Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient Distributed Algorithms for Channel Assignment in Multihop Radio Networks

We present new distributed algorithms for the channel assignment or 'scheduling' problem in a radio network using TDMA. Both link and broadcast scheduling are addressed. As in [23], the algorithms are based on ordering the nodes of the corresponding graph on the basis of a criterion related to the 'reach' of the nodes. However, while [23] is inherently centralized, the algorithms given in this paper use a novel technique of partitioning into classes to yield efficient distributed implementations. Further, there is no compromise (in fact, for link scheduling there is an improvement) on the worst-case performance in comparison with the centralized algorithms of [23] which themselves represented a significant improvement over prior algorithms. In particular, the performance guarantee of our distributed algorithms is bounded by a constant times the graph thickness. Experimentally too, the performance is comparable to those of [23] and remains better than algorithms prior to it.A useful feature of our algorithms is that they are parameterized in a way that allows for the selection of a tradeoff between the schedule quality and efficiency. Also, the distributed algorithms are easy to implement and have low communication overhead. Finally, while only TDMA is discussed, it is highly possible that our 'class' based approach is applicable to CDMA and FDMA schemes as well.
ASSESSMENT EFFECT OF ALOE VERA, AZADIRACHTA INDICA AND MORINGA OLEIFERA AQUEOUS EXTRACTS ON CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

Objective: This experiment aims to investigate the hepatotherapeutic effect of Aloe vera (AV), Azadirachta indica (N), and Moringa oleifera (MO). Methods: Eighty albino rats have been divided into ten groups. The first group was fed on a basal diet while the second group was administered paraffin (10 ml/kg body weight) through gavage for four days. The third to the tenth groups received (5 ml/kg body weight) CCl 4 : liquid paraffin (2:1) for three days followed by (10 ml/kg body weight) CCl 4 : liquid paraffin (2:1) for one day through gavage. Group three kept without any treatment, other groups then received (AV) (60 mg/kg body weight), (MO) (200 mg/kg body weight), (N) (200 mg/kg body weight), bi-extract of (AV+N), bi-extracts of (AV+MO), bi-extract of (MO+N), and tri-extracts of (AV+N+MO) respectively for 36 d. The liver and blood were studied for hepatotoxicity and antioxidant indices. Results: Biochemical and histopathological analysis revealed that CCl 4 elevated plasma liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma glutamyl transferase). Carbon tetrachloride also caused an elevation in erythrocyte content of glutathione with a concomitant increase in the plasma malondialdehyde content, along with marked atrophy of hepatocytes. However, these effects were ameliorated by the treatment of rats with the different extracts. Conclusion: Results showed that administration of the aquatic extracts of Aloe vera , Neem, and Moringa (separately/mixedly) played a therapeutic role against CCl 4 -induced liver damage by improving liver enzyme activities, antioxidant blood parameters, and a liver histopathological picture of intoxicated rats. Keywords : Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica , Moringa oleifera , CCl 4 hepatotoxicity, Antioxidant, Rat hepatocytes
Désassemblage de réseaux de filaments d'actine : rôle de l'architecture et du confinement

Le cytosquelette est un assemblage de proteines intracellulaires qui assure le maintien de la forme des cellules et la production de force. Ce cytosquelette est forme de trois types de polymeres, dont les filaments d'actine qui sont impliques dans des fonctions essentielles telles que la motilite cellulaire, la division cellulaire ou encore la morphogenese. Les filaments d'actine s'agencent en structures organisees dont la dynamique est assuree par la polymerisation et le desassemblage des filaments, controles spatio-temporellement. La plupart des structures d'actine sont dans un etat stationnaire dynamique ou l'assemblage est compense par le desassemblage, ce qui permet de maintenir une concentration de monomeres intracellulaire elevee. En effet, le reservoir d'actine in vivo est limite et la formation de nouvelles structures de filaments d'actine est dependante d'un desassemblage efficace des structures les plus âgees. Le but de ma these a ete d'etudier comment l'organisation architecturale des structures d'actine influence le desassemblage par la machinerie proteique composee de l'ADF/cofiline et d'un de ses cofacteurs Aip1.J'ai d'abord pu montrer que l'efficacite du desassemblage dependait de l'agencement des filaments d'actine. Quand les reseaux branches ne requierent que l'action de l'ADF/cofiline pour etre desassembles efficacement, les faisceaux de filaments d'actine ont besoin de la presence simultanee de l'ADF/cofiline et de l'Aip1. Une etude a l'echelle moleculaire a ensuite ete menee pour comprendre le mecanisme du desassemblage des filaments d'actine par ces deux proteines au niveau du filament individuel.Dans un second temps, j'ai developpe un systeme experimental compose de micropuits de taille comparable a la cellule. Cette technologie nous a permis de realiser des experiences en milieu confine, dans lequel le reservoir d'actine etait limite de la meme maniere que le reservoir d'actine cellulaire. J'ai mis ce systeme a profit pour reconstituer le turnover d'une comete d'actine, un reseau branche forme a la surface d'une bille recouverte de nucleateurs de l'actine.Ce travail de these a permis d’etablir des lois fondamentales controlant la dynamique de l’actine et plus particulierement comment l’architecture de l’actine et l’environnement peuvent influencer le desassemblage de structures complexes.
Identification of MEG-related brain dynamics induced by a yogic breathing technique

The automatic detection of various differences in brain dynamics has been studied here using two approaches, nonlinear time series analysis, and the clustering method. Six data sets of whole-head 148 channel MEG activity were collected from a single subject performing a yogic breathing protocol in three two-day experiments repeated with a time lag of one month. The MEG signals have been analyzed by evaluating five nonlinear indicators, two statistical measures and the power for each minute. The trends of eight parameters in time and space have been used in an effort to explore the classification schemes using Growing Hierarchical Self Organizing Maps. The results show the utility of this approach for distinguishing the different phases of the yogic breathing protocol and for observing brain activity changes at successive months.
Recent advances in exploiting ionic liquids for biomolecules: Solubility, stability and applications

The technological utility of biomolecules (e.g. proteins, enzymes and DNA) can be significantly enhanced by combining them with ionic liquids (ILs) – potentially attractive ”green“ and ”designer“ solvents – rather than using in conventional organic solvents or water. In recent years, ILs have been used as solvents, cosolvents, and reagents for biocatalysis, biotransformation, protein preservation and stabilization, DNA solubilization and stabilization, and other biomolecule‐based applications. Using ILs can dramatically enhance the structural and chemical stability of proteins, DNA, and enzymes. This article reviews the recent technological developments of ILs in protein‐, enzyme‐, and DNA‐based applications. We discuss the different routes to increase biomolecule stability and activity in ILs, and the design of biomolecule‐friendly ILs that can dissolve biomolecules with minimum alteration to their structure. This information will be helpful to design IL‐based processes in biotechnology and the biological sciences that can serve as novel and selective processes for enzymatic reactions, protein and DNA stability, and other biomolecule‐based applications.
Periodontal therapy may reduce the risk of preterm low birth weight in women with periodontal disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that periodontal disease is a risk factor for preterm low birth weight (PLBW). A randomized controlled trial was undertaken to help further evaluate the proposed association between periodontal disease and PLBW. METHODS Four hundred pregnant women with periodontal disease, aged 18 to 35, were enrolled while receiving prenatal care in Santiago, Chile. Women were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 200), which received periodontal treatment before 28 weeks of gestation or to a control group (n = 200) which received periodontal treatment after delivery. Previous and current pregnancies and known risk factors were obtained from patient medical records and interviews. The primary outcome assessed was the delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation or an infant weighing less than 2,500 g. RESULTS Of the 400 women enrolled, 49 were excluded from the analyses for different reasons. The incidence of PLBW in the treatment group was 1.84% (3/163) and in the control group was 10.11% (19/188), (odds ratio [OR] 5.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65 to 18.22, P= 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that periodontal disease was the strongest factor related to PLBW (OR 4.70, 95% CI 1.29 to 17.13). Other factors significantly associated with such deliveries were: previous PLBW (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.11 to 14.21), less than 6 prenatal visits (OR 3.70, 95% Cl 1.46 to 9.38), and maternal low weight gain (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.16 to 10.03). CONCLUSIONS Periodontal disease appears to be an independent risk factor for PLBW. Periodontal therapy significantly reduces the rates of PLBW in this population of women with periodontal disease.
Mutant cycle analysis identifies a ligand interaction site in an odorant receptor of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae

Lack of information about the structure of insect odorant receptors (ORs) hinders the development of more effective repellants to control disease-transmitting insects. Mutagenesis and functional analyses using agonists to map the odorant-binding sites of these receptors have been limited because mutations distant from an agonist-binding site can alter agonist sensitivity. Here we use mutant cycle analysis, an approach for exploring the energetics of protein–protein or protein–ligand interactions, with inhibitors, to identify a component of the odorant-binding site of an OR from the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. The closely related odorant-specificity subunits Agam/Or15 and Agam/Or13 were each co-expressed with Agam/Orco (odorant receptor co-receptor subunit) in Xenopus oocytes and assayed by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. We identified (−)-fenchone as a competitive inhibitor with different potencies at the two receptors and used this difference to screen a panel of 37 Agam/Or15 mutants, surveying all positions that differ between Agam/Or15 and Agam/Or13 in the transmembrane and extracellular regions, identifying position 195 as a determinant of (−)-fenchone sensitivity. Inhibition by (−)-fenchone and six structurally related inhibitors of Agam/Or15 receptors containing each of four different hydrophobic residues at position 195 served as input data for mutant cycle analysis. Several mutant cycles, calculated from the inhibition of two receptors by each of two ligands, yielded coupling energies of ≥1 kcal/mol, indicating a close, physical interaction between the ligand and residue 195 of Agam/Or15. This approach should be useful in further expanding our knowledge of odorant-binding site structures in ORs of disease vector insects.
Microbial iron compounds.

Perspectives and Summary . Introduction . Biological Rationale for Siderophores . Salient Chemical and Physical Properties of Siderophores . Detection and isolation . Iron-binding properties . Biomimetic analogues 0/ siderophores . Iron Storage Compounds . Magnetotactic Bacteria . Are there Siderophores in Plants and Animals? Classification of Siderophores . Phenol-catechol type . Hydroxamic acid type . Conclusions .
Résolution des problèmes (W)CSP et #CSP par approches structurelles: Calcul et exploitation dynamique de décompositions arborescentes. (Solving (W)CSP and #CSP problems by structural approaches: computation and dynamic exploitation of tree decompositions)

L’importance des problemes CSP, WCSP et #CSP est refletee par la part considerable des travaux, theoriques et pratiques, dont ils font l’objet en intelligence artificielle et bien au-dela. Leur difficulte est telle qu’ils appartiennent respectivement aux classes NP-complet, NP-difficile et #P-complet. Aussi, les methodes qui permettent de resoudre efficacement leurs instances ont une complexite en temps exponentielle. Les travaux de recherche de cette these se focalisent sur les methodes de resolution exploitant la notion de decomposition arborescente. Ces methodes ont suscite un vif interet de la part de la communaute scientifique du fait qu’elles soient capables de resoudre en temps polynomial certaines classes d’instances. Cependant, en pratique, elles n’ont pas encore montre toute leur efficacite vu la qualite de la decomposition employee ne prenant en compte qu’un critere purement structurel, sa largeur. Premierement, nous proposons un nouveau cadre general de calcul de decompositions qui a la vertu de calculer des decompositions qui capturent des parametres plus pertinents a l’egard de la resolution que la seule largeur de la decomposition. Ensuite, nous proposons une exploitation dynamique de la decomposition pendant la resolution pour les problemes (W)CSP. Le changement de la decomposition pendant la resolution vise a adapter la decomposition selon la nature de l’instance. Finalement, nous proposons un nouvel algorithme de comptage qui exploite la decomposition d’une facon differente de celle des methodes standards afin d’eviter des calculs inutiles.L’ensemble des contributions ont ete evaluees et validees experimentalement.
Coincidental Multiple Asymptomatic Intracranial Aneurysms and Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis

A patient experiencing transient cerebral ischemic attacks (TIAs) was studied angiographically and found to have a symptomatic stenosis of the appropriate internal carotid artery (ICA) and three asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms. A therapeutic approach to this type of problem is discussed in this article.
Proteomics of xenografted human breast cancer indicates novel targets related to tamoxifen resistance

Tamoxifen is the most frequently used drug for hormone therapy of breast cancer patients, even though a high percentage of women are (or become) refractory to this treatment. The proteins involved in tamoxifen resistance of breast tumor cells as well as the mechanisms by which they interact, are still unknown. Some years ago, we established the xenograft breast tumor 3366, sensitive to tamoxifen and the 3366/TAM, resistant to tamoxifen, derived after two years of in vivo passages of the parental 3366 under tamoxifen treatment. Here, we compare the protein expression levels of both xenografts. 2‐DE of proteins from total cell extracts showed very high reproducibility among tumors from each group (tamoxifen sensitive and tamoxifen resistant). The heuristic clustering analysis of these gels pooled them correctly in both groups. Twelve proteins were found up‐regulated in the tamoxifen‐resistant line, while nine were down‐regulated. The proteins differentially expressed were identified by MS and sequence database analysis. Biological functions of these proteins are related to cell–cell adhesion and interaction, signal transduction, DNA and protein synthesis machinery, mitochondrial respiratory chain, oxidative stress processes and apoptosis. Three of the identified proteins (ALG‐2 interacting protein and two GDP‐dissociation inhibitors) could be directly involved in the resistance phenomenon.
Relaxin: A New Approach for the Treatment of Acute Congestive Heart Failure

Relaxin, a naturally-occurring hormone in the insulin family, was discovered to have a physiologic role in pregnancy. Named initially for its relaxing effect on the pubic ligament, relaxin receptors have since been found to be widely distributed in many organs in both males and females. Acting through multiple pathways, including the stimulation of gelatinases leading to activation of endothelin type B receptors and subsequently nitric oxide, relaxin has been shown to cause vasodilation. In animal models and studies in humans, relaxin has been shown to increase cardiac output and renal perfusion. Due to these effects, relaxin has been examined as a treatment for acute heart failure. The results of phase I and II trials have shown favorable clinical trends without any major adverse events, suggesting that relaxin has the potential to be an effective medication for acute heart failure in conjunction with or in place of current treatments.
Optically integrated InP-Si3N4 hybrid laser

We present the first demonstration of an optically integrated InP-Si3N4 hybrid laser. The feasibility and viability of facet-to-facet, butt-coupled integration is proven by single-frequency operation, tunable across a wide range of 43 nm (including the entire telecom C-band) with sub-MHz spectral bandwidth.
Health of Hispanic Adults: United States, 2010-2014.

KEY FINDINGS Data from the National Health Interview Survey, 2010-2014 •Overall, Puerto Rican adults consistently reported poorer health status than non-Hispanic adults. •Puerto Rican (19.2%) and Mexican (17.4%) adults were more likely than Central or South American (12.3%) and Cuban (14.7%) adults to be in fair or poor health. •Puerto Rican adults (27.3%) were more likely than Central or South American adults (16.6%) to have had multiple chronic conditions. •Puerto Rican adults (6.2%) were nearly twice as likely to report serious psychological distress in the past 30 days compared with Central or South American adults (3.3%). •Puerto Rican adults (11.4%) were more likely than Central or South American (2.9%), Cuban (3.9%), and Mexican (4.8%) adults to be unable to work due to health problems.
Exposure time to caffeine affects heartbeat and cell damage‐related gene expression of zebrafish Danio rerio embryos at early developmental stages

Caffeine is white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that is naturally found in some plants and can be produced synthetically. It has various biological effects, especially during pregnancy and lactation. We studied the effect of caffeine on heartbeat, survival and the expression of cell damage related genes, including oxidative stress (HSP70), mitochondrial metabolism (Cyclin G1) and apoptosis (Bax and Bcl2), at early developmental stages of zebrafish embryos. We used 100 µm concentration based on the absence of locomotor effects. Neither significant mortality nor morphological changes were detected. We monitored hatching at 48 h post‐fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf. At 60 and 72 hpf, hatching decreased significantly (P < 0.05); however, the overall hatching rate at 96 hpf was 94% in control and 93% in caffeine treatment with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Heartbeats per minute were 110, 110 and 112 in control at 48, 72 and 96 hpf, respectively. Caffeine significantly increased heartbeat – 122 and 136 at 72 and 96 hpf, respectively. Quantitative RT‐PCR showed significant up‐regulation after caffeine exposure in HSP70 at 72 hpf; in Cyclin G1 at 24, 48 and 72 hpf; and in Bax at 48 and 72 hpf. Significant down‐regulation was found in Bcl2 at 48 and 72 hpf. The Bax/Bcl2 ratio increased significantly at 48 and 72 hpf. We conclude that increasing exposure time to caffeine stimulates oxidative stress and may trigger apoptosis via a mitochondrial‐dependent pathway. Also caffeine increases heartbeat from early phases of development without affecting the morphology and survival but delays hatching. Use of caffeine during pregnancy and lactation may harm the fetus by affecting the expression of cell‐damage related genes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prise en compte de l’usure dans la modélisation du comportement sous charge des engrenages roues et vis tangentes

Les engrenages roues et vis sans fin sont une solution avantageuse pour transmettre le couple entre des axes perpendiculaires non concourants. Ces engrenages offrent une solution simple et efficace en terme de cout dans les applications de transmission de puissance, ou un grand rapport de reduction est necessaire, en comparaison avec les engrenages classiques a axes paralleles qui necessitent normalement deux ou trois etapes pour obtenir les memes reductions avec une augmentation consequente de complexite et du nombre de pieces. L’usure de surface est un des modes de defaillance observes dans la vie des engrenages roues et vis sans fin qui influe sur la portee de contact, les caracteristiques de transmission et le bruit resultant. La premiere etape de ces travaux est la mise au point d’un modele numerique pour etudier le comportement quasi statique des engrenages roues et vis sans fin avec une roue en bronze et une vis en acier. Le modele est base sur la resolution des equations de compatibilite des deplacements ainsi que sur la methode des coefficients d’influence. Les effets globaux de flexion et les effets locaux de contact ont ete separes. Les effets de contact ont ete obtenus par la theorie de Boussinesq. Les coefficients de flexion sont estimes par la combinaison d’un calcul Elements Finis et des fonctions d’interpolation, permettant d’une part de prendre en compte l’environnement de l'engrenage (la geometrie des arbres, des jantes et des voiles, l’emplacement des roulements,.) et d’autre part de reduire significativement les temps de calculs. Dans une seconde etape, une methodologie est proposee pour modeliser l’usure de la surface de dent de la roue. Le modele de contact quasi-statique de la repartition des charges est combine avec un modele d’usure d’Archard. Ce modele suppose que la profondeur d’usure est directement proportionnelle a la pression de contact et a la distance de glissement et inversement proportionnelle a la durete du materiau. Cette loi d’usure est modifiee pour prendre en compte l’influence des conditions de lubrification en utilisant un coefficient d’usure local, dependant de l’epaisseur du film lubrifiant, rapportee a l’amplitude des rugosites des surfaces. L’enlevement de matiere par l’usure du flanc de la roue influe sur la repartition des pressions et donc les modifications de la geometrie des dents doivent etre incluses dans la prediction de l’usure. Le calcul des pressions de contact est ainsi mis a jour pour tenir compte des changements de geometrie. Enfin, pour valider le modele developpe des comparaisons du modele avec des resultats experimentaux issus de la bibliographie ont ete effectuees.