Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The characterization of parallel real-time optimization problems

We identify the class of optimization problem expressible as independence systems that can be solved in real time using a parallel machine with polynomially bounded resources as being exactly the class of matroid for which the size of the optimal solution can be computed in parallel real time. We also extend previous results, showing that the solution obtained by a parallel algorithm is arbitrarily better than the solution reported by a sequential one not only for the real-time minimum-weight spanning tree (as previously known). Indeed, we show that, for all practical purposes, such a property does in fact hold for any optimization problem that falls into the aforementioned class.
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 induces vascular endothelial growth factor expression in murine proximal tubular epithelial cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen that promotes angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and increases vascular permeability. VEGF is expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells and urinary VEGF excretion is increased in various glomerular disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying expression of VEGF in renal tubular epithelial cells have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we attempted to define a predominant regulator of VEGF expression using a cultured murine renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (mProx24). VEGF protein concentration in the culture supernatant was measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mProx24 constitutively produced VEGF at low level. Major isoforms expressed in this cell line were VEGF164 and VEGF120 determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. Among various stimuli including angiotensin II, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), lipopolysaccharides, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma, only TGF-beta1 significantly increased the level of VEGF protein at 24 h in a dose-dependent manner. The steady-state mRNA level of VEGF was dose dependently increased by TGF-beta1 detected by Northern blotting. Treatment with neutralizing anti-TGF-beta1 antibody abolished TGF-beta1-induced VEGF expression by 70%. Inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), Ro-31-8220 and staurosporin, significantly suppressed TGF-beta1-induced VEGF protein expression. These results demonstrate the role of TGF-beta1 on the expression of VEGF in proximal tubular epithelial cells mediated potentially via PKC pathway. This regulatory mechanism may be associated with the progression of tubulointerstitial lesions in renal disorders.
p57KIP2 immunohistochemical staining of gestational trophoblastic tumours does not identify the type of the causative pregnancy

Aim: To determine whether immunohistochemical staining for p57KIP2, the product of the maternally expressed gene CDKN1C, can be used to differentiate between gestational trophoblastic tumours arising from a complete hydatidiform mole and those originating from non‐molar pregnancies.
CPW-Fed Cavity-Backed Slot Radiator Loaded With an AMC Reflector

A low profile coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed printed slot antenna is presented with uni-directional radiation properties. The slot antenna radiates above a closely spaced artificial magnetic conducting (AMC) reflector consisting of an array of rectangular patches, a substrate and an electric ground plane. The electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) performance of the cavity structure between the upper conducting surface in which the slot is etched, and the ground plane at the bottom of the reflector, is investigated using an equivalent waveguide feed in the place of a half-wavelength section of the slot antenna. From the reflection coefficient of the equivalent waveguide feed one can determine the frequency band where minimum energy will be lost due to unwanted radiation from the cavity sides. The dimensions of the cavity were found to be very important for minimum energy loss. Experimental results for the final antenna design (with a size of 1.02λ0×0.82λ0×0.063λ0), mounted on a 1. 5λ0×1. 5λ0 back plate, exhibit a 5% impedance bandwidth, maximum gain in excess of 10 dBi, low cross-polarization, and a front-to-back ratio of approximately 25 dB. This low-profile antenna with relatively high gain could be a good candidate for a 2.4 GHz WLAN application.
Disruptive innovations and the greying market

The current shift in demographies - aging and shrinking populations - in many countries around the world presents a major challenge to companies and societies alike. One particularly essential implication is the emergence and continuing growth of the so-called "greying market" or "silver market". Building on Christensen's disruptive innovation framework, this paper discusses how these innovations could be leveraged to benefit both businesses and customers in the greying market. It offers four important propositions in this context as well as essential issues for future research.
Istraivanje tehnika normalizacija duine vokalnog trakta baziranih na ML kriterijumu

Sadraj — U ovom radu su prikazani preliminarni rezultati primene normalizacije duine vokalnog trakta (VTN) na osnovu ML kriterijuma. Pored standardnog metoda za određivanje koeficijenta normalizacije predloeno je nekoliko alternativnih metoda. Da bi se procenile mogucnosti primene VTN izvrseni su tzv. nadgledani testovi. Najbolji sistem za prepoznavanje govora u kom je primenjen VTN je rezultovao relativnim poboljsanjem performansi od oko 20 % u odnosu na sistem nezavisan od govornika odnosno 17 % u odnosu na sistem zavisan od pola govornika.
Gender Differences in Risk and Promotive Classifications Associated With Adolescent Delinquency

ABSTRACT How likely are children exposed to multiple risk factors to engage in delinquent behavior, to what extent do promotive factors mitigate exposure to these risk factors, and do the predictors of delinquent behavior differ by gender? To address these questions, the authors analyzed data from youths (229 boys, 187 girls) who completed the third wave of the Lehigh Longitudinal Study using Latent Profile Analysis. A unique risk and promotive class with slightly elevated rates of exposure to parental violence, mean levels of other risk factors and low levels of promotive factors was present for girls but not for boys. Additionally, for boys and girls, high-risk, low-promotive individuals were significantly more likely to engage in delinquent behavior than low-risk, high-promotive cases. Findings suggest the need to examine risk and promotive factors in combination to account for their shared influences on developmental outcomes for youth.
Trophoblast apoptosis and placental development--a workshop report.

b To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Anatomy, University of Technology, Wendlingweg 2, D-52057 Aachen, Germany. Fax: +49-241-8888-472; E-mail: bhuppertz@post.klinikum. rwth-aachen.de The aim of this workshop was to broaden our understanding of the apoptosis cascade in human placental trophoblast so as to facilitate exploration of potential relationships between cell death and placental development, differentiation and function. The first presentation was a general introduction into the cascade of apoptosis, which provided a framework for the research to be presented and discussed by the invited speakers. The introduction was followed by five invited speakers who reviewed subsequent steps of the cascade for apoptosis events. The closing remarks summarized the common and distinct critical points that arose during the course of the presentations and discussion. Berthold Huppertz gave a brief ‘Introduction’ to the apoptosis cascade (Huppertz and Kaufmann, 1999; Huppertz et al., 1999a). Induction of apoptosis leads to the activation of the initiator caspases and thereby to the first proteolytic events: degradation of cytoskeletal proteins (actin, fodrin) and the phosphatidylserine (PS)-flip. The subsequent activation of execution caspases by initiator caspases is a very critical step, from reversible changes within the cell (activity of initiator caspases) to a point of no return (activity of execution caspases). Therefore, this step is tightly regulated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Once activated, the execution caspases degrade cytoplasmic (catenin, cytokeratin, focal adhesion kinase) as well as nuclear proteins [lamins, poly-(ADP-ribose)polymerase, toposiomerase II ], and lead to the characteristic degradation of DNA (laddering). All these events finally lead to the controlled death of a cell. Within the villous trophoblast this cascade of events has been visualized, starting with early events in the cytotrophoblast (Huppertz et al., 1998, 1999b). No effects of execution caspases can be found in normal villous trophoblast cells; only following syncytial fusion can indications of activation of the cascade be found in the syncytiotrophoblast leading to accumulation of apoptotic nuclei in syncytial knots (Huppertz
Anatomical location of T2-3 sympathetic trunk and Kuntz nerve determined by transthoracic endoscopy.

OBJECT Bilateral subaxillary transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES) is a popular procedure of upper thoracic sympathectomy. The anatomical locations of the T-2 and T-3 sympathetic trunks, as viewed under the endoscope, are varied in the rib head areas. In this study, the authors investigated the more visible anatomical locations of the T-2 and T-3 sympathetic trunks, the so-called nerves of Kuntz, and intercostal rami by performing transthoracic endoscopy. METHODS Seventy patients with palmar hyperhidrosis undergoing bilateral TES (140 sides) via the anterior subaxillary approach were included in this study. The operative findings and video images of the T-2 and T-3 sympathetic trunks and ganglia were recorded and analyzed. The anatomical locations of the T-2 and T-3 sympathetic trunks along the horizontal axes of the rib heads were determined using a three-region system constructed by the authors. The area between the rib neck and the medial border of the rib head was equally divided into Region E (external half) and Region M (medial half). The area between the medial border of the rib head and the paravertebral ligament was defined as Region I. The incidence of the T-2 and T-3 sympathetic trunks found in Regions E, M, and I were 31.4 to 42.9%, 50 to 57.1%, and 7.1 to 11.4%, respectively, on the left side, and 24.3 to 34.3%, 57.1 to 65.7%, and 8.6 to 10%, respectively, on the right side. One right (1.4%) and six left (8.6%) Kuntz nerves originating from the T-3 sympathetic trunk were found in seven patients (10%). The intercostal ramus was found around the T-2 rib neck in 24 patients (34.3%), with 18 cases (25.7%) for each side. The intercostal ramus around the T-3 rib neck was found in 17 patients (24.3%): 12 (17.1%) on the right and nine (12.9%) on the left. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that approximately 90% of the T-2 or T-3 sympathetic trunks are located on the rib head. These findings may also be used to assist the surgeon in fluoroscopic guidance for locating the T-2 and T-3 sympathetic trunks during posterior percutaneous sympathectomy.
Imaging of anal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to review the role of imaging in the management of patients with anal cancer. The relevant anatomy, imaging techniques, and interpretation of images of patients before and after therapy will be discussed. CONCLUSION Anal carcinomas are uncommon but increasing in frequency. Radiologists must recognize typical patterns of disease at initial evaluation, posttherapy appearances, and when to suspect residual or recurrent disease to guide clinicians and achieve optimal patient outcome.
Beta Cell Rest and Recovery—Does It Bring Patients with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults to Euglycemia?

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus in humans is a heterogeneous disorder classified clinically into two main types. The diagnosis of type 1 versus type 2 diabetes is made phenotypically using criteria such as age at onset, abruptness of hyperglycemic symptoms, presence of ketosis, degree of obesity and the perceived need for insulin replacement. The pathogeneses of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are believed to be different. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease mediated by cellular effector mechanisms; whereas classic type 2 diabetes is not autoimmune but results from insulin resistance and a nonautoimmune insulin secretory defect. Most type 1 diabetes patients are diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood before the age of 35 years. However, there is clearly a subgroup of patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are greater than 35 years of age and have evidence of autoimmunity. The disease of these autoantibody‐positive type 2 diabetics is often termed latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), slowly progressive type 1 diabetes, latent type 1 diabetes, and type 1.5 diabetes. This group of patients comprises approximately 10‐15% of Caucasian type 2 diabetes patients. Type 1.5 diabetes patients tend to present with islet cell autoantibodies, islet‐reactive T cells, higher HbA1c levels, lower C peptide, and a propensity toward insulin dependency compared to autoantibody‐negative classic type 2 diabetes subjects.
Cost Uncertainty Assessment Methodology: A Critical Overview

Abstract : An appraisal of the quality of methodology and software for performing cost uncertainty analysis will be given. It will be argued that the standard practice of developing a 'most likely cost' and then generating an uncertainty distribution associated with that figure is a consequence of historical precedent and places the cart before the horse. It will also be argued that methodology for encoding subjective probability distributions are out of date, being, for the most part, modifications of the PERT techniques of the sixties. Additionally, methodology for processing elemental uncertainty assessments into uncertainty distributions over higher order structures (e.g. subsystem CER's or total system cost) often ignores important sources of variability, and extent computer software designed to implement cost uncertainty analysis methodology is often poorly written and, in some cases, may lead to conclusions which are inconsistent with the inputs. This is a paper presented at a cost analysis symposium.
Inhibition of Cellular Processing of Surfactant Protein C by Drugs Affecting Intracellular pH Gradients*

Surfactant protein C (SP-C) is a hydrophobic protein synthesized and secreted exclusively by alveolar type II cells through proteolysis of a 21-kDa propeptide (SP-C21) to produce the 3.7-kDa surface active form. Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that early processing of proSP-C involves extensive intracellular proteolysis of the COOH terminus of proSP-C21 in subcellular compartments, which include the acidic type II cell-specific subcellular organelle, the lamellar body. (Beers, M. F., Kim, C. Y., Dodia, C., and Fisher, A. B. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 20318-20328). The role of intracellular pH gradients in SP-C processing was studied in freshly isolated rat type II cells. Using vital fluorescence microscopy, the pH indicator acridine orange (AO) identified intense fluorescence staining of acidic cytoplasmic vesicles within fresh type II cells. The AO vesicular staining pattern was similar in cells labeled with the lamellar body marker phosphine 3R and the phospholipid dye nile red. AO fluorescence was quenched by the addition of a membrane-permeable weak base, methylamine. Immunoprecipitation of cell lysates with anti-proSP-C antisera following pulse-chase labeling (0–2 h) with 35S-Translabel demonstrated rapid synthesis of 35S-proSP-C21 with a time-dependent appearance of 16- and 6-kDa intermediates (SP-C16 and SP-C6). Tricine polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of organic extracts of cell lysates showed time-dependent appearance of mature SP-C3.7. The addition of 5 mM methylamine significantly blocked the post-translational processing of proSP-C resulting in disruption of normal precursor-product relationships and inhibition of SP-C3.7 formation. Methylamine-treated cells exhibited slow accumulation of SP-C16 and SP-C6, a persistence of SP-C21, and an absence of SP-C3.7 for the duration of the chase period. The lysosomotropic agent chloroquine, the proton ionophore monensin, and bafilomycin A1, a specific vacuolar H+-ATPase inhibitor, each caused inhibition of proSP-C processing in a similar manner. These results demonstrate that normal post-translational proteolysis of proSP-C occurs in acidic intracellular compartments, which include the lamellar body, and that complete processing to SP-C3.7 is dependent upon maintenance of transmembrane pH gradients by a vacuolar H+-ATPase.
Auf Takagi-Faktoren basierende Präkonditionierung des CSYM-Verfahrens

Die Notwendigkeit, Gleichungssysteme mit einer grosen komplex symmetrischen Matrix zu losen, wachst in verschiedenen Anwendungsgebieten. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird das CSYM-Verfahren untersucht, das die komplexe Symmetrie der Matrix nutzt, und dadurch nur etwa den halben Speicherbedarf und Rechenaufwand hat wie Iterationsverfahren fur allgemeine Matrizen. Gegenuber anderen Verfahren mit kurzen Rekursionen hat das CSYM-Verfahren zudem die sehr wichtige Eigenschaft, dass kein verfruhter Abbruch auftreten kann. Damit ist das CSYM-Verfahren von besonderer Bedeutung fur das Losen von groseren Gleichungssystemen mit komplex symmetrischer Matrix. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschaftigt sich damit, fur das CSYM-Verfahren geeignete Klassen von Prakonditionierern zu finden. Fur die Prakonditionierung des CSYM-Verfahrens reicht es nicht aus, einen symmetrischen Prakonditionierer zu wahlen, sondern er muss symmetrisch faktorisiert vorliegen. Zunachst untersuchen wir die Anderungen der Singularwerte der ursprunglichen Matrix bei beidseitiger Prakonditionierung und leiten daraus Forderungen an einen guten Prakonditionierer ab. Die Untersuchung der Transformation zwischen verschiedenen Faktorisierungen des gleichen Prakonditionierers hilft bei der Beantwortung der Frage, welche Faktorisierung bei einem festen Prakonditionierer optimal ist. Dabei liefert der Takagi-Faktor die besten Ergebnisse. Als konkrete Anwendungen werden das CSYM-Verfahren mit Deflation und mit faktorisierten Block-Prakonditionierern untersucht.
Monoclonal antibody that inhibits biological activity of a mammalian ciliary neurotrophic factor

Four monoclonal antibodies to a purified ciliary neurotrophic factor have been produced by a combination of in vivo and in vitro immunization of mouse lymphocytes. Three of the antibodies—3D12, an 1gA subtype, and 5G9 and 2B11, both IgM subtypes—bound to the single band on immunoblots of the purified factor. Of the four clones only one, 3D12, produced antibodies able to inhibit the biological activity of the neurotrophic factor in promoting the survival of ciliary neurones in dissociated culture.
Étude de la composition des rayons cosmiques d'ultra-hautes énergies détectés par l'Observatoire Pierre Auger et analyse des processus hadroniques associés

Les rayons cosmiques d'ultra-hautes energies (RCUHE), i.e. E > 1 EeV, soulevent de nombreuses interrogations quant a leur origine et constituent un defi a la physique contemporaine. Ces rayons cosmiques qui penetrent dans l'atmosphere dissipent leur exceptionnelle energie dans la formation de gerbes de particules secondaires dont le developpement est sensiblement different suivant la nature de la particule primaire. L'etude de la composition des RCUHEs revet donc un interet majeur tant dans la comprehension des processus hadroniques qui regissent l'evolution des gerbes que dans l'identification des sources de ce rayonnement. L'Observatoire Pierre Auger peut, eu egard a sa structure hybride et a la taille inegalee de son reseau de detecteurs au sol, apporter des reponses claires aux problematiques soulevees par les RCUHEs. Au cours de cette these, nous nous sommes interesses plus particulierement a la composante muonique des gerbes atmospheriques. Dans un premier temps, nous montrons comment les parametres hadroniques conditionnent la production de muons. Par la suite, nous presentons une methode originale permettant d'extraire cette composante muonique et d'en deduire les implications relatives a la composition des RCUHEs. Les resultats de cette approche semblent indiquer une transition d'une composition lourde vers une composition plus legere des lors que l'energie augmente. Finalement nous abordons la mesure de la section efficace cosmique-air en decrivant les bases de cette etude de meme que son champ d'application : les premiers resultats deduits des donnees de l'Observatoire Pierre Auger sont alors presentes.
Changes in attentional performance of children and young adults with localized primary brain tumors after conformal radiation therapy.

PURPOSE To prospectively assess the impact of conformal radiation therapy (CRT) and demographic and clinical variables on four measures of attention in pediatric and young adult patients with localized primary brain tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS We prospectively evaluated 120 patients with primary brain tumors, ages 2 to 24.4 years (median, 9.2 years). Evaluations were done using the computerized Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CCPT). We analyzed errors of omission (inattentiveness), errors of commission (impulsivity), reaction time, and an overall index of performance before CRT, weekly during CRT, and serially up to 60 months after the start of CRT. RESULTS Before CRT, patients exhibited mild inattentiveness. During CRT, impulsivity decreased significantly (P = .002). After CRT, inattentiveness increased significantly (P = .03), and global attention disorders were associated with craniopharyngioma (P < .0001), supratentorial tumors (P = .008), optic pathway and diencephalic tumors (P = .012), and subtotal resection of the tumor (P = .010). CONCLUSION Brain tumors and their treatment impair sustained attention and reaction time. A decline in impulsivity and relative stability of the other CCPT scores over the course of CRT demonstrated the absence of early radiation-related cognitive sequelae. Local tumor effects, initial surgical intervention, and focal irradiation of central structures contribute to long-lasting attentional problems in pediatric and young adult patients.