Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Earliest Due Date Scheduling Rule in Queueing Systems

We investigate a model for a general single server queueing system operating under the earliest due date scheduling rule, which can be interpreted more generally as a dynamic priority queue-discipline. We consider both preemptive resume and non preemptive disciplines within this framework. No assumptions are made about the distributions of interarrival times and service times of customers in this model, so that characterizations can be derived for arbitrary systems. The analysis depends on suitably defining the concepts of the server's workload and busy period of the system with respect to the priority classes involved. Equations are developed for the virtual waiting times of customers arriving at the system at any time t , and these imply properties of virtual lateness. In the case of an M / G /1 system, expressions for mean waiting times in transient and steady state are derived, and these are found to be analogous to the expressions derived by Cobham in the special case of static priorities. Bounds for expected waiting lime and lateness are obtained, and the increased flexibility of optimization with respect to dynamic priorities is indicated. The results in the paper extend to the case of a number of servers in parallel instead of a single server.
Captive Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) Are Commonly Infected with Helicobacter cinaedi

ABSTRACT Helicobacter cinaedi may cause proctocolitis or bacteremia in homosexual men infected with human immunodeficiency virus or occasionally in other immunocompromised hosts. There are scattered reports of H. cinaedi isolated from a variety of animal hosts, but to date only hamsters have been found to be a common natural reservoir. Microaerophillic cultures of feces from 5 of 16 asymptomatic rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) (31%) were positive for a curved gram-negative rod. A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to identify the organism as H. cinaedi. These results show that H. cinaedi frequently colonizes asymptomatic captive rhesus monkeys, which may serve as another potential reservoir for human infection.
Student writing in higher education: An academic literacies approach

ABSTRACT This article addresses the issue of student writing in higher education. It draws on the findings of an Economic and Social Research Council funded project which examined the contrasting expectations and interpretations of academic staff and students regarding undergraduate students' written assignments. It is suggested that the implicit models that have generally been used to understand student writing do not adequately take account of the importance of issues of identity and the institutional relationships of power and authority that surround, and are embedded within, diverse student writing practices across the university. A contrasting and therefore complementary perspective is used to present debates about ‘good˚s and ‘poor˚s student writing. The article outlines an ‘academic literacies˚s framework which can take account of the conflicting and contested nature of writing practices, and may therefore be more valuable for understanding student writing in today's higher education than tradition.
Silencing of E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF8 enhances ionizing radiation sensitivity of 5 medulloblastoma cells by promoting the deubiquitination of PCNA.

DNA damage response induced by ionizing radiation (IR) is an important event that involved in the sensitivity and efficiency of radiotherapy in human medulloblastoma. RNF8 is a E3 ubiquitin ligase and has key roles in the process of DNA damage and repair. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of RNF8 in the DNA damage repair induced by IR exposure in medulloblastoma cells. We found that the levels of RNF8 were significantly up-regulated by γ-ray irradiation in a dose-dependent manner in medulloblastoma cells, and colocalized with γ-H2AX, a sensitive marker of DNA double strand break induced by γ-ray radiation. RNF8 knockdown was observed to enhanced the sensitivity of IR in medulloblastoma cells, as evaluated by reduced cell survival. And the apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest of medulloblastoma cells were dramatically increased by RNF8 suppression after IR treatment. Furthermore, RNF8 inhibition didn't affect the protein levels of BRCA1, a crucial protein involved in IR-induced DNA damage repair, but significantly decreased the recruitment of BRCA1 and increased the level of γ-H2AX at DNA damage sites compared to the control. And a significant increase of OTM was observed in medulloblastoma cells treated by RNF8 shRNA after exposure to IR, indicating the effect of RNF8 on DNA damage and repair. Additionally, PCNA, a major target for Ub modification during DNA damage response, was found to be mono ubiquitinated by E3 ligase RNF8 and might contribute to the low radiosensitivity in medulloblastoma cells. Altogether, our findings may provide RNF8 as a novel target for the improvement of radiotherapy in medulloblastoma.
Environmental effects on the growth and development of eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, 1791, larvae: A modeling study

The effects of temperature. food concentration, salinity and turbidity on the growth and development of Crassosrrea 1,. •irginica larvae were inve tigated with a time-dependent mathematical model. Formulation used in the model for larval growth are based upon laboratory data. Simulation were done using temperature conditions characteri tic of Laguna Madre , Galveston Bay. Apalachicola Bay, North Inlet and Che ·apeake Bay . These simulations show that the duration of the planktonic larval phase, which is detennined by larval growth rate, decreases at lower latitudes i.n response to wanner water temperature . Also, oysters in the more southern locations have a longer spawning season during which the oyster population can produce more larvae. Simulation were done for Galveston Bay and Chesapeake Bay using idealized time series of food supply that included higher concentration in the spring. summer or fall. Additional simulations considered the effects of increased food supply in both spring and fall seasons. The results show that shifting the period of enhanced food supply from March-April to April-May, when temperatures are wanner. reduces the minimum larval pJanktonic period from 44 to 34 days. Shifting the fall bloom from Augu t-September to September-October, however, does not appreciably change the minimum larval planktonic period. The final set of simulations considered the effect of low salinity events and turbidity on the pJanktonic period of the larvae of Crassostrea virginica. By imposing a simulated low salinity (S ppt) event of one month duration in August, the larval plankconic time is increased by about 39% over normal Augusr salinities. Turbidity concentration less than 0. 1 g 11 result in slightly decreased planktonic times These model results show clearly rhe importance of ambient environmental conditions in determining the planktonic time of larvae of Cras ostrea virginica, and hence their ultimate recruitment to the adult oyster population.
Glycosidase Activities in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Lysate and Cell Culture Supernatant

To probe the potential for extracellular degradation of glycoprotein oligosaccharides in conjunction with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture, an initial characterization of several CHO cell glycosidases was performed using 4‐methylumbelliferyl substrates. CHO cell lysates contained sialidase, β‐galactosidase, β‐hexosaminidase, and fucosidase activities with pH optimums near 5.5, 4, 6, and 6.5, respectively. These glycosidase activities were also present in cell‐free supernatant samples from commercial CHO cell cultures. The sialidase activity was further characterized. In contrast to previous reports concerning mammalian sialidases, the sialidase activity in CHO cell lysate retained considerable activity at pH 7 and was very stable, with a half‐life of 57 h at 37°C. Both the Km and Vmax of CHO lysate sialidase for 2′–(4‐methylumbelliferyl)‐a‐D‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid (4MU‐NeuAc) varied with pH, and this activity was competitively inhibited by 2, 3‐dehydro‐2‐deoxy‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid and by free N‐acetylneuraminic acid. The kinetic characteristics and pH‐activity profiles of the CHO cell lysate and cell culture supernatant sialidase activities were essentially identical, and both released sialic acid from the glycoprotein fetuin at pH 7.5. These results suggest that the oligosaccharides of glycoproteins secreted by CHO cells can potentially be modified extracellularly by sialidase under culture conditions which promote the release and extracellular accumulation of this enzyme.
Advances in the surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

With the improvement of perioperative management and surgical techniques as well as the accumulation of knowledge on the oncobiological behavior of bile duct carcinoma, the long-term prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma has been improving. In this article, the authors review the recent developments in surgical strategies for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, focusing on diagnosis for characteristic disease extension, perioperative management to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality, surgical techniques for extended curative resection and postoperative adjuvant therapy.
A Low Dark Count p-i-n Diode Based SPAD in CMOS Technology

In this paper, a novel CMOS single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) is presented, and the device is designed using a vertical p-i-n diode construction. The p-i-n diode with a wide depletion region enables a low-noise operation. The proposed design achieves dark count rates of 1.5 cps/μm2 at 11 V excess bias, while the photon detection probability (PDP) is greater than 40% from 460 to 600 nm. Through the operation at very high excess bias voltages, it is possible to reach the PDP compression point where sensitivity to the breakdown voltage is low, thus ensuring high PDP uniformity; this feature makes it, especially, suitable for multimegapixel SPAD arrays.
A General Framework to Build Contextual Cover Set Induction Provers

Cover set induction is known as a proof method that keeps the advantages of explicit induction and proof by consistency. Most implicit induction proof procedures are defined in a cover set induction framework. Contextual cover set (CCS) is a new concept that fully characterizes explicit induction schemes, such as the cover sets, and many simplification techniques as those specific to the “proof by consistency" approach. Firstly, we present an abstract inference system uniformly defined in terms of contextual cover sets as our general framework to build implicit induction provers. Then, we show that it generalizes existing cover set induction procedures. This paper also contributes to the general problem of assembling reasoning systems in a sound manner. Elementary CCSs are generated by reasoning modules that implement various simplification techniques defined for a large class of deduction mechanisms such as rewriting, conditional rewriting and resolution-based methods for clauses. We present a generic and sound integration schema of reasoning modules inside our procedure together with a simple methodology for improvements and incremental sound extensions of the concrete proof procedures. As a case study, the inference system of the SPIKE theorem prover has been shown to be an instance of the abstract inference system integrating reasoning modules based on rewriting techniques defined for conditional theories. Our framework allows formodular and incremental sound extensions of SPIKE when new reasoning techniques are proposed. An extension of the prover, incorporating inductive semantic subsumption techniques, has proved the correctness of the MJRTY algorithm by performing a combination of arithmetic and inductive reasoning.
Thylakoid luminal θ-carbonic anhydrase critical for growth and photosynthesis in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Significance The protein Pt43233 is a member of the Cys-Gly-His–rich (CGHR) protein family, and it was discovered to be a previously unidentified carbonic anhydrase (CA), designated as θ-CA. Moreover, Pt43233 is targeted to the lumen of the pyrenoid-penetrating thylakoid in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Analysis of Pt43233 overexpression and RNAi mutants suggests this CA is essential for photosynthetic efficiency and growth in this diatom. The discovery of θ-CA within the pyrenoid-penetrating thylakoid of P. tricornutum implies direct use of the pH gradient across the thylakoid membrane as a means of supplying CO2 to the Calvin cycle. Alternatively, Pt43233 could regulate the function of photosystems, indicating that a common mechanism could have evolved convergently across diverse aquatic photoautotrophs. The algal pyrenoid is a large plastid body, where the majority of the CO2-fixing enzyme, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) resides, and it is proposed to be the hub of the algal CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) and CO2 fixation. The thylakoid membrane is often in close proximity to or penetrates the pyrenoid itself, implying there is a functional cooperation between the pyrenoid and thylakoid. Here, GFP tagging and immunolocalization analyses revealed that a previously unidentified protein, Pt43233, is targeted to the lumen of the pyrenoid-penetrating thylakoid in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The recombinant Pt43233 produced in Escherichia coli cells had both carbonic anhydrase (CA) and esterase activities. Furthermore, a Pt43233:GFP-fusion protein immunoprecipitated from P. tricornutum cells displayed a greater specific CA activity than detected for the purified recombinant protein. In an RNAi-generated Pt43233 knockdown mutant grown in atmospheric CO2 levels, photosynthetic dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) affinity was decreased and growth was constantly retarded; in contrast, overexpression of Pt43233:GFP yielded a slightly greater photosynthetic DIC affinity. The discovery of a θ-type CA localized to the thylakoid lumen, with an essential role in photosynthetic efficiency and growth, strongly suggests the existence of a common role for the thylakoid-luminal CA with respect to the function of diverse algal pyrenoids.
Body Fluid Changes, Cardiovascular Deconditioning and Metabolic Impairment Are Reversed 24 Hours after a 5-Day Dry Immersion

Dry immersion is an effective and useful model for research in physiology and physiopathology. The focus of this study was to provide integrative insight into renal, endocrine, circulatory, autonomic and metabolic effects of dry immersion. We assessed if the principal changes were restored within 24 h of recovery, and determined which changes were mainly associated with immersion-induced orthostatic intolerance. Five-day dry immersion without countermeasures, and with ad libitum water intake, standardized diet and a permitted short daily rise was performed in a relatively large sample for this experiment type (14 healthy young men). Reduction of total body water derived mostly from extracellular compartment, and stabilized rapidly at the new operating point. Decrease in plasma volume was estimated at 20% - 25%. Five-day immersion was sufficient to impair metabolism with a decrease in glucose tolerance and hypercholesterolemia, but was not associated with pronounced autonomic changes. Five-day immersion induced marked cardiovascular impairment. Immediately after immersion, over half of the subjects were unable to accomplish the 20-min 70° tilt; during tilt, heart rate and total peripheral resistance were increased, and stroke volume was decreased. However, 24 hours of normal physical activity appeared sufficient to reverse orthostatic tolerance and all signs of cardiovascular impairment, and to restitute plasma volume and extracellular fluid volume. Similarly, metabolic impairment was restored. In our study, the major factor responsible for orthostatic intolerance appeared to be hypovolemia. The absence of pronounced autonomic dysfunction might be explained by relatively short duration of dry immersion and daily short-time orthostatic stimulation.
Towards cellular receptors for prions

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are attributed to the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPc) into an abnormal isoform (PrPsc). This can be caused by the invasion of living organisms by infectious particles, or be inherited due to mutations on the PrPc gene. One of the most intriguing problems of prion biology is the inability to generate the infectious agent in vitro. This argues strongly that other cellular proteins besides those added in test tubes or found in cellular preparations are necessary for infection. Despite recent progress in the understanding of prion pathology, the subcellular compartments in which the interaction and conversion of PrPc into PrPsc take place are still controversial. PrPc interacts with various macromolecules at the cell membrane, in endocytic compartments and in the secretory pathway, all of which may play specific roles in the internalisation of PrPsc and conversion of PrPc. A specific interacting protein required for the propagation of prions was originally proposed as a prion receptor, and later referred to as a ligand, a cofactor, protein X, or a partner. However, current studies indicate that PrPc associates with multi‐molecular complexes, which mediate a variety of functions in distinct cellular compartments. It is proposed that a deeper understanding of the mechanics of such interactions, coupled to a better knowledge of the corresponding signalling pathways and ensuing cellular responses, will have a major impact on the prevention and treatment of TSE. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphical SLAM for Outdoor Applications

Application of SLAM outdoors is challenged by complexity, handling of nonlinearities, and flexible integration of a diverse set of features. A graphical approach to SLAM is introduced that enables flexible data‐association. The method allows for handling of nonlinearities. The method also enables easy introduction of global constraints. Computational issues can be addressed as a graph reduction problem. A complete framework for graphical based SLAM is presented. The framework is demonstrated for a number of outdoor experiments using an ATRV robot equipped with a SICK laser scanner and a Cross‐Bow Inertial Unit. The experiments include handling of large outdoor environments with loop closing. The presented system operates at 5 Hz on a 800 MHz computer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Title On the validity of bisection-based thru-only de-embedding Author

The validity of the thru-only de-embedding method that uses mathematically bisected halves of a left-right symmetric THRU pattern is assessed in this paper. The popularly used Πequivalent representation of a THRU and the bisection thereof is neither unique nor its validity firmly established. It is shown that an equally simple T-equivalent-based bisection gives better results than the Π-equivalent-based bisection by comparing the two bisecting methods with a result obtained from an independent method. The thru-only de-embedding method is also compared with the conventional open-short and short-open methods, and the interrelationship among them expected from the assumed equivalent circuit representations of the relevant dummy patterns is confirmed. This is made possible by using the odd-mode responses of symmetric 4-port devices as the 2-ports under study. This way, nonidealities associated with ordinary 2-port dummy patterns is avoided.
The Novel Non-Hole-Filling Approach of Depth Image Based Rendering

3D-TV makes tremendous revolution in display technology. The content of stereoscopic images is one of the most important things in 3D-TV system. Overall, a stereoscopic image is produced by above two cameras, costing huge equipment and more transmission bandwidth. Depth image based rendering (DIBR) can generate two-side view images instead. In this paper, a new method of DIBR without hole- filling is proposed. This architecture combines two parts of image warping and hole-filling, decreasing redundant time to fill in holes. Experimental results show that the latest method maintains the quality of two-side view images, and subjective view through the proposed method is better than the previous work, especially at the sharp transition of the depth value in depth image.
Impact of school lunch type on nutritional quality of English children’s diets

Abstract Objective Nutrient and food standards exist for school lunches in English primary schools although packed lunches brought from home are not regulated. The aim of the present study was to determine nutritional and dietary differences by lunch type. Design A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2007 assessing diet using the Child and Diet Evaluation Tool (CADET), a validated 24 h estimated food diary. The data were analysed to determine nutritional and dietary intakes over the whole day by school meal type: school meals and packed lunches. Setting Fifty-four primary schools across England. Subjects Children (n 2709) aged 6–8 years. Results Children having a packed lunch consumed on average 11·0 g more total sugars (95 % CI 6·6, 15·3 g) and 101 mg more Na (95 % CI 29, 173 mg) over the whole day. Conversely, children having a school meal consumed, on average, 4·0 g more protein (95 % CI 2·3, 5·7 g), 0·9 g more fibre (NSP; 95 % CI 0·5, 1·3 g) and 0·4 mg more Zn (95 % CI 0·1, 0·6 mg). There was no difference in daily energy intake by lunch type. Children having a packed lunch were more likely to consume snacks and sweetened drinks; while children having a school meal were more likely to consume different types of vegetables and drink water over the whole day. Conclusions Compared with children having a school meal, children taking a packed lunch to school consumed a lower-quality diet over the whole day, including higher levels of sugar and Na and fewer vegetables. These findings support the introduction of policies that increase school meal uptake.
A Novel Three-Phase High Power Current-Fed DC/DC Converter with Active Clamp for Fuel Cells

In this paper, a new three-phase high power current-fed dc/dc converter with active clamp is proposed. A three phase DC-DC converter with zero voltage switching (ZVS) with high frequency transformer isolation is shown. A single common active clamp branch is used to limit transient voltage across the three-phase full bridge and to realize zero-voltage switching (ZVS) in all switches by using the energy stored in the transformer leakage inductance. The proposed approach has the following advantages : an increase (by a factor of three) of input current and output voltage chopping frequencies; lower rms current through the inverter switches with higher power transfer capability; reduction in size of reactive (filter) components; better transformer utilization. The proposed converter is suitable for higher power fuel cell dc sources with low voltage outputs. The paper details the analysis, simulation and hardware implementation of the proposed system. Finally experimental results obtained on a 500 W prototype demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed scheme.
A Synchronization Signal Design for Efficient Handover in Small-Cell Networks

In this paper, a synchronization signal appropriate for small cell networks (SCNs), generated by a base station with 3D beamforming, is proposed for efficient handover in SCN. The synchronization signal carries a macro-cell ID (MCID) and virtual-cell ID (VCID) in a hierarchical manner, allowing us to distinguish between an intra-cell handover (virtual cell handover within a cell without changing the serving BS) and inter-cell handover (virtual cell handovers across cells while changing the serving BS) in SCNs.