Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Queueing model based analysis on flow scheduling in information-agnostic datacenter networks

Minimizing the flow completion times (FCTs), especially for the short flows, is widely deemed an important optimization goal in designing data center networks, while flow scheduling strategies play great role in achieving this target. Existing optimal scheduling algorithms severely depend on the prior knowledge of flow size, which is hard to implement in practice. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the effect of flow scheduling strategies in information-agnostic datacenter networks. In this paper, we simplify the problem of FCTs and propose priority queue based mathematical model to evaluate the performance of different strategies, and derive the expression of FCT. We also present several scheduling strategies for reducing the value of FCT via analysis on the expression. We evaluate and compare these scheduling strategies by numerical and simulation experiments. The results show that the performance can be significantly improved if flow scheduling combines the characteristics of flow size distribution and the principle of providing shortest flow the highest priority.
Reproductive toxicology: the science today.

Reproductive toxicology is concerned with chemical or physical agents interfering with fertility in both gender. Adverse effects may be induced directly, especially in adult males by damaging the semen producing epithelium (e.g., DBCP), or indirectly, predominantly by interfering with sex hormonal homeostasis. Many critical events must occur during well-defined periods of prenatal and early postnatal development of the reproductive system. Most of such differentiation processes, several of which in the male critically depend on inducing influences of androgens, cannot take place at later stages, and lack of "imprinting" will result in irreversible defects or dysfunctions. These processes might be disturbed by interfering agents (e.g., by anti-androgens: feminization), provided that the exposure is high enough. Several of the processes known to be essential for male development can also be altered in females by exposure to a large excess of androgens (masculinization). Essential processes required for normal male development include: 1) androgen-dependent differentiation of the male phenotype during late embryonic development, 2) differentiation of the male secondary sex organs during the fetal period, 3) formation of a fixed number of Sertoli cells during the perinatal period, 4) imprinting of male sexual behavior in defined brain areas during the perinatal period, 5) imprinting of the pulsatile GnRH regulation of hypophysial hormone formation in both gender via the hypothalamico-hypophysial axis, and 6) differentiation of the male organism during puberty. Many effects on fertility can be induced on the adult organism. Besides a direct action on the receptors, inhibition of the feed back mechanism that guarantees sex hormonal homeostasis is another mode of action. Many synthetic steroid compounds exhibit effects on more than one receptor, thus causing a complex situation. This must also be taken into account when analyzing possible effects of "ecohormones. " Adverse hormonal actions are well established from experience in clinical and experimental medicine, using either natural or synthetic sex hormones, or enzyme inhibitors. Possible effects of "environmental" agents either mimicking or inhibiting sex hormonal actions are less well studied in clinical trials. Because of considerable species differences in hormonal effects, especially in pharmacokinetics, data of animal studies are of limited predictive value for extrapolations in preventive hazard minimization (but may be useful for revealing possible mechanisms of action). Data of in-vitro studies are even less suitable for extrapolations. It may be doubted that exposure of the general population to "ecohormones" or "xenohormones" is sufficient to induce clear-cut clinical effects. Adverse effects induced by, e.g., greatly unbalanced diets or after accidental overdoses cannot be excluded.
Strengthening Actions to Improve Feeding of Infants and Young Children 6 to 23 Months of Age: Summary of a Recent World Health Organization/UNICEF Technical Meeting, Geneva, 6–9 October 2008

Infant and young child feeding interventions are critical to promote growth, development, and survival of children. It is estimated that over a third of all deaths of children under 5 years of age are directly or indirectly caused by undernutrition. It is also estimated that about 1.4 million child lives could be saved through improved breastfeeding practices [1] and an additional 0.55 million child lives through improved complementary feeding practices [2]. Moreover, appropriate infant and young child feeding practices contribute to prevention of overweight and obesity in early childhood, thus mitigating the dual burden of malnutrition experienced in many countries. In the past two decades, marked improvements have been made in understanding effective interventions to improve infant and young child feeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that, on a population basis, children be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, after which nutritiously adequate and safe complementary foods should be introduced along with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond [3]. The Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding, which was endorsed by WHO Member States at the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the UNICEF Executive Board in 2002, has provided the overarching framework to guide program actions, and a number of countries have translated the Global Strategy into national action plans [4]. Progress has been made in promoting effective interventions in particular to improve breastfeeding practices, and this has resulted in important increases in rates of exclusive breastfeeding in some countries [5]. The same cannot be said for complementary feeding, which marks a period of great vulnerability for the onset of malnutrition. The Guiding Principles for Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child [6] and the Guiding Principles for Feeding Non-Breastfed Children 6–24 Months of Age [7] have provided important new guidance on the various critical dimensions that constitute appropriate feeding in young children. However, much more is needed to translate these guiding principles into effective program actions. WHO and UNICEF convened a technical meeting “Strengthening actions to improve infant and young child feeding practices in children 6 to 23 months of age” to examine the evidence for effective interventions to improve complementary foods and feeding practices, identify the actions needed to integrate these interventions into health-service delivery, and discuss a planning framework and tools to support managers in designing locally appropriate, effective, and feasible programs.
Cef1p Is a Component of the Prp19p-associated Complex and Essential for Pre-mRNA Splicing*

The Prp19p protein of the budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae is an essential splicing factor and is associated with the spliceosome during the splicing reaction. We have previously shown that Prp19p is not tightly associated with small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles but is associated with a protein complex consisting of at least eight protein components. By sequencing components of the affinity-purified complex, we have identified Cef1p as a component of the Prp19p-associated complex, Ntc85p. Cef1p could directly interact with Prp19p and was required for pre-mRNA splicing both in vivo and in vitro. The c-Myb DNA binding motif at the amino terminus of Cef1p was required for cellular growth but not for interaction of Cef1p with Prp19p or Cef1p self-interaction. We have identified a small region of 30 amino acid residues near the carboxyl terminus required for both cell viability and protein-protein interactions. Cef1p was associated with the spliceosome in the same manner as Prp19p, i.e. concomitant with or immediately after dissociation of U4. The anti-Cef1p antibody inhibited binding to the spliceosome of Cef1p, Prp19p, and at least three other components of the Prp19p-associated complex, suggesting that the Prp19p-associated complex is likely associated with the spliceosome and functions as an integral complex.
Transforming growth factor beta1 and beta2 (TGFbeta2 / TGFbeta2) profile changes in previously irradiated free flap beds.

BACKGROUND Following preoperative radiotherapy prior to ablative surgery of squamous epithelial carcinomas of the head and neck region, inflammatory changes and the expression of cytokines involved in wound healing could be observed. These processes lead to a delayed healing of free flaps in the graft bed. The aim of the present experimental study was to analyze the expression profiles of transforming growth factor (activated TGFbeta(1), TGFbeta(2)) and latency-associated peptide (LAP) in the irradiated graft beds and the transition area between grafts and irradiated graft beds. METHODS In Wistar rats (male, weight 300-500 g) undergoing preoperative irradiation of the neck region with 30 Gy (30 animals) and non-irradiated rats (42 animals), a free myocutaneous gracilis flap taken from the groin was transplanted to the irradiated region of the neck. The interval between irradiation and transplantation was 4 weeks. In each group on postoperative days 3, 7, 14, and 28, cytoplasmatic expression of activated TGFbeta(1), LAP, and TGFbeta(2) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry to determine labeling indices (positive stained cells/total cells). RESULTS The success rate in graft beds irradiated with 30 Gy was 76% and in non-irradiated graft beds was 86% (p =.02). In the graft beds irradiated with 30 Gy, there was an increased expression of activated TGFbeta(1) (range, 19.0-33.0), LAP (14.0-21.0), and TGFbeta(2) (3.0-19.5) together with obvious fibrosis. The expression was located in perivascular fibroblasts and endothelial cells. In contrast, a lower expression of activated TGFbeta(1) (11.0-21.0), LAP (1.0-8.0), and TGFbeta(2) (0.0-0.9) (p =.006) was observed in non-irradiated graft beds. In the transition area between graft and irradiated graft bed, high expression of activated TGFbeta(1) (37.0), LAP (19.0), and TGFbeta(2) (16.7-33.4) was observed on the 3rd postoperative day in contrast to the transition area in non-irradiated graft beds (activated TGFbeta(1) 26.0, LAP 7.0, and TGFbeta(2) 0.l). CONCLUSION The radiation induced, increased de novo synthesis of LAP, activation of TGFbeta(1), and increased expression of TGFbeta(2) may represent at least one mechanism for the increased fibrosis and wound healing disorders seen in irradiated tissues and in the transition area to graft tissue. The expression of TGFbeta(1,) LAP, and TGFbeta(2) might possess prognostic value with regard to wound healing and fibrosis in previously irradiated graft beds.
Control of Linear Compressor System Using Virtual AC Capacitor

Recently, linear compressors of cooling systems such as refrigerators, which have a free piston driven by a linear motor, have attracted much attention because of their high efficiency. For structural reasons, linear compressors applied in refrigerators should use an AC capacitor to ensure stable control. However, AC capacitors are expensive and bulky. In this paper, we propose a new method to realize stable control without a real AC capacitor by implementing a virtual AC capacitor with software. To realize a virtual AC capacitor, a pure integral is calculated. Nonetheless, if an offset current exists, the calculation may diverge to infinity. To solve this problem, a high-pass filter is applied and the compensation for the phase angle and magnitude are realized with a new method. Finally, a virtual AC capacitor enables variable frequency operations. Hence, in case of a lack of voltage, we can compensate by running the linear compressor in high-frequency operations. To improve efficiency, we may optimize the operation frequency. The validity of a virtual AC capacitor has been verified through simulations and experimental results.
On the Cost and Obstacles of Technological Learning

From a perspective of learners,technological protections from technology providers,technological gap and transactional friction between supplier and demander,the technological attribute and the problems in technology manage- ment,will ultimately be translated into technology price,transactional cost,opportunity cost of manpower,and overhead expenses of technology.The problem of obstacles in technological learning is essentially that of the learning cost.
Bullying, mental health, and parental involvement among adolescents in the Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationships between peer victimization, mental health, and parental involvement among middle school students in the Caribbean. METHODS Data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in the Cayman Islands, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago in 2007 were analysed using age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression models. RESULTS About one-quarter of the 6780 participants reported having been bullied in the past month. Rates of bullying were similar for boys and girls, and younger children reported higher rates of peer victimization. Nearly 25% of students reported sadness and hopelessness, more than 10% reported loneliness and anxiety and more than 15% reported having seriously considered suicide in the past year. Bullied students were much more likely than non-bullied students to report mental health issues (p < 0.01). Students who felt that their parents were understanding and monitored their free time activities reported fewer mental health issues and were somewhat less likely to report being a victim of a bully. CONCLUSION The strong association between bullying and poor mental health in the Caribbean emphasizes the need to develop and implement strategies for reducing bullying among children and adolescents.
Recombinant Measles Viruses Efficiently Entering Cells through Targeted Receptors

ABSTRACT We sought proof of principle that one of the safest human vaccines, measles virus Edmonston B (MV-Edm), can be genetically modified to allow entry via cell surface molecules other than its receptor CD46. Hybrid proteins consisting of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) or the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) linked to the extracellular (carboxyl) terminus of the MV-Edm attachment protein hemagglutinin (H) were produced. The standard H protein gene was replaced by one coding for H/EGF or H/IGF1 in cDNA copies of the MV genome. Recombinant viruses were rescued and replicated to titers approaching those of the parental strain. MV displaying EGF or IGF1 efficiently entered CD46-negative rodent cells expressing the human EGF or the IGF1 receptor, respectively, and the EGF virus caused extensive syncytium formation and cell death. Taking advantage of a factor Xa protease recognition site engineered in the hybrid H proteins, the displayed domain was cleaved off from virus particles, and specific entry in rodent cells was abrogated. These studies prove that MV can be engineered to selectively eliminate cells expressing a targeted receptor and provide insights into the mechanism of MV entry.
Ninety-day mortality after intertrochanteric hip fracture: does provider volume matter?

BACKGROUND Research on the relationship between orthopaedic volume and outcomes has focused almost exclusively on elective arthroplasty procedures. Geriatric patients who have sustained an intertrochanteric hip fracture are older and have a heavier comorbidity burden in comparison with patients undergoing elective arthroplasty; therefore, any advantage of provider volume in terms of mortality could be overwhelmed by the severity of the hip fracture condition itself. This study examined the association between surgeon and hospital volumes of procedures performed for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures in Medicare beneficiaries and inpatient through ninety-day postoperative mortality. METHODS The Medicare 100% files of hospital and physician claims plus the beneficiary enrollment files for 2000 through 2002 identified beneficiaries who were sixty-five years of age or older and who underwent inpatient surgery for the treatment of an intertrochanteric hip fracture with internal fixation. Provider volumes of intertrochanteric hip fracture cases were calculated with use of unique surgeon and hospital provider numbers in the claims. Fixed effects regression analysis using generalized estimating equations was used to model the association between hospital and surgeon intertrochanteric hip fracture volume and inpatient through ninety-day mortality, controlling for age, sex, race, Charlson comorbidity score, subtrochanteric fracture, prefracture nursing home residence, Medicaid-administered assistance, surgical device, and year. The unadjusted inpatient, thirty, sixty, and ninety-day mortality rates and adjusted relative risks are reported. RESULTS Between March 1, 2000, and December 31, 2002, 192,365 claims met inclusion criteria and matched with provider information. The unadjusted inpatient, thirty-day, sixty-day, and ninety-day mortality rates were 2.91%, 7.92%, 12.34%, and 15.19%, respectively. Patients managed at lower-volume hospitals had significantly higher (10% to 20%) adjusted risks of inpatient mortality than those managed at the highest-volume hospitals. By sixty days postoperatively, the increased mortality risk persisted only among patients managed at the lowest-volume hospitals (six cases per year or fewer). Patients who were managed by surgeons who treated an average of two or three cases per year had the highest mortality risks when compared with patients managed by the highest-volume surgeons. CONCLUSIONS Only the highest-volume hospitals showed an inpatient mortality benefit for Medicare patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures. Unlike the situation with elective arthroplasty procedures, our findings do not indicate a need to direct patients with routine hip fractures exclusively to high-volume centers, although the higher mortality rates found in the lowest-volume hospitals warrant further investigation.
An Optimized ToeplitzMeasurement Matrix based on ANN for Compressive Sensing

Compressive sensing takes advantage of the signals in some domain, allowing the entire signal to efficiently acquired and reconstructed from relatively few measurements. Toeplitz matrix has more advantages in the amount of data and computation over Gaussian random matrix, but its far from Gaussian matrix in the performance of signal reconstruction. In this paper, Toeplitz matrix is employed and optimized based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in machine learning. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed optimization method, compare with the Gaussian random matrix and the original matrix, the optimized matrix can reduce the amount of data and improve the CS performance in the meantime.
Effects of dietary fumonisin B1-containing culture material, deoxynivalenol-contaminated wheat, or their combination on growing barrows.

OBJECTIVE To examine the toxic effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1)-containing culture material and deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated wheat diets on barrows. ANIMALS 24, 7-week-old crossbred barrows allotted to 4 equal groups of 3 replicates of 2 barrows/replicate. PROCEDURE Barrows were fed diets for 28 days that were formulated as follows: no additional FCM or DON/kg of feed (control); 100 mg FB1/kg of feed; 5 mg DON/kg of feed; or 100 mg FB1 plus 5 mg DON/kg of feed. Body weight and feed consumption were monitored weekly. On day 28, blood samples were obtained for serum biochemical, hematologic, and immunologic measurements. On day 29, barrows were euthanatized and necropsies were performed. RESULTS Analyzed mycotoxin content of diets were: none detected (control); 47 mg of FB1/kg of feed (FB1 diet); 4.5 mg of DON/kg of feed (DON diet); and 56 mg of FB1 and 3.7 mg of DON/kg of feed (FB1 plus DON diet). Differences were detected among groups of barrows for clinical performance, serum biochemical analytes, immunologic response, and histopathologic lesions. CONCLUSIONS Combining FB1-containing material and DON-contaminated wheat in the diets of growing barrows induces a more toxic response than that induced by either toxin singly. For many variables, the response could be described as additive; however, for some variables, responses were interactive in a greater-than-additive manner. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Caution should be exercised when formulating swine diets that could contain FB1 and DON, because the condition induced by their combination is more severe than that predicted for each mycotoxin's toxicity.
Kaiser Permanente's Manifesto 2005 Demonstration

Summary In 1996, the eight-million member Kaiser Permanente HMO adopted a vision statement that said by 2005 it would expand its services to include home- and community-based services for its members with disabilities. It funded a 3-year, 32-site demonstration that showed that it was feasible to link HMO services with existing home-and community-based (HCB) services and that members appreciated the improved coordination and access. This private-sector project showed that devolution can produce innovative and feasible models of care, but it also showed that without federal financial and regulatory support, such models are unlikely to take hold if they are focused on “unprofitable” populations, for example, those who are chronically ill, poor, and/or disabled.
Potentiation of hypoxic ventilatory response by hyperoxia in the conscious rat: putative role of nitric oxide

Gozal, David. Potentiation of hypoxic ventilatory response by hyperoxia in the conscious rat: putative role of nitric oxide. J. Appl. Physiol. 85(1): 129–132, 1998. —In humans, the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) is augmented when preceded by a short hyperoxic exposure (Y. Honda, H. Tani, A. Masuda, T. Kobayashi, T. Nishino, H. Kimura, S. Masuyama, and T. Kuriyama. J. Appl. Physiol. 81: 1627–1632, 1996). To examine whether neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is involved in such hyperoxia-induced HVR potentiation, 17 male Sprague-Dawley adult rats underwent hypoxic challenges (10% O2-5% CO2-balance N2) preceded either by 10 min of room air (2O2) or of 100% O2 (1O2). At least 48 h later, similar challenges were performed after the animals received the selective nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (25 mg/kg ip). In 2O2 runs, minute ventilation (V̇E) increased from 121.3 6 20.5 (SD) ml/min in room air to 191.7 6 23.8 ml/min in hypoxia (P , 0.01). After 1O2, V̇E increased from 114.1 6 19.8 ml/min in room air to 218.4 6 47.0 ml/min in hypoxia (1O2 vs. 2O2: P , 0.005, ANOVA). After 7-nitroindazole administration, HVR was not affected in the 2O2 treatment group with V̇E increasing from 113.7 6 17.8 ml/min in room air to 185.8 6 35.0 ml/min in hypoxia (P , 0.01). However, HVR potentiation in 1O2-exposed animals was abolished (111.8 6 18.0 ml/min in room air to 184.1 6 35.6 ml/min in hypoxia; 1O2 vs. 2O2: P not significant). We conclude that in the conscious rat nNOS activation mediates essential components of the HVR potentiation elicited by a previous short hyperoxic exposure.