Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Source Code Optimization for Interpreted Languages using State Models

The paper is devoted to code optimization techniques with respect to various criteria. Code optimization is well studied for compiled languages; however, interpreted languages can also benefit when using optimization approaches. We provide a work in progress of how the code optimization can be effectively performed for the applications developed with the use of interpreted languages. Methods and techniques proposed in the paper rely on the use of formal models, and in particular state models. We propose some code optimization based on two different state models, namely weighted tree automata, and extended finite automata. The problem of extraction of such models is known to be hard, and in both cases we provide some recommendations of how such models can be derived for a code in an interpreted language. All the optimization techniques proposed in the paper are followed by corresponding illustrative examples.
Surface structure of liquid metals and the effect of capillary waves: X-ray studies on liquid indium

We report x-ray reflectivity ~XR! and small-angle off-specular diffuse-scattering ~DS! measurements from the surface of liquid indium close to its melting point of 156 °C. From the XR measurements we extract the surface structure factor convolved with fluctuations in the height of the liquid surface. We present a model to describe DS that takes into account the surface structure factor, thermally excited capillary waves, and the experimental resolution. The experimentally determined DS follows this model with no adjustable parameters, allowing the surface structure factor to be deconvolved from the thermally excited height fluctuations. The resulting local electron-density profile displays exponentially decaying surface-induced layering similar to that previously reported for Ga and Hg. We compare the details of the local electron-density profiles of liquid In, which is a nearly free-electron metal, and liquid Ga, which is considerably more covalent and shows directional bonding in the melt. The oscillatory density profiles have comparable amplitudes in both metals, but surface layering decays over a length scale of 3.560. 6 A for In and 5.5 60.4 A for Ga. Upon controlled exposure to oxygen, no oxide monolayer is formed on the liquid In surface, unlike the passivating film formed on liquid gallium. @S0163-1829~99! 11701-6#
The Proteasome Is Involved in the First Metaphase-to-Anaphase Transition of Meiosis in Rat Oocytes1

Abstract The proteasome engages in protein degradation as a regulatory process in biological transactions. Among other cellular processes, the proteasome participates in degradation of ubiquinated cyclins in mitosis. However, its role in meiosis has not been established. Resumption of meiosis in the oocyte involves the activation of maturation promoting factor (MPF), a complex of p34cdc2 and cyclin B. Inactivation of this factor, occurring between the two meiotic divisions, is associated with degradation of cyclin B. In this study, we examined the possible involvement of the proteasome in regulation of the exit from metaphase I in spontaneously maturing rat oocytes. We found that upon resumption of meiosis, proteasomes translocate to the spindle apparatus. We further demonstrated that specific inhibitors of proteasome catalytic activity, MG132 and lactacystin, blocked polar body extrusion. Chromosome and microtubule fluorescent staining verified that MG132-treated oocytes were arrested at metaphase I. Intervention of proteasomal action with this inhibitor also resulted in accumulation of cyclin B and elevated activity of MPF. These data demonstrate that proteasomal catalytic activity is absolutely essential for the decrease in MPF activity and completion of the first meiotic division. Its translocation to the spindle apparatus may facilitate the timely degradation of cyclin B.
Genetic Analysis on the Role of Integrin during Axon Guidance in Drosophila

Heterodimeric cell surface receptor integrin is widely expressed in the nervous system, but its specific role during axon development has not been directly tested in vivo. We show that theDrosophila nervous system expresses low levels of positron-specific (PS) integrin subunits αPS1, αPS2, and βPS during embryonic axogenesis. Furthermore, certain subsets of neurons express higher levels of integrin mRNAs than do the rest. Null mutations in either the αPS1 or αPS2 subunit gene cause widespread axon pathfinding errors that can be rescued by supplying the wild-type integrin subunit to the mutant nervous system. In contrast, misexpressing either the αPS1 or αPS2 integrin subunit in all neurons leads to no obvious axon pathfinding errors. We propose that integrin does not itself serve as either a “clutch” constituting molecule or a specific growth cone “receptor,” as proposed previously, but rather as part of a molecular network that cooperatively guarantees accurate axon guidance.
Genetic Approaches to the Study of Aging

Can mouse genetics teach us enough about the biology of aging to guide the search for anti‐aging medicines that can delay late‐life illness? Recent progress gives reason for optimism, with new data showing that changes in single genes can extend average and maximal life span by 40%. Mice with these genetic variants remain healthy, active, and cognitively intact at average ages that correspond to 110–120 years of human life span. Multiple lines of evidence now point to a hormone, IGF‐I, as a key influence on life span, with low IGF‐I levels associated with extended longevity in multiple model systems. The goal of this research is not gene therapy—we have no idea of what genes to change, how to change them, or what harm such changes might do—but instead to use insights from the cell biology and endocrinology of genetically long‐lived mice and other species to help develop drugs that manipulate aging and thus postpone the many diseases and disabilities that are typically troublesome in old age. The complete conquest of cancer or heart disease would each lead to an increase of a mere∼3% in mean life span in humans, i.e. about a tenth of what can be accomplished, today, in laboratory animals of delayed aging. In this context the paltry commitment to research in biological gerontology (six cents per $100 of NIH funding, for example) seems worth reconsideration.
The Ras/cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway Regulates an Early Step of the Autophagy Process in Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

When faced with nutrient deprivation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells enter into a nondividing resting state, known as stationary phase. The Ras/PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase) signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating the entry into this resting state and the subsequent survival of stationary phase cells. The survival of these resting cells is also dependent upon autophagy, a membrane trafficking pathway that is induced upon nutrient deprivation. Autophagy is responsible for targeting bulk protein and other cytoplasmic constituents to the vacuolar compartment for their ultimate degradation. The data presented here demonstrate that the Ras/PKA signaling pathway inhibits an early step in autophagy because mutants with elevated levels of Ras/PKA activity fail to accumulate transport intermediates normally associated with this process. Quantitative assays indicate that these increased levels of Ras/PKA signaling activity result in an essentially complete block to autophagy. Interestingly, Ras/PKA activity also inhibited a related process, the cytoplasm to vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway that is responsible for the delivery of a subset of vacuolar proteins in growing cells. These data therefore indicate that the Ras/PKA signaling pathway is not regulating a switch between the autophagy and Cvt modes of transport. Instead, it is more likely that this signaling pathway is controlling an activity that is required during the early stages of both of these membrane trafficking pathways. Finally, the data suggest that at least a portion of the Ras/PKA effects on stationary phase survival are the result of the regulation of autophagy activity by this signaling pathway.
Genetic length polymorphisms create size variation in proline-rich proteins of the cell wall.

Two genes, Prp1 and Prp2, encode proline-rich proteins that are found in different stages of developing seed coats, hypocotyls, and roots of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ). PRP1 is found in young seed coats and PRP2 is found later during seed desiccation. In some soybean varieties, both proteins are smaller as determined by immunoblotting seed coat proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It was found that Prp1 and Prp2 genes are linked to each other by testing seed coat protein extracts from an F2 population of a cross between the cultivar Richland, which exhibits the larger PRP proteins, and Blackhawk, which has the smaller PRP proteins. The Prp1 and Prp2 genes were separated by approximately 13% recombination. Simultaneous expression of soluble PRP2 polypeptides in the maternal seed coat and underlying aleurone layer of the embryo was found. The molecular basis for the size difference between the two varieties was examined using polymerase chain reaction to isolate the Prp genes from Blackhawk, the variety that exhibited the smaller proteins. Both of the genes from Blackhawk contained length polymorphisms that result in omission of some of the repeat units (pro pro val tyr lys) from the proteins. In Prp1, there were two separate deletions in different parts of the gene, each being two tandem repeats in length. In Prp2, there was only one deletion of two tandem repeats. These deletions occur within the coding regions in a manner that conserves the reading frame. The results are the first description of genetic variation in cell wall proteins and its molecular basis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Potential Mechanisms and Functions of Intermittent Neural Synchronization

Neural synchronization is believed to play an important role in different brain functions. Synchrony in cortical and subcortical circuits is frequently variable in time and not perfect. Few long intervals of desynchronized dynamics may be functionally different from many short desynchronized intervals although the average synchrony may be the same. Recent analysis of imperfect synchrony in different neural systems reported one common feature: neural oscillations may go out of synchrony frequently, but primarily for a short time interval. This study explores potential mechanisms and functional advantages of this short desynchronizations dynamics using computational neuroscience techniques. We show that short desynchronizations are exhibited in coupled neurons if their delayed rectifier potassium current has relatively large values of the voltage-dependent activation time-constant. The delayed activation of potassium current is associated with generation of quickly-rising action potential. This “spikiness” is a very general property of neurons. This may explain why very different neural systems exhibit short desynchronization dynamics. We also show how the distribution of desynchronization durations may be independent of the synchronization strength. Finally, we show that short desynchronization dynamics requires weaker synaptic input to reach a pre-set synchrony level. Thus, this dynamics allows for efficient regulation of synchrony and may promote efficient formation of synchronous neural assemblies.
Chronobiology of Alcohol: From Chronokinetics to Alcohol-related Alterations of the Circadian System

The development of concepts in chronobiology is intimately linked to studies on alcohol, as a number of these are based on chronobiological variations observed in the metabolism of ethanol. This concerns circadian differences in its metabolism (chronokinetics) and effects (chronoefficacy and chronotoxicity) and also inherent circadian rhythmicity in the sensitivity of target organs to its effects (chronesthesy). Chronobiologic discoveries are also fertile grounds for understanding the biological and psychotropic effects of alcohol. Confusing effects, which are difficult to explain by conventional homeostatic theory, are easy to understand when considered in the context of the concepts of chronopharmacology, and thereby uncovering new pathways of investigation. Beyond the studies that have elucidated the rhythm-dependent variation in ethanol, chronobiology is opening new explanatory pathways concerning the attributes of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome and effects of alcohol on the development of the central nervous system, particularly the development of the internal clock, and on the alcohol-dependency syndrome. The concepts of chronopharmacology and chronotoxicology are of equal importance to the fields of occupational medicine and industry medicine.
Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: a meta-analysis.

CONTEXT It is well established that maternal prenatal and postpartum depression is prevalent and has negative personal, family, and child developmental outcomes. Paternal depression during this period may have similar characteristics, but data are based on an emerging and currently inconsistent literature. OBJECTIVE To describe point estimates and variability in rates of paternal prenatal and postpartum depression over time and its association with maternal depression. DATA SOURCES Studies that documented depression in fathers between the first trimester and the first postpartum year were identified through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Google Scholar, dissertation abstracts, and reference lists for the period between January 1980 and October 2009. STUDY SELECTION Studies that reported identified cases within the selected time frame were included, yielding a total of 43 studies involving 28 004 participants after duplicate reports and data were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION Information on rates of paternal and maternal depression, as well as reported paternal-maternal depressive correlations, was extracted independently by 2 raters. Effect sizes were calculated using logits, which were back-transformed and reported as proportions. Random-effects models of event rates were used because of significant heterogeneity. Moderator analyses included timing, measurement method, and study location. Study quality ratings were calculated and used for sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots and the Egger method. DATA SYNTHESIS Substantial heterogeneity was observed among rates of paternal depression, with a meta-estimate of 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5%-12.7%). Higher rates of depression were reported during the 3- to 6-month postpartum period (25.6%; 95% CI, 17.3%-36.1%). The correlation between paternal and maternal depression was positive and moderate in size (r = 0.308; 95% CI, 0.228-0.384). No evidence of significant publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal and postpartum depression was evident in about 10% of men in the reviewed studies and was relatively higher in the 3- to 6-month postpartum period. Paternal depression also showed a moderate positive correlation with maternal depression.
Gradient approximation in retinal blood vessel segmentation

Image segmentation is one of the major research domains in several applications including retinal blood vessel segmentation, which is an active research area. Vasculature structure analysis is an interesting and effective method for disease detection and analysis. In this work, a gradient-based blood vessel segmentation technique is proposed to assist retinal image analysis and to extract the retinal vessels. Edge detection is considered one of the major steps in the present work to characterize the boundaries. Itis used to reduce the unusual information and to preserve the necessary structural information. Various filters are constructed to gradient computation and edge detection. In the current work, a new method along with a new filter (kernel) has been proposed to detect edges efficiently. The results are compared with some well-known kernels. The proposed approach achieved Pratt Score 99.1536 value, which outperformed the corresponding values obtained by the other standard edge detectors, namely Sobel, Prewitt, Canny, and Robert's.
Security Framework to Ensure the Confidentiality of Outsourced Data in Public Cloud Storage

Cloud makes data storage very smart. It provides enormous amount of space to store the user’s data. These data are instantly available for the users at any time and it reduces the cost with respect to hardware support, technical experts available and license of the database. It leverages the small and medium scale enterprise straight away to start their business. Nevertheless cloud has many advantages; enterprises are undecided to deploy their data in the cloud storage, because data security issue is the top concern in Cloud Storage (CS). Security issues arose from the attack of cloud data by the hackers. Hackers are either outsiders from the enterprises or insiders from cloud service providers. This paper considers the issue that the CS is attacked by insiders from the cloud service provider. To protect this attack, this paper proposes the data confidentiality framework called AROMO. As per the proposed framework, user’s data are protected in the Cloud Storage. The proposed framework has a mechanism which uses two techniques to protect the data that are encryption and obfuscation. The data are encrypted and obfuscated before it is uploaded to CS. A metadata is maintained in the client. It contains the details of encryption and obfuscation applied on the data. To retrieve data from the CS, query is generated to run on encrypted and obfuscated data on the server side. Based on the query from the client, required data is fetched out from the CS; it could be decrypted and deobfuscated in client side based on the metadata details.
CHALLENGES IN EDUCATION OF TOUR GUIDES AND TOUR MANAGERS

The following article examines different educational systems for tour guides in Slovenia as well as abroad. Based on the survey carried out among tour guides and tours managers in Slovenia their opinion on the usefulness of knowledge gained in the process, their viewpoint on the current form of education and the level of difficulty of obtaining a license for a tour guide or tour manager was investigated. In addition, their viewpoint on proposed new contents and forms of education was examined. Finally, a two-way system of education for tour guides, i.e. professional tour guides and part-time tour guides and tour managers, was proposed. Sažetak Članak istražuje različite obrazovne sustave za turističke vodiče u Sloveniji, kao i inozemstvu. Na temelju ankete provedene među vodičima i turističkim pratiteljima u Sloveniji istraživali smo njihovo mišljenje o korisnosti znanja stečena u procesu, njihova gledišta o trenutnom obliku obrazovanja i razinu težine dobivanja dozvole za vodiča ili turističkih pratitelja. Osim toga pregledano je njihovo stajalište o predloženim novim sadržajima i oblicima obrazovanja. U konačnici predložen je, dvosmjerni sustav obrazovanja, profesionalnog turističkog vodiča, odnosno skraćeno radno vrijeme turističkog vodiča i turističkog pratitelja.
Comparison of Paravertebral Block with Spinal Anaesthesia in Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair

Aims: Comparison paravertebral block with subarachanoid block in unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Objective: Evaluation of efficacy of spinal anaesthesia & Paravertebral block in unilateral inguinal hernia repair with respect to postoperative analgesia, ambulation, perioperative and postoperative complication. Method: Sixty (ASA) I-II patients between 18-60 years with unilateral inguinal hernia were enrolled for study, and statistical analyses was done. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 30 patients in each: Group S, spinal anaesthesia and Group P, paravertebral block. Standard monitoring was done, and mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded during the procedure. Demographic variables, surgical data, patient satisfaction, the onset time to reach T10 dermatome to reach peak sensory level, & modified Bromage 3 motor block recorded. Postoperative nausea, vomiting and pain at postoperative hours 0-24 with visual analog scale measured. Results: Compared to preanaesthesia measurements, decrease in HR and MAP during 10th-90th minute was significant in Group S In Group P, sensory block duration time was higher, whereas motor block was higher in Group S. In Group P there was a need to supplement Inj. Propofol, due to partial or inadequate block. Bromage scores were significantly different between the groups. Time required and drug volume to achieve block was higher in Group P. Conclusion: Subarachnoid block is better than Paravertebral block for unilateral inguinal hernia surgery in terms of time required for performing the procedure, efficacy, patient comfort & surgeons satisfaction.
Fibrinogen geneva II: a new congenitally abnormal fibrinogen alpha chain (Gly17Asp) with a review of similar mutations resulting in abnormal knob A

Congenital dysfibrinogenemias are characterized by biosynthesis of a structurally abnormal fibrinogen molecule that exhibits reduced functional levels compared with the level of fibrinogen antigen. To date a large number of mutations have been identified in patients with dysfibrinogenemia. Mutations occurring at the thrombin cleavage site (Arg16-Gly17 in the mature alpha-chain) at the amino-terminal end of the fibrinogen alpha chain are a common cause of the disease. These mutations causing abnormal fibrin polymerization are associated with different phenotypes. Here, we report the identification of a novel heterozygous missense mutation of Glycine 17 (Gly17Asp) in a female patient with mild bleeding manifestations, and compare it with other previously reported mutations also resulting in abnormal knob A.
Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: postoperative neurologic follow‐up and evaluation of life quality

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an effective and safe treatment in hemifacial spasm (HFS). Postoperative evaluations are usually made by neurosurgeons. Follow‐up studies performed by neurologists and postoperative quality of life (QoL) investigations are lacking. All 25 HFS patients operated with MVD in our centre between 2000 and 2004 were evaluated with the recently validated HFS‐7 scheme, extended with the item ’sleep disturbance due to HFS’ (HFS‐8). The patients underwent a careful neurological examination median 3 years after the operation. The evaluation focused on clinical aspects, changes in blood pressure and time until observable effect of MVD. The evaluation of HFS‐7 questionnaire and the extended form (HFS‐8) showed significant improvement in QoL after MVD. Neurological outcome was in almost all cases excellent or good. Eleven (44%) patients had no neurological deficits at all. Only one patient had serious complications with ipsilateral facial palsy, deafness, balance problems and vertigo. The other patients had minor neurological findings or symptoms. Eighteen (72%) patients experienced early effect within 3 months after MVD; seven (28%) patients had late effect between 6 and 14 months. Median age of the patients with late effect (62.6 years) was significantly higher than in those with early effect (52.7 years).