Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Throughput Constrained Opportunistic Scheduling in Cellular Data Networks

This paper considers a scheduling problem for multiuser transmissions over the downlink of a time-slotted cellular data network. For such a network, opportunistic scheduling exploits the time-varying radio channel and improves network performance. This paper presents a new scheduling solution that maximizes the aggregate user performance subject to certain minimum and maximum performance constraints. By constraining the performance experienced by individual users, who share a common radio downlink, to some upper bounds, it is possible to provide the system operator with a better control of radio resource allocations and service differentiation among different classes of users. The proposed solution, which is referred to as throughput constrained opportunistic scheduling (TCOS), offers better service differentiation among different classes of users than the existing opportunistic scheduling algorithms with only minimum performance constraints. For ideal memoryless fading channels, TCOS provides performance comparable with an existing scheme with minimum and maximum performance constraints. For realistic fading channels with memory, TCOS significantly improves system performance due to its ability to trade off feasibility with throughput. Extensive simulation results demonstrate the improved system performance and effective service differentiation of the proposed solution under realistic channel conditions.
Shadow banking and the financial side of financialisation

This paper sheds some light on the nature and functioning of shadow banking, with a special focus on its role in the evolution of financialisation as well as in sharpening income and wealth inequality. On the one hand, it discusses how securitisation has allowed traditional banks to expand their business, providing the financial system with the ‘raw materials’ for the manufacturing of complex structured financial products. On the other hand, it questions the view of traditional and shadow banks as two parallel and alternative systems, claiming that financialisation did not alter the role of commercial banks as money creators, but rather diverted endogenously created money to the financial sphere, feeding its expansion. Finally, our work discusses some policy options for the de-financialisation of the economy through more progressive taxation of the financial sector, as well as a stronger engagement to reduce income and wealth inequality.
Localization and quantitation of blood-retinal barrier breakdown in experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the contribution of the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) as measured with magnetic resonance imaging in the development of retinal detachment in an experimental model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. METHODS Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate BRB breakdown in an intravitreal cell-injection model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Intravitreal injection of 2.5 x 10(5) homologous dermal fibroblasts produced specific disruption of the inner, or vascular, BRB. RESULTS Breakdown of the BRB was greatest in the first 3 days after injection, confirming previous work using fluorescein-based methods. Injection of 1 mg of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide at the time of cell injection significantly reduced both BRB breakdown and the incidence of eventual traction retinal detachment. Eyes that did develop detachment had significantly greater leakage prior to its development than those that did not, regardless of steroid treatment. CONCLUSIONS Quantitation and definitive localization of BRB leakage with magnetic resonance imaging provides a better understanding of the relationship between BRB compromise and the development of retinal detachment in this frequently used model.
Genome-scale mutational signatures of aflatoxin in cells, mice, and human tumors

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutagen and IARC Group 1 carcinogen that causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we present the first whole genome data on the mutational signatures of AFB1 exposure from a total of > 40,000 mutations in four experimental systems: two different human cell lines, and in liver tumors in wild-type mice and in mice that carried a hepatitis B surface antigen transgene – this to model the multiplicative effects of aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B in causing HCC. AFB1 mutational signatures from all four experimental systems were remarkably similar. We integrated the experimental mutational signatures with data from newly-sequenced HCCs from Qidong County, China, a region of well-studied aflatoxin exposure. This indicated that COSMIC mutational signature 24, previously hypothesized to stem from aflatoxin exposure, indeed likely represents AFB1 exposure, possibly combined with other exposures. Among published somatic mutation data, we found evidence of AFB1 exposure in 0.7% of HCCs treated in North America, 1% of HCCs from Japan, but 16% of HCCs from Hong Kong. Thus, aflatoxin exposure apparently remains a substantial public health issue in some areas. This aspect of our study exemplifies the promise of future widespread resequencing of tumor genomes in providing new insights into the contribution of mutagenic exposures to cancer incidence.
Inhaled insulin for diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE Pharmacokinetic and safety data related to the use of inhaled insulin for the management of diabetes mellitus are discussed. The various pulmonary insulin delivery systems under development are also reviewed. SUMMARY Several pharmaceutical companies are developing pulmonary insulin delivery systems. These products fall into two main groups: solution and drug powder formulations, which are delivered through different patented inhaler systems. Exubera, a rapid-acting insulin in powder form, has been studied extensively in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The AERx Insulin Diabetes Management System delivers a liquid form of human insulin. Preliminary data indicate that patients converting from insulin injections to this system showed higher compliance to therapy, demonstrated by improved glycemic control. Other pulmonary insulin delivery systems, including ProMaxx, AIR, Spiros, and Technosphere, are also under investigation. In humans, inhaled regular insulin is more rapidly absorbed than insulin from the subcutaneous injection site. The efficiency of inhaled insulin is lower than that of subcutaneous injection because pulmonary delivery of insulin involves some loss of drug within the inhaler or mouth during inhalation. A concern of many clinicians is the possibility of long-term effects from the intraalveolar deposition of insulin within the lung, since insulin is known to have growth-promoting properties. The long-term safety of these products has not been established. CONCLUSION Several inhaled insulin products are under development. If these products receive marketing approval, the pulmonary delivery of insulin may offer patients with diabetes an alternative to repeated insulin injections.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal progenitors are a suitable and effective drug discovery model for neurological mtDNA disorders.

Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles of endosymbiotic origin (1). Mitochondria are critically involved in cellular homeostasis and need to be tightly controlled to maintain normal cellular function (2). Malfunctioning mitochondria can interfere with cellular homeostasis in multiple ways (3). Consequently, mitochondria have been associated with diverse diseases, including neurological and neurodegenerative disorders (4). Among those diseases, a group of severe disorders is directly associated with specific mutagenesis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (5,6). Thus, despite the fact that most mitochondrial genes are encoded in the nucleus, mutagenesis of the mtDNA can have severe outcomes. Hence, the status of the mtDNA is of crucial relevance for normal cellular function (7). Several studies revealed that modeling and targeting mtDNA related diseases is experimentally extremely challenging. Therefore, the modeling of human mtDNA disorders is often based on so-called cybrid models (cytoplasmic hybrids), combining immortalized cells and the particular patient’s mitochondria. These models were able to recapitulate the influence of patient specific mitochondria on cellular physiology, but unfortunately, cybrid models have limited physiological relevance. Cybrid models lack the patient-specific genetic background, are not suitable for modeling disease relevant tissues (8), and possess incompatible metabolic and bioenergetic states (1). Different cell types and subtypes strongly differ in their bioenergetic demands. Simplified, stem cells rather rely on glycolysis more than on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In contrast, during commitment and differentiation especially cells from the neuronal lineage increasingly address their bioenergetic demands by using OXPHOS for energy generation (9).
Quantitative analysis of iris parameters in keratoconus patients using optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between quantitative iris parameters and the presence of keratoconus. METHODS Cross-sectional observational study that included 15 affected eyes of 15 patients with keratoconus and 26 eyes of 26 normal age- and sex-matched controls. Iris parameters (area, thickness, and pupil diameter) of affected and unaffected eyes were measured under standardized light and dark conditions using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). To identify optimal iris thickness cutoff points to maximize the sensitivity and specificity when discriminating keratoconus eyes from normal eyes, the analysis included the use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Iris thickness and area were lower in keratoconus eyes than in normal eyes. The mean thickness at the pupillary margin under both light and dark conditions was found to be the best parameter for discriminating normal patients from keratoconus patients. Diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AROC), which had a value of 0.8256 with 80.0% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity, using a cutoff of 0.4125 mm. The sensitivity increased to 86.7% when a cutoff of 0.4700 mm was used. CONCLUSIONS In our sample, iris thickness was lower in keratoconus eyes than in normal eyes. These results suggest that tomographic parameters may provide novel adjunct approaches for keratoconus screening.
The growing clinical spectrum of cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Purpose of review Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is diagnosed primarily as a cause of lobar intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) in elderly patients. With improving MRI techniques, however, the role of CAA in causing other symptoms has become clear. Recognizing the full clinical spectrum of CAA is important for diagnosis and treatment. In this review we summarize recent insights in clinical CAA features, MRI biomarkers, and management. Recent findings The rate of ICH recurrence in CAA is among the highest of all stroke subtypes. Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) and cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) are important imaging predictors for recurrent ICH. CAA also causes cognitive problems in multiple domains. In patients with nondemented CAA, the risk of developing dementia is high especially after ICH. CAA pathology probably starts years before the first clinical manifestations. The first signs in hereditary CAA are white matter lesions, cortical microinfarcts, and impaired occipital cerebral vasoreactivity. Visible centrum semiovale perivascular spaces, lobar located lacunes, and cortical atrophy are new nonhemorrhagic MRI markers. Summary CAA should be in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with lobar ICH but also in those with cognitive decline and episodic transient neurological symptoms. Physicians should be aware of the cognitive effects of CAA. In patients with a previous ICH, cSS, or cSAH, anticoagulation should be considered risky. The increasing number of MRI markers may help to discriminate CAA from other small vessel diseases and dementia subtypes.
On-wafer S-parameter de-embedding of silicon active and passive devices up to 170 GHz

This paper compares for the first time open-short, split-through, and TRL de-embedding techniques for on-wafer characterization of silicon active and passive devices in the DC to 170 GHz range. It is demonstrated using transformers, capacitors, 65 nm MOSFETs and SiGe HBTs that, if the open and short dummies are designed to remain lumped through 170GHz, there is almost no difference between the three de-embedding techniques. For transistor test structures with series ground inductance, a new TRL + short de-embedding method is proposed.
A novel analysis method of threshold voltage shift due to detrap in a multi-level flash memory

With the aim of improving flash-memory retention characteristics, we investigated threshold voltage shift (/spl Delta/V/sub th/) due to charge detrapping from the tunnel oxide. Accordingly, we propose a new parameter that can reveal the main origin of detrapping (hole/electron) and the detrap centroid. We found that the main origin of detrapping changes from holes to electrons depending on the degree of tunnel-oxide degradation. Since the hole detrapping increases V/sub th/ of a programmed memory cell, this V/sub th/ increase must be considered, especially when designing a multi-level flash memory.
Object extraction using topological models

Object extraction from complex scene of image is important for computer vision and pattern recognition. Fully automatic object extraction without human intervention is very tedious. Therefore, good solution of object extraction from complex scene is obtain by interactively. In this paper an interactive topological model based object extraction are proposed, which is based on two main important properties (i) initially low level segmentation and (ii) similarity measures between regions. Regions of input image are merged using Bhat-Nayar similarity. The extensive experiment has been performed to the efficiency and effectiveness of proposed method.
Radiation decay of thaumatin crystals at three X-ray energies.

Radiation damage is an unavoidable obstacle in X-ray crystallographic data collection for macromolecular structure determination, so it is important to know how much radiation a sample can endure before being degraded beyond an acceptable limit. In the literature, the threshold at which the average intensity of all recorded reflections decreases to a certain fraction of the initial value is called the `dose limit'. The first estimated D50 dose-limit value, at which the average diffracted intensity was reduced to 50%, was 20 MGy and was derived from observing sample decay in electron-diffraction experiments. A later X-ray study carried out at 100 K on ferritin protein crystals arrived at a D50 of 43 MGy, and recommended an intensity reduction of protein reflections to 70%, D70, corresponding to an absorbed dose of 30 MGy, as a more appropriate limit for macromolecular crystallography. In the macromolecular crystallography community, the rate of intensity decay with dose was then assumed to be similar for all protein crystals. A series of diffraction images of cryocooled (100 K) thaumatin crystals at identical small, 2° rotation intervals were recorded at X-ray energies of 6.33 , 12.66 and 19.00 keV. Five crystals were used for each wavelength. The decay in the average diffraction intensity to 70% of the initial value, for data extending to 2.45 Å resolution, was determined to be about 7.5 MGy at 6.33 keV and about 11 MGy at the two higher energies.
The Deep-Space Network Telecommunication CubeSat Antenna: Using the deployable Ka-band mesh reflector antenna.

In the near future, CubeSats will be deployed beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) to perform scientific tasks in deep space. To do so, these CubeSats will need high-gain antennas (HGAs) that fit in a highly confined volume. In this article, we present an innovative, deployable Ka-band antenna that folds in a 1.5-U (10 ? 10 ? 15 cm<sup>3</sup>) stowage volume suitable for 6U (10 ? 20 ? 30 cm<sup>3</sup>)-class CubeSats. This antenna is designed for telecommunication and is compatible with NASA's deep-space network (DSN) at Ka-band frequencies (i.e., uplink: 34.2-34.7 GHz; downlink: 31.8-32.3 GHz). Calculations and measurements show that 42.0-dBi gain and 57% aperture efficiency are obtained at 32 GHz. We thoroughly describe the mechanical deployment mechanism because it is a critical component of the deployable Cube-Sat antenna. This challenging new design evolved from our previous design that only provided linear polarization and a single-frequency band.
Spiral Scanning With Improved Control for Faster Imaging of AFM

One of the key barriers to an atomic force microscope (AFM) achieving high scanning speeds is its use of the traditional zig-zag raster pattern scanning technique. In this paper, we consider the use of a high-speed spiral imaging technique with an improved multi-input multi-output (MIMO) model predictive control (MPC) scheme with a damping compensator for faster scanning by an AFM. The controller's design is based on an identified MIMO model of the AFM's piezoelectric tube scanner (PTS) and it achieves a higher closed-loop bandwidth, significant damping of the resonant mode of the PTS, and reduces the cross-coupling effect between the PTS's axes. The spirals produced have particularly narrow-band frequency measures which change slowly over time, thereby making it possible for the scanner to achieve improved tracking and continuous high-speed scanning rather than being restricted to the back and forth motion of raster scanning. To evaluate the performance improvement using this proposed control scheme for spiral scanning, an experimental comparison of its scanned images with those of the open-loop condition is performed. Experimental results show that, by using the proposed method, the AFM's scanning speed is significantly increased up to 180 Hz.
Do people trust more when they are happy or when they are sad? Evidence from an experiment

This paper deals with the role played by incidental emotions on trust decisions. Based on a laboratory experiment with monetary incentives, we explore the way positive and negative emotions impact transfers in a trust game. In addition, we investigate the mechanism through which risk intervenes in the relationship between emotions and trust. Our results suggest that negative emotions influence trust positively, whereas positive emotions decrease trust. This effect disappears once risk is included to the game. Furthermore, we found that transfer in the trust game is driven by otherregarding preferences and by risk preferences.
Determinants of energy balance and overweight in Finland 1982 and 1992.

OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of overweight (BMI > 27 kg/m2) and major life-style determinants of energy balance in Finland, in 1982 and 1992. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS 640 men and 677 women in 1982, and 664 men and 765 women 1992. MEASUREMENTS BMI, dietary intake (3 d food record), physical activity and energy expenditure (self-administered questionnaire), data on smoking and educational status. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight men was 39% in 1982 and 43% in 1992, and of women 33% and 34%, respectively. In 1992, the reported daily energy intake was 1203 kJ lower in men, and 711 kJ lower in women, compared with 1982 (P < 0.001). When suspected underreporters (energy intake less than 1.28 x BMR) were excluded, the decrease in reported energy intake was only 519 kJ (men) and 347 kJ (women) (P < 0.01). In 1992, the total physical activity level was 3.0% lower in men (P = 0.002), but only 0.6% lower in women (P = 0.18). Between 1982 and 1992, energy expenditure during work (P < 0.03) and during moving to and from work (P < 0.002) decreased. In contrast, energy expenditure during leisure-time exercise activity increased in men (+113 kJ/d) and in women (+146 kJ/d) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Underreporting may explain a major part of the observed decrease in reported energy intake in 1992. The decreased energy expenditure during work was not counterbalanced by increased leisure-time physical exercise.
Short and long-term evolutionary dynamics of subtelomeric piRNA clusters in Drosophila

Abstract Two Telomeric Associated Sequences, TAS-R and TAS-L, form the principal subtelomeric repeat families identified in Drosophila melanogaster. They are PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) clusters involved in repression of Transposable Elements. In this study, we revisited TAS structural and functional dynamics in D. melanogaster and in related species. In silico analysis revealed that TAS-R family members are composed of previously uncharacterized domains. This analysis also showed that TAS-L repeats are composed of arrays of a region we have named “TAS-L like” (TLL) identified specifically in one TAS-R family member, X-TAS. TLL were also present in other species of the melanogaster subgroup. Therefore, it is possible that TLL represents an ancestral subtelomeric piRNA core-cluster. Furthermore, all D. melanogaster genomes tested possessed at least one TAS-R locus, whereas TAS-L can be absent. A screen of 110 D. melanogaster lines showed that X-TAS is always present in flies living in the wild, but often absent in long-term laboratory stocks and that natural populations frequently lost their X-TAS within 2 years upon lab conditioning. Therefore, the unexpected structural and temporal dynamics of subtelomeric piRNA clusters demonstrated here suggests that genome organization is subjected to distinct selective pressures in the wild and upon domestication in the laboratory.
Postoperative Stroke After Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture: A Report of 2 Cases and Review of Literature

Introduction Femoral neck fractures in the elderly comprise a significant number of orthopedic surgical cases at a major trauma center. These patients are immediately incapacitated, and surgical fixation can help increase mobility, restore independence, and reduce morbidity and mortality. However, operative treatment carries its own inherent risks including infections, deep vein thromboses, and intraoperative cardiovascular collapse. Cerebrovascular stroke is a relatively uncommon occurrence after hip fractures. Methods We present 2 cases with unusual postoperative medical complication after cemented hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture that will serve to illustrate an infrequent but very serious complication. Results Case 1 was a 73-year-old man with a Garden IV femoral neck fracture who underwent a right hip unipolar cemented hemiarthroplasty under general anesthesia. After uneventful surgery, he developed neurological deficits, and a postoperative noncontrast head computed tomography showed a right medial thalamic infarct. Case 2 was an 82-year-old man with a Garden IV femoral neck fracture who underwent a right hip unipolar cemented hemiarthroplasty under general anesthesia. After uneventful surgery, the patient became hemodynamically unstable. A postoperative noncontrast head computed tomography showed a large evolving left middle cerebral artery stroke. Conclusions General anesthesia in the setting of decreased cardiac function (decreased ejection fraction and output) carries the risk for ischemic injury to the brain from decreased cerebral perfusion. Risk factors including advanced age, history of coronary artery disease, atherosclerotic disease, and atrial fibrillation increase the risk for perioperative stroke. Furthermore, it is known that during the cementing of implants, microemboli can be released, which must be considered in patients with preoperative heart disease. As a result, consideration of using a noncemented implant or cementing without pressurizing in this clinical scenario should be an important aspect of the preoperative plan in an at-risk patient. Further studies are needed that can elucidate a causal relationship.