Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Comparison between Self-timed Circuits and Synchronous Circuits Based on the Technology Roadmap of Semiconductors

Synchronous circuits must have a large clock margin to guarantee correct operations due to delay variations which become main issues in the Moore’s Law-based trend in VLSI chip development. Self-timed asynchronous circuit is a feasible solution to the timing-related problems while it suffers large energy dissipation due to signal transitions in all bits every cycle. The purpose of this study is to compare self-timed asynchronous circuits with synchronous circuits in the view point of speed performance and energy dissipation in the future technologies based on the Technology Roadmap of Semiconductors. As a result, the cycle-time of synchronous circuits becomes large as the process feature size decreases since the maximum delay becomes large due to large variations while the cycle-time of self-timed circuits does not become so large since it depends on the average delay. We can conclude that the self-timed asynchronous circuits are effective in the future technologies.
MALAT1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of gallbladder cancer cells by activating the ERK/MAPK pathway

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), is associated with metastasis and is an independent prognostic factor for lung cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that MALAT1 plays an important role in other malignancies. However, little is known about the role of MALAT1 in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), which is the most common cancer of the biliary tract and has an extremely poor prognosis. In this study, we focused on the expression, biological functions and mechanism of MALAT1 in GBC and found that MALAT1 was significantly upregulated in GBC tissues compared with corresponding non-cancerous tissues. Knockdown of MALAT1 in GBC cell lines using lentivirus-mediated RNA interference significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of the GBC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ERK/MAPK pathway was found to be inactivated in the GBC cell lines after MALAT1 knockdown. These results indicated that MALAT1 might serve as an oncogenic lncRNA that promotes proliferation and metastasis of GBC and activates the ERK/MAPK pathway
Supervised Learning Based HDFS Replication Management System

The Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) of Apache Hadoop provides a highly reliable static replication technique for computation, which makes a number of applications to follow Apache Hadoop. However, due to the fact that the access rate of every file is different, maintaining the same replication scheme for every file results in the deterioration of performance. By considering this drawback, this work proposes an approach of using predictive analysis to replicate the data files dynamically. With the help of HACE theorem and supervised learning technique, the utilization of each data file can be predicted to create a corresponding replication strategy. For the remaining low potential files, an erasure code is applied to maintain the reliability. So, this approach improves availability while maintaining the reliability of the data files. Furthermore, the complexity reduction is applied to enhance the effectiveness of the prediction when dealing with Big Data.
A comparison of AFLPs and microsatellites to identify the population structure of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations from Hardangervidda, Norway

A total of 495 fish from 11 Hardangervidda lakes were genotyped in order to compare amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and microsatellites in terms of their capacity to infer population genetic structure. The 11 microsatellites used in this study gave a greater polymorphism information content and greater gene diversity, with an average of 14.8 alleles per locus, than the six AFLP primer combinations used. However, the AFLPs resulted in 178 polymorphic loci and a 3.1 times larger marker index (effective multiplex ratio multiplied with the gene diversity). Comparable population structuring, for example in terms of distinguishing fish from the different river systems, was obtained with both marker systems. An AFLP and microsatellite multilocus Bayesian assignment test with the structure program divided the fish into six groups largely concurrent with main branches on a population neighbour‐joining tree. Yet, the admixture status of individuals is mostly contradictory in the AFLP and the microsatellite analyses. The results are discussed concerning migration between lake populations.
Revamping Asset Quality to Maximize Income in Office Markets

We use a unique dataset of c. 2200 commercial towers located in the city of Sao Paulo from 2005:Q3 to 2014:Q3 to study the relationship between asset quality and potential income in different niches of the office market. Our evidence suggests a rent premium in the market for larger office space (corporate) and that building quality is more relevant in this segment. We hypothesize such difference is due to larger competition and commoditization in the market for smaller office space (office) as income in this segment tends to be insensible to different levels of asset quality when we control for spatial variation. We also find that rent premiums associated with building class are monotonically increasing, but not strictly positive across certain quality thresholds. Thus, landlords and developers should take into consideration the market niche and acceptable target building class levels when designing their investment plans in order to maximize income.
Conceptual validation of the defining characteristics of respiratory nursing diagnoses in neonates Validação conceitual das características definidoras de diagnósticos de enfermagem respiratórios em neonatos

Objective: To develop and validate conceptual and operational definitions for the defining characteristics of the respiratory nursing diagnoses, ineffective breathing pattern, impaired gas exchange and impaired spontaneous ventilation, in newborns. Methods: This was a methodological study of conceptual validation of the defining characteristics of three respiratory nursing diagnoses, by consensus analysis of a committee of five specialist nurses, and then a group of five non-nursing professionals, using the Delphi technique. Results: After two rounds of evaluation, consensus was obtained that was equal to or greater than 80% on all of the definitions, which were then considered validated. Conclusion: The definitions developed for the defining characteristics of three nursing diagnoses were validated with a high level of consensus.
Doxycycline prevents matrix remodeling and contraction by trichiasis-derived conjunctival fibroblasts.

PURPOSE Trachoma is a conjunctival scarring disease, which is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Elimination of blinding trachoma is being held back by the high rate of trichiasis recurrence following surgery. There is currently no treatment available to suppress the profibrotic state and reduce recurrence. Although the mechanisms underlying trichiasis development are unknown, the profibrotic phenotype has been linked to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Doxycycline, a well-known tetracycline antibiotic, can act as a broad MMP inhibitor and has showed some success in preventing fibrosis in various clinical contexts. The purpose of this work was to assess the antiscarring properties of doxycycline in an in vitro model of trichiasis fibroblast-mediated tissue contraction. METHODS Primary cultures of fibroblasts were established from conjunctival samples obtained from normal donors or during surgery for trachomatous trichiasis. The effect of doxycycline on matrix contraction was investigated in our standard collagen gel contraction model. Cell morphology and matrix integrity were assessed using confocal reflection microscopy. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and a FRET-based assay were used to measure MMP expression and activity, respectively. RESULTS Doxycycline treatment successfully suppressed the contractile phenotype of trichiasis fibroblasts, matrix degradation, and significantly altered the expression of MMP1, MMP9, and MMP12 associated with the profibrotic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS In view of the results presented here and the wider use of doxycycline in clinical settings, we propose that doxycycline might be useful as a treatment to prevent recurrence following trichiasis surgery.
An Early Phase II Study of Oral S-1, a Newly Developed 5-Fluorouracil Derivative for Advanced and Recurrent Gastrointestinal Cancers

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) or a 5-FU derivative 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (FT) has been widely prescribed for patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, the phosphorylation of 5-FU in the digestive tract causes gastrointestinal toxicities. 5-FU is also rapidly degraded to α-fluoro-β-alanine after contact with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPDase) which is mainly present in the liver. Therefore, to overcome these metabolic events, S-1, an antitumor agent was developed, based on the biochemical modulation of FT by 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP) and potassium oxonate (Oxo), in a molar ratio of 1:0.4:1. The antineoplastic effect of S-1, was examined in Japanese patients with advanced gastric (G) or colorectal (C) cancer in a multicenter early phase II study involving 24 centers throughout Japan. The patients were prescribed a minimum of 2 courses of S-1 orally, with each course consisting of 75 or 50 mg (in terms of FT) twice a day for 28 days followed by withdrawal for 2 weeks. Thirty-one patients with G and 31 C were entered into this study. The clinical response and extent of toxicity were evaluated in G 28 and C 30 cases, respectively. Nine (32.1%) G patients and 14 (46.7%) C patients had been treated previously with other anticancer drugs. In G patients, there was a 53.6% (15/28) and in C patients a 16.7% (5/30) response rate (90% confidence interval G 38.4–68.1% and C 8.4–30.5%) with 15 (53.6%) (G) and 5 (16.7%) (C) partial responses (PR), and these responses persisted for 79 days (G) and 120 days (C) (median value). In particular, the response rate for the primary lesion was 27.8% (5/18) (G) and 33.3% (1/3) (C). No change (NC) in the disease was observed in 4 (14.3%) (G) and 13 (43.3%) (C) patients, and in 6 (21.4%) (G) and 7 (23.3%) (C) the disease progressed (PD). At the time of analysis, the median survival was 298 days (G) and 358 days (C). Major adverse effects consisted of gastrointestinal symptoms and myelosuppression while toxicities of grade 3 or more occurred in 35.7% (10/28) (G) and 33.3% (10/30) (C). Based on these data, S-1 is considered to have positive effects in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.
Focal adhesion kinase signaling promotes phagocytosis of integrin‐bound photoreceptors

Daily αvβ5 integrin‐dependent phagocytosis of spent photoreceptor outer segment fragments by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is critical for retinal function. This study identifies a key role for focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in RPE phagocytosis. Particle binding increases FAK complex formation with αvβ5 receptors at the apical, phagocytic RPE surface and activates FAK. Subsequent particle engulfment coincides with dissociation of activated FAK from αvβ5. Mutant FAK retaining focal adhesion targeting but lacking kinase activity interferes with recruitment of full‐length FAK to αvβ5 and abrogates FAK activation in response to RPE phagocytic challenge. Such inhibition of FAK signaling has no effect on αvβ5‐dependent binding of particles but blocks their engulfment. Conversely, FAK re‐expression promotes particle engulfment by FAK null fibroblasts. Selective ligation of αvβ5 receptors at the apical RPE surface is sufficient to phosphorylate and mobilize FAK. Furthermore, FAK phagocytic signaling is independent of the internalization receptor MerTK. In contrast, inhibition of FAK signaling diminishes MerTK phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that FAK provides an essential link between binding and engulfment mechanisms of integrin‐mediated phagocytosis.
Stress-induced gastroduodenal lesions and total parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients: frequency, complications, and the value of prophylactic treatment. A prospective, randomized study.

The objective of this study was to assess the frequency, complications, and value of prophylactic treatment of stress-induced gastroduodenal lesions in critically ill patients requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) patients were prospectively randomized to treatment with TPN alone, TPN with sucralfate, or TPN with ranitidine. Ninety-seven patients were evaluated. Prospectively randomized patients with expected mechanical ventilation for a minimum of 6 days who were metabolically stressed, hemodynamically stable, had normal hepatic and renal function, and required TPN were included. Exclusion criteria were history of gastroduodenal ulcer in the past 12 months before admission, previous operations of the upper gastrointestinal tract, diagnosis of active gastrointestinal hemorrhage, renal or hepatic failure, and administration of antacids, H2-receptor blocking agents, and sucralfate 48 hours before entering the study. Patie.
Thromboembolic events in pregnancy: pharmacological prophylaxis and treatment

Pregnancy-associated arterial and venous thromboembolism continue to be significant causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. Many of these deaths are potentially avoidable by better identification of risk, optimal prophylaxis and management of thromboembolic complications. This review aims to describe the recent developments in pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and acute treatment of arterial and venous thromboembolism in pregnancy.
A Numerical Study on the Physiological Pulsatile Flow through an Eccentric Arterial Stenosis

In the present study, a numerical simulation is carried out to investigate the physiological pulsatile blood flow through an arterial stenosis. A semicircular eccentric stenosis is considered which is more relevant in cardiovascular system rather than the symmetric one. The degree of stenosis is varied by area from 30% to 70%. The pulsatile flow is represented by eight harmonic components superimposed on the time-mean flow. The Reynolds number is varied from 220 to 800 during the pulsation while the Womersley number was kept fixed at 6.17. Results show that the flow behaviours significantly vary during the pulse period. Moreover, vortex rings are developed asymmetrically and the post stenotic areas are severely affected by the vortex rings at the end of the systolic phase compared to other times. This disturbance is increased with an increase of degree of stenosis.
On the Influence of Low Frequency Components in the Weight Behaviour of the LMS Algorithm

The Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm is a very important tool in the estimation and filtering of biomedical signals. Amongst these signals are the periodic and quasiperiodic. For example, the LMS algorithm was used to estimate the coefficients of the Fourier series at a given frequency or even in a spectral analysis. In this paper we study the behavior of the weights of the LMS algorithm when the signal to be estimated acts at very low frequencies. We prove theoretically that lower frequency noise affects the estimation of the weights at higher frequencies. We carried out simulations and showed that experimental findings are in agreement with the theoretical results. Moreover, we exemplify the problem with electrocardiogram signals (ECG).
Serial Positron Emission Tomography Findings in a Patient with Hydrocephalic Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Comorbidity of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not uncommon. However, few studies have reported the clinical courses of these patients in depth. A 73‐year‐old woman was confirmed to have AD by a biopsy performed during a shunt operation for NPH after a head trauma. She was followed for 4 years using serial neuropsychological tests and positron emission tomography (PET). Her clinical symptoms remained improved for 2.5 years and then declined. The 1‐year minus the presurgical PET scan highlighted the bilateral frontal area, basal ganglia, and thalamus, which may reflect brain regions associated with the improvement of hydrocephalic dementia. On the other hand, the 1‐year minus the 4‐year scan highlighted the bilateral temporoparietal area and the posterior cingulate gyrus, which may reflect brain regions associated with the aggravation of AD. This subtraction method may be useful for monitoring the clinical course in patients with NPH and AD.
Variability of Soil Moisture in the Walawe River Basin: A Case Study in Sri Lanka Using Low-Resolution Satellite Data

Limited availability of freshwater and increasing demand for food require careful management of available resources. However, information on water utilization within river basins is often inadequate for comprehensive water management. Therefore, researchers are developing new tools and methodologies to overcome these data problems. A major concern for land use planning is the identification of suitable areas for different types of activities to enable optimal management of natural resources. Satellite remote sensing technology opens new paths for studies on the management of river basins. Through information derived from satellite data, it is possible to monitor land surface conditions and the status of the water resources on daily basis. NOAA-AVHRR sensor supplies data at a relatively low resolution for every part of the world, also on a daily basis. By integrating these low-cost images in physically based models, soil moisture was estimated for every part of Sri Lanka at 1-km resolution. This paper endeavors to show the relevance of soil moisture variation for water basin characterization, and ultimately for natural resources management. Walawe basin, one of the IWMI benchmarked basins in Sri Lanka has been selected for soil-moisture characterization and for the delineation of classes. Results show time variations and amplitude differences between different zones in the basin. When compiled with the vegetation growth zones of Walawe, the soil moisture highlights relevant land and water management lessons.
Relationships between hostility and physiological coronary heart disease risk factors in young adults: the moderating influence of depressive tendencies

Background. We examined whether the relationships between hostility and physiological coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors differ as a function of depressive tendencies (DT). Methods. The participants were 672 randomly selected healthy young adults who self-reported their hostility (anger, cynicism, and paranoia) and DT. The physiological CHD risk factors studied were systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body-mass index, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Results. We found that hostility was negatively associated with the physiological CHD risk factors among individuals exhibiting high DT while hostility was positively associated with, or unrelated to, the physiological risk factors among individuals showing low DT. The Hostility × DT interaction explained 2 to 5% of the variance in the physiological parameters. Conclusion. The findings suggest that DT have a moderating influence on the relationships between hostility and CHD risk. Despite the established risk factor status of hostility, lack of anger and hostility, when combined with high DT, may represent the most severe exhaustion where the individual has given up. Disregard of this fact may explain some null findings in the research on hostility and CHD risk.
A real-time geo-processing database engine linking calculations and storage for VGE

Our fast-paced, constantly changing world produces massive amounts of data in the 4V categories (volume, velocity, variety and value), which present significant challenges in geo-referenced data management. Virtual geographic environment (VGE), being a human-centred environment, plays a significant role in geographical analysis and simulation. Because of the complexity of geo-processing, time constraints and the large volume of real-time data access, linking calculations and storage has become an effective solution for combining the steps of real-time access and real-time geo-processing in VGE. However, traditional GIS database engines, such as Static GIS or Temporal GIS, that offer an offline interface for managing static geographic features or time-varying geospatial data typically have difficulty in storing streaming data and querying updated information concurrently, due to the ‘store first, and then calculate’ mode. This paper proposed a novel real-time geo-processing database engine that combines a Disk Resident Database (DRDB) and a Main Memory Database (MMDB) to ensure the efficiency of real-time storage, querying, calculation and updating. The proposed engine consists of three modules that respectively satisfy the need of real-time access, complex calculation and ample storage. To illustrate the proposed engine and its implications, a typical real-time geo-processing application, suspect tracking based on video surveillance in a public security setting is studied in this paper.
Successful recovery of aplastic anemia following orthotopic liver transplantation for non‐A‐E acute liver failure

Abstract: This report describes a teenager who developed aplastic anemia (AA) because of non‐A‐E acute liver failure (ALF) requiring orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). His AA did not recover spontaneously and he required treatment with ATG 9 months post‐OLT. Bone marrow recovery occurred 4 months after immunotherapy and coincided with further intensification of immunusuppression required to treat early chronic rejection of the liver graft. Three years post‐OLT he remains well with good bone marrow and liver function. Intensification of immunosuppression can lead to successful resolution of AA associated with non‐A‐E ALF.
Microbial community structure and functioning along metal pollution gradients

Toxic effects of heavy metals on soil microorganisms have been confirmed in a number of laboratory studies. However, most real‐field studies do not allow for strong general conclusions due to a range of problems, such as pseudoreplication and confounding factors, which are almost impossible to control for with the most commonly used polluted versus unpolluted or random sampling designs. Effects of metal contamination on soil microbial community traits were measured along 2 pollution gradients in southern Poland. Employing an experimental regression design, using 2 separate gradients, the authors aimed to control for effects of soil properties and beta‐diversity of microbial communities. General microbial activity was measured as soil basal respiration rate and substrate‐induced respiration, while microbial functional and structural diversity were analyzed with community‐level physiological profiles and phospholipid fatty acid patterns, respectively. Metal concentrations were normalized to their toxicity and integrated in a toxicity index (TI). Microbial activity (basal and substrate‐induced respiration) decreased in both gradients with increasing TI. Community‐level physiological profiles for fungi correlated positively with TI, but no impact of TI on the community‐level physiological profiles of bacteria was observed. The phospholipid fatty acids a:15 and i:17 were positively correlated with TI, whereas 16:1ω9 and 18:2ω9 were negatively correlated with TI. The use of 2 gradients (Olkusz and Miasteczko Śląskie) allowed the authors to reveal a clear effect of pollution on general microbial structure and activities, even though they were not able to control completely for all confounding factors. Soil pH, organic matter content, and nutrient level appeared to be at least as important as TI in determining microbial community structure and activities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1992–2002. © 2013 SETAC