Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subscribe Architecture with Web Services

A publish/subscribe model, one of the current enterprise application integration techniques, is suitable for a notification architecture. A web service is a promising technology to reach the interoperation of heterogeneous environments. By merging them together, a distributed push-based architecture is introduced in this paper. This architecture is aimed to reduce unnecessary network traffic and solve bottleneck problems in the traditional pull-based architecture. By using the same service contract in the publish/subscribe model, a SOAP-based message can be directly sent from a publisher (a service provider) to all relevant subscribers (service clients) via a broker. When subscribers have no need to keep checking for new or updated data from the publisher, service response time and workload on the publisher are reduced. To proof of the concepts, two experiments on comparison between pull-based and push-based architecture are provided. Our experimental results show that the average response time and the workload are significantly minimized in the push-based architecture. Thus, the architecture can serve the future trend of thin service providers and can be applied to several urgent business situations.
An assessment on the accuracy of high precision 3D positioning using planar fiducial markers

High-accuracy remote position measurements are regarded in applications where different systems or components need to be placed in precise configurations. There are some cases in which it is impossible to define an absolute, precise reference frame and the application should rely only on relative measurements. In recent years, fiducial markers began to provide an interesting alternative to standard industrial positioning systems, which are very expensive and very difficult to integrate in various applications. This paper provides a study concerning the accuracy for measuring the position of fiducial markers and experimental results obtained using an imaging setup. This paper also presents a solution for calibrating a fiducial marker cube which extends the working space up to 360 degrees.
Estimation of Execution Time and Speedup for Bitonic Sorting in Sequential and Parallel Enviroment

The Batcher`s bitonic sorting algorithm is one of the best parallel sorting algorithms, for sorting random numbers in modern parallel machines. Load balancing property of bitonic sorting algorithm makes it unique among other parallel sorting algorithms. Contribution of bitonic sorting algorithm can be seen in various scientific and engineering applications. Research on a bitonic sorting algorithm has been reported by various researchers in order to improve up the performance of initial batcher`s bitonic sorting algorithm. In this paper, time estimation of bitonic sort algorithm is done in both sequential as well as in parallel domain.
Risk Criteria in a Stochastic Knapsack Problem

We consider an investor who wants to allocate funds among several projects. Each project is expected to yield a certain reward, and the objective is that a total reward will achieve a certain given amount, called the target. This problem is relatively easy to solve when rewards are deterministic, but may be hard in a more realistic setting when the rewards are stochastic and the investor wants to maximize the probability of attaining the target. We show that, by combining dynamic programming with a search procedure, the stochastic version of the problem can be solved relatively fast when rewards are normally distributed. The procedure is also useful for other risk criteria, which involve both the mean and the variance of the total reward.
Measurement of the tree root growth using electrical impedance spectroscopy

Repo, T. , Laukkanen, J. & Silvennoinen, R. 2005. Measurement of the tree root growth using electrical impedance spectroscopy. Silva Fennica 39(2): 159–166.The non-destructive evaluation of plant root growth is a challenge in root research. In the present study we aimed to develop electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for that purpose. Willows (Salix myrsinifolia Salisb.) were grown from cuttings in a hydroponic culture in a growth chamber. Root growth was monitored at regular intervals by a dis-placement method and compared with the EIS parameters of the plants. To measure its impedance spectrum (IS) (frequency range from 40 Hz to 340 kHz) each plant was set in a measuring cell ﬁlled with a solution of the hydroponic culture. The IS was measured using a two-electrode measuring system. A silver needle electrode was connected to the stem immediately above the immersion level and a platinum wire was placed in the solution. The measurements were repeated twice weekly for a root growth period of one month. The IS of the entity consisting of a piece of stem, roots and culture solution were modelled by means of an electric circuit consisting of two ZARC-Cole elements, one constant-phase element, and a resistor. On the plant basis, an increase in root volume by growth correlated with a reduction in the sum of resistances in the ZARC-Cole elements (mean Pearson’s correlation coefﬁcient r = –0.70). Keywords CNLS-curve ﬁtting, displacement method, distributed electric model, hydropon-ics, impedance analysis, willowAuthors’ addresses Repo, The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Research Centre, P.O. Box 68, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland; Laukkanen and Silvennoinen, University of Joensuu, Department of Physics, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland E-mail tapani.repo@metla. ﬁReceived 28 October 2004 Revised 8 February 2005 Accepted 17 March 2005
Structure-Dependent Modulation of Alpha Interferon Production by Porcine Circovirus 2 Oligodeoxyribonucleotide and CpG DNAs in Porcine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

ABSTRACT DNA sequences containing CpG motifs are recognized as immunomodulators in several species. Phosphodiester oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) representing sequences from the genome of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) have been identified as potent inducers (ODN PCV2/5) or inhibitors (ODN PCV2/1) of alpha interferon (IFN-α) production by porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (poPBMCs) in vitro. In this study, the IFN-α-inducing or -inhibitory activities of specific phosphodiester ODNs were demonstrated to be dependent on their ability to form secondary structures. When a poly(G) sequence was added to a stimulatory self-complementary ODN, high levels of IFN-α were elicited, and the induction was not dependent on pretreatment with the transfecting agent Lipofectin. In addition, the IFN-α-inducing ODN required the presence of an intact CpG dinucleotide, whereas the inhibitory activity of ODN PCV2/1 was not affected by methylation or removal of the central CpG dinucleotide. Of particular significance, the IFN-α inhibition elicited by ODN PCV2/1 was only effective against induction stimulated by DNA control inducers and not RNA control inducers, indicating activity directed to TLR9 signaling. The PCV2 genome as a whole was demonstrated to induce IFN-α in cultures of poPBMCs, and the presence of immune modulatory sequences within the genome of PCV2 may, therefore, have implications with regard to the immune evasion mechanisms utilized by PCV2.
Cryotherapeutic Topical Analgesics for Pediatric Intravenous Catheter Placement: Ice Versus Vapocoolant Spray

Objectives Intravenous catheter placement is one of the most common sources of pain for children in inpatient settings. We sought to compare the efficacy of 2 cryotherapeutic treatments for this procedure: vapocoolant spray versus topical ice pack. Methods We prospectively enrolled 95 patients, aged 9 to 18 years, in a pediatric emergency department who required intravenous (IV) catheters as part of their treatment. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive vapocoolant spray or topical ice pack for 3 minutes, before IV catheter placement. Subjects completed visual analog scale (VAS) scores for 3 time points: baseline, pretreatment with ice or spray, and IV insertion. The principal investigator and 2 physicians viewing video recordings of the procedure also completed VAS scores for observed pain levels. Visual analog scale scores were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results Although median VAS scores were similar, the change in VAS from baseline was of greater magnitude in the Painease group, indicating that it may be more effective. More subjects in the Painease group (76%) felt their treatment worked well, compared with 49% in the ice group. Physician-assigned VAS scores were lower and less variable than those of subjects. Most IV insertions were successful (83%). Conclusions Vapocoolant spray may be more effective than ice as an analgesic for IV insertion. Subjects were more satisfied with vapocoolant spray. Neither agent caused a decrease in successful IV insertion rates.
DNA methyltransferase levels and altered CpG methylation in the total genome and in the GSTP1 gene in human glioma cells transfected with sense and antisense DNA methyltransferase cDNA

This study examines the efficacy of using plasmid expression vectors containing sense and antisense DNA MTase cDNA to both up‐ and downregulate intracellular DNA MTase levels in human glioma cells. The effects of the changes in MTase levels on global genomic DNA methylation and on the methylation status of CpG dinucleotides in the GSTP1 gene were determined in a glioma cell line that overexpresses the GSTP1 gene. In cells transfected with sense DNA MTase cDNA, MTase gene transcripts increased to a maximum of 2.5‐fold at 24 h, while MTase activity increased to a maximum of 3.6‐fold at 48 h. The effects of antisense MTase cDNA transfections were less pronounced, and levels of MTase gene transcripts and enzyme activity in transfectants were decreased to only, approximately, one‐half the levels of controls. The alterations in DNA MTase expression were associated with corresponding changes in the level of global DNA methylation and in the methylation of the GSTP1 gene in the cells, however, with no detectable morphological or cytotoxic effects on the cells. No significant changes in GSTP1 gene expression were detected after the transfections, presumably because of the high levels of basal GSTP1 expression in the cells. Consequently, the p16 gene, known to be repressed transcriptionally by DNA methylation, was examined for the functional effects of the altered MTase levels. The results showed a 2‐fold decrease in p16 gene transcripts with the sense MTase transfectants, while in the MTase antisense‐transfected cells p16 transcript levels increased by 30%. Together, these results demonstrate the feasibility of using both sense and antisense DNA MTase expression vectors to regulate DNA MTase levels in glioma cells and that, over relatively short periods of time, the alterations in MTase activities are not deleterious to the cells. The system provides a model with which the role of DNA methylation in critical genes and DNA sequences can be investigated in glioma cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 77:372–381, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of electromagnetic scattering from a PCB inductor based on wavelet-Mom

Inductor is a very popular device in various circuits. A PCB (printed circuit board) inductor makes its size more compact. When the signal frequency reaches to radio or microwave bands the radiation and scattering from it must be considered. Electromagnetic scattering from a PCB inductor is studied in this paper. Combining Mom with wavelet analysis sparsifies the matrix produced in calculation, which decreases calculation time and saves the computer sources. A Coifman intervallic scarlet on [0, 1] with level 6 is constructed for evaluating the current distribution on the PCB inductor wire. The current distribution and radiation pattern of a circular PCB inductor are given finally.
Validation of a web-based predictive nomogram for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast conserving therapy.

PURPOSE IBTR! version 1.0 is a web-based tool that uses literature-derived relative risk ratios for seven clinicopathologic variables to predict ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving therapy (BCT). Preliminary testing demonstrated over-estimation in high-risk subgroups. This study uses two independent population-based datasets to create and validate a modified nomogram, IBTR! version 2.0. METHODS Cox regression modeling was performed on 7,811 patients treated with BCT at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (median follow-up, 9.4 years). Population-based hazard ratios were generated for the seven variables in the original nomogram. A modified nomogram was then tested against 664 patients from Massachusetts General Hospital (median follow-up, 9.3 years). The mean predicted and observed 10-year estimates were compared for the entire cohort and for four groups predefined by nomogram-predicted risks: group 1: less than 3%; group 2: 3% to 5%; group 3: 5% to 10%; and group 4: more than 10%. Results IBTR! version 2.0 predicted an overall 10-year IBTR estimate of 4.0% (95% CI, 3.8 to 4.2), while the observed estimate was 2.8% (95% CI, 1.6 to 4.7; P = .10). The predicted and observed IBTR estimates were: group 1 (n = 283): 2.2% versus 1.3%, P = . 40; group 2 (n = 237): 3.8% versus 3.5%, P = . 80; group 3 (n = 111): 6.7% versus 3.2%, P = . 05; and group 4 (n = 33): 12.5% versus 8.7%, P = . 50. CONCLUSION IBTR! version 2.0 is accurate in the majority of patients with a low to moderate risk of in-breast recurrence. The nomogram still overestimates risk in a minority of patients with higher risk features. Validation in a larger prospective data set is warranted.
Region‐wide and ecotype‐specific differences in demographic histories of threespine stickleback populations, estimated from whole genome sequences

We analysed 81 whole genome sequences of threespine sticklebacks from Pacific North America, Greenland and Northern Europe, representing 16 populations. Principal component analysis of nuclear SNPs grouped populations according to geographical location, with Pacific populations being more divergent from each other relative to European and Greenlandic populations. Analysis of mitogenome sequences showed Northern European populations to represent a single phylogeographical lineage, whereas Greenlandic and particularly Pacific populations showed admixture between lineages. We estimated demographic history using a genomewide coalescence with recombination approach. The Pacific populations showed gradual population expansion starting >100 Kya, possibly reflecting persistence in cryptic refuges near the present distributional range, although we do not rule out possible influence of ancient admixture. Sharp population declines ca. 14–15 Kya were suggested to reflect founding of freshwater populations by marine ancestors. In Greenland and Northern Europe, demographic expansion started ca. 20–25 Kya coinciding with the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. In both regions, marine and freshwater populations started to show different demographic trajectories ca. 8–9 Kya, suggesting that this was the time of recolonization. In Northern Europe, this estimate was surprisingly late, but found support in subfossil evidence for presence of several freshwater fish species but not sticklebacks 12 Kya. The results demonstrate distinctly different demographic histories across geographical regions with potential consequences for adaptive processes. They also provide empirical support for previous assumptions about freshwater populations being founded independently from large, coherent marine populations, a key element in the Transporter Hypothesis invoked to explain the widespread occurrence of parallel evolution across freshwater stickleback populations.
Modelling Bidispersive Local Thermal Non-Equilibrium Flow

In this work, we present a system of equations which describes non-isothermal flow in a bidispersive porous medium under conditions of local thermal non-equilibrium. The porous medium consists of macro pores, and in the solid skeleton are cracks or fissures which give rise to micro pores. The temperatures in the solid skeleton and in the fluids in the macro and micro pores are all allowed to be independent. After presenting the general model, we derive a result of universal stability, which guarantees exponential decay of the solution for all initial data. We further present a concrete example by specializing the model to the problem of thermal convection in a layer heated from below.
GM-CSF–Responsive Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Are Pivotal in Th17 Pathogenesis

Although multiple dendritic cell (DC) subsets have the potential to induce Th17 differentiation in vitro, the key DC that is critical in Th17 induction and Th17-mediated disease remains moot. In this study, we revealed that CCR2+ monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), but not conventional DCs, were critical for in vivo Th17 induction and autoimmune inflammation. Functional comparison in vitro indicated that moDCs are the most potent type of Th17-inducing DCs compared with conventional DCs and plasmacytoid DCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the importance of GM-CSF in Th17 induction and Th17-mediated disease is its endowment of moDCs to induce Th17 differentiation in vivo, although it has little effect on moDC numbers. Our findings identify the in vivo cellular targets that can be selectively manipulated to ameliorate Th17-mediated inflammatory diseases, as well as the mechanism of GM-CSF antagonism in such diseases.
Glucagon stimulation of brown adipose tissue growth and thermogenesis.

Despite long-standing observations of a whole-body thermogenic effect of glucagon, the role of glucagon in activating thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue has not often been studied. We investigated the ability of administered glucagon to produce alterations in brown adipose tissue similar to changes produced by accepted stimuli of brown fat activity: cold, norepinephrine, and overfeeding. Eighteen days of glucagon injections (1 mg/kg) to male Sprague-Dawley rats produced, relative to saline-injected controls, decreases in feed efficiency and increases in brown adipose tissue weight, protein content, DNA content, and mitochondrial mass as reflected in cytochrome oxidase activity. The observed changes were similar, though of lesser magnitude, to changes produced in these same parameters induced by administration of norepinephrine (250 micrograms/kg) for a positive control group. Four days of glucagon administration (1 mg/kg) produced increases in specific activity of cytochrome oxidase and lipoprotein lipase. After 8 days of glucagon administration, changes in whole-pad activity similar to those seen with 18 days of administration were present. Glucagon also increased whole-pad lipoprotein lipase activity after 4 and 8 days. Surgically denervated interscapular brown adipose tissue retained its ability to respond to exogenous glucagon, though the magnitude of the response was diminished. Guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP) binding to brown adipose tissue mitochondria was measured as an assessment of functional state after 5 days of glucagon (1 mg/kg). There was an increase in GDP binding relative to controls whether expressed as picomoles per milligram mitochondrial protein or nanomoles per pad. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pain caused by photodynamic therapy of skin cancer

Summary Pain resulting from photodynamic therapy (PDT) of skin cancer was investigated. The study included 69 lesions (60 patients) with different types of skin tumours or precursors. Protoporphyrin IX, which is produced by the topical application of δ‐aminolevulinic acid, was used as a photosensitizing agent. Twenty‐three of the lesions (19 patients) were examined with a fluorescence imaging system which demarcates the tumour area from the healthy skin and visualizes the contrast between the fluorescence from healthy skin and that from the tumour. EMLA® is used on all patients as part of our routine PDT protocol but despite this the major side‐effect of PDT is pain during treatment. There is a large variation in pain intensity experienced by the patients, as measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients with actinic keratoses experienced more pain than those with Bowen's disease or basal cell carcinoma. The mean VAS score was higher when treating lesions located on the head than when treating lesions on the torso or the extremities. Also, treatment of large skin areas resulted in more pain than treatment of small areas, and men experienced more pain than women. The pain experienced by the patients did not correlate with treatment dose, Fitzpatrick skin type, age or fluorescence intensity.
Dispersion of exhaled droplet nuclei in a two-bed hospital ward with three different ventilation systems.

UNLABELLED Effective ventilation in general hospital wards is important for controlling the airborne transmission of infectious respiratory diseases. Experiments have been carried out to increase our understanding of the interaction of the breathing flows of two individuals in a full-scale experimental hospital ward with three ventilation systems, i.e. mixing, downward and displacement ventilation. Two life-size breathing thermal manikins were used to simulate a source patient and a receiving patient. The exhalation jet from a bed-lying manikin was visualized using smoke. N2O was used as tracer gas to simulate the droplet nuclei exhaled by patients; and the spatial distribution of its concentrations was measured. Our experimental results show that for both mixing and downward ventilation, the exhaled jet penetrates a short distance and is diluted quickly by ventilation air. The exhaled droplet nuclei are well mixed in the ward. Bed distance does not affect the personal exposure of the receiving patient. For displacement ventilation, the exhaled jet can penetrate a long distance. A high concentration layer of exhaled droplet nuclei because of thermal stratification locking has also been observed with displacement ventilation. This work is useful for identifying an appropriate ventilation method that can remove droplet nuclei more effectively and minimize the risk of cross-infections in a hospital ward environment. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS As one of the major potential sources for infectious droplet nuclei in a hospital environment, exhalation flows of an infected patient can interact with the respiratory activities of other close individuals and with the room ventilation systems. Our latest results provide information on the penetration of exhalation jets into the ambient environment in different ventilation systems. This work is useful in identifying an appropriate and effective ventilation method for removing droplet nuclei more effectively, and thus minimizing the risk of cross-infections in hospital wards with multiple beds.
Virtual Changbai Mountain Scenery Display System Based on AR

Since climate in Changbai Mountain changes frequently and topography is complex, visitors can't enjoy the real Changbai Mountain charm sometimes. AR technology can be used to let the visitors not only enjoy the graceful of Changbai Mountain, but also understand the whole historical formation process. Compared with simple rehabilitation, this way helps visitors to understand the process of terrain intentionally. It's the first time that researchers apply AR and the virtual dynamic model to the real scene of Changbai Mountain. In this paper, we make the prototype system and build many models, such as static model, dynamic model, video model and text model. It is a leading example of combination of natural beauty and AR. Changbai Mountain with the help of science and technology is shown in front of people, so that AR technology assists the tourism industry healthy and rapid development of Changbai Mountain.