Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust local algorithms for communication and stability in distributed networks

In a world in which our technological infrastructure is increasingly reliant on platforms that are distributed in nature, there is a substantial need for distributed algorithms and network designs that are able to perform a wide range of tasks as or more efficiently than their non-distributed counterparts. Furthermore, these algorithms and networks must be resilient to changes and disruptions in the network. Arguably the best way to do this is to design algorithms that are decentralized. By exchanging messages and data with immediate neighbors and running other subprocesses locally (often involving some sort of random choice), a coordinated solution to problem still emerges from the system. The work for my doctoral thesis in this proposal document focuses on two aspects of distributed algorithm design. Both involve a fully decentralized system running algorithms or processes locally, with limited system-wide knowledge. The first research area involves a protocol for information spreading with potential application to the study of epidemics on networks. We introduce a process which we call coalescingbranching random walks, that combine aspects of branching systems and coalescing particle systems and study the process on various types of finite graphs. Specifically, we study the length of time it takes for every node in a network to be visited by the walk at least once and provide results for various types of graphs, including expanders, trees, grids, and cliques. The second branch of work for my thesis involves designing a distributed algorithm which maintains the expander topology of a network in the presence of a high degree of adversarial deletion and insertion of nodes. This algorithm makes heavy use of random walks as a source of randomness when choosing new connections to make between nodes of the network. We show that this algorithm can withstand up to O(n/polylog(n)) adversarial node deletions/additions per round while maintaining a network that is an almost-everywhere bounded-degree expander graph in each round. Furthermore, each node need only send a polylogarithmic (in n) number of bits in each round. ∗College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University Boston, MA 02115, USA. Email: {str7}@cornell.edu.
Preparation, characterization and taste‐masking properties of polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate microspheres containing trimebutine

The objectives of this study were to produce acid soluble, polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate (AEA) microspheres containing trimebutine (as maleate), using a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (w/o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation method, to characterize their in‐vitro release properties, and to evaluate the taste‐masking potential of this formulation in human volunteers. The pH of the external aqueous phase was the critical factor in achieving a high loading efficiency for trimebutine in the microencapsulation process; nearly 90% (w/w) loading efficiency was obtained at above pH 10. Trimebutine was completely released from AEA microspheres within 10 min in a dissolution test at pH 1.2, simulating conditions in the stomach, whereas at pH 6.8, the pH in the mouth, only small quantities of trimebutine were released in the initial 1–2 min. The results of a gustatory sensation test in healthy volunteers confirmed the taste‐masking effects of the AEA microspheres. Finally, an attempt was made to encapsulate the salts of other basic drugs (lidocaine, imipramine, desipramine, amitriptyline, promethazine and chlorpheniramine) into AEA microspheres using the w/o/w emulsion evaporation method. The loading efficiencies were ranked in almost inverse proportion with the solubility of the drugs in the external aqueous phase. This study demonstrated the possibility of masking the taste of salts of basic drugs by microencapsulation with AEA using a w/o/w emulsion solvent evaporation method.
Tobacco dependence among intermittent smokers.

INTRODUCTION Intermittent smokers (ITS) are an increasingly prevalent segment of smokers, yet it is unknown whether or how dependence severity may vary across ITS. METHODS Participants were 217 ITS (70 never daily ITS [NITS], 138 converted ITS [CITS], and 9 unknown), who smoked 4-27 days per month, and 197 daily smokers (DS), recruited for a study on smoking patterns. Participants completed questionnaires on dependence (time to first cigarette after waking, Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence [FTND], Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale [NDSS], Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives [WISDM], and Hooked on Nicotine Checklist [HONC]) and recorded each cigarette in real time over 3 weeks using Ecological Momentary Assessment. Logistic regression assessed differences in dependence between groups (DS vs. ITS; CITS vs. NITS), and least squares regression examined associations between dependence and smoking behavior (mean, maximum cigarettes per day; proportion of days smoked; longest period of abstinence) within ITS. RESULTS As expected, DS were significantly more dependent than ITS: FTND, NDSS, and WISDM discriminated between ITS and DS with greater than 90% accuracy. Similarly, among ITS, NITS demonstrated lower dependence than CITS. Within ITS, dependence measures also correlated with observed smoking rate and duration of abstinence. CONCLUSIONS The study confirmed that DS are more dependent than ITS and that CITS are more dependent than NITS. Importantly, ITS exhibit features of dependence, and there is meaningful variation in dependence within ITS, suggesting that some aspects of dependence may appear with very infrequent smoking. Future work should examine implications for ITS' potential progression to daily smoking and cessation outcome.
Inhalation of Concentrated Ambient Particulate Matter Near a Heavily Trafficked Road Stimulates Antigen-Induced Airway Responses in Mice

Motor vehicle exhaust emissions are known to exacerbate asthma and other respiratory diseases. Several studies have demonstrated significant associations between living near highly trafficked roadways and increased incidence of asthma and increased severity of asthma-related symptoms, medication usage, and physician visits. This study tested the hypotheses that (1) exposure to particulate matter (PM) near a heavily trafficked Los Angeles freeway would enhance inflammatory and allergic responses in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice compared to sensitized, clean air controls, and (2) there would be differences in response at two distances downwind of heavily traveled freeways because of greater toxicity of PM closest to the freeway. An ambient particle concentrator was used to expose ovalbumin (OVA)-treated BALB/c mice to purified air, to concentrated fine ambient particles, and to concentrated ultrafine airborne particles (CAPs) at 2 distances, 50 m and 150 m, downwind of a roadway that is impacted by emissions from both heavy-duty diesel and light duty gasoline vehicles. Tissues and biological fluids from the mice were analyzed after exposures for 5 days/wk in 2 consecutive weeks. The biomarkers of allergic or inflammatory responses that were assessed included cytokines released by Type 2 T-helper cells (interleukin [IL]-5 and IL-13), OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), OVA-specific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), and pulmonary infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils. IL-5 and IgG1 were significantly increased in mice exposed to CAPs 50 m downwind of the road, compared to responses in mice exposed to purified air, providing evidence of allergic response. No significant increases in allergy-related responses were observed in mice exposed to CAPs 150 m downwind of the road. The biological responses at the 50-m site were significantly associated with organic and elemental carbon components of fine and ultrafine particles (p ≤ .05). The primary source of these contaminants at the roadway sites was motor vehicle emissions, suggesting that particulate matter from motor vehicle fuel combustion could exert adjuvant effects and promote the development of allergic airway diseases.
Biomarker and morphological characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

BACKGROUND Viruses may induce primary as well as secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), but it may not be possible to discriminate between these two in patients with a negative family history. Among these HLH cases, fulminant and fatal virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) occurs mostly in relation to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Although the immunological characteristics of EB-VAHS were previously reported, data on non-EB-VAHS were sporadic and fragmentary. This study has compared the clearly distinguishable groups of EBV-positive vs. EBV-negative HLH cases. PROCEDURE Among 26 patients with EBV-related HLH and 12 patients with non-EBV HLH, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets and serum concentrations of cytokines at the active phase of the disease were compared. Blood and bone marrow smears were also compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The frequency of the CD3+HLADR+ subset in PBMC (median 34.3% vs. 4.8%), of serum concentrations of interferon (IFN)-gamma (median 105 U/ml vs. 2.4 U/ml), and of soluble interleukin-2-receptor (sIL-2R) (median 14,700 U/ml vs. 3,412 U/ml) were significantly different between these two groups. Morphological characteristics were noted for EBV-related HLH cases. Mortality also differed between these two groups, 9/26 vs. 0/12 (P = 0.05). Data indicate pronounced immunological imbalance and poor prognosis in EBV-related HLH cases. These parameters could be useful for determining an EBV involvement as well as risk factors in the early care and treatment of HLH patients.
Iatrogenic complications in adult intensive care units: A prospective two‐center study

Objectivesa) To evaluate the frequency, types, severity, and morbidity of iatrogenic complications; b) determine associated factors that favor iatrogenic complications; and c) suggest new or more efficient protective measures that may be taken to improve patient safety. DesignProspective, observational study. SettingTwo ICUs in France. Patients and MethodsThe study included 382 patients (age ≥15 yrs; 400 consecutive admissions). Patients were monitored by two physicians in each ICU to assess all iatrogenic complications occurring during their ICU stay, with the exception of adverse effects of drugs. An iatrogenic complication was defined as an adverse event that was independent of the patient's underlying disease. ResultsWe observed 316 iatrogenic complications in 124 (31%) of the 400 admissions. Of these iatrogenic complications, 107 (in 53 [13%] of the 400 admissions) complications, were major, three leading to death. Severe hypotension, respiratory distress, pneumothorax, and cardiac arrest represented 78% of the major iatrogenic complications. Fifty-nine percent of the major iatrogenic complications had clearly identified associated factors. Human errors accounted for 67% of these factors. Patients >65 yrs (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6,95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 4.9) and those patients admitted with two or more organ failures (adjusted odds ratio = 4.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.5 to 9.2) were more likely to develop major iatrogenic complications. High or excessive nursing workload also led to an creased risk of major iatrogenic complications Persistent morbidity, secondary to iat complications at the time of discharge, present in five survivors. The risk of ICU dead was about two-fold higher for the patients with major iatrogenic complications than in the re maining patients after adjusting for the Or System Failure Score and the prognosis of the disease (relative risk = 1.92, 95% confidence terval: 1.28 to 2.56). ConclusionsMajor iatrogenic complications were frequent, associated with increased bidity and mortality rates, related to high excessive nursing workload, and were often ondary to human errors. To improve pati safety in our ICUs, preventive measures sho be targeted primarily on the elderly and the most severely ill patients. Special attent should be given to improving the organization workload and training, and promoting w use of noninvasive monitoring. (Crit Care Med 1993; 21:40–51)
Motor recovery after stroke: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE To collect and integrate existing data concerning the occurrence, extent, time course, and prognostic determinants of motor recovery after stroke using a systematic methodologic approach. DATA SOURCES A computer-aided search in bibliographic databases was done of longitudinal cohort studies, original prognostic studies, and randomized controlled trials published in the period 1966 to November 2001, which was expanded by references from retrieved articles and narrative reviews. STUDY SELECTION After a preliminary screening, internal, external, and statistical validity was assessed by a priori methodologic criteria, with special emphasis on the internal validity. DATA EXTRACTION The studies finally selected were discussed, based on the quantitative analysis of the outcome measures and prognostic determinants. Meta-analysis was pursued, but was not possible because of substantial heterogeneity. DATA SYNTHESIS The search resulted in 174 potentially relevant studies, of which 80 passed the preliminary screening and were subjected to further methodologic assessment; 14 studies were finally selected. Approximately 65% of the hospitalized stroke survivors with initial motor deficits of the lower extremity showed some degree of motor recovery. In the case of paralysis, complete motor recovery occurred in less than 15% of the patients, both for the upper and lower extremities. Hospitalized patients with small lacunar strokes showed relatively good motor recovery. The recovery period in patients with severe stroke was twice as long as in patients with mild stroke. The initial grade of paresis was the most important predictor for motor recovery (odds ratios [OR], >4). Objective analysis of the motor pathways by motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) showed even higher ORs (ORs, >20). CONCLUSIONS Our knowledge of motor recovery after stroke in more accurate, quantitative, and qualitive terms is still limited. Nevertheless, our data synthesis and quantitative analysis comprises data from many methodologically robust studies, which may support the clinician in the management of stroke patients. With respect to early prognosis of motor recovery, our review confirms clinical experience that the initial grade of paresis (as measured on admission in the hospital) is the most important predictor, although the accuracy of prediction rapidly improves during the first few days after stroke. Initial paralysis implies the worst prognosis for subsequent motor recovery. Remarkably, the prognostic accuracy of MEPs appears much higher than that of clinical examination for different subgroups of patients.
In vivo development of Theileria annulata: major changes in efferent lymph following infection with sporozoites or allogeneic schizont-infected mononuclear cells

The object of these experiments was to study the pathogenesis and kinetics of Theileria annulata infection in the efferent lymph of the draining lymph nodes of calves. Efferent lymphatics of calves were cannulated prior to infection with T. annulata sporozoite or an allogeneic schizont cell line. Potentially lethal sporozoite challenge induced cell shut-down from days 4–6 and then a massive increase in output of blasting cells (both infected and non-infected) in the efferent lymph. The rate of lymph flow and total cell output increased to 5 to 10-fold from day 6 onwards. Sporozoites were never isolated from the efferent lymph. However, large numbers of parasite-infected cells were seen in efferent lymph from the sixth day of infection. The animals inoculated with an allogeneic T. annulata-infected cell line exhibited only a small increase in flow rate and cell output. Parasite-infected cells of recipient origin were seen in efferent lymph from day 11 onwards. However, cells of donor origin were never isolated either from efferent lymph or peripheral blood. Thus the parasite transferred from the inoculated donor cell line to the cells of the recipient before schizonts appeared in efferent lymph.
Microembolus Detections at Follow-Up in 19 Patients with Acute Stroke

The present study was designed to perform follow-up transcranial Doppler investigations for microembolic signals (MES) in acute stroke patients by means of a strict protocol. The number of MES was correlated with stroke etiology and the strength of antithrombotic treatment. Concurrently, we wanted to demonstrate that MES in acute stroke patients are solid in nature and not gaseous. Nineteen patients with middle cerebral artery ischemic events, 16 with completed stroke and 3 with transient ischemic attack (TIA) were investigated within 24 h following the onset of symptoms. Six 1-hour recordings on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 14 were performed from the affected middle cerebral artery. The four-gate technique and recently established criteria for the identification of MES were used. Eight of 19 patients showed MES in at least one recording. Variability was high and showed no uniform tendency with respect to time since onset of symptoms or treatment. All 3 patients with internal carotid artery dissection showed MES. In 3 patients with lacunar stroke, no MES were detected. Two patients with MES suffered recurrent TIAs during the observation period, whereas none of the patients without MES suffered a recurrent ischemic event. In the acute phase following stroke, ongoing, emerging and vanishing embolization in some patients may reflect individual active processes of remodelling, healing and disruption or disappearance of the embolic source.
Use of the food animal residue avoidance databank.

In its extra-label drug use policy, the FDA states, as one of the criteria for permitting extra-label drug use, that a significantly extended time period be assigned for drug withdrawal prior to marketing meat, milk or eggs. The phrase "significantly extended time period" is taken to mean, at minimum, the amount of time necessary for any drug residues to deplete to subtolerance levels; however, determination of this period is left to the discretion of the veterinarian responsible for the extra-label drug use. The extended period will vary for each drug, dose, species, and route of administration. Therefore, it is unrealistic to assume that the practitioner can make a rational determination of extended drug withdrawal times without more information than is available through textbooks and professional journals. FARAD was specifically designed to provide veterinarians with the information required to determine extended withdrawal times, and thus prevent residues when drugs are used in an extra-label manner. FARAD can provide valuable residue avoidance assistance to veterinarians when drugs are administered in an extra-label manner, but it is not the answer to the national drug residue problem. Most residues result from failure to observe label-recommended withdrawal times, whereas less than 20% are thought to result from extra-label drug use. A substantial armamentarium of approved drugs is available to the veterinarian to treat most diseases in beef cattle, swine, and broiler chickens; thus, extra-label drug use in these species is unnecessary under most conditions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
In vitro electro-mechanical activity of the human colon. Simultaneous recording of the electrical patterns of the two muscle layers.

Electrical and mechanical activity on longitudinal and circular layers of the human sigmoid colon were simultaneously studied. Recordings were obtained from two electrode sites spaced 3 cm apart in a piece of colon which had been resected surgically and perfused in an organ bath. Spontaneous electrical activity of the colon showed slow waves and spikes. Slow waves were present for only 24.5% and 12% of the recording time on the longitudinal and circular layers, respectively, and they appeared as localized activity which was irregular in amplitude and varying in frequency. Electrical coupling between the two muscle layers was rarely seen and slow waves were not associated with pressure changes. Spiking activity were recorded as short and long spike bursts on both muscle layers. Short spike bursts were localized activity superimposed on slow waves. The associated mechanical activity, which consisted of single weak pressure changes or prolonged contractions with summation, was determined by slow wave frequency. Long spike bursts were seen at irregular intervals and were either propagated or not propagated activity associated with electrical oscillations ranging from 24 to 46 cpm. Mechanical activity consisted of sustained tonic contractions propagated or not propagated in the same way as the electrical pattern. Coordinated electrical activity of the two muscle layers seldom occurred when spontaneous activity was being recorded. Electrical activity on both muscle layers was very sensitive to stretching and could be initiated or modulated by pharmacological agents. In particular, our findings showed that stimulation induced coordinated spiking activity on the two muscle layers and caused mechanical activity, propagated orally or aborally, which consisted of long lasting, high amplitude contractions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Phagocytosis of bacteria is enhanced in macrophages undergoing nutrient deprivation

Phagocytosis represents a mechanism used by macrophages to remove pathogens and cellular debris. Recent evidence suggests that phagocytosis is stimulated under specific conditions of stress, such as extracellular pressure and hypoxia. In the present study, we show that amino acid or glucose deprivation caused an increase in the phagocytosis of heat‐inactivated Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by macrophages, but not the uptake of platelets, apoptotic cells or beads. Increased phagocytosis of bacteria could be blocked by phagocytosis inhibitors and was found to be dependent on p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity and scavenger receptor A. Although nutrient deprivation is a strong stimulus of autophagy, autophagosome formation was not critical for the uptake of bacteria because phagocytic clearance was not inhibited after down‐regulation of the autophagy essential gene Atg7. Moreover, enhanced uptake of bacteria should not be considered as a general stress response because phagocytosis of bacteria was not stimulated after exposure of macrophages to the genotoxic agent camptothecin, heat (40 °C) or thapsigargin‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Overall, the results obtained in the present study indicate that nutrient deprivation can stimulate macrophages to fight bacterial infections.
Synthesis of heterotrimeric collagen peptides containing the α1β1 integrin recognition site of collagen type IV

Collagen type IV provides a biomechanically stable scaffold into which the other constituents of basement membranes are incorporated, but it also plays an important role in cell adhesion. This occurs with collagen type IV mainly via the α1β1 integrin, and the proposed epitope involved in this type of collagen/integrin interaction corresponds to a non‐sequential R/Xaa/D motif, where the arginine and aspartate residues are provided by the α2 and α1 chains of the collagen molecule, respectively. Since the stagger of the three α chains in native collagen type IV is still unknown and different alignments of the chains lead to different spatial epitopes, two heterotrimeric collagen peptides containing the natural 457–469 sequences of the cell adhesion site were synthesized in which the single chains were assembled via disulfide bonds into the two most plausible α1α2α1′ and α2α1α1′ registers. The differentiated triple‐helical stabilities of the two heterotrimers suggest a significant structural role of the chain register in collagen, although the binding to α1β1 integrin is apparently less affected as indicated by preliminary experiments. Copyright © 2002 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.