Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An analytical model for ARQ cooperative diversity in multi-hop wireless networks

This paper presents an analytical model for a general automatic repeat request (ARQ) cooperative diversity (ACD) scheme in cluster-based multi-hop wireless networks. For the considered ACD scheme, transmission in each hop is supported by a number of relays using a finite number of transmission rounds. While prior works in the literature mostly focused on simulation and/or information theoretic analysis, we instead develop a model to analyze end-to-end performance in terms of probability of end-to-end delivery failure, end-to-end delay distribution, and end-to-end throughput. The application of the proposed analytical model for a transmission scheme which employs jointly a truncated ARQ protocol and a maximal ratio combiner is illustrated. Numerical results validate the proposed analytical model and compare the ACD scheme with the Amplify-and-Forward (AF) and traditional truncated ARQ schemes in a linear network. The ACD scheme exploiting both time diversity (through retransmission) and spatial diversity is shown to have several desirable adaptive characteristics compared to other schemes.
Functional Neurologic Disorders

Purpose of Review: Functional neurologic disorders, also called psychogenic, nonorganic, conversion, and dissociative disorders, are among the most common problems in neurologic practice. This article presents a practical guide to clinical assessment and treatment, incorporating emerging research evidence. This article places an emphasis on encouraging neurologists to use the assessment as treatment, take an active role in educating and treating the patient, and work in a multidisciplinary way with psychiatry, psychology, and physical therapy. Recent Findings: Classification of functional neurologic disorders now emphasizes the importance of positive diagnosis based on physical signs, not psychological features. Studies of mechanism have produced new clinical and neurobiological ways of thinking about these disorders. Evidence has emerged to support the use of physical therapy for functional movement disorders and psychotherapy for dissociative (nonepileptic) attacks. Summary: The diagnosis and management of functional neurologic disorders has entered a new evidence-based era and deserves a standard place in the neurologic curriculum.
Extending Pluto-Style Polyhedral Scheduling with Consecutivity Sven Verdoolaege

The Pluto scheduler is a successful polyhedral scheduler that is used in one form or another in several research and production compilers. The core scheduler is focused on parallelism and temporal locality and does not directly target spatial locality. Such spatial locality is known to bring performance benefits and has been considered in various forms outside and inside polyhedral compilation. For example, the Pluto compiler has some support for spatial locality, but it is limited to a post-processing step involving only loop interchange. Consecutivity is a special case of spatial locality that aims for stride-1 accesses, which can be useful for constructing burst accesses and for vectorization. Stride-1 accesses have been targeted by an approach based on one-shot scheduling, but it is fairly approximative and not directly transferable to a Pluto-style scheduler. This paper describes an approach for consecutivity that is integrated in a Pluto-style polyhedral scheduler, as implemented in isl. Both intra-statement and inter-statement consecutivity is considered, taking into account multiple references per statement and the integration into a component based incremental scheduler.
OPTIMAL CHANNEL ALLOCATION WITH IDLE TIME USAGE ( OCA-ITU ) : ADAPTIVE CHANNEL SCHEDULING STRATEGY FOR 802 . 11 BASED WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKS

This manuscript explores a novel channel-scheduling algorithm for varying size windows transmission in 802.11 Wireless Local Area Networks. The objective of the proposal is to achieve maximum throughput and minimal transmission loss and fair channel usage. The critical factors considered to schedule a channel are optimal bandwidth and idle channel availability. The proposed scheduling strategy is a hierarchical approach of three levels. The optimal idle channel allocation, optimal multiple idle channels allocation and optimal multiple channels with considerable transmission intervals allocation are the objectives of the respective levels of the scheduling hierarchy of the proposed algorithm. The introduction of the WLAN and channel scheduling associated literature, detailed exploration of the proposed channel scheduling strategy and performance analysis by simulation study presented in this article. The experimental study is evincing the scalability and robustness of the proposal in the context of maximizing throughput and minimizing the transmission loss. The performance analysis compared the proposed model with contemporary scheduling strategies found in recent literature.
Evaluation of piper cubeba extract, (‐)‐cubebin and its semi‐synthetic derivatives against oral pathogens

The activities of the crude ethanol extract from Piper cubeba seeds, (‐)‐cubebin and its semi‐synthetic derivatives were evaluated against oral pathogens. The crude ethanol extract was more active against Streptococcus salivarius (MIC value of 80 µg/mL). (‐)‐Cubebin displayed MIC values ranging from 0.20 mm for Streptococcus mitis to 0.35 mm for Enterococcus faecalis. The natural product (‐)‐cubebin and its semi‐synthetic derivative (‐)‐hinokinin displayed bacteriostatic activity at all evaluated concentrations, as well as fungicidal activity against Candida albicans at 0.28 mm. The O‐benzyl cubebin derivative showed fungistatic and fungicidal effects against C. albicans at 0.28 mm and 0.35 mm, respectively. Also, the other dibenzylbutyrolactone derivatives [(‐)‐6,6′‐dinitrohinokinin and (‐)‐O‐(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl)‐cubebin] displayed bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects at the evaluated concentrations. Moreover, the semi‐synthetic derivative (‐)‐6,6′‐dinitrohinokinin was the most active compound against all the evaluated microorganisms. Therefore, it may be suggested that the presence of the carbonyl group at C‐9 plus the introduction of polar groups in the aromatic rings improve the antimicrobial activity of dibenzylbutyrolactone compounds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Credit Risk Analysis for SME Bank Financing – Albanian Case

Due to bankruptcy risk especially for SMEs, we developed a credit risk model by using logistic regression methods. The studies based on SME data are rare and this study might be a help in the measurement of credit risk for SMEs in an emerging market such as Albanian one. This is because the SMEs play important role in our economy and almost in all the economies in the world. During 2013, the quality of the loan portfolio continued its downward progress, where the non performing loans to total gross loans rose to 22.5 %, while the latest rapports show more increased level of NPLs up to nearly 25% in the end of the year. Credit quality is deteriorated for both businesses and individuals so as to loans in local currency and foreign currency ones. In the context of facing potential losses from this risk we are trying to build a model to predict the possibility for a SME to have financial distress during the period of loan repayment. The SPSS program is used to analyze the selected variables for the logistic model, which had a predictive accuracy level of 66.3% for our sample. It is necessary to note that the independent variables used consisted in financial and non financial data. Financial institutions can also benefit from developing their own models by following the process as shown in this study.
Gingival crevicular fluid levels of interleukin-1beta and glycemic control in patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Patients with diabetes have increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease not accounted for by differences in the subgingival microbial infection. Poor glycemic control has been consistently associated with periodontal disease severity. Also, recent evidence suggests that hyperglycemia may induce inflammatory cytokine production. Few studies, however, have examined local biochemical measures of periodontal inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether glycemic control was related to gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). METHODS GCF samples were collected from 45 patients with type 2 diabetes and untreated chronic periodontitis. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and attachment level (AL) were recorded at six sites per tooth. IL-1beta levels were determined from individual GCF samples by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Individual site and mean patient values were calculated. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured from anticoagulated whole blood using an automated affinity chromatography system. Serum glucose was also determined. RESULTS Clinical periodontal measures (PD, AL, BOP) and measures of glycemic control (HbA1c, random glucose) were significantly correlated with GCF IL-1beta. Patients with greater than 8% HbA1c had significantly higher mean GCF IL-1beta levels than patients with less than 8% HbA1c. In a multivariate model adjusting for age, gender, PD, AL, BOP, and PI, HbA1c and random glucose were independent predictors of high GCF IL-1beta. CONCLUSIONS Poor glycemic control is associated with elevated GCF IL-1beta. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that hyperglycemia contributes to an heightened inflammatory response, and suggests a mechanism to account for the association between poor glycemic control and periodontal destruction.
Detection and identification of oxidants formed during •NO/O2•– reaction: A multi-well plate CW-EPR spectroscopy combined with HPLC analyses

Abstract New techniques and probes are routinely emerging for detecting short-lived free radicals such as superoxide radical anion (O2•–), nitric oxide (•NO), and transient oxidants derived from peroxynitrite (ONOO–/ONOOH). Recently, we reported the profiles of oxidation products (2-hydroxyethidium, ethidium, and various dimeric products) of the fluorogenic probe hydroethidine (HE) in the •NO/O2•– system (Zielonka et al. 2012). In this study, we used HPLC analyses of HE oxidation products in combination with continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) spin trapping with 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (BMPO) to define the identity of the oxidizing species formed in the •NO/O2•– system. EPR spin-trapping technique is still considered as the gold standard for characterization of free radicals and their intermediates. We monitored formation of BMPO-superoxide (BMPO-•OOH) and BMPO-hydroxyl (BMPO-•OH) radical adducts. Simultaneous analyses of results from EPR spin-trapping and HPLC measurements are helpful in the interpretation of the mechanism of formation of products of HE oxidation.
The fate of diesel hydrocarbons in soils and their effect on the germination of perennial ryegrass

Hydrocarbon contamination in soils may be toxic to plants and soil microorganisms and act as a source of groundwater contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fate of diesel in soils with or without added nutrients. The soils examined either had or had not a previous history of hydrocarbon contamination. Particular aspects examined were soil respiration, changes in microbial population, breakdown of diesel hydrocarbons, and phytotoxicity to the germination of perennial ryegrass. Soil respiration was measured as evolved CO2. Bacterial population was determined as colony forming units in dilution plates and fungal activity was measured as hyphal length. The fate of individual hydrocarbons was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after extraction with dichloromethane. When diesel was added to soil with no previous history of hydrocarbon contamination at rates up to 50 mg/g, the respiration response showed a lag phase of 6 days and maximum respiration occurred at day 11. The lag phase was 2 days and maximum respiration occurred at day 3 in soil with a previous history of hydrocarbon contamination. After the peak, respiration decreased up to about 20 days in both soils. Thereafter, respiration become more or less constant but substantially greater than the control. N and P addition along with diesel did not reduce the lag phase but increased the respiration over the first 20 days of incubation. Diesel addition with or without N and P increased the bacterial population 10‐ to 100‐fold but fungal hyphal length did not increase. Diesel addition at a rate of 136 mg/g did not increase the microbial population. Removal of inhibition to germination of perennial ryegrass was linked to the decomposition of nC10 and nC11 hydrocarbons and took from 11 to 30 days at diesel additions up to 50 mg/g depending on the soil. Inhibition to germination of perennial ryegrass persisted to more than 24 weeks at the 136 mg/g of diesel addition. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 17: 49–62, 2002
Trends in Trans Fatty Acids Reformulations of US Supermarket and Brand-Name Foods From 2007 Through 2011

Introduction Although some US food manufacturers have reduced trans fatty acids (TFA) in their products, it is unknown how much TFA is being reduced, whether pace of reformulation has changed over time, or whether reformulations vary by food type or manufacturer. Methods In 2007, we identified 360 brand-name products in major US supermarkets that contained 0.5 g TFA or more per serving. In 2008, 2010, and 2011, product labels were re-examined to determine TFA content; ingredients lists were also examined in 2011 for partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO). We assessed changes in TFA content among the 270 products sold in all years between 2007 and 2011 and conducted sensitivity analyses on the 90 products discontinued after 2007. Results By 2011, 178 (66%) of the 270 products had reduced TFA content. Most reformulated products (146 of 178, 82%) reduced TFA to less than 0.5 g per serving, although half of these 146 still contained PHVO. Among all 270 products, mean TFA content decreased 49% between 2007 and 2011, from 1.9 to 0.9 g per serving. Yet, mean TFA reduction slowed over time, from 30.3% (2007–2008) to 12.1% (2008–2010) to 3.4% (2010–2011) (P value for trend < .001). This slowing pace was due to both fewer reformulations among TFA-containing products at start of each period and smaller TFA reductions among reformulated products. Reformulations also varied substantially by both food category and manufacturer, with some eliminating or nearly eliminating TFA and others showing no significant changes. Sensitivity analyses were similar to main findings. Conclusions Some US products and food manufacturers have made progress in reducing TFA, but substantial variation exists by food type and by parent company, and overall progress has significantly slowed over time. Because TFA consumption is harmful even at low levels, our results emphasize the need for continued efforts toward reformulating or discontinuing foods to eliminate PHVO.
Unmanned aerial vehicles and wind generation serving isolated areas

A fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) providing connectivity to IoT devices distributed on an isolated area that also lacks in a connection to the main power network has been considered. A wind generator supplies the UAVs charge station as well as the local load. The charge station has been considered as a high priority load with respect to the remaining local load. The overall system has been modelled with Markov chains. Different management strategies of the UAV fleet have been investigated to evaluate their effect on the ability of the flying ad-hoc network to satisfy the connectivity request of the IoT devices as well as to foresee the ability of the wind generator to meet the load of the isolated area.
Selective STAT Protein Degradation Induced by Paramyxoviruses Requires both STAT1 and STAT2 but Is Independent of Alpha/Beta Interferon Signal Transduction

ABSTRACT The alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β)-induced STAT signal transduction pathway leading to activation of the ISGF3 transcription complex and subsequent antiviral responses is the target of viral pathogenesis strategies. Members of the Rubulavirus genus of the Paramyxovirus family of RNA viruses have acquired the ability to specifically target either STAT1 or STAT2 for proteolytic degradation as a countermeasure for evading IFN responses. While type II human parainfluenza virus induces STAT2 degradation, simian virus 5 induces STAT1 degradation. The components of the IFN signaling system that are required for STAT protein degradation by these paramyxoviruses have been investigated in a series of human somatic cell lines deficient in IFN signaling proteins. Results indicate that neither the IFN-α/β receptor, the tyrosine kinases Jak1 or Tyk2, nor the ISGF3 DNA-binding subunit, IFN regulatory factor 9 (IRF9), is required for STAT protein degradation induced by either virus. Nonetheless, both STAT1 and STAT2 are strictly required in the host cell to establish a degradation-permissive environment enabling both viruses to target their respective STAT protein. Complementation studies reveal that STAT protein-activating tyrosine phosphorylation and functional src homology 2 (SH2) domains are dispensable for creating a permissive STAT degradation environment in degradation-incompetent cells, but the N terminus of the missing STAT protein is essential. Protein-protein interaction analysis indicates that V and STAT proteins interact physically in vitro and in vivo. These results constitute genetic and biochemical evidence supporting a virus-induced, IFN-independent STAT protein degradation complex that contains at least STAT1 and STAT2.
Function of Mitochondrial Stat3 in Cellular Respiration

Cytokines such as interleukin-6 induce tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of Stat3 that results in activation of Stat3-responsive genes. We provide evidence that Stat3 is present in the mitochondria of cultured cells and primary tissues, including the liver and heart. In Stat3–/– cells, the activities of complexes I and II of the electron transport chain (ETC) were significantly decreased. We identified Stat3 mutants that selectively restored the protein's function as a transcription factor or its functions within the ETC. In mice that do not express Stat3 in the heart, there were also selective defects in the activities of complexes I and II of the ETC. These data indicate that Stat3 is required for optimal function of the ETC, which may allow it to orchestrate responses to cellular homeostasis.
Are solid tumours different in children with Down's syndrome?

A review of the literature showed a peculiar distributionof neoplasms in persons having Down’s syndrome (DS). Itrevealed a well-known increase in leukaemia combined witha less often described global decrease in solid neoplasms. Italso found a difference in organ site and histology distribu-tion of solid neoplasms.
Directed evolution of an extremely fast phosphotriesterase by in vitro compartmentalization

We describe the selection of a phosphotriesterase with a very fast kcat (over 105 s−1), 63 times higher than the already very efficient wild‐type enzyme. The enzyme was selected from a library of 3.4 × 107 mutated phosphotriesterase genes using a novel strategy based on linking genotype and phenotype by in vitro compartmentalization (IVC) using water‐in‐oil emulsions. First, microbeads, each displaying a single gene and multiple copies of the encoded protein, are formed by compartmentalized in vitro translation. These microbeads can then be selected for catalysis or binding. To select for catalysis the microbeads are re‐emulsified in a reaction buffer of choice with a soluble substrate. The product and any unreacted substrate are coupled to the beads when the reaction is finished. Product‐coated beads, displaying active enzymes and the genes that encode them, are detected with anti‐product antibodies and selected using flow cytometry. This completely in vitro process selects for all enzymatic features simultaneously (substrate recognition, product formation, rate acceleration and turnover) and single enzyme molecules can be detected.
Common peroneal nerve schwannoma: an unusual differential for a symptomatic knee lump

A 60-year-old woman with no medical history presented to the emergency department with worsening knee pain after a short-haul flight. She had a 2 year history of intermittent left knee pain, made worse by crouching and a lump at the back of her leg, which was gradually increasing in size. On examination, she was found to have a 3×4 cm lump behind the posterolateral aspect of the left knee. …
Systematic review: the role of different types of fibre in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Background : Both high‐fibre dietary advice and the prescription of fibre as a bulking agent are very common in primary and secondary care management of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome patients with constipation may have delayed intestinal transit. Therefore, fibres that accelerate intestinal transit may be beneficial in these patients. The uncertain benefits reported in several clinical studies, however, have led us to reappraise the value of fibre in irritable bowel syndrome management.
Stimulation site within the MRI‐defined STN predicts postoperative motor outcome

High‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐HFS) is highly effective in treating motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and medication side effects as well as in improving quality of life. Despite preoperative screening for patients as eligible candidates for this treatment, electrode position may furthermore influence treatment quality. Here, we investigated the relationship between the anatomical site of stimulation within the MRI‐defined STN and the outcome of PD patients after STN‐HFS. In 30 PD patients with bilateral STN stimulation, we retrospectively defined the boundaries of the STN within the axial target plane of the stereotactic T2‐weighted MRI and determined the position of the active electrode contact in relation to the border of the STN. The position of the active contact within the STN was the only variable to predict the outcome of STN stimulation. In contrast, covariates such as age, disease duration, symptom severity, and response to levodopa had no effect. The lateral position of the stimulation contact within the STN led to significantly better clinical improvement, lower stimulation parameters, and less need for postoperative dopaminergic medication. The outcome of patients with stimulation contacts within the medial region of the STN was significantly worse. Precise targeting of the lateral region of the STN is essential for achieving sufficient stimulation efficacy. Preoperative T2‐weighted MRI might be a useful component of the targeting procedure to improve the outcome of PD patients. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society