeostasis maintenance, morphogenesis, and disease development, such as cancer metastasis. Modeling cell migration and the relevant cytoskeleton dynamics have profound implications for studying fundamental development and disease diagnosis. This review focuses on some recent models of both cell migration and migration‐related cytoskeleton dynamics, addressing issues such as the difference between amoeboid and mesenchymal migration modes, and between single‐cell migration and collective cell migration. The review also highlights the computational integration among variable external cues, especially the biochemical and mechanical signaling that affects cell migration. Finally, we aim to identify the gaps in our current knowledge and potential strategies to develop integrated modeling–experimental frameworks for multiscale behavior integrating gene expression, cell signaling, mechanics, and multicellular dynamics. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1365. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1365
DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A METRONIDAZOLE CENTRAL CORE MATRIX TABLET

In this paper, a study of different concentration of HPMC K 15 M exerts influence on the drug release process from a new controlled drug delivery system has been realized in order to obtain a constant release rate during a prolonged period of time, for a programmed drug release. The drug release profiles obtained for the different batches have shown an interesting relationship between the particle size of the channeling agent used and the length of different operational periods.
OFDM: Back to the Wireless Future

The key limitation for wireless technologies has been slow transmission rates that didn't come close to providing the capabilities of wireline services. This left the technologies unable to offer fast downloads or handle multimedia and other desirable applications. Now, however, wireless approaches that use orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-a modulation technique for transmitting large amounts of digital data over a radio wave-are boasting high speeds. The principal driving forces behind OFDM's increased popularity in wireless technology are the general demand for faster approaches and the specific desire to run multimedia applications, which are data intensive and thus require higher speeds. OFDM has become practical for more widespread use because it relies on high-speed digital signal processors, and DSPs have only recently become available at a price that makes OFDM a competitive technology in the marketplace.
Robust Energy Management of a Hybrid Wind and Flywheel Energy Storage System Considering Flywheel Power Losses Minimization and Grid-Code Constraints

The maximum power and power ramp rate are important grid codes for integrating renewable energy resources in transmission systems. The power curtailment regulates the maximum power and ramp rate; however, adding an energy storage system (ESS) can time shift surplus wind energy instead of curtailing it. The flywheel energy storage system (FESS) has the advantages of high efficiency and long lifetime; however, it has non-negligible standby losses and its lifetime is reduced exponentially as the rotating speed increases. Considering such practical constraints, this work presents an energy management system (EMS) for a hybrid power system composed of a wind farm with a FESS. The FESS time shifts the surplus wind energy to respect the grid codes and reduce wind curtailment; meanwhile, the EMS aims at minimizing the FESS standby losses and boosting its lifetime using the predicted wind power data. The EMS is composed of two controllers. The first controller is a linear model predictive controller that defines the long-term FESS power set-point. The second controller is a real-time adaptive hysteresis controller that compensates for the wind-power prediction error. Comparative simulation studies and hardware-in-the-loop test results validate the effectiveness of the proposed EMS in reducing the FESS losses while respecting the grid integration code constraints.
Data disclosure and transparency for accountability: A strategy and case analysis

The current financial crisis has reinforced the need for transparency and accountability in the context of open government. As such, governments have promoted transparency initiatives by developing portals where a huge number of datasets is made available. But simply to disclose datasets in a centralized web portal might not address the variety of citizens' and other stakeholders' information seeking scenarios. To characterize such scenarios we considered the role of scientists and researchers as 'information brokers' and analysed transparency assessment literature and the way information was being searched for in those exercises. Based on this analysis, we propose an overall data disclosure strategy which contemplates several different types of information sources other than just one centralized web portal and lay out a set of desired characteristics for those sources. We then use the proposed strategy as a framework to assess the Portuguese panorama with respect to information disclosure, and also to practically illustrate the strategy and its components. The assessment exercise showed that the proposed strategy could indeed be used not only as an open government policy guideline, but also as an open government transparency assessment framework.
Molecular models on the insertion of a Salmonella minnesota R-form glycolipid into the cell membrane of normal and transformed cells.

Based on chemical alterations in the cell surface of normal cells following transformation and the fixation of bacterial glycolipid mR595 by normal, transformed and trypsinized cells, theoretical models for the insertion of glycolipid mR595 in the lipid bilayer of normal, trypsinized and transformed cells are presented.
Passing manipulation by 1 degree-of-freedom manipulator - catching manipulation of tossed object without impact

There are some researches which perform complex manipulation tasks to control dynamic characteristic of an object (sliding, rolling, hitting, etc). They are called dynamic manipulation. We introduced tossing manipulation as one of it. In this paper, tossing manipulation is expanded to catch the tossed object without impact. We call it passing manipulation. A pair of 1 D.O. F manipulators is used as a tossing manipulator and a catching manipulator. First, the tossing manipulator swings its arm to roll/slide an object on it, and passes the object. Second, the object is thrown to the catching manipulator. Third, the catching manipulator swings its arm to contact the object without impact, and manipulates it on the arm. Finally the object stands still on the catching arm. This paper shows a kinematic model of passing manipulation. The kinematic model is analyzed, a method to search the optimal passing is described, and the optimal solutions are simulated. Finally the experiment is materialized, and perform the passing manipulation with iterative learning control.