Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autonomous data synchronization in heterogeneous systems to assure the transaction

Many companies have been forced to quickly respond to changing user needs. To provide more convenient services to consumers, the cooperation within a company or across companies have been requested. As a result, the heterogeneous information systems are also requested to be integrated together. By utilizing the heterogeneity among systems and by cooperating between systems, it becomes possible to draw out new values from them without violating each system's characteristic. In the heterogeneous systems, such as the data generation timings or frequencies are different, the data synchronization itself should be done by each system without relying on the single coordinator, because the system configurations are always changing, and members of application group which use synchronous data combination are also changing. In this paper we propose the autonomous data synchronization technique in the heterogeneous systems. The application objects which requires the synchronous combination of the data in each system can locally judge which combination of data is most adequate as the synchronous combination by comparing the synchronous information with others. Thus all systems can use the consistent combination as the synchronous data only by collecting the data locally and exchanging the synchronous information. In addition, the cost of synchronization in each system, which is measured by the synchronization waiting time (SWT) and backward data utilization (BDU) becomes even. As this proposed method is not relying on the single coordinator, it works correctly even if the system configuration is dynamically changed, or even if members of SyncApps are changed. The simulation results show the cost fairness when three systems are interconnected in straight line.
Overview of elagolix for the treatment of endometriosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Suppression of sex-steroid secretion is required in a variety of gynecological conditions. This can be achieved using gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists that bind pituitary gonadotropin receptors and antagonize the link-receptor of endogenous GnRH, inhibiting the mechanism of GnRH pulsatility. On the other hand, GnRH antagonists immediately reduce gonadal steroid levels, avoiding the initial stimulatory phase of the agonists. Potential benefits of GnRH antagonists over GnRH agonists include a rapid onset and reversibility of action. Older GnRH antagonists are synthetic peptides, obtained by modifications of certain amino acids in the native GnRH sequence. They require subcutaneous injections, implantation of long-acting depots. The peptide structure is responsible for histamine-related adverse events and the tendency to elicit hypersensitivity reactions. Areas covered: Research has worked towards the development of non-peptidic molecules exerting antagonist action on GnRH. They are available for oral administration and may have a more beneficial safety profile in comparison with peptide GnRH antagonists. This article focuses on the data of the literature about elagolix, a novel non-peptidic GnRHantagonist, in the treatment of endometriosis. Expert opinion: Elagolix demonstrated efficacy in the management of endometriosis-associated pain and had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate its non-inferiority in comparison with other endometriosis’s treatments.
Interleukin-12-stimulated natural killer cells can activate human macrophages to inhibit growth of Mycobacterium avium

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a critical cytokine that affects many of the biological functions of NK cells and T cells. We have previously shown that both human and murine NK cells are important in host defense against Mycobacterium avium complex and act by secreting cytokines that induce macrophages to inhibit the growth of intracellular M. avium. To define the role of IL-12 in M. avium complex infection, we stimulated human NK cells with recombinant human IL-12 at 0.01 to 1 ng/ml for 24 h and used the tissue culture supernatant to treat human monocyte-derived macrophage monolayers infected with M. avium. IL-12 had no direct effect on M. avium-infected macrophages, but culture supernatant from IL-12-treated NK cells activated macrophages to inhibit the growth of intracellular M. avium in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation of NK cells with IL-12 in combination with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or IL-1 increased the ability of supernatant from NK-cell culture to limit M. avium growth within macrophages, compared with that of culture supernatant from IL-12-treated NK cells. Results with supernatant from nonstimulated NK cells were similar to those with supernatant from untreated controls. Treatment of supernatant from IL-12-stimulated NK cells with anti-TNF-alpha, anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, but not anti-gamma interferon antibodies decreased the ability of NK-cell supernatant to induce anti-M. avium activity in infected macrophages. Treatment of macrophage monolayers with anti-transforming growth factor beta antibody before adding supernatant from IL-12-stimulated NK cells was associated with an increase of anti-M. avium activity compared with that of supernatant from IL-12-treated NK cells. These results suggest that IL-12 has a role in host defense against M. avium and that the effect of IL-12 is dependent chiefly on TNF-alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
Efficient Execution of Irregular Wavefront Propagation Pattern on Many Integrated Core Architecture

The efficient execution of image processing algorithms is an active area of Bioinformatics. In image processing, one of the classes of algorithms or computing pattern that works with irregular data structures is the Irregular Wavefront Propagation Pattern (IWPP). In this class, elements propagate information to neighbors in the form of wave propagation. This propagation results in irregular access to data and expansions. Due to this irregularity, current implementations of this class of algorithms requires atomic operations, which is very costly and also restrains implementations with Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) instructions in Many Integrated Core (MIC) architectures, which are critical to attain high performance on this processor. The objective of this study is to redesign the Irregular Wavefront Propagation Pattern algorithm in order to enable the efficient execution on processors with Many Integrated Core architecture using SIMD instructions. In this work, using the Intel (R) Xeon Phi (TM) coprocessor, we have implemented a vector version of IWPP with up to 5.63x gains on non-vectored version, a parallel version using First In, First Out (FIFO) queue that attained speedup up to 55x as compared to the single core version on the coprocessor, a version using priority queue whose performance was 1.62x better than the fastest version of GPU based implementation available in the literature, and a cooperative version between heterogeneous processors that allow to process images bigger than the Intel (R) Xeon Phi (TM) memory and also provides a way to utilize all the available devices in the computation.
Australian Diabetes Foot Network: management of diabetes‐related foot ulceration — a clinical update

Appropriate assessment and management of diabetes‐related foot ulcers (DRFUs) is essential to reduce amputation risk. Management requires debridement, wound dressing, pressure off‐loading, good glycaemic control and potentially antibiotic therapy and vascular intervention. As a minimum, all DRFUs should be managed by a doctor and a podiatrist and/or wound care nurse. Health professionals unable to provide appropriate care for people with DRFUs should promptly refer individuals to professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills. Indicators for immediate referral to an emergency department or multidisciplinary foot care team (MFCT) include gangrene, limb‐threatening ischaemia, deep ulcers (bone, joint or tendon in the wound base), ascending cellulitis, systemic symptoms of infection and abscesses. Referral to an MFCT should occur if there is lack of wound progress after 4 weeks of appropriate treatment.
Comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional profile of the Mediator complex across human cancer types

The Mediator complex is a key regulator of gene transcription and several studies demonstrated altered expressions of particular subunits in diverse human diseases, especially cancer. However a systematic study deciphering the transcriptional expression of the Mediator across different cancer entities is still lacking. We therefore performed a comprehensive in silico cancer vs. benign analysis of the Mediator complex subunits (MEDs) for 20 tumor entities using Oncomine datasets. The transcriptional expression profiles across almost all cancer entities showed differentially expressed MEDs as compared to benign tissue. Differential expression of MED8 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and MED12 in lung cancer (LCa) were validated and further investigated by immunohistochemical staining on tissue microarrays containing large numbers of specimen. MED8 in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) associated with shorter survival and advanced TNM stage and showed higher expression in metastatic than primary tumors. In vitro, siRNA mediated MED8 knockdown significantly impaired proliferation and motility in ccRCC cell lines, hinting at a role for MED8 to serve as a novel therapeutic target in ccRCC. Taken together, our Mediator complex transcriptome proved to be a valid tool for identifying cancer-related shifts in Mediator complex composition, revealing that MEDs do exhibit cancer specific transcriptional expression profiles.
Approximating a multi-dimensional Pareto front for a land use management problem: A modified MOEA with an epigenetic silencing metaphor

Land use management is increasingly becoming complex as the public and governing bodies demand more accountability and transparency in management practices that simultaneously guarantee sustainable production of goods and continued provision of ecosystem services (i.e., public goods with no markets, such as clean air). In this paper we demonstrate a novel form of decision making that will assist in meeting some of these challenges in ensuring sustainability in land use management. We apply a modified Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA), influenced by epigenetic silencing, to a farm case study. The result is a set of time-series, farm management strategies and their related spatial arrangements of land uses that satisfy 14 incommensurable and sometimes conflicting objectives, and spatial constraints. The 14 objectives cover economic (i.e. productivity and financials) and environmental issues. Choosing a single strategy from the set for implementation will require social-ethical value judgment determined from preferences and values of multiple decision-makers. This part of the decision making process is beyond the scope of this paper, but will contribute to ongoing research which will make it possible to fully account for the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), characterised by environmental, economic and social elements.
Self-Reported Differences in Personality, Emotion Control, and Presence Between Pre-Military and Non-Military Groups in a Pilot Study Using the Stress Resilience in Virtual Environments (STRIVE) System

Mental health disorders are the signature wounds of war resulting from extended U.S. Military conflicts in the Middle East [1]. In an effort to abate the number of Service Members that develop mental health disorders in these conflicts, USC-ICT has created the Stress Resilience in Virtual Environments (STRIVE) project, a set of highly realistic virtual reality combat scenarios and resilience-building sessions designed for pre-deployed military personnel. This short-paper looks at self-reported differences in personality, emotion control, and presence between two different groups, pre-military and non-military, of pilot subjects that tested a prototype of the first four modules of STRIVE.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus casei (Formerly Lactobacillus paracasei) LOCK919

ABSTRACT Lactobacillus casei is usually regarded as a bacterium that lives naturally in the human intestinal tract, where it can contribute to host health and well-being. We describe here the complete genome sequence of L. casei LOCK919, a strain with probiotic properties isolated from child feces. The genome consists of a 3.11-Mb chromosome and a 29,768-bp plasmid.
Joint scheduling of data transmission and wireless power transfer in multi-channel device-to-device networks

As the mobile traffic explodes, direct device-to-device communications attract much attention as one of next-generation technologies to increase the spatial spectrum efficiency in multichannel wireless networks. On the other hand, as battery-powered mobile devices interrupt user experience due to limited battery capacity, wireless power transfer has emerged as a convenient and perpetual power supply. However, current circuit technologies cannot support both energy harvesting and information decoding at the same time, and thus the time-division-multiple-access approach is often used for either data transmission or power transfer at a time, which requires joint scheduling of data transmissions and wireless power transfer. In this paper, we investigate the joint scheduling problem of multi-channel data transmissions and wireless power transfer, formulate the joint problem using a unified framework, and identify new difficulties in efficient resource allocation. We also develop a preliminary solution that achieves good empirical performance in single-hop D2D network scenarios.
Combination therapy with verteporfin and anti-VEGF agents in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: where do we stand?

Choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is responsible for 75% of the severe vision loss attributable to AMD.1 The pathogenesis of CNV is complex, involving angiogenic and vascular components.2 3 The current treatment modalities include antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies such as pegaptanib (Macugen, Eyetech, New York), bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech, South San Francisco, California), ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech, South San Francisco, California and Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland and QLT Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada). The predominant effect of anti-VEGF agents in AMD appears to be a reduction in vessel permeability, in addition to targeting angiogenesis by inhibiting the development of newly formed vessels. These agents have shown promising responses in terms of visual outcome, but there are some limitations. Optimal visual outcomes require aggressive monitoring and may even require monthly treatments, posing a significant burden on both patients and physicians. In addition, evidence suggests that anti-VEGF agents become less effective as neovascularisation matures, especially as the vessels become enveloped by pericytes. These pericytes may serve to buffer the neovascularisation from the anti-VEGF agents and even secrete VEGF themselves. Thus, anti-VEGF therapy may have a limited effect on the more established vasculature observed in the later stages of exudative AMD.4–6 Verteporfin PDT has a different mechanism of action from anti-VEGF therapy that targets the vascular component of CNV by occluding the newly formed vessels within the CNV lesion. The long-term clinical efficacy and safety of verteporfin PDT has been proven in several multicentre, double-masked, randomised placebo-controlled studies.7 8 However, studies have also shown that PDT may affect the physiological choriocapillary bed surrounding the pathological …
Test for the null hypothesis of cointegration with reduced size distortion

Abstract. This article considers a single‐equation cointegrating model and proposes the locally best invariant and unbiased (LBIU) test for the null hypothesis of cointegration. We derive the local asymptotic power functions and compare them with the standard residual‐based test, and show that the LBIU test is more powerful in a wide range of local alternatives. Then, we conduct a Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the finite sample properties of the tests and show that the LBIU test outperforms the residual‐based test in terms of both size and power. The advantage of the LBIU test is particularly patent when the error is highly autocorrelated. Furthermore, we point out that finite sample performance of existing tests is largely affected by the initial value condition while our tests are immune to it. We propose a simple transformation of data that resolves the problem in the existing tests.
Measuring body composition

Several aspects of body composition, in particular the amount and distribution of body fat and the amount and composition of lean mass, are now understood to be important health outcomes in infants and children. Their measurement is increasingly considered in clinical practice; however, paediatricians are often unsure as to which techniques are appropriate and suitable for application in specific contexts. This article summarises the pros and cons of measurement technologies currently available for paediatric application. Simple techniques are adequate for many purposes, and simple regional data may often be of greater value than “whole body” values obtained by more sophisticated approaches.
Patterns in helminth communities: why are birds and fish different?

SUMMARY Recently, some authors (Kennedy, 1981; Price & Clancy, 1983) have argued that there are fundamental differences between the communities of helminths in fish and bird hosts. Such differences are foreshadowed by the work of Dogiel (1964) and are apparent from survey data (e.g. Threlfall, 1967; Bakke, 1972; Hair & Holmes, 1975 on birds, and compare Chubb, 1963; Mishra & Chubb, 1969; Wootten, 1973; Ingham & Dronen, 1980 on fish). Questions still remain, however, as to whether the distinctions are truly justified and whether the differences are really fundamental. In this paper, we address these questions by examining helminth diversity in a series of hosts. We then discuss and provide explanations for the observed differences.
Dynamics of a Hyperparasitic System with Prolonged Diapause for Host

A hyperparasitic system with prolonged diapause for host is investigated. It is assumed that host prolonged diapause occur at larval stage, and parasitoid attack is limited to egg stage before the initiation of host diapause. Such behavior has been reported for many ichneumons. Hyperparasite only attacks the parasitoids that parasitize the hosts. Hyperparasitic system is often used in biological control. The existence and stability of nonnegative fixed points are explored. Numerical simulations are carried out to explore the global dynamics of the system, which demonstrate appropriate prolonged diapause rate and appropriate intrinsic growth rate can stabilize the system. The reasons are explained according to the ecological perspective. Furthermore, many other complexities which include quasi-periodicity, period-doubling bifurcations leading to chaos, chaotic attractor, intermittent and supertransients are observed.
Antimicrobial Sensitivity Pattern of Klebsiella Pneumoniae isolated from Sputum from Tertiary Care Hospital , Surendranagar , Gujarat and Issues Related to the Rational Selection of Antimicrobials

Antimicrobial resistance is not only increasing the healthcare costs, but also the severity and death rates from certain infections that could have been avoided by prudent and rational use of the existing and newer antimicrobial agents. Prudent and rational use of antimicrobial is possible by forming local, national and global wide Antibiogram. Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is common infection worldwide and numbers of patients are presenting to general practice and inpatient department. Both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria are involved in causing RTI. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is one of the most common causative agents of RTI and it has also become important pathogens in nosocomial infections causing RTI. This study is done to find out the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of K. pneumoniae isolated from sputum, causing respiratory tract infection in tertiary care hospital, Surendranagar, Gujarat. Total 512 sputum samples were collected and tested bacteriologically using standard procedures. Culture positivity of urine samples was found to be 29 %. The most common pathogens were K. pneumoniae (39.5 %) followed by Pseudomonas (25 %), E. coli (11.5 %), Staphylococci (11.5%) and others (3.8%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by disk diffusion method described by Kirby-Bauer (1961). K. pneumoniae is most sensitive for amikacin followed by gatifloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefipime, ciprofloxacin and cefoperazone plus sulbactam, if isolated from sputum. Considering the antibiotic susceptibility testing, cost, side effects and many other factors, gatifloxacin should be preferred for K. pneumoniae infection for RTI.
On the computation of reachability, stabilisability and output-nulling subspaces using the Rosenbrock system matrix

In this paper we offer a set of algorithms for the computation of the fundamental subspaces of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, which appear in the solution of a large number of control and estimation problems. In particular, we employ the Rosenbrock system matrix pencil to provide algorithms for the computation of output-nulling, reachability and stabilisability subspaces. We show via an example that these methods can offer superior reliability than other commonly used methods employing subspace recursions.
Myoblast Therapy: From Bench to Bedside

Myoblasts are defined as stem cells containing skeletal muscle cell precursors. A decade of experimental work has revealed many properties of myoblasts, including the stability of resulting hybrid myofibers without immune suppression, the persistence of transgene expression, and the lack of tumorigenicity. Early phase clinical trials also showed that myoblast-based therapy is a promising approach for many intractable clinical conditions, including both muscle-related and non-muscle-related diseases. The potential application of myoblast therapy may be in the treatment of genetic muscle diseases, cardiomyocyte damaged heart diseases, and urinary incontinence. This review will provide an overview of myoblast biology, along with discussion of the potential application in clinical medicine. In addition, problems in current myoblast therapy and possible future improvements will be addressed.
COMPUTATIONAL COMPLEX PREDATOR-PREY DYNAMICS

Two species predator-prey with stage structure of mature and immature mathematical models are studied over the last few decades. Xin-an Zhang et al studied a mathematical model with stage structure of two species in 2010. In this article, an attempt has been made to comprehend the coupled predator-prey dynamics with mature-immature stage structure and compare the dynamics with the existing model. The present model studied by Xin-an Zhang et al is purely realistic with assumptions of positive parameters. From the mathematical curiosity, we wonder to investigate the same with complex parameters and compared with the foreseen results. In addition, the present model is slightly modified to see some new dynamics of some additional fixed point including the previous fixed points.