Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Erlang capacity and uniform approximations for shared unbuffered resources

We consider a basic teletraffic model, which has applications to integrated multirate services on ATM and wireless systems. In the "finite-sources" version of the model an unbuffered resource with C channels is shared by heterogeneous sources which alternate between arbitrarily distributed random periods in the on and off states, and in the on state require a fixed number of channels. If a source does not find enough free channels when it turns on, then it is blocked and the burst is lost. In the "infinite-sources" version of the model requests for connections form Poisson streams and connections hold fixed numbers of channels for random periods. The stationary distribution of the system has the product-form and the insensitivity property. Our main results for the finite-sources model are for the asymptotic scaling in which C and the number of sources of each type are large. The central result is a uniform asymptotic approximation (UAA) for the blocking probabilities. It is uniformly effective for the complete range of loadings, simple to calculate and gives accurate results even for relatively small systems. The UAA is also specialized to the overloaded, critical and underloaded regimes. For the admission control of the system we calculate its Erlang capacity, i.e., the set of combinations of sources of various types such that the blocking probabilities for all types do not exceed specified values. For the first two regimes we obtain the boundaries of the admissible sets in the form of hyperplanes, and thus the effective bandwidths of sources of each type. For the underloaded regime the boundary is nonlinear and we obtain a convenient parameterized characterization. Finally, various numerical results are presented. >
Predictive factors of malaria in travelers to areas where malaria is endemic.

BACKGROUND The differentiation of malaria from other causes of fever is difficult. The development of tools for rapid and specific clinical diagnosis is of paramount importance for the identification of individuals infected with malaria. METHOD A 4-year prospective study to identify the clinical and biological variables associated with malaria included all patients suspected of having malaria who presented in the emergency department (ED) of a French hospital. RESULTS Of 783 patients admitted to the ED with suspected malaria, 145 had positive findings of a thick smear for Plasmodium species, mainly Plasmodium falciparum (90.3%). In univariate analysis, the following 12 variables were significantly associated with diagnosis of malaria: older than 30 years, male sex, immigration to France from an area where malaria is endemic, a visit to sub-Saharan Africa, insufficient antimalaria prophylaxis, fever, chills, absence of diarrhea, a leukocyte count within the reference range, thrombocytopenia, and increased lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin levels. In multivariate analysis, the factors predictive of malaria included a visit to sub-Saharan Africa (odds ratio [OR], 7.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-21.3), a temperature of at least 38.5 degrees C (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.8-13.3), chills (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.4-6.6), thrombocytopenia (OR, 16.5; 95% CI, 7.1-38.3), and abnormally high total bilirubin levels (OR, 21.5; 95% CI, 6.4-72.5). However, alone or combined, these features had insufficient sensitivity (95.0%) and low specificity (55.0%) for the diagnosis of malaria. CONCLUSIONS Malaria should be suspected in all patients presenting with complaints after travel to an area where malaria is endemic, and these patients should undergo blood microscopy.
Ubiquitin-like protein modifiers and their potential for antiviral and anti-HCV therapy

All viral infections subvert the host immune response. Targeting the host mechanisms that are modulated by viral infection offers new avenues for antiviral drug development. Host ubiquitin and multiple ubiquitin-like modifiers (Ubls) are commonly altered by, or important for, viral infection. Protein modification by ubiquitin or Ubls contributes to numerous cellular processes, such as protein degradation, signal transduction, protein relocalization and pathogen–host interactions. This post-translational modification plays an essential role for viral life cycles and host antiviral mechanisms. Some Ubls, such as ISG15 and SUMO, have been shown to modulate virus infections and are potential targets for therapeutic manipulation. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus that predominantly infects hepatocytes. Recent data suggest that ISG15 might be a potential drug target for anti-HCV therapy. Inhibition of ISG15 expression and/or ISG15 conjugation (ISGylation) provides a rationale for the design of new anti-HCV drugs.
Linear Circuit Transfer Functions: An Introduction to Fast Analytical Techniques [Member News]

Starting from the basics of circuit analysis with a refresher on classical theorems, the book slowly increases in complexity and teaches you how to solve first to nth-order circuits through numerous documented examples (all have a Mathcad file you can freely download). Each chapter contains a set of ten solved exercises that will test your understanding of the topic. This book is intended to help students by offering a different perspective on circuit analysis and also to help engineers who need a powerful tool to quickly analyze complicated electrical circuits in their daily tasks.
Charge and discharge performance of secondary batteries according to extreme environment temperatures

This paper describes experimental results aiming at analyzing commercial Li-Polymer and Ni-MH batteries performances at extreme temperatures. A climatic test chamber has been used to simulate these conditions, in addition to simple electronic circuits for charging and discharging. Charge and discharge experimental curves of voltage and current versus time at different temperatures are given for temperatures ranging from −40°C to 80°C. Finally, the amount of charge stored to the batteries during the charge cycle at extreme temperature is presented.
The myth of the new: Mass digitization, distant reading, and the future of the book

This article presents the theoretical background to a wider project that is attempting to increase our understanding of the impact and uses of large-scale digitization, being undertaken by the first author at University College London with the working title ‘What is the impact of large-scale digitization upon researchers and the information sector? ’ It discusses the controversy surrounding the emergence of mass digitization: the creation and collection of huge resources containing millions of pages of textual cultural content. It demonstrates that the polarized nature of the literature about this technological development is far from unprecedented, and in fact can be traced through the theory of a number of varied fields: the debate surrounding mechanization and digital technologies, our understanding of the role of the sublime in modern representations of technology, the similarities between the sociology of city life and digital information overload, and the way in which innovations are diffused throughout society. It proposes that these theories explain why debates around technological innovation often become so hyperbolic, creating an almost mythological view of technological determination. It concludes that, as a result of the processes outlined in this theory, mass digitization has become stuck between two conflicting rhetorical movements, and that it is therefore necessary to begin working to increase our understanding of this technology and to move the debate onwards using evidence from the real world.
Optimization meets Big Data: A survey

This paper reviews recent advances in big data optimization, providing the state-of-art of this emerging field. The main focus in this review are optimization techniques being applied in big data analysis environments. Integer linear programming, coordinate descent methods, alternating direction method of multipliers, simulation optimization and metaheuristics like evolutionary and genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, differential evolution, fireworks, bat, firefly and cuckoo search algorithms implementations are reviewed and discussed. The relation between big data optimization and software engineering topics like information work-flow styles, software architectures, and software framework is discussed. Comparative analysis in platforms being used in big data optimization environments are highlighted in order to bring a state-or-art of possible architectures and topologies.
Inhibition of the Calcium-dependent Tyrosine Kinase (CADTK) Blocks Monocyte Spreading and Motility*

Freshly isolated peripheral blood monocytes lack focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) but activate a second member of this kinase family, calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase (CADTK; also known as Pyk2/CAKβ/RAFTK/FAK2), upon adhesion or stimulation with chemokines. To study the role of CADTK in monocyte adherence and motility, we performed immunocytochemical localization that showed CADTK at the leading edge and ruffling lamellipodial structures in freshly isolated, adhered human monocytes. We next introduced CADTK/CAKβ-related non-kinase (CRNK), the C-terminal noncatalytic domain of CADTK, into monocytes by electroporation and showed that it inhibited CADTK autophosphorylation. Introduction of the fusion protein glutathione S-transferase (GST)-CRNK also reduced (i) cell spreading, as reflected in a reduced cell area 30 min after adhesion, (ii) adhesion-induced phosphotyrosine increases and redistribution into lamellipodia, and (iii) adhesion-induced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) activation. In control experiments, introduction of GST or GST-C3 transferase (an inhibitor of RhoA GTPase activity) by electroporation did not affect these parameters. Monocytes adhered in the presence of autologous serum were highly motile even after introduction of GST (83% motile cells). However, only 26% of monocytes with introduced GST-CRNK were motile. In contrast, GST-CRNK-treated monocytes were fully capable of phagocytosis and adhesion-induced cytokine gene induction, suggesting that CADTK is not involved in these cellular activities and that GST-CRNK introduction does not inhibit global monocyte functions. These results suggest that CADTK is crucial for the in vitromonocyte cytoskeletal reorganization necessary for cell motility and is likely to be required in vivo for recruitment to sites of inflammation.
Development of a Wideband and High-Efficiency Waveguide-Based Compact Antenna Radiator With Binder-Jetting Technique

A multilayer waveguide-based antenna radiator is proposed to achieve a wide operational bandwidth of high gain and high efficiency in a compact size. It is a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2\times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> array, consisting of a feeding waveguide, a matching cavity, and a radiating aperture. The proposed design provides sufficient freedom for the radiator to achieve broadband impedance matching. In order to improve radiation efficiency and avoid drawbacks from the traditional machining techniques, a binder-jetting process using metallic particles is adopted to realize the relatively complicated structure. This 3-D metal-direct-printing technique is competent to fabricate waveguide-based structures with high precision. Experimental results are favorably compared to the results of the fabrication by the machining technique. The measured relative bandwidth with VSWR <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\leq1.5$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is 23.7% (13.0–16.5 GHz). A high efficiency of 90% is obtained at the center frequency, and more than 80% efficiency can be maintained over a 2.3-GHz bandwidth. This paper shows that the binder-jetting printing technique is a promising manufacturing approach to realizing high-performance waveguide-based antennas and microwave components.
Reversed Forearm Island Flap Supplied by the Septocutaneous Perforator of the Radial Artery: Anatomical Basis and Clinical Applications

The cutaneous perforators of the radial artery adjacent to the superficial branch of the radial nerve and the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve were investigated, and the vascular anatomical features of the reversed forearm island flap supplied by those accompanying perforators were documented. Ten fresh cadavers were systemically injected with lead oxide, gelatin, and water. Twenty forearms were then dissected, and an overall map of the cutaneous vasculature and source vessels was constructed. The accompanying arteries were observed to lie along the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve and to nourish the skin through cutaneous branches. Vascular communication among these cutaneous vessels was evaluated, to determine the cutaneous vascular territory of the radial forearm flap. This anatomical information facilitates flap design in the forearm region. Clinical experience regarding the usefulness of the reversed forearm island flap for hand reconstruction for a series of five patients is presented.
Understanding the successful adoption and use of IS/IT in SMEs: an explanation from Portuguese manufacturing industries

Abstract. The objectives of the research were to identify factors enabling or inhibiting the adoption and use of information systems and technology (IS/IT) in Portuguese manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and understand how these factors interrelate in determining relative success in the adoption and use of IS/IT. This research elicited factors from previous quantitative and qualitative research, which had been shown to influence IS/IT adoption in SMEs in other contexts. A strategic change framework was used to structure the factors and ensure that comprehensive evidence about their nature and effects could be obtained in the empirical research. Further factors were identified by initial fieldwork, before carrying out 12 in‐depth case studies, across a range of situations – different industries, different levels of adoption and a range of degrees of success in IS/IT use. The pattern that emerged from the analysis of the data shows that certain factor combinations and relationships appear to determine the relative degrees of IS/IT success across the firms. This pattern can also be explained by interpreting the roles and relationships of the key actors involved in the process of IS/IT adoption and use. Top management perspectives and attitudes towards IS/IT adoption and use play an important role in the development of internal IS/IT competencies and provide an important contribution to the development of a context that enables IS/IT success.
Rate of cell death in parkinsonism indicates active neuropathological process

It has been hypothesized that idiopathic parkinsonism might be due to age‐related attrition of dopamine neurons occurring long after an initial acute episode. We present evidence against this hypothesis, based on our finding of at least six times as many HLA‐DR—positive microglia phagocytosing dopamine neurons in parkinsonian brains as in control brains. This difference indicates an active pathological process.
Effects of combined treatments with CTLA4-IG (abatacept), dexamethasone and methotrexate on cultured human macrophages.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CTLA4-Ig (abatacept) and dexamethasone (DEX) monotreatment versus their combination and adding methotrexate (MTX) on cultured human macrophages. METHODS THP-1 cells, activated into macrophages (PMA 0.05 μg/ml), were cultured for 3 and 24 hrs with CTLA4-Ig (500 μg/ml), DEX (10-8 M), MTX (0.05 μg/ml), and CTLA4-Ig combined with DEX or CTLA4-Ig combined with DEX plus MTX. CTLA4-Ig/CD86 interaction was evaluated by FACS analysis. Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunoassay (ELISA) analysis for inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) expression were performed. RESULTS FACS analysis showed in macrophages treated with CTLA4-Ig alone, CTLA4-Ig-DEX and CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX a CD86 decrease of almost 35%, versus untreated cells (CNT). After 3 hrs, macrophages treated with DEX alone or with CTLA4-Ig-DEX or CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) for all cytokines gene expression, that was still significant for IL-1β after 24 hrs (p<0.05). After 3 hrs, CTLA4-Ig alone significantly (p<0.05) reduced all cytokine genes; however, after 24 hrs still evident only for TNF-α (p<0.05). After 24 hrs CTLA4-Ig-DEX induced a significant decrease of gene expression (p<0.05) for TNF-α and IL-6, whereas CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX induced a decrease (p<0.05) limited to IL-6, versus CNT. Finally, ICC showed, after 24 hrs of CTLA4-Ig-DEX or CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX treatment a reduction (p<0.05) of IL-1β and IL-6 expression, versus CNT; DEX alone reduced only IL-1β (p<0.05). ELISA analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS CTLA4-Ig-DEX and CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX combined treatments, decreased at any level the inflammatory cytokine expression more efficiently then monotreatments on activated cultured human macrophages.
Problem in estimating the postmortem interval in death investigations

Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMl) using faunal diversity, development and succession in human death investigations is based on a number of assumptions. Investigators should not be overly dependent on the few baseline studies currenlly in use to estimate the PM! This paper reviews a number of problems to be considered when using inse<:ts to estimate the PMI: 1. Insect activity in inclement weather and at night. 2.1'iming of blow fly oviposition. 3. Mixed fly populations and staggered broods. 4. Seasonal efTects on maggot-generated heat. 5. Effect of maggot-generated heat. 6. Impact of species arriving out of sequence. 7. Availability of gravid blow ny recruits at the scene. 8. Effect of drugs, toxins, and parasitoids on maggot development. A discussion of these problems is presented along with some approaches The major contribution made by a forensic entomologists in a homicide investigation is an estimate of the duration of the postmortem interval (PMI). Some added contributions include indication of movement of the corpse, and possibly the manner of death. Estimating the PMI involves the setting of the maximal and minimal probable time interval between death and corpse discovery (Fig. 1). The maximal limit is determined by the species of insects present, and the "weather windows" available for activity of these species. The habits and mix of species can be used to give a crude estimate of the earliest time of corpse exposure. 'Weather windows are intervals of conditions, usually warmer tempel'atures and sunshine, when carrion-seeking species are likely to be active. The minimal limit is determined largely by estimating the age of developing immature insects at the time of corpse discovery. The relationship between the age of immatures and the PMI is determined from a few published baseline studies with rates adjusted by interpolation t.o include the influence of climate, season, weather, and location.
Aristolochic acid nephropathy ( ‘ ‘ Chinese herb nephropathy ’ ’ )

Aristolochic acid nephropathy is a renal disease of toxic origin characterized by a progressive interstitial fibrosis and frequently associated with urinary tract cancer. It was initially reported in Belgium after the intake of slimming pills containing root extracts of a Chinese herb, Aristolochia fangchi. In the following decades, numerous cases have been reported worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. Several experimental models of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) have been designed. They confirm the causal link between AA exposure and the onset of acute and chronic renal toxicity, as well as urinary tract cancer. These experimental models offer the opportunity to study the mechanisms of renal interstitial fibrosis and carcinogenesis. In terms of public health, the history of this nephropathy demonstrates that it is mandatory to submit all ‘‘natural medicinal products’’ to the same controls of efficacy, toxicity and § Cet article est paru initialement dans EMC (Elsevier Masson SAS, Paris), Néphrologie 18-040-J-10, 2013. Nous remercions la rédaction d’EMC-Néphrologie pour son aimable autorisation de reproduction. La présente version a été implémentée de références bibliographiques récentes sur le sujet. * Auteur correspondant. Adresse e-mail : joelle.nortier@erasme.ulb. ac.be (J. Nortier). Pour citer cet article : Nortier J, et al. Néphropathie aux acides aristolochiques (« néphropathie aux herbes chinoises »). Néphrol ther (2015), http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.nephro. 2015.10. 001 http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.nephro. 2015.10. 001 1769-7255/ 2015 Association Société de néphrologie. Publié par Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits réservés. J. Nortier et al. / Néphrologie & Thérapeutique xxx (2015) xxx–xxx 2 G Model NEPHRO-820; No. of Pages 15 conformity applied to the classical drugs derived from the pharmaceutical producers. Any unusual observation of renal failure and/or cancer of the urinary tract should lead to a questioning about any prior exposure to AA. The confirmation of the ingestion of AA containing compounds by phytochemical analysis is not always feasible. However, the renal biopsy remains a crucial diagnostic point through the demonstration of a hypocellular interstitial fibrosis with a decreasing corticomedullary gradient, mostly in advanced cases of kidney disease. Moreover, the detection of AA-related DNA adducts within a renal or urothelial tissue sample could confirm the prior AA exposure. The persistence of these specific DNA adducts in renal tissue is very long (up to 20 years). Finally, considering the highly carcinogenic properties of AA, a systematic endo-urological screening is absolutely necessary. 2015 Association Société de néphrologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Ultrastructure of mammalian oocytes and ova.

The complex ultrastructural changes of mammalian oocytes are presented. The follicular oocyte can be divided into 3 descriptive stages. First is the quiescent stage in which the majority of cytoplasmic organelles are concentrated in a crescentric basophilic juxtanuclear area (the Balbiani Vitelline body),. Second is the maturative stage, in which the follicle cells undergo mitoses and secrete the liquor folliculi. In this stage, the most salient changes in the oocyte are the development of microvilli, completion of the first meiotic division and changes in the structural organization of the cytoplasm. Third is the preovulatory stage in which the most prominent changes are the relationship between the oocyte and the cumulus cells. The changes that occur in the fallopian tubes before and after sperm penetration are described from mouse reproductive tracts fixed in situ by vascular perfusion. Shortly before sperm penetration the spaces between the cumulus and corona cells and the surface of the ovum widens and the cytoplasmic "bridges" are broken.