Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resource scheduling to jointly minimize receiving and transmitting energy in OFDMA systems

Resource scheduling in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) for energy saving has attracted extensive attention. Most current research considers the reduction of energy at the transmitter or the receiver separately. In this paper, we focus on minimizing the energy consumption in both sides concurrently by formulating the problem of joint receiving and transmitting energy-efficient scheduling (RTEES) in OFDMA downlink. We show that this problem can be cast as a binary integer programme. We solve the RTEES problem by a computationally efficient algorithm. We proposed a specialized solution approach, named time-slot-oriented column generation (TSOCG) algorithm, for approaching and bounding the global optimality. Numerical studies show that the proposed algorithm solution is competitive and time-efficient to provide a close-to-optimum solution and a tight bound.
Bibliography of studies on hybrid zones of the common shrew chromosome races distributed in Russia

Abstract The common shrew, Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758, has become a model species for cytogenetic and evolutionary studies after discovery of extraordinary Robertsonian polymorphism at the within-species level. Development of differential staining techniques (Q-, R-and G-banding) made it possible to identify the chromosomal arms and their combination in racial karyotypes. Entering into contact with each other, the chromosomal races might form hybrid zones which represent a great interest for understanding of the process of speciation. Until recently all known hybrid zones of S. araneus were localized in Western Europe and only one was identified in Siberia (Russia) between Novosibirsk and Tomsk races (Aniskin and Lukianova 1989, Searle and Wójcik 1998, Polyakov et al. 2011). However, a rapidly growing number of reports on discovery of interracial hybrid zones of Sorex araneus in the European part of Russia and neighboring territories appeared lately. The aim of the present work is to compile the bibliography of all studies covering this topic regardless of the original language and the publishing source which hopefully could make research data more accessible to international scientists. It could also be a productive way to save current history of Sorex araneus researches in full context of the ISACC (International Sorex araneus Cytogenetics Committee) heritage (Searle et al. 2007, Zima 2008).
Effect of different stress conditions on the stability of quercetin-loaded lipid microparticles produced with babacu ( Orbignya speciosa ) oil: evaluation of their potential use in food applications

Lipid micro and nanoparticles have been extensively investigated as carriers for hydrophobic bioactives in food systems because they can simultaneously increase the dispersibility of these lipophilic substances and help improve their bioavailability. In this study, lipid microparticles of babacu oil and denatured whey protein isolate were produced, and their ability to protect quercetin against degradation was evaluated over 30 days of storage. Additionally, the lipid microparticles were subjected to the typical stress conditions of food processing (presence of sucrose, salt, and thermal stresses), and their physico-chemical stability was monitored. The data show that the babacu microparticles efficiently avoided the oxidation of quercetin because 85% of the initial amount of the flavonoid was preserved after 30 days. The particles were notably stable up to a temperature of 70 °C for 10 minutes at relatively high concentrations of salt and sucrose. The type of stirring (mechanical or magnetic) also strongly affected the stability of the dispersions.
HIV-1 epidemiology and circulating subtypes in the countryside of South Brazil.

INTRODUCTION Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has spread worldwide, with several subtypes and circulating recombinant forms. Brazil has an incidence of 20.5 HIV-1/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients per 100,000 inhabitants; however, the Southernmost State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) has more than twice the number of HIV-1-infected people (41.3/100,000 inhabitants) and a different pattern of subtype frequencies, as previously reported in studies conducted in the capital (Porto Alegre) and its metropolitan region. This study examined HIV-1/AIDS epidemiological and molecular aspects in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul. METHODS Socio-demographic, clinical and risk behavioral characteristics were obtained from HIV-1-positive adult patients using a structured questionnaire. HIV-1 subtypes were determined by nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the pol and env genes. RESULTS The study sample included 149 (55% women) patients with a mean age of 41.8 ± 11.9 years. Most (73.8%) patients had a low education level and reported heterosexual practices as the most (91.9%) probable transmission route. HIV-1 subtypes were detected in 26 patients: 18 (69.2%) infected with subtype C, six (23.1%) infected with subtype B and two (7.7%) infected with BC recombinant forms. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the increasing number of HIV-1 subtype C infections in the countryside of South Brazil.
Prognostic factors, prognostic indices and staging in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: where are we now?

Mycosis fungoides is the most prevalent form of primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Patients frequently present with early‐stage disease typically associated with a favourable prognosis and survival of 10–35 years, but over 25% may progress to advanced disease with a median survival < 4 years, and just 13 months in those with nodal involvement. Sézary syndrome presents in advanced disease with erythroderma, blood involvement and lymphadenopathy. The Bunn and Lamberg staging system (1979) includes stages IA–IIA (early‐stage disease) and IIB–IVB (advanced‐stage disease) and provides prognostic information, but some patients with tumour‐stage disease (IIB) have a worse prognosis than those with erythrodermic‐stage (III). Conversely, patients with plaque‐stage (IB) folliculotropic mycosis fungoides may have a worse outcome than those with tumour‐stage (IIB). The more recent staging system of the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer/International Society for Cutaneous Lymphoma has been designed to reflect tumour burden at different sites. However, this staging system has not been validated prospectively for prognosis. Furthermore, this staging system does not include a detailed measurement of skin tumour burden, as indicated by the modified skin weighted severity assessment tool. This assessment measures body surface area of disease and is weighted to record patch, plaque and tumour to produce a numerical value from 0·5 to 400 and is an established endpoint for clinical studies. Nor does this staging include clinicopathological features associated with a poor prognosis such as folliculotropism. Here we review the clinical, haematological, pathological and genotypic parameters outside the staging system, which may affect survival in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Most studies are retrospective and single centre. The identification of poor prognostic factors may be used to develop a prognostic index to use alongside staging, which may be of benefit in mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome to identify patients with a potentially poor prognosis.
CPAP decreases plasma levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1 in obstructive sleep apnoea

There is increasing evidence that inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). No previous works have studied levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor (sTNFR)-1 in patients with OSA. The aims of the present study were to examine serum levels of sTNFR-1 and the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with OSA. A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed. In total, 30 consecutive newly diagnosed OSA patients (apnoea/hypopnoea index 43.8±27.0 events·h−1) and 15 healthy obese patients were selected. Urinary levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine, as well as plasma sTNFR-1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and leukotriene (LT)B4 levels were obtained at baseline and after 3 months of CPAP or sham CPAP. Nocturnal urinary levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine and sTNFR-1 (1,053±269 versus 820±166 pg·mL−1) were significantly higher in OSA patients. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of IL-6, LTB4, or TNF-α between the two study groups. There were no significant differences in blood pressure, urinary catecholamine levels, or plasma IL-6, LTB4 and TNF-α levels after both treatment modalities. However, after 3 months of effective CPAP usage, sTNFR-1 levels were significantly reduced (1,053±269 versus 899±254 pg·mL−1). Obstructive sleep apnoea patients have higher levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1 than individuals without OSA; soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1 levels are lowered by continuous positive airway pressure therapy. These findings further corroborate a potential role of inflammation in the natural history of obstructive sleep apnoea.
A morphological/biochemical study on the actions of corticosteroids on rat skeletal muscle

Four corticosteroid hormones were administered (5 mg/kg/day) to rats over 6 to 10 days. Both biochemical and microscopic techniques were employed to determine the influence of these corticosteroids on the fine structure and growth of five striated muscles. Throughout, dexamethasone and triamcinalone were more potent than prednisone or cortisone in influencing muscle growth. The corticosteroids' action on the heart was anabolic, increasing its RNA and protein content. In contrast, the same corticosteroids were catabolic against fast‐twitch muscles (e.g., extensor digitorum longus), inducing appreciable atrophy. However, slow‐twitch muscles (e.g., soleus) were more resistant to these hormones, exhibiting an intermediate response between that of the heart and fast‐twitch muscles. Only minor morphological changes were found in both fast and slow muscles 10 days after the corticosteroid treatments. The hormones′ atrophic effects on skeletal muscle primarily arose from the corticosteroid's ability to inhibit protein synthesis, via decreases in the muscles′ ribosomal capacities. Whole‐body protein synthesis was also suppressed by these corticosteroids, but to a lesser extent than in the whole skeletal musculature.
Elevated frequencies of CD4+IL‐21+T, CD4+IL‐21R+T and IL‐21+Th17 cells, and increased levels of IL‐21 in bleomycin‐induced mice may be associated with dermal and pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by immune abnormalities, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, and microvascular injury and damage. Interleukin‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) is expressed in the epidermis from patients with SSc. However, information describing the role of IL‐21 in SSc is limited.
Evidence for protein kinase C involvement in arteriolar myogenic reactivity.

Little information exists as to the cellular events that couple the myogenic contractile response of an arteriole to an acute rise in intravascular pressure. The aim of this study was to examine whether protein kinase C (PKC), which has been implicated in the contractile response to agonists, contributes to myogenic vasoconstriction of cremaster muscle arterioles. Studies were performed on anesthetized rats, enclosed in an airtight Plexiglas box, with the cremaster exteriorized into a bath containing Kreb's solution. Pressure in the box was increased to elevate intravascular pressure by 20 mmHg. To examine PKC involvement, studies were performed in the absence or presence of inhibitors of PKC: H 7 (10(-9)-10(-5) M) or staurosporine (10(-10)-10(-7) M). Inhibitors were added to the tissue bath and produced no observable systemic effects or alterations in arteriolar diameter. Third-order arteriole (16 +/- 1 microns diam) responses to these agents and alterations in intravascular pressure were monitored by in vivo microscopy and vessel diameter was measured with a video caliper. H 7 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of myogenic vasoconstriction, inhibiting the extent of constriction by 75% at 10(-5) M. Similarly, staurosporine caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of pressure-induced constriction. At 10(-7) M staurosporine the myogenic response was inhibited by 82%. Further support for a role for PKC in the myogenic response was provided by the observation that indolactam (10(-6) M), a stimulator of PKC activity, induced myogenic reactivity in first-order arterioles, which under basal conditions show passive distension to increased intravascular pressure. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Isolation of a stable cell wall-defective form of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from a case of untreated gonococcal urethritis

A cell wall-defective form of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from an exudate of an untreated patient with gonococcal urethritis was isolated on medium containing 7% polyvinylpyrrolidone. Initial attempts to grow the organism by standard microbiological methods had failed. This isolate was incapable of reversion to a normal gonococcus even after numerous subcultures and appeared to be a stable cell wall-defective form.
The Locked Flexible Intramedullary Humerus Nail in Pediatric Femur and Tibia Shaft Fractures: A Feasibility Study

There are several options for the treatment of long bone fractures in skeletally immature patients. Surgeon experience, type of fracture, and the possibility of damage to the physeal area dictate individual fracture management patterns. Notably, nail devices have not gained popularity in this patient group. Intramedullary locking nails have become the standard of care in adult patients due to decreased morbidity and mortality. A novel nail has been developed for humeral shaft fractures that uses a lateral starting position to avoid damage to the rotator cuff in humeral fracture fixation. This is possible because of the nail's transient flexibility during insertion. This study illustrates that it is feasible to insert this type of nail through multiple entry portals for both tibial and femoral fracture fixation, without damaging the physeal blood supply or growth areas.
Circuit theory of Andreev conductance.

Conductance of small normal metal structures adjacent to a superconductor is determined by coherent Andreev reflection. We show that under certain limitations the conductance can be found by means of an extended circuit theory. The theory deals with two types of elements: tunnel junctions and diffusive conductors and provides the basis for practical calculations. A new device proposed illustrates the advantages of the theory.
Ephemeral key compromise attack on the IB-KA protocol

Recently, Dario Fiore and Rosario Gennaro proposed the IB-KA protocol, which was inspired by MQV protocol. They provide a full proof of security of IB-KA protocol using techniques developed by Krawczyk in the Canetti-Krawczyk model. They designed the IB-KA protocol with some security properties such as perfect forward secrecy, reflection attack resilience, and key compromise impersonation resilience. But they didn’t consider ephemeral key compromise problem in the design of IB-KA protocol, and made no analysis whether the IB-KA protocol can resist ephemeral key compromise attacks. In this paper, we present ephemeral key compromise attack on the the IB-KA protocol. Our work shows that the IB-KA protocol is designed without ephemeral key compromise resilience.
Speed Sensorless Control of a Long-Stator Linear Synchronous Motor Arranged in Multiple Segments

In the case of long-stator linear drives, unlike rotative drives for which speed or position sensors are a single unit attached to the shaft, these sensors extend along the carriage way, becoming a costly part of the system. Therefore, sensorless methods are of higher concern in linear motors than in rotative ones. For long carriage ways, the stator is usually divided in several independently fed segments in order to reduce the reactive power and to allow more than one vehicle to move on the same carriage way. This arrangement presents additional challenges in the implementation of sensorless methods because the position-dependent variables [as the electromotive force (EMF)] of each segment are nonperiodic signals. Moreover, the acquired speed and position information from one segment must be synchronized with the adjacent one when the mover passes over a segment transition. In this paper, a method to get a continuous estimation of the speed and position, even during the transition between segments, is proposed. This method uses an EMF observer for each active segment (i.e., where the mover is currently located, and the subsequent segment). Then, based on the addition of the observed EMF, a single speed and position observer is implemented for the mover. Using an experimental setup, validation results are attained and presented.
Scientific note : Antagonistic activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisan italian salami Nota científica :

The aim of this research was to select strains of lactic acid bacteria with antagonistic activity against bacteria of importance in food. One hundred and fifty three lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from Italian artisan salami elaborated without the use of starter culture. Two tests were used to verify the antagonistic activity of the isolated strains: the indirect inhibition method and the well diffusion method. Three species of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis; Lb. plantarum; and Lb. delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii) showed antagonistic activity for at least one of the indicator microorganisms: Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris CCT 0672. It was shown that strains of lactic acid bacteria of the same specie, mainly Lb. brevis, presented differences with respect to the pattern of carbohydrate assimilation. The products analyzed presented very low numbers of lactic acid bacteria (approx. 103 CFUg-1 per sample). It was concluded that in the region where the Italian salami was made there was a convenient source of lactic acid bacteria with antagonistic activity against undesirable microorganisms in food products.
Informational Requirements of Nudging

A nudge is a paternalistic government intervention that attempts to improve choices by changing the framing of a decision problem. We propose a welfare-theoretic foundation for nudging similar in spirit to the classical revealed preference approach, by investigating a framework in which preferences and mistakes of an agent can be elicited from her choices under different frames. We provide characterizations of the classes of behavioral models in which the information required for nudging can or cannot be deduced from choice data.
Immunolocalization of laminin, heparan‐sulfate proteoglycan, entactin, and type IV collagen in the rat anterior pituitary. I. An in vivo study

The distribution of three components of basement membranes (BM): heparan‐sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), entactin (ENT), and type IV collagen (Coll. IV), was studied in the adult rat anterior pituitary and compared to the distribution of laminin (LAM) described in an earlier report (Vila‐Porcile et al., 1987, J. Histochem. Cytochem., 35, 287). Several immunocytochemical methods were applied at both light and electron microscope levels.
Review of cellular mechanotransduction

Living cells and tissues experience physical forces and chemical stimuli in the human body. The process of converting mechanical forces into biochemical activities and gene expression is mechanochemical transduction or mechanotransduction. Significant advances have been made in understanding mechanotransduction at the cellular and molecular levels over the last two decades. However, major challenges remain in elucidating how a living cell integrates signals from mechanotransduction with chemical signals to regulate gene expression and to generate coherent biological responses in living tissues in physiological conditions and diseases.
A single phase PFC 3 kW converter using a three-state switching cell

This paper presents a novel high efficiency single phase PFC 3 kW converter using a three-state switching cell operating in continuous conduction mode. The main advantages of this converter are low conduction and commutation losses and that the frequency of the reactive elements is twice of the switching frequency. Due to these features, the proposed converter presents reduced input and DC-link current ripple, smaller inductor and output filter capacitor, low weight and reduced volume. The converter is suitable for high power applications (>1.5 kW) as preregulator stage due to the presence of one autotransformer inside of the switching cell. Theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed rectifier.
Common polymorphisms of CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response to clopidogrel but not prasugrel

Summary. Background: Thienopyridines are metabolized to active metabolites that irreversibly inhibit the platelet P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate receptor. The pharmacodynamic response to clopidogrel is more variable than the response to prasugrel, but the reasons for variation in response to clopidogrel are not well characterized.
Plasma homocysteine, a risk factor for vascular disease: plasma levels in health, disease, and drug therapy.

The present article reviews the central features of homocysteine metabolism, and the evidence that moderate homocystinemia may be a risk factor for arteriosclerosis. A survey of the literature of homocysteine in various pathologic conditions is presented, with emphasis on disease states other than homocystinuria, which has been covered recently in excellent review articles. Finally, agents that modulate plasma homocysteine level are reviewed
Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship Between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness.

OBJECTIVES We examined whether kindergarten teachers' ratings of children's prosocial skills, an indicator of noncognitive ability at school entry, predict key adolescent and adult outcomes. Our goal was to determine unique associations over and above other important child, family, and contextual characteristics. METHODS Data came from the Fast Track study of low-socioeconomic status neighborhoods in 3 cities and 1 rural setting. We assessed associations between measured outcomes in kindergarten and outcomes 13 to 19 years later (1991-2000). Models included numerous control variables representing characteristics of the child, family, and context, enabling us to explore the unique contributions among predictors. RESULTS We found statistically significant associations between measured social-emotional skills in kindergarten and key young adult outcomes across multiple domains of education, employment, criminal activity, substance use, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS A kindergarten measure of social-emotional skills may be useful for assessing whether children are at risk for deficits in noncognitive skills later in life and, thus, help identify those in need of early intervention. These results demonstrate the relevance of noncognitive skills in development for personal and public health outcomes.