Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Call admission control in wireless networks: a comprehensive survey

Radio resource management (RRM) plays a major role in Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning for wireless communication systems. The performance of RRM techniques has a direct impact on each user's individual performance and on the overall network performance. Arriving (new and handoff) calls are granted/denied access to the network by the call admission scheme (CAC) based on predefined criteria, taking the network loading conditions into consideration. CAC in wireless networks has been receiving a great deal of attention during the last two decades due to the growing popularity of wireless communications and the central role that CAC plays in QoS provisioning in terms of the signal quality, call blocking and dropping probabilities, packet delay and loss rate, and transmission rate. In the first and second generation of wireless systems, CAC has been developed for a single service environment. In the third generation and beyond wireless systems, multimedia services such as voice, video, data, and audio are to be offered with various QoS profiles. Hence, more sophisticated CAC schemes are developed to cope with these changes. This article provides a comprehensive survey of CAC schemes in modern wireless networks.
The human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax protein induces apoptosis which is blocked by the Bcl-2 protein

The Tax protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type I activates transcription of cellular and viral genes and can immortalize primary T lymphocytes. We have previously reported that the Tax protein transforms Rat-1 cells. Here we show that Tax-transformed Rat-1 cells detach from plates to undergo apoptotic cell death by serum deprivation. These cells exhibit DNA fragmentation into oligonucleosomal fragments and chromatin condensation. Constitutive expression of a proto-oncogene, bcl-2, effectively blocks Tax-mediated apoptosis caused by serum deprivation without affecting the levels of Tax expression and the transformed phenotype of the cells.
Regeneration of Axons after Nerve Transection Repair Is Enhanced by Degradation of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan

Our past work indicates that growth-inhibiting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) is abundant in the peripheral nerve sheaths and interstitium. In this study we tested if degradation of CSPG by chondroitinase enhances axonal regeneration through the site of injury after (a) nerve crush and (b) nerve transection and coaptation. Adult rats received the same injury bilaterally to the sciatic nerves and then chondroitinase ABC was injected near the injury site on one side, and the contralateral nerve was injected with vehicle alone. Nerves were examined 2 days after injury in the nerve crush model and 4 days after injury in the nerve transection model. Chondroitinase-dependent neoepitope immunolabeling showed that CSPG was thoroughly degraded around the injury site in the chondroitinase-treated nerves. Axonal regeneration through the injury site and into the distal nerve was assessed by GAP-43 immunolabeling. Axonal regeneration after crush injury was similar in chondroitinase-treated and control nerves. In contrast, axonal regrowth through the coaptation of transected nerves was markedly accelerated and the ingress of axons into the distal segment was increased severalfold in nerves injected with chondroitinase. On the basis of these results we concluded that growth inhibition by CSPG contributes critically to the poor regenerative growth of axons in nerve transection repair. In addition, degradation of CSPG by injection of chondroitinase ABC at the site of nerve repair increased the ingress of axonal sprouts into basal laminae of the distal nerve segment, presumably by enabling more latitude in growth at the interface of coapted nerve. This suggests that chondroitinase application may be used clinically to improve the outcome of primary peripheral nerve repair.
Expert Opinion: Headaches and Hemodialysis

CASE REPORT A 58-year-old woman reported a 6-month history of headaches which occurred only during the last 35-45 minutes of her 3 times weekly 4-hour HD sessions. She described a bifrontal and back of the head pressure with an intensity of 8-9/10 associated with light and noise sensitivity but no nausea or visual symptoms. She takes acetaminophen at the onset of the headache, which is gone within 15-20 minutes. She has no history of other headaches. She has a history of chronic renal failure because of polycystic kidney disease and hypertension and has been on dialysis for 14 years. Her mother and 2 brothers have polycystic kidney disease but no history of intracranial aneurysm (ICA). Examination revealed a blood pressure of 140/ 100 measure in the left arm in the sitting position. Superficial temporal artery pulses were good and neurological examination was normal. Questions. —What types of headaches are associated with HD? What might be the cause of this headache? Are there treatments other than symptomatic acetaminophen? What is the risk of intracranial saccular aneurysm with polycystic kidney disease? What type of screening would you recommend?
Exogenous Expression of b -Catenin Regulates Contact Inhibition, Anchorage-independent Growth, Anoikis, and Radiation-induced Cell Cycle Arrest

b -Catenin is an important regulator of cell– cell adhesion and embryonic development that associates with and regulates the function of the LEF/TCF family of transcription factors. Mutations of b -catenin and the tumor suppressor gene, adenomatous polyposis coli, occur in human cancers, but it is not known if, and by what mechanism, increased b -catenin causes cellular transformation. This study demonstrates that modest overexpression of b -catenin in a normal epithelial cell results in cellular transformation. These cells form colonies in soft agar, survive in suspension, and continue to proliferate at high cell density and following g -irradiation. Endogenous cytoplasmic b -catenin levels and signaling activity were also found to oscillate during the cell cycle. Taken together, these data demonstrate that b -catenin functions as an oncogene by promoting the G 1 to S phase transition and protecting cells from suspension-induced apoptosis (anoikis).
Low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma with sex cord‐like differentiation metastatic to the thoracic spines

We report a case of monostotic low‐grade stromal sarcoma (ESS) with sex cord‐like elements metastatic to the thoracic spines, which to the best of our knowledge has not previously been documented. A 48‐year‐old female who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy for low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma 7 years previously presented with insidious onset of severe back pain of 2 months' duration. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed involvement of the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebral bodies. Decompression at the level of T10–12 was performed. Histologically, the laminae of thoracic vertebrae 11 and 12 were replaced by sheets of ovoid cells with plump nuclei intermixed with anastomosing trabeculae, cords and small nests, reminiscent of a sex‐cord stromal tumor pattern. The tumor cells showed diffuse nuclear immunostaining for estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), as well as membranous immunostaining for CD10. The immunostaining for smooth muscle actin was focal and sparse. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic low‐grade ESS with sex cord‐like differentiation. Low‐grade ESS with sex cord‐like differentiation is an uncommon tumor which rarely metastasizes to the bone, and use of a panel of ER, PR, CD10, actin, cytokeratin and inhibin immunostains is essential to establish the diagnosis.
Development of efficient calculation tool for miniaturized H-shaped antenna for UHF RFID applications

The H-shaped patch antenna is investigated as a solution to the miniaturized design for ultra high frequency radio frequency identification reader applications. Based on the transmission line model, a program is developed to calculate the dimensions of the proposed antenna with given size constraints and specific substrate parameters. The simple program can carry out fast and accurate calculation and generate various H-shaped patch configurations for specific frequency with desired accuracy. Compared to the results from method-of-moments, the tolerance of the calculated resonant frequency is within 2 %.
Effects of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) on focal cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 during focal cerebral ischemia. METHODS Left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was undergone after the introduction of a nylon suture to the left internal carotid artery in 70 male adult CD-1 mice. ERK 1/2 phosphorylation was detected using Western blot analysis, and the morphological feature was determined by immunohistochemistry. An ERK pathway inhibitor, 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-amino-phenylthio] butadiene (U0126), was administered intravenously 20 minutes before MCAO, and the neurological deficit levels and the infarct volumes were measured 24 hours after MCAO. RESULTS Phosphorylated ERK 1/2 (pERK 1/2) activity increased after 30 minutes of MCAO and peaked at 2 hours. The immunohistochemical study displayed a large number of pERK 1/2 positive cells in the ischemic basal ganglion and surrounding cortex. Double-labeled fluorescent staining identified the pERK1/2 positive cells as neurons or astrocytes. In U0126 treated mice which had undergone 24 hours of MCAO, the neurological deficit levels and the infarct volumes were 44.6% and 45.8% respectively, less than those of the control mice. CONCLUSIONS ERK plays an important role in focal cerebral ischemia and inhibition of the ERK pathway can help protect against ischemic brain injury, which may provide a therapeutic approach for cerebral ischemia.
How much past to see the future: a computational study in calibrating urban cellular automata

The objective of this computational study was to investigate to which extent the availability and the way of use of historical maps may affect the quality of the calibration process of cellular automata (CA) urban models. The numerical experiments are based on a constrained CA applied to a case study. Since the model depends on a large number of parameters, we optimize the CA using cooperative coevolutionary particle swarms, which is an approach known for its ability to operate effectively in search spaces with a high number of dimensions. To cope with the relevant computational cost related to the high number of CA simulations required by our study, we use a parallelized CA model that takes advantage of the computing power of graphics processing units. The study has shown that the accuracy of simulations can be significantly influenced by both the number and position in time of the historical maps involved in the calibration.
Characterization of potential PGPR and antagonistic activities of Rhizobium isolates from different rhizosphere soils

PGPR function in three different ways synthesizing particular compounds for the plants facilitating the uptake of certain nutrients from the soil and lessening or preventing the plants from diseases. Some of Plant growth promoting characteristics such as phosphate solubilisation, Indole acetic acid (IAA) capacity, ability to produce ammonia (NH3) as sole nitrogen source, siderophore production and production of hydrogen cyanide were evaluated in fifteen Rhizobacteria isolated from different rhizosphere soils of Groundnut, Sunflower, Maize, Black gram, Green gram, Rice, Soy bean and Redgram. In this study, 47% Rhizobial isolates showed phosphate solubilization.73% of the isolates showed IAA production and 100% for ammonia, 53% for siderophores and 53% isolates showed for HCN production. All the fifteen isolates were examined for the potential to inhibit two fungal pathogens viz., Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii under in vitro conditions. Out of fifteen isolates, only 3 isolates exhibited inhibition potential against two soil borne plant phytopathogen Among these isolates, RR-1 and GNR-1 were tolerant to all the heavy metals (100 μg ml-1).
n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids during early human development

Abstract. The food intakes of pregnant women were analysed from two contrasting socio‐economic areas in London. There were significant differences in mean calorie and EFA intakes. Analysis of maternal and cord blood essential fatty acids (EFAs) in relation to birth weight, placental weight and head circumference were consistent with the dietary data. To assess the EFA tissue status of the low birth weight babies, the umbilical arteries from 14 separate babies of different birth weights were studied. Surprisingly high levels of the Mead acid (20:3 n‐9) were found, with the highest appearing in the artery from the baby with the lowest birth weight. This data may not necessarily imply an EFA deficiency, but at the least it probably indicates a remarkable thirst for long chain n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids for fetal brain development.
Weekly Low-Dose Docetaxel in Advanced Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Previously Exposed to Chemotherapy

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and tolerability of docetaxel in patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer previously exposed to chemotherapy. Methods: We enrolled 27 patients with hormone-resistant prostatic cancer that had progressed during first-line chemotherapy. The primary end-point was palliative response defined as a 2-point reduction in the 6-point present pain intensity scale, and an improvement in Karnofsky performance status of one 10-point category. The treatment consisted of weekly docetaxel 25 mg/m² body surface area administered by means of a 1-hour intravenous infusion with corticosteroid premedication. Results: The primary criterion of palliative response was met in 13 patients (48%) after eight treatment cycles; its median duration was 6 months (range 1–8). Mean global quality of life improved in 8 and 10 patients after respectively four and eight treatment cycles. After a median follow-up of 8 months, 21 patients had died: the median survival was 9+ months (range 2–18). Weekly docetaxel was very well tolerated: grade 3 neutropenia occurred in 1 patient and grade 3 anemia in 2. Conclusions: Weekly low-dose docetaxel is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer previously exposed to chemotherapy.
Second-generation HTS wire manufacturing and technology advancement at superpower

REBa2Cu3O7−δ (REBCO) coated conductor, namely second generation high-temperature (2G HTS) wire, holds enormous promise for many real world applications such as electrical power transmission cables, superconducting magnets, energy storage, fault current limiters, motors, generators and medical devices. SuperPower is developing and manufacturing high-performance 2G HTS wire based on two high-throughput processes: IBAD-MgO for texture buffer and MOCVD for the HTS layer. Tremendous progress has been made in 2G HTS wire technology development and manufacturing in the past few years. In this paper, we report our overall achievements in kilometer long wire fabrication reaching a minimum Ic of 282 A/cm-w over 1,065 m, practical conductor development for ac application and recent achievement in high-field coils and quench detection technique.
Dietary calcium intake in rural black South African children. The relationship between calcium intake and calcium nutritional status.

Dietary calcium intake in relation to calcium status in rural black South African children was investigated. Fifteen subjects in each age group, 3-5 years, 8-10 years, 13-16 years with lowered serum calcium (less than 2.25 mmol/l) and raised serum alkaline phosphatase (greater than 300 i.u./l) were matched with controls having normal serum biochemistry. A dietary interview and 24-h recall was conducted with each subject; nutrient value of the diet was calculated from standard food tables. At 3-5 years, although the study group had significantly lower calcium intakes, there was no significant relationship between dietary calcium intake and calcium status. Study children in the age groups 8-10 years and 13-16 years had significantly lower dietary calcium intakes than controls and dietary calcium intake showed significant correlation with serum calcium levels, serum alkaline phosphatase levels, bone mineral density, metacarpal cortical thickness and calcium excretion. Thus it appears that low dietary calcium intakes may be reflected by hypocalcaemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and decreased bone mineral content in pre-adolescent children.
Bronchial Asthma Control Profile at Primary Healthcare Facilities of Dubai Health Authority for the Period 2010-2015 Dubai , UAE , 2016

The morbidity and mortality from asthma appear to be increasing despite changes in medical practice and many advances in treatment of asthma over the years. Most of the deaths are due to relatively acute attacks, although usually against a background of poorly controlled asthma. This study is designed to investigate the level of asthma control, percentage of using inhaled corticosteroids, percentage of sick off days because of asthma, percentage of Asthma flow charts implementation, percentage of additional forms implementation, and percentage of Smokers among asthmatics. Methods: A retrospective records review of registered asthmatic patients was implemented. All registered asthma patients at primary health care facilities of Dubai Health Authority for the period of 2010-2015 were included in the current audit retrieved from SAM IT registry system (Primary Health Care Electronic Medical Record). A convenience sample was chosen. It was composed of 476 in 2010, 341 in 2011, 318 in 2012, 188 in 2013, 450 in 2014, and 440 in 2015. Those patients attended general out patients clinics in PHC. A total number of 59 patients were included in the Bronchial Asthma Miniclinics sample, which involved all attended patients in 2015. Results: The level of controlled asthma in 2015 was 53.4% in General Outpatient Department of PHC (OPD) and 64.9% in Bronchial Asthma mini clinics in PHC. The best level was shown in 2014. As for using inhaled corticosteroids, it was shown that it was 82% in OPD clinics while it was 95% in asthma mini clinic cases. The study reflected significant increasing in use of inhaled corticosteroid. Patients with No sick off days became about 32% at general OPD clinics, and 42% at asthma mini clinics. Improvement of bronchial asthma care was noticed at primary health care settings in Dubai Health Authority. There are still many gaps that needs to be bridged in asthma management system at primary health care to raise the level of control to a higher standard level, like implementing asthma management guidelines, health care givers capacity building and developing asthma management care independently. It is recommended to investigate causes of poor adherence to asthma management in 2015 by primary health care physicians. Addressing gaps will strengthen asthma management care. Adhering to international standards, Continuous professional development and capacity building are factors that are in need to be taken into consideration.
Building Information Model Implementation For Existing Buildings For Facilities Management: A Framework And Two Case Studies

This paper presents the process of implementation of a building information model for managing an existing building, identifying a development framework and documenting the difficulties that occurred during the implementation of the initial stages. The use of building information modelling (BIM) for the design and construction phase of a building has been thoroughly looked into by researchers and practitioners and there is evidence to support that it is beneficial for reducing cost, time and improving communication. A single shared building information model results in a greater accuracy, clarity and consistency of the information available during the life cycle compared to traditional 2D/3D drawings. Yet the potential use of BIM for the operational and management phase (facilities management), besides maintenance schedules and equipment information and location, is still not clearly identified. The UK Government, institutional clients and major private owners are now demanding BIM for new construction and major refurbishment, but given that 70–75% of the UK building stock that will exist and be in use in 2050 has already been built, a significant part of the existing facilities will not have a building information model till the next major refurbishment. This creates a major gap in the built environment, when it comes to having BIM for existing buildings. This paper presents the initial findings of two case studies, where building information models were developed for two existing buildings using a new framework and concludes that minimal BIM skills are sufficient to construct a base building model that can be implemented over time by facilities managers.
Logistic Regression Function for Detection of Suspicious Performance During Baseline Evaluations Using Concussion Vital Signs

This study utilized logistic regression to determine whether performance patterns on Concussion Vital Signs (CVS) could differentiate known groups with either genuine or feigned performance. For the embedded measure development group (n = 174), clinical patients and undergraduate students categorized as feigning obtained significantly lower scores on the overall test battery mean for the CVS, Shipley-2 composite score, and California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition subtests than did genuinely performing individuals. The final full model of 3 predictor variables (Verbal Memory immediate hits, Verbal Memory immediate correct passes, and Stroop Test complex reaction time correct) was significant and correctly classified individuals in their known group 83% of the time (sensitivity = .65; specificity = .97) in a mixed sample of young-adult clinical cases and simulators. The CVS logistic regression function was applied to a separate undergraduate college group (n = 378) that was asked to perform genuinely and identified 5% as having possibly feigned performance indicating a low false-positive rate. The failure rate was 11% and 16% at baseline cognitive testing in samples of high school and college athletes, respectively. These findings have particular relevance given the increasing use of computerized test batteries for baseline cognitive testing and return-to-play decisions after concussion.
Assessing Tourists’ Preferences for Recreational Trips in National and Natural Parks as a Premise for Long-Term Sustainable Management Plans

Sustainable tourism management plans rely on relevant and consistent information about factors that can influence the decision to visit a protected area. This paper uses the choice experiment method to investigate tourists’ preferences with regard to recreational trip characteristics in national and natural parks in Romania. An on-site survey questionnaire was administered to visitors. The multinomial logit model was employed to investigate the preference orderings of the identified groups of recreational users. Overall, results indicate that tourists gain benefits after visiting the parks. Main preference differences were found for information sources and location of campsites. Visitors who stated that the park was the main trip destination were willing to have access to more information sources, the marks on trails being insufficient. Camping is preferred only in organized places, expressing the concern for environmental protection. The results of this study have management implications, highlighting the importance of assessing tourists’ preferences as a foundation for developing sustainable tourism strategies.