Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transition scheduling in (multiclass real-time database systems

The issue of priority assignment is addressed, in firm multiclass real-time database systems (RTDBSs) where classes are distinguished by their mean sizes. It is shown that the earliest deadline scheduling principle, upon which a number of existing priority assignment policies are based, discriminates significantly against longer transactions. This observation has motivated the development of a novel dynamic priority assignment scheme that improves the chances for long transactions to meet their time constraints, thereby providing a fairer mechanism for use in multiclass RTDBS transaction scheduling. <<ETX>>
Effects of Bupleurum falcatum and its combination with an angiotensin II receptor blocker on cytokine and chemokine expression in human mesangial cells

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Bupleurum falcatum and its combination with angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) on cytokine and chemokine production in cultured human mesangial cells. Human mesangial cells were isolated and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium culture medium. Bupleurum falcatum, ARB, and the combination of the two were added to human mesangial cells. Cytokine and chemokine levels were analysed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. There were no significant differences in the expression of IL‐1ß, IL‐2 or TNF‐a between controls and the experimental groups. However, IL‐11 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels were significantly reduced in response to ARB, Bupleurum falcatum, or their combination when compared with controls. IL‐8 expression was reduced significantly only in cells treated with ARB. Both Bupleurum falcatum and ARB treatments alone reduced the cytokine concentration, but there was not a stronger reduction when the two drugs were combined. It was shown that Bupleurum falcatum inhibited cytokine production in human mesangial cells. However, there were no additive effects on the suppression of cytokine production when Bupleurum falcatum was combined with ARB. Further studies are needed to elucidate the renoprotective effects of Bupleurum falcatum. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IF estimation of FM signals based on time-frequency image

This paper addresses the problem of estimating the instantaneous frequency (IF) of multicomponent radar signals, which are assumed to be frequency-modulated (FM). The difficulties lie in that different FM components which overlap in time-frequency (TF) domain have different time-supports, and their spectral contents may present continuous and stepped IF laws. We propose an IF estimation algorithm by exploiting the combination of TF distributions (TFDs) and image processing techniques. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate desirable capabilities of the proposed algorithm.
A Tropical Influence on Global Climate

Abstract A potential influence of tropical sea surface temperature on the global climate response to a doubling of the CO2 concentration is tested using an atmospheric general circulation model coupled to a slab mixed layer ocean. The warming is significantly reduced when sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific cold tongue region between latitudes 2.25°N and 2.25°S are held at the control simulation values. Warming of the global mean temperature outside of the cold tongue region is reduced from 2.4°C in the unconstrained case to 1.9°C when the sea surface temperature constraint is applied. The decrease in the warming results from a positive net heat flux into the ocean cold tongue region and implicit heat storage in the subsurface ocean, induced by horizontal atmospheric heat fluxes. The reduced surface temperature warming outside of the cold tongue region is due to reduction in the downward longwave radiative flux at the surface, caused in turn by reduced atmospheric temperature and mo.
Self-Directed Learning in the Workplace.

The paper explores the concept of self-directed learning (SDL) in the workplace. This paper introduces a definition and argument for the importance of SDL, presents conditions that promote SDL, and suggests how future issues and implications should be applied for greater understanding and utilization of SDL in the workplace. The significance of the paper is the relationship between organizational context and learning when SDL and the learning organization are linked.
A :20piano movers' '

As has been pointed out [Schwartz &amp; Sharir, 1983b], various problems of motion planning can be expressed as cylindrical algebraic decompositions [Collins, 1975; Arnon et al., 1984]. The purpose of this note is to discuss a particularly simple such problem, and show what actually happens during the decomposition (as far as we could take it). There is no pretence at originality, except perhaps in the conclusions.
Projection of point cloud for basic object detection

Point cloud represents the set of measured points. Several methods for point cloud projection have already been proposed. These methods process measured points without angle rotation. We, however, believe that rotations of measurement points simplify whole object detection process. We propose to unfold a measured point cloud of indoor 3D space into single plane with preservation of height dimension. For unfolding of measured points we are using a suitable rotation matrix. This simplification allows to use a simpler methods for object detection. Described algorithm has been verified on several examples - indoor rooms.
Role of ubenimex as an anticancer drug and its synergistic effect with Akt inhibitor in human A375 and A2058 cells

Background Malignant melanoma (MM) is a malignant tumor produced by changes in melanocytes in the skin or other organs. In the classification of skin tumor mortality, skin melanoma ranks the highest. Ubenimex, an Aminopeptidase N (APN) inhibitor, is now widely used for cancer as an adjunct therapy, conferring antitumor effects. Apoptosis and the induction of autophagy have both been found to be closely associated with tumor cell death. Methods In this study, the A375 and A2058 cell lines were treated with ubenimex. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Apoptosis and autophagic cell death were assessed using flow cytometry and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Protein expression was assessed by Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence. Matrigel invasion and migration assays were used to examine the metastatic ability of melanoma cells. Results The results revealed that ubenimex inhibited the expression of APN in melanoma cells, which may be connected with the inhibition of metastasis. In addition, it increased melanoma cell death by inducing apoptosis and autophagic cell death. This effect was accompanied by increased levels of p-JNK. Moreover, treatment with ubenimex induced protective Akt activation, and combined use of an Akt inhibitor with ubenimex provided a better effect for inducing tumor cell death. Conclusion As an effective anti-tumor drug in vitro, ubenimex might be an excellent adjunctive therapy for the treatment of melanoma, with greater effects when combined with the use of an Akt inhibitor.
Pricing Decision after Online Channel Introduction

Online channel can provide a chance for manufacturer to increase sales and reduce cost. Based on the consideration of the acceptance difference of online channel for consumers, we discuss the dual pricing problem after online channel introduction for the channel structure of single manufacturer and retailer. Some results are derived: Online channel will help retailer reduce retail price and increase sales. When the acceptance degree of online channel is high enough, online channel can increase profit for the manufacturer. The best pricing strategy for the manufacturer is to set a reasonable wholesale price and direct price in order to ensure no sale online. When the proportion of consumers with high acceptance degree on online channel is big, online channel can benefit the manufacturer and retailer at the same time if the acceptance degree of online channel is high enough.
Whole-Cell Immunolocalization of Nitrogenase in Marine Diazotrophic Cyanobacteria, Trichodesmiumspp

ABSTRACT The mechanism by which planktonic marine cyanobacteria of the genusTrichodesmium fix N2 aerobically during photosynthesis without heterocysts is unknown. As an aid in understanding how these species protect nitrogenase, we have developed an immunofluorescence technique coupled to light microscopy (IF-LM) with which intact cyanobacteria can be immunolabeled and the distribution patterns of nitrogenase and other proteins can be described and semiquantified. Chilled ethanol was used to fix the cells, which were subsequently made permeable to antibodies by using dimethyl sulfoxide. Use of this technique demonstrated that about 3 to 20 cells (mean ± standard deviation, 9 ± 4) consecutively arranged in a Trichodesmium trichome were labeled with the nitrogenase antibody. The nitrogenase-containing cells were distributed more frequently around the center of the trichome and were rarely found at the ends. On average 15% of over 300 randomly encountered cells examined contained nitrogenase. The percentage of nitrogenase-containing cells (nitrogenase index [NI]) in an exponential culture was higher early in the light period than during the rest of the light-dark cycle, while that for a stationary culture was somewhat constant at a lower level throughout the light-dark cycle. The NI was not affected by treatment of the cultures with the photosynthetic inhibitor dichloro 1,3′-dimethyl urea or with low concentrations of ammonium (NH4Cl). However, incubation of cultures with 0.5 μM NH4Cl over 2 days reduced the NI. The IF technique combined with 14C autoradiography showed that the CO2 fixation rate was lower in nitrogenase-containing cells. The results of the present study suggest that (i) the IF-LM technique may be a useful tool for in situ protein localization in cyanobacteria, (ii) cell differentiation occurs inTrichodesmium and only a small fraction of cells in a colony have the potential to fix nitrogen, (iii) the photosynthetic activity (CO2 uptake) is reduced if not absent in N2-fixing cells, and (iv) variation in the NI may be a modulator of nitrogen-fixing activity.
Depression and bone mineral density in a community sample of perimenopausal women: Geelong Osteoporosis Study

Objective: Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in women with a history of depressive disorders has been shown in some, but not all studies. This study investigated the association between self-reported depression and BMD in an age-stratified community sample of perimenopausal women residing in the South-Eastern region of Australia. Design: Symptoms of depression in the year between July 2000 and July 2001 were ascertained by a self-report questionnaire based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Women in the perimenopausal group who had undergone a BMD total hip and spine assessment within the 12-month period after the depression assessment were included in the analysis, resulting in a sample of 78 women aged 45 to 60 years. Results: In this sample, 14 women were identified as depressed. There was no difference in age, hormone therapy (HT) use, or unadjusted BMD at the total hip or spine between the depressed and nondepressed women (P = 0.14, 0.89, 0.57, and 0.70, respectively), but the depressed women tended to be heavier [depressed (median weight, interquartile range = 80 kg, 66-94) vs nondepressed (72 kg, 61-80) P = 0.06]. Whereas there was no significant difference in age-, HT-, and weight-adjusted BMD at the spine [depressed (mean ± SE = 1.21 ± 0.05) vs nondepressed (1.28 ± 0.03 g/cm2) P = 0.18], adjusted BMD at the total hip for the depressed women was 7.8% lower than for the nondepressed [depressed (mean ± SE = 0.957 ± 0.038) vs nondepressed (1.038 ± 0.023 g/cm2) P = 0.04]. Conclusions: These results suggest that in perimenopausal women, self-reported depression is associated with lower BMD at the hip.
Interspecific effects between Moniliformis (Acanthocephala), Hymenolepis (Cestoda) and Nippostrongylus (Nematoda) in the laboratory rat

Rats harbouring 35-day-old primary infections of Moniliformis moniliformis and Hymenolepis diminuta were inoculated with equal doses of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and were autopsied 10 days later. Significant reductions were found in the dry weight of Moniliformis and Hymenolepis and in the numbers of Nippostrongylus recovered compared with single infections. Similarly, in infections with two parasites, the numbers of Nippostrongylus were reduced when concurrent with Moniliformis and the dry weights of Moniliformis and Hymenolepis decreased in the presence of each other. A comparison of the concurrent infections themselves revealed that Moniliformis weighed significantly less in the presence of Hymenolepis than in the three parasite infections. Parasite interactions and their possible mechanism are discussed and comparisons are made with the relevant single infection for each parasite.
Outer membrane protein A of Escherichia coli contributes to invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells

Escherichia coli is the most common gram-negative bacteria causing meningitis during the neonatal period, but is unclear what microbial factors mediate traversal of E. coli across the blood-brain barrier. Outer membrane protein A (OmpA), a highly conserved 35-kDa protein, was examined for its role in E. coli K1 invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC). The invasive capability of the OmpA+ strains was 25- to 50-fold greater than that of OmpA- strains, and the invasive capability of OmpA- strains was restored to the level of the OmpA+ strain by complementation with the OmpA+ E. coli into BMEC. Two short synthetic peptides (a hexamer, Asn-27-Glu-32, and a pentamer, Gly-65-Asn-69) generated from the N-terminal amino acid sequence of OmpA exhibited significant inhibition of OmpA+ E. coli invasion, suggesting that these two sequences represent the OmpA domains involved in E. coli invasion of BMEC. These findings suggest that OmpA is the first microbial structure identified to enhance E. coli invasion of BMEC, an important event in the pathogenesis of E. coli meningitis.
Auditory Properties in the Parabelt Regions of the Superior Temporal Gyrus in the Awake Macaque Monkey: An Initial Survey

The superior temporal gyrus (STG) is on the inferior–lateral brain surface near the external ear. In macaques, 2/3 of the STG is occupied by an auditory cortical region, the “parabelt,” which is part of a network of inferior temporal areas subserving communication and social cognition as well as object recognition and other functions. However, due to its location beneath the squamous temporal bone and temporalis muscle, the STG, like other inferior temporal regions, has been a challenging target for physiological studies in awake-behaving macaques. We designed a new procedure for implanting recording chambers to provide direct access to the STG, allowing us to evaluate neuronal properties and their topography across the full extent of the STG in awake-behaving macaques. Initial surveys of the STG have yielded several new findings. Unexpectedly, STG sites in monkeys that were listening passively responded to tones with magnitudes comparable to those of responses to 1/3 octave band-pass noise. Mapping results showed longer response latencies in more rostral sites and possible tonotopic patterns parallel to core and belt areas, suggesting the reversal of gradients between caudal and rostral parabelt areas. These results will help further exploration of parabelt areas.
The performance of the microbial fuel cell-coupled constructed wetland system and the influence of the anode bacterial community

ABSTRACT In order to analyse the influences of substrate and electrode on the performance of microbial fuel cell-coupled constructed wetland (CW-MFC), the electrical generation efficiencies, the decolourization mechanism of reactive brilliant red X-3B, and the microbial communities in the anode were investigated. The closed circuit reactor fed with a mixture of X-3B and glucose (166.7 mg/L X-3B and 140 mg/L glucose) (the mixture CC reactor) got a decolourization rate of 92.79%, which was higher than the open circuit reactor (the mixture OC reactor) and the reactor fed with X-3B (the X-3B reactor). The mixture CC reactor got a maximum power density of 0.200 W/m3, which was much higher than the X-3B reactor. The intermediates produced by X-3B decolourization were further degraded in CW-MCs. The PCR-denatured gradient gel electrophoresis analysis indicated the dominance of Proteobacteria-like 16S rRNA gnen sequences. The brightest band was detected to be dominant by a Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens-like sequence. The electrogenic bacteria-associated sequences, such as Geobacter metallireducens and Desulfobulbaceae, both existed in the closed circuit and the open circuit reactors, accompanied with Desulfobacterium sp. , Klebsiella sp. , Aminobacter sp. , Flavobacterium sp. , Thauera aromatic, and Sphingomonas sp. The abundances of Geobacter sulfurreducens and Betaproteobacteria in the mixture CC reactor were 32.2% and 7.2%, respectively, and were higher than those in the mixture OC reactor. In summary, substrate and electrode can promote the performance of the CW-MFC and have effects on the microbial community in the anode of the CW-MFC.
Populations dynamics in sizes of wild Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) during the last decade in Armenia

This paper reports the results of five consecutive years of field studies conducted in Armenia from 20072011 to 1) study native populations’ habitats physical features, Melissa officinalis L. , 2) assess the growth pattern and dynamics in populations’ sizes 3) identify the impact of certain habitat features on the population growth pattern. Field studies and eco-geographic surveys in respect with Maxted (1995) methodology were conducted to examine M. officinalis L. populations’ ecology. Researches exposed populations either expanding or dwindling in their sizes in different regions of Armenia. Certain habitat and environmental factors are identified as crucial for a population growth pattern over the study years. The study is essential for assessing M. officinalis L. populations’ vulnerability towards environmental deterioration and climate change impacts. This research provides a baseline dataset that can be used for the development of further conservation strategies of this important medicinal and culinary species in Armenia.
Interference Neutralization vs Clean Relaying in Cognitive Radio Networks with Secrecy

In this paper we study cognitive radio networks with secrecy constraints on the primary transmission. In particular we consider several transmission schemes for the secondary transmitter, namely interference neutralization (IN) and cooperative jamming with and without clean relaying (CR). We derive and analyze the achievable secondary rate performance of the schemes. Furthermore we thoroughly investigate the advantages and shortcomings of these schemes through numerical simulations in a geometric model where we highlight the impact of the users’ locations and show the important difference in all schemes depending on the topology. Our results show that the secondary transmitter can successfully adapt its transmission scheme (and parameters), i.e., either IN or CR, depending on its location to maximize its rate while insuring perfect secrecy of the primary transmission.
Prognosis of mild cognitive impairment in early Parkinson disease: the Norwegian ParkWest study.

IMPORTANCE Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in Parkinson disease (PD), but the prognostic value of MCI in early PD is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the course of MCI and its progression to dementia in an incident PD cohort. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal cohort study. SETTING The Norwegian ParkWest study, an ongoing population-based study of the incidence, neurobiology, and prognosis of PD in western and southern Norway. PARTICIPANTS A population-based cohort of 182 patients with incident PD monitored for 3 years. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Serial neuropsychological tests of attention, executive function, verbal memory, and visuospatial skills were administered at baseline, 1 year, and 3 years. Patients were classified as having MCI and received a diagnosis of dementia according to published consensus criteria. RESULTS Significantly more patients with MCI than without MCI at baseline (10 of 37 [27.0%] vs 1 of 145 [0.7%]; relative risk, 39.2 [95% CI, 5.2-296.5]; P < .001) progressed to dementia during follow-up. Of those with MCI at baseline, 8 of 37 (21.6%) had MCI that reverted to normal cognition during follow-up. Mild cognitive impairment at the 1-year visit was associated with a similar progression rate to dementia (10 of 36 patients [27.8%]) and reversion rate to normal cognition (7 of 36 [19.4%]). However, among the 22 patients with persistent MCI at baseline and the 1-year visit, 10 (45.5%) developed dementia and only 2 (9.1%) had MCI that reverted to normal cognition by the end of study. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Mild cognitive impairment at PD diagnosis predicts a highly increased risk for early dementia. Repeated neuropsychological testing increases the prognostic accuracy of MCI with respect to early dementia development in PD.
A review of progress in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of brain edema.

OBJECT Brain edema resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or ischemia if uncontrolled exhausts volume reserve and leads to raised intracranial pressure and brain herniation. The basic types of edema--vasogenic and cytotoxic--were classified 50 years ago, and their definitions remain intact. METHODS In this paper the author provides a review of progress over the past several decades in understanding the pathophysiology of the edematous process and the success and failures of treatment. Recent progress focused on those manuscripts that were published within the past 5 years. RESULTS Perhaps the most exciting new findings that speak to both the control of production and resolution of edema in both trauma and ischemia are the recent studies that have focused on the newly described "water channels" or aquaporins. Other important findings relate to the predominance of cellular edema in TBI. CONCLUSIONS Significant new findings have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of brain edema; however, less progress has been made in treatment. Aquaporin water channels offer hope for modulating and abating the devastating effects of fulminating brain edema in trauma and stroke.
Provider communication about HPV vaccination: A systematic review

abstract Background. Improving HPV vaccination coverage in the US will require healthcare providers to recommend the vaccine more effectively. To inform quality improvement efforts, we systematically reviewed studies of provider communication about HPV vaccination. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and POPLINE in August 2015 to identify studies of provider communication about HPV vaccination. Results. We identified 101 qualitative and quantitative studies. Providers less often recommended HPV vaccine if they were uncomfortable discussing sex, perceived parents as hesitant, or believed patients to be low risk. Patients less often received recommendations if they were younger, male, or from racial/ethnic minorities. Despite parents' preference for unambiguous recommendations, providers often sent mixed messages by failing to endorse HPV vaccine strongly, differentiating it from other vaccines, and presenting it as an “optional” vaccine that could be delayed. Conclusion. Interventions are needed to help providers deliver effective recommendations in the complex communication environment surrounding HPV vaccination.