Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive load-balancing association handoff approach for increasing utilization and improving GoS in mobile WiMAX networks

The IEEE 802.16e standard is thus proposed for supporting high data rate and dynamic mobility in WiMAX. IEEE 802.16e specifies the association handoff mechanism in the MAC layer, i.e., providing contention-free-based initial ranging, and thus mobile stations can perform the initial ranging early during the handoff period. An MS executing the association handoff during a scan duration is disallowed to send/receive any packets to/from the serving BS. IEEE 802.16e suffers from not determining a precision scan duration period because of losing the transmission opportunity or the response status of the received ranging response (RNG-RSP) message. Although the MS can set a longer scan duration to complete the initial ranging procedure, it significantly degrades handoff delay and delay jitter of real-time service flows. In addition, most handoff studies seldom considered balancing traffic load among neighbor base stations (BSs). This paper thus proposes an efficient Adaptive Load-balancing Association handoff approach (ALA) consisting of two phases: (1) the Adaptive Association Handoff phase (AAH) and (2) the Predictive Direction-based Load Balancing phase (PDLB), to overcome above mentioned problems. AAH proposes an adaptive re-association mechanism to reduce lost synchronizations, and thus improve the grade of service. PDLB adopts the Polynomial Regression-based RSS prediction algorithm to accurately predict the moving direction of mobile nodes. Numerical results demonstrate that ALA significantly outperform IEEE 802.16e and others in average handoff delay, number of handoffs, dropping probability, GoS, network utilization, and number of lost synchronizations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A user perspective of olfaction-enhanced mulsemedia

The focus of this paper is on olfaction-enhanced multimedia applications, that is, combining computer generated smell with other media to enrich the users' experience and perception of a multimedia application. Within the general context of mulsemedia -- multiple sensorial media applications -- we review the literature and highlight challenges of enhancing (multi/mulse)media with olfaction.
Evaluation of the World Health Organization algorithm for the diagnosis of HIV-associated sputum smear-negative tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND Outcomes from the World Health Organization's (WHO's) recommendations for the diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis (SNTB) in high human immunodeficiency virus prevalence settings are unknown. METHODS We retrospectively applied the WHO algorithm for SNTB without danger signs to a prospectively enrolled cohort of ambulatory adult SNTB suspects in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants fulfilling specified criteria for SNTB started empiric anti-tuberculosis treatment; the rest of the cohort was observed. All were followed for 8 weeks. Confirmed TB was defined as positive culture or granulomata plus acid-fast bacilli on histology. RESULTS In total, 221 participants retrospectively fulfilled the WHO ambulatory SNTB algorithm entry criteria. The diagnostic performance of the WHO algorithm was: positive predictive value 0.34 (95%CI 0.26-0.43), negative predictive value 0.86 (95%CI 0.76-0.92), positive likelihood ratio 1.43 (95%CI 1.34-1.48), negative likelihood ratio 0.46 (95%CI 0.38-0.56) and diagnostic odds 3.1 (95%CI 1.52-6.34). Losses to follow-up (n = 4), hospitalisations (n = 6) and deaths (n = 5) did not differ significantly in those who were and were not diagnosed with SNTB. CONCLUSIONS The WHO ambulatory SNTB algorithm had a reasonably high negative predictive value but low positive predictive value. Mortality over an 8-week period was low in participants who met the entry criteria for the WHO algorithm.
Role of Cytokines and Transcription Factors in Periodontitis: A Review of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms

Periodontal Diseases (PD) are characterized by pathological manifestation of host immune response to bacterial infection at the tooth/gingival interface. Evidences points periodontitis as a risk factor for pathological systemic conditions, such as, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The identification of host factors that determine their susceptibility to immune subversion can provide useful information in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Protective acute inflammatory response fails to remove inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils, evolving to chronic, destructive and pathological lesions. T and B cells actively participate in pathogenesis of the disease. CD4+ naive T cells are activated by antigenic stimulation and differentiate into subpopulations of distinct effector cells, characterized by its specific cytokine production profiles and functions. In periodontal infection, activated Th17 and regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) play antagonistic roles as effector and suppressor cells, respectively. In presence of Tregs, there is a decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as, Interferon gamma (IFN-I³), Interleukin (IL) -17, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and IL-1 I², at sites of disease. Absence of Tregs may cause a variety of disorders, such as, periodontitis. The RANKL/RANK system and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) are modulators of bone resorption in periodontitis. The balance between periodontal bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts controls bone mass. RANKL induces osteoclast differentiation and maturation and OPG inhibits RANK/RANKL interaction and prevents bone resorption. RANKL mRNA and the RANKL/OPG mRNA ratio were enhanced in chronic periodontitis. Furthermore, the role of NF-kB, FoxP3 and T-bet transcription factors were explored. Therapies for periodontitis involving cellular and molecular biology are not specific and have many side effects. Current therapies to successfully control the PD reduces clinical signs of inflammation at local sites of the disease; however, new treatments for periodontitis should address the contribution of immune cells in bone resorption, particularly in the natural course of the disease, considering its periods of remission and progression.
Inflation Targeting Framework for Jamaica : An Empirical Exploration INFLATION TARGETING FRAMEWORK FOR JAMAICA : AN EMPIRICAL EXPLORATION :

The paper seeks to explore the applicability of Inflation Targeting (IT) as an effective framework for guiding monetary policy forward in Jamaica and reducing and sustaining inflation at low single digit. Although the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has been successful at containing inflation within single digit through management of base money, the worsening state of the fiscal accounts, the significant exchange rate depreciation and the adverse terms of trade and external shocks has brought to light the need for a target instrument that affords the central bank more credibility and transparency. The paper examines and tests a series of practical issues that need to be considered for an IT framework to work in Jamaica. A VAR model is used to explore issues relating to the definition of the price index and the monetary control lags. A Monte Carlo simulation illustrates how IT could work for Jamaica. The results show that as long as the BOJ’s legal framework is reformed to establish full autonomy of the central bank, Jamaica can implement an IT regime over an 18-month horizon. 1 The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Bank of Jamaica. The author would like to thank the entire staff of the Macro-modeling unit at the Bank of Jamaica and the editorial committee at the bank for valuable and insightful comments. The author will also like to thank Alex Hoffmaister of the IMF and Jide Lewis from the BOJ who provided assistance in the simulation exercise. Bosede Nelson-Douglas, Bank of Jamaica 1 Inflation Targeting Framework for Jamaica: An Empirical Exploration
Natural Co-Occurrence of Aflatoxins, Cyclopiazonic Acid, and their Production by Aspergillus Flavus Isolates from Corn Grown in Egypt

Mycotoxins are metabolites of fungi that can adversely affect animal and human health. Mycotoxins can be produced in corn during storage or processing, but are most frequently associated with fungal infection that occur before harvest. Sixty corn samples were purchased from retail markets from Cairo and Giza Governorates in summer and winter seasons from Egypt. The samples were examined for dominants fungi and mycotoxins Aflatoxins (AFS) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and their Aspergillus flavus production. AFS and CPA were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that, the dominants fungi genra were Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Alternaria in all corn samples in summer and winter seasons. From 239 of Aspergillus genus isolates 63.7% was identified as A. flavus, they were tested for AFS and CPA production. The results were showed that only 96 out from 151 A. flavus isolates (63.6%) were positive to AFS and CPA toxins production. The results indicated that 64.6 % from A. flavus isolates were produced both of AFS and CPA. The averages of AFS and CPA production were 9.4 and 12.56 mg /L in YES medium respectively. For natural co-occurrence of AFS and CPA in corn samples, the results indicated that 9 samples out from 30 (30.0%) and 7/30 (23.3%) from corn grain samples collected from Cairo Governorate in winter season were contaminated with both of AFS (B1, B2 ,G1 and G2 ) and CPA , respectively. On the other hand, in summer season 11 samples out from 30 (36.3%) and 8/30 (26.6%) were contaminated with both of AFS (B1, B2 ,G1 and G2 ) and CPA, respectively. The results also indicated that 7 out from 30 (23.3%) and 6/30(20 %) of corn samples collected from Giza Governorate were contaminated with AFs and CPA respectively in winter season. While, 10 samples out from 30 (33.3 %) and 10/30 (33.3 %) samples were contaminated with AFS and CPA in Giza Governorate in summer season respectively. These represent 23.3% and 33.3 % AFS positive samples for corn grain samples collected from Giza Governorate in both season. The concentration of both AFS (B1, B2, G1 and G2) and CPA were ranged from (0.93 -45.5, 0.1019. 0, 0.20-23.0 and Research Article
Comparison of Neuropsychological Disorders of Professional and Amateur Boxers

The results showed that the temperature of the incoming feed, the concentration of Amin used the height of the column of adsorption and desorption, and etc. are effective to reduce energy consumption and increase the retrieval amount of carbon dioxide. Background and goal: Amateur boxing has for a long time attracted athletes and boxing fans. But no accurate information exists regarding the neuropsychological complications of this sport. On this basis, the present study has compared the neuropsychological disorders of professional and amateur boxers. Methodology: Two groups of amateur boxers with identical sports background, height, weight and age, one of whom (N=20) had at least one year experience of national team membership and the other group (N=20) had no experience of national team membership, were compared with 40 non-athletic men. To understand mental disorder, physician interview was used. Then, the tests of Wisconsin, Bonardele, Bender-Gestalt, KARAD visual memory, Benton, and Wechsler’s memory scale (form 1) were performed in identical conditions. Findings: Compared with non-athletes, professional and amateur boxers had weaker performance in visual perception, visual memory, fundamental visual abilities and performance ( 0.05 P  ). Furthermore, professional boxers had more critical neuropsychological consequences in visual memory, intelligence quotient, visual perception and fundamental visual abilities than amateur boxers ( 0.05 P  ). Conclusion: It could be suggested that amateur boxing leads to neuropsychological disorders. However, boxers involved in national scale competition in this sport have more critical neuropsychological consequences than those with no experience of national team membership.
Physics of Rotating and Expanding Black Hole Universe

Throughout its journey universe follows strong gravity. By unifying general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics a simple derivation is given for rotating black hole’s temperature. It is shown that when the rotation speed approaches light speed temperature approaches Hawking’s black hole temperature. Applying this idea to the cosmic black hole it is noticed that there is “no cosmic temperature” if there is “no cosmic rotation”. Starting from the Planck scale it is assumed thatuniverse is a rotating and expanding black hole. Another key assumption is that at any time cosmic black hole rotates with light speed. For this cosmic sphere as a whole while in light speed rotation “rate of decrease” in temperature or “rate of increase” in cosmic red shift is a measure of “rate of cosmic expansion”. Since 1992, measured CMBR data indicates that, present CMB is same in all directions equal to 2.726 ◦K, smooth to 1 part in 100,000 and there is no continuous decrease! This directly indicates that, at present rate of decrease in temperature is practically zero and rate of expansion is practically zero. Universe is isotropic and hence static and is rotating as a rigid sphere with light speed. At present galaxies are revolving with speeds proportional to their distances from the cosmic axis of rotation. If present CMBR temperature is 2.726 ◦K, present value of obtained angular velocity is 2.17 × 10−18 rad sec 67 Km sec×Mpc . Present cosmic mass density and cosmic time are fitted with a ln (volume ratio) parameter. Finally it can be suggested that dark matter and dark energy are ad-hoc and misleading concepts.
Low levels of objectively measured physical activity in preschoolers in child care.

BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) undertaken at child care could assist in the achievement of PA recommendations across a large proportion of the population in early childhood. PURPOSE To review recent evidence on volume of PA and amount of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) in preschool children within child care centers. METHODS Literature search for studies published in 2000-2008 in which objective methods (accelerometry, direct observation, pedometers, HR monitoring) were used to measure typical levels of PA and MVPA of preschool children while within child care. RESULTS Twelve eligible articles were identified, describing 13 studies, involving 96 different child care centers and >1900 children. In all six of the accelerometry studies that quantified MVPA and in three of the four studies that used direct observation to quantify MVPA, typical levels of PA within the child care center would have led to the accumulation of <60 min x d MVPA during a full 8-h child care day. CONCLUSIONS A body of high-quality evidence is consistent in suggesting that PA levels within child care centers are typically very low, and levels of sedentary behavior are typically high.
Mycoplasma hominis, a Rare but True Cause of Infective Endocarditis

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma spp. are rarely recognized agents of infective endocarditis. We report a case of Mycoplasma hominis prosthetic valve endocarditis diagnosed by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) PCR and culture of valves in a 74-year-old man. We reviewed the literature and found only 8 other cases reported.
Pathogenesis of Ovarian Cancer: Lessons From Morphology and Molecular Biology and Their Clinical Implications

Summary: The accepted view of ovarian carcinogenesis is that carcinoma begins in the ovary, undergoes progressive "dedifferentiation" from a well to a poorly differentiated tumor, and then spreads to the pelvic and abdominal cavities before metastasizing to distant sites. It has therefore been reasoned that survival for this highly lethal disease could be improved by developing screening methods that detect disease when it is confined to the ovary. To date, however, no prospective randomized trial of any ovarian cancer screening test(s) has demonstrated a decrease in mortality. We believe that one of the main reasons for this is that the dogma underlying ovarian carcinogenesis is flawed. Based on studies performed in our laboratory during the last decade, we have proposed a model of ovarian carcinogenesis that takes into account the diverse nature of ovarian cancer and correlates the clinical, pathological, and molecular features of the disease. In this model, ovarian tumors are divided into 2 groups designated type I and type II. Type I tumors are slow growing, generally confined to the ovary at diagnosis, and develop from well-established precursor lesions that are termed "borderline" tumors. Type I tumors include low-grade micropapillary serous carcinoma, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinomas. They are genetically stable and are characterized by mutations in a number of different genes including KRAS, BRAF, PTEN, and &bgr;-catenin. Type II tumors are rapidly growing highly aggressive neoplasms for which well-defined precursor lesions have not been described. Type II tumors include high-grade serous carcinoma, malignant mixed mesodermal tumors (carcinosarcomas), and undifferentiated carcinomas. This group of tumors has a high level of genetic instability and is characterized by mutation of TP53. The model helps to explain why current screening techniques, aimed at detecting stage I disease, have not been effective. Tumors that remain confined to the ovary for a long period belong to the type I group, but they account for only 25% of the malignant tumors. Most of what is considered ovarian cancer belongs to the type II category, and these are only rarely confined to the ovary. Although the reasons for this are not entirely clear, possible explanations include rapid spread from the ovary early in carcinogenesis and development of carcinoma in extra ovarian sites, notably, the peritoneum and fallopian tube, with secondary involvement of the ovary. The latter tumors are advanced stage at their inception. Therefore, a more realistic end point for the early detection of ovarian cancer is volume and not stage of disease. The model does not replace the histopathologic classification but, by drawing attention to the molecular genetic events that play a role in tumor progression, sheds light on new approaches to early detection and treatment.
Income ratio and the Risk-sharing Structure of Optimal Contracts : The break-even Theory of Mu da rabah

Using basic postulates of the standard portfolio analysis, it is shown that the risk-sharing ratio of a two-party (manager/financier) contract cannot be viewed independently of its income ratio. A negative relationship tends to exist between the income ratio of any one party, and his risk-sharing ratio. Thus, a downwards sloping optimal contracts curve (OCC) has been established. This property reflects the market competitive forces of utility maximizing parties within an informational efficient environment.
PDE-constrained Optimization and Beyond ( PDE-constrained Optimal Control )

PDE-condstrained optimization has broad and important applications. It is in some sense an obvious consequence because both PDE and optimization have broad and important applications. The PDE-constrained optimization includes optimal design, optimal control, and inverse problem(parameter estimation). For many years, numerical methods of solving PDE and optimization have been developed independently. Thus NAND(Nested Analysis and Design) method, in which independent PDE and optimization solvers can be used to solve PDE-constrained optimization, has been a way to go. However, for about past two decades, SAND(Simultaneous Analysis and Design) method has been developped so intensively that many algorithms are available now. In spite of intensive research on SAND method, more contributions are needed. Thus this paper is focused on the SAND method. Also the article is focused on one particular type of PDE-constrainted optimization problem, that is, optimal control.
Dynein: A Protein with Adenosine Triphosphatase Activity from Cilia

The adenosine triphosphatase protein from cilia of Tetrahymena pyriformis consists of 30S and 14S fractions. The 30S fraction consists of rod-like particles, 70 to 90 angstroms in diameter, which are linear polymers of globular 14S units. The 14S units have a molecular weight of approximately 600,000. The enzymatic properties of the two fractions are similar.
Evaluation of the transcriptional immune biomarkers in peripheral blood from Warao indigenous associate with the infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION Biomarkers are critical tools for finding new approaches for controlling the spread of tuberculosis (TB), including for predicting the development of TB therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. METHODS Expression of immune biomarkers was analyzed in peripheral blood cells stimulated and non-stimulated with M. tuberculosis antigens ESAT-6, CFP10 and TB7.7. in Warao indigenous individuals. These biomarkers may be able to differentiate TB states, such as active tuberculosis (ATB) cases and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) from non-infected controls (NIC). A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay was performed on 100 blood samples under non-stimulation or direct ex vivo conditions (NS=50) and stimulation conditions (S=50). RESULTS The findings are shown as the median and interquartile range (IQR) of relative gene expression levels of IFN-γ, CD14, MMP9, CCR5, CCL11, CXCL9/MIG, and uPAR/PLAUR immune biomarkers. MMP9 levels were significantly higher in the LTBI-NS and LTBI-S groups compared with the NIC-NS and NIC-S groups. However, CCR5 levels were significantly lower in the LTBI-S group compared with both NIC-NS and NIC-S groups. CCL11 levels were significantly lower in the LTBI-S group compared with the NIC-NS group. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings showed that MMP9 immune biomarkers separated LTBI indigenous individuals from NIC indigenous individuals, while CCR5, CCL11, CD14, and IFN-γ did not differentiate TB states from NIC. MMP9 may be useful as a potential biomarker for LTBI and new infected case detection among Warao indigenous individuals at high risk of developing the disease. It may also be used to halt the epidemic, which will require further validation in larger studies.
Fungal succession at different scales

Fungal succession can be considered at the macroor micro-scale levels. Macro-scale succession can be recognized as· the integration of different kinds of seres of fungi associate with a plant community. On the other hand, micro-scale succession can be recognized as substratum succession or fungal succession associated with plant succession at the patch level. Succession of pyrophilous fungi following forest fire is categorized as macro-scale succession, but succession of pyrophilous fungi following bonfires and that of ammonia fungi following addition of ammonia are categorized as micro-scale succession. Nutrient cycling in the areas disturbed by local burning or the addition of ammonia is maintained the activities of existing microbes including fungi such as pyrophilous fungi and ammonia fungi (These fungi are present in small numbers in undisturbed areas, but quickly increase in biomass following the disturbances). This paper explores the concept of macroand micro-scale succession in fungi.