Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Software-defined DWDM optical networks: OpenFlow and GMPLS experimental study

Finding an effective and simple unified control plane (UCP) for IP/Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) multi-layer optical networks is very important for network providers. Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) has been in development for decades to control optical transport networks. However, GMPLS-based UCP for IP/DWDM multi-layer networks is extremely complex to be deployed in a real operational products because still there are a lot of non-capable GMPLS equipments. DRAGON (Dynamic Resource Allocation via GMPLS Optical Networks) [1] is a software that solves this issue making these equipments capable for working in a GMPLS network. On the other hand, OpenFlow (OF), one of the most widely used SDN (Software Defined Networking) implementations, can be used as a unified control plane for packet and circuit switched networks [2]. In this paper, we propose and experimentally evaluate two solutions using OpenFlow to control both packet and optical networks (OpenFlow Messages Mapping and OpenFlow Extension). These two solutions are compared with GMPLS-based UCP. The experimental results show that the OpenFlow Extension solution outperforms the OpenFlow Messages Mapping and GMPLS solutions.
Memory Profiles in Pathology or Biomarker Confirmed Alzheimer Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia

Objective:We examined verbal list memory in participants with pathology-confirmed or biomarker-supported diagnoses to clarify inconsistencies in comparative memory performance. We hypothesized that Alzheimer disease (AD) participants would show more rapid forgetting, whereas behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) participants would show a more dysexecutive pattern. We also explored differences in medial temporal volumes, and relative frontal and medial temporal area contributions to memory consolidation. Participants and Methods:Participants had clinical diagnoses of AD and bvFTD who were pathologically confirmed at autopsy or supported with Pittsburgh compound B amyloid imaging. We used cognitive and imaging data collected at baseline visits for a sample of 26 participants with AD (mean age=63.7, education=16.2, Clinical Dementia Rating=0.8), 25 participants with bvFTD (mean age=60.7; education=15.7; CRD=1.1), and 25 healthy controls (mean age=65.6; education=17.5; Clinical Dementia Rating=0.2). Results and Conclusions:AD participants showed more rapid forgetting than bvFTD, and both groups showed more rapid forgetting than controls. In contrast, bvFTD did not conform to a more dysexecutive pattern of performance as patient groups committed similar number of intrusion errors and showed comparably low rates of improvement on cued recall and recognition trials. For patients with neuroimaging, there were no group differences in medial temporal volumes, which was the only significant predictor of consolidation for both dementia groups.
Fitness Consequences of Parental Compatibility in the Frog Crinia georgiana

Abstract Theory suggests that multiple mating by females can evolve as a mechanism for acquiring compatible genes that promote offspring fitness. Genetic compatibility models predict that differences in fitness among offspring arise from interactions between male and female haplotypes. Using a cross-classified breeding design and in vitro fertilization, we raised families of maternal and paternal half-siblings of the frog Crinia georgiana, a species with a polyandrous breeding system and external fertilization. After controlling for variation in maternal provisioning, we found significant effects of interacting parental haplotypes on fertilization success, and nonadditive genetic effects on measures of offspring fitness such as embryo survival, and survival to, size at, and time to metamorphosis. Additive genetic variation due to males and females was negligible, and not statistically significant for any of the fitness traits measured. Combinations of parental haplotypes that resulted in high rates of fertilization produced offspring with higher embryo survival and rapid juvenile development. We suggest that a gamete recognition mechanism for selective fertilization by compatible sperm may promote offspring fitness in this system.
Synthesis of bioactive 131 I-labeled epidermal growth factor and its distribution in rat tissues.

Radioactive monoiodotyrosyl epidermal growth factor has been synthesized and purified by means of preparative gel electrophoresis. The labeled product retains full biological activity, as compared to that of the native epidermal growth factor. In more extensively iodinated derivatives the biological activity decreases as a function of the degree of iodination. The purified 131I-labeled epidermal growth factor has been injected intraperitoneally in the rat and its distribution in some peripheral tissues such as liver, spleen, cornea, lung, heart, epidermis, skeletal muscle, kidney, brain, pancreas, intestine and testis, followed as a function of time. Only two tissues concentrate 131I-labeled epidermal growth factor with respect to the blood: the epidermis (about + 300%) and the epithelial cells of the cornea (about + 800%). The addition in vitro of native epidermal growth factor is able either to inhibit the binding of the labeled growth factor to the target tissues, or to discharge it after binding in a way which suggests a competition for the specific receptor sites.
Regenerating and Sprouting Axons Differ in Their Requirements for Growth after Injury

After spinal cord injury at birth, axotomized brainstem-spinal and corticospinal neurons are capable of permanent regenerative axonal growth into and through a fetal spinal cord transplant placed into the site of either a spinal cord hemisection or transection. In contrast, if fetal tissue which is not a normal target of the axotomized neurons (embryonic hippocampus or cortex) is placed into a neonatal spinal cord hemisection, brainstem-spinal serotonergic axons transiently innervate the transplant, but subsequently withdraw. The first set of experiments was designed to test the hypothesis that after spinal cord transection, serotonergic axons would cross the nontarget transplant, reach normal spinal cord targets caudal to the transection, and gain access to requisite target-derived cues, permitting permanent maintenance. Surprisingly, after a complete spinal cord transection, brainstem-spinal axons failed to grow into an inappropriate target even transiently. These observations suggest that the transient axonal ingrowth into nontarget transplants may represent lesion-induced axonal sprouting by contralateral uninjured axons. We have used double-labeling with fluorescent dyes, to test directly whether axonal sprouting of neurons which maintain collaterals to uninjured spinal cord targets (1) provide the transient ingrowth of brainstem-spinal axons into a nontarget transplant and (2) contribute to permanent ingrowth into target-specific transplants. Uninjured red nucleus, raphe nucleus, and locus coeruleus neurons extend axons into the nontarget transplant while maintaining collaterals to the host spinal cord caudal to the transplant. The lesion-induced sprouting by uninjured axons was also observed with a target-specific transplant. Taken together, these studies suggest that sprouting and regenerating axons may differ in their requirements for growth after injury.
EBV reactivation as a target of luteolin to repress NPC tumorigenesis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy derived from the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. Although a combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy is effective for therapy, relapse and metastasis after remission remain major causes of mortality. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is believed to be one of causes of NPC development. We demonstrated previously that EBV reactivation is important for the carcinogenesis of NPC. We sought, therefore, to determine whether EBV reactivation can be a target for retardation of relapse of NPC. After screening, we found luteolin is able to inhibit EBV reactivation. It inhibited EBV lytic protein expression and repressed the promoter activities of two major immediate-early genes, Zta and Rta. Furthermore, luteolin was shown to reduce genomic instability induced by recurrent EBV reactivation in NPC cells. EBV reactivation-induced NPC cell proliferation and migration, as well as matrigel invasiveness, were also repressed by luteolin treatment. Tumorigenicity in mice, induced by EBV reactivation, was decreased profoundly following luteolin administration. Together, these results suggest that inhibition of EBV reactivation is a novel approach to prevent the relapse of NPC.
Quality of life pilot intervention for breast cancer patients: Use of social cognitive theory

Objective: The purpose of this article is to evaluate an 8-week pilot intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory to improve quality of life for women with breast cancer. Methods: A total of 32 breast cancer patients were randomized to either the intervention or standard care. Outcome variables included quality of life, mood, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulation. Results: Effect sizes were calculated to examine the impact of the intervention, with moderate to large effect sizes found for several subscales of the outcome expectations variable: learning about cancer and treatment (d = 0.85), having a positive attitude (d = 0.54), talking about cancer (d = 1.02), engaging in relaxation (d = 0.62), and setting goals (d = 1.58). Significance of results: A nonparametric sign test was conducted, indicating that women in the intervention condition either improved more or showed less decline than the women in standard care, p = . 034, two-tailed. Implications and suggestions for the content and delivery of future psychosocial interventions with cancer patients are reviewed.
Concordant activity of transgene expression cassettes inserted into E1, E3 and E4 cloning sites in the adenovirus genome

Expression cassettes can be inserted at several positions into recombinant adenoviral genomes but the implications of this choice for transgene expression level have not been determined. Knowledge of the relative expression levels of transgenes inserted at different sites in the adenoviral genome is of particular significance for transgene expression monitoring approaches that rely on the concordant expression of a marker transgene inserted elsewhere in the viral genome.
Quantum mechanical influences on short-channel effects in ultra-thin MOSFET/SIMOX devices

This paper describes an explicit manifestation of quantum-mechanical influences on the short channel effects (SCE) in the threshold voltage of ultra-thin buried-channel MOSFET/SIMOX devices. The theoretical model predicts an abnormal quantum mechanical SCE (QSCE) in extremely thin SOI layer. It also predicts that the QSCE becomes much salient at low temperatures, which is examined quantitatively by experiments.
Hypermetabolism of Fat in V 1 a Vasopressin Receptor Knockout Mice

Department of Pharmacology (M.H., T.A., Y.F., J.B., A.T.), National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; The Chemo-Sero-Therapeutic Research Institute (Kaketsuken) (R.T.), Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8568, Japan; Department of Pediatrics (K.K., F.E.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; and Department of Health Science (Y.S.), Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
Comparison studies of dinitrogenase reductase ADP-ribosyl transferase/dinitrogenase reductase activating glycohydrolase regulatory systems in Rhodospirillum rubrum and Azospirillum brasilense

Reversible ADP ribosylation of dinitrogenase reductase, catalyzed by the dinitrogenase reductase ADP-ribosyl transferase (DRAT)/dinitrogenase reductase activating glycohydrolase (DRAG) regulatory system, has been characterized in both Rhodospirillum rubrum and Azospirillum brasilense. Although the general functions of DRAT and DRAG are very similar in these two organisms, there are a number of interesting differences, e.g., in the timing and extent of the regulatory response to different stimuli. In this work, the basis of these differences has been studied by the heterologous expression of either draTG or nifH from A. brasilense in R. rubrum mutants that lack these genes, as well as the expression of draTG from R. rubrum in an A. brasilense draTG mutant. In general, these hybrid strains respond to stimuli in a manner similar to that of the wild-type parent of the recipient strain rather than the wild-type source of the introduced genes. These results suggest that the differences seen in the regulatory response in these organisms are not primarily a result of different properties of DRAT, DRAG, or dinitrogenase reductase. Instead, the differences are likely the result of different signal pathways that regulate DRAG and DRAT activities in these two organisms. Our results also suggest that draT and draG are cotranscribed in A. brasilense.
Teaching computer programming based on patterns with activities and collaborative games using concrete materials for high school students

The courses in computing, especially those focused on software development, require many skills of novice students of computer programming. Due to the fact that computer science is a new area for most of novice students, they demonstrate great difficulty in initial courses in this area. They do not have specific skills in computer programming. This work presents the results obtained from the application of a teaching method, for computer programming students of the integrated high school mode, that combines patterns-based programming and games. The games uses concrete materials and collaborative activities based on sports in non-formal spaces. The results show improvements in students' motivation and in programming abilities. The method proposed in this work takes advantage of analogies between programming logic and games using concrete materials in order to develop programming skills.
A multilevel analysis of the relationship between institutional and individual racial discrimination and health status.

OBJECTIVES This study examined whether individual (self-perceived) and institutional (segregation and redlining) racial discrimination was associated with poor health status among members of an ethnic group. METHODS Adult respondents (n = 1503) in the cross-sectional Chinese American Psychiatric Epidemiologic Study were geocoded to the 1990 census and the 1995 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act database. Hierarchical linear modeling assessed the relationship between discrimination and scores on the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 and revised Symptom Checklist 90 health status measures. RESULTS Individual and institutional measures of racial discrimination were associated with health status after control for acculturation, sex, age, social support, income, health insurance, employment status, education, neighborhood poverty, and housing value. CONCLUSIONS The data support the hypothesis that discrimination at multiple levels influences the health of minority group members.
Directly Observed Treatment Strategy Still a Challenge in Tuberculosis Control:The South African Plight

The challenges in the management of tuberculosis (TB) are clearly manifested by the escalating numbers of not only the ordinary tuberculosis but also the drug resistant forms of TB, namely MDR-(Multi-Drug Resistance) and XDR-TB (Extreme Drug Resistance-Tuberculosis). The management of tuberculosis in SA and the whole world has been ranked as a priority due to its impact on health and economy. The effectiveness of Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) as a strategy for the control of TB and its treatment is affected by a variety of socioeconomic issues around the world and particularly in the developing countries. This study was conducted to highlight the challenges faced by the country in the control tuberculosis even in the implementation of the directly observed treatment strategy.
Saccharomyces boulardii plus rifaximin in mesalamine-intolerant ulcerative colitis.

To the Editor: Maintenance treatment of inactive ulcerative colitis is usually carried out by means of long-term mesalamine administration. Although the drug is mostly well tolerated, side effects, such as diarrhea, rash, fever, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and nephritis have been reported. The only therapeutic option in mesalamine intolerant patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis is long-term treatment with immunosuppressants. However, some patients, especially those with mild forms of the disease, are unwilling to shift to azathioprine, which, in turn, can exert toxic effects on hepatic or pancreatic function. Hence, the quest for a safer pharmacologic approach for these patients is important. Enteric flora is known to be involved in inducing and maintaining inflammation in IBD. Probiotics not only may restore the balance between the protective and the harmful intestinal bacteria but also control intestinal inflammation by suppressing the release of proinflammatory mediators and by triggering the production of IL-10 and other antiinflammatory cytokines. In particular, the probiotic agent Saccharomyces boulardii, a nonpathogen yeast, was shown to trap T-cells in mesenteric lymph nodes, thus preventing T-cell inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis with probiotics, such as E.Coli Nissle 1917, Lactobacillus GG, and the probiotic cocktail VSL # 3, has provided promising, although not conclusive results, grossly comparable with those observed with mesalazine. Rifaximin is a poorly absorbable antibiotic virtually devoid of systemic side effects reportedly able to exert possible therapeutic effects in ulcerative colitis by modifying the composition of the gut microbiota. This report concerns 6 outpatients (4 males and 2 females), aged 26 to 49 years with an established diagnosis of left-sided ulcerative colitis of mild-tomoderate degree, in remission after a course of oral steroids, intolerant to mesalamine and unwilling to undertake immunosuppressive therapy, who were allocated to an oral course with S. boulardii 500mg in the morning plus Rifaximin 400mg in the evening for 3 months. The reasons for avoiding mesalamine were earlier occurrence of diarrhea (2 patients), hepatic toxicity (1 patient), skin rash (2 patients) and contraindication to the use of salicylates because of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (1 patient). Evaluation of the patients before and after treatment, as done by Rachmilewitz’ Activity Index, showed persistent clinical remission (values <6). Thus in our series, a therapeutic regimen including S. boulardii and rifaximin seemed capable of preventing early flare-up of ulcerative colitis. The pilot character of this therapeutic experience, the small number of the treated patients, and the short duration of the treatment make it impossible to draw firm conclusions. On the other hand, our results are encouraging and warrant further controlled studies on a larger number of patients treated for longer periods.
DNA of lymphoma‐associated herpesvirus (HVMF1) in SIV‐infected monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) shows homologies to EBNA‐1, ‐2 and ‐5 genes

We have characterized a new Epstein‐Barr‐virus(EBV)‐like herpesvirus associated with lymphomas of SIV‐infected cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys and propose that this virus is designated herpesvirus macaca fascicularis I (HVMFI). Genomic regions in HVMFI of potential significance for tumor pathogenesis were analyzed by Southern blotting, PCR and sequencing, and compared with human EBV DNA. Virus from 7 SIV‐associated lymphomas and one lymphoma‐derived cell line were shown to share homology with the EBNAI‐ and EBNA2‐coding regions of EBV, while some homology to EBV‐LMPI was detectable only at low‐stringency hybridization. Homologous regions to the long internal repeat (IRI; BamHI W), the EBERI and 2 and the latent origin of DNA replication (oriP) could also be demonstrated in HVMFI. These coding regions, except IRI, showed restriction‐enzyme maps different from those of EBV. Sequencing of the EBNA5 homologous region of HVMFI DNA, corresponding to exons W1 and W2, showed 65% homology to the EBV exons W1 and W2, and 80% to the whole region including the intron. Since EBNA5 has been reported to bind tumor‐suppressor proteins p53 and Rb in vitro, the HVMFI homology could be important for the lymphomagenic capacity of this monkey herpesvirus.
A switched MPC approach of hybrid system for demand side management

The grid-connected photovoltaic-battery hybrid system is widely used in modern communities. Based on the hybrid system, customers' energy demand can be satisfied by renewable energy or battery, then their electricity cost can be reduced. When disturbances on solar energy and load demand occurred, pre-designed control strategy cannot fit system requirements in terms of optimality and safety. In this paper, model predictive control (MPC) is proposed as a closed-loop control approach to achieve real time control. Compared with the open-loop control approach, MPC has great performance improvement in terms of stability and efficiency.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and liver transplantation in patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax.

Hepatic hydrothorax is a relatively infrequent but potentially serious complication of cirrhosis resulting from the accumulation of ascitic fluid in the chest cavity. Medical management is initially directed at controlling ascites formation, but invasive therapeutic procedures may be required if symptoms persist. The aim of this study was to report on the long-term efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement to reduce portal hypertension in 12 consecutive subjects with refractory hepatic hydrothorax. Most subjects had evidence of advanced cirrhosis of varying causes (Child-Pugh class A, 1; B, 5; C, 6). Mean subject age was 54 years, and subjects were followed up for a mean of 173 days (range, 7-926 days). The portosystemic pressure gradient after TIPS was reduced to <12 mmHg in all cases. Periprocedural morbidity was noted in 2 subjects, and 30-day survival after TIPS placement was 75%. Overall, 58% of subjects experienced either a complete or partial response following TIPS placement. Subject response did not correlate with age, baseline creatinine clearance, or Child-Pugh score. Cumulative subject survival was 42%, and 4 of the 5 long-term survivors required eventual liver transplantation. Subject age >65 years was associated with early mortality after TIPS placement, but this trend was not statistically significant. All 4 subjects undergoing liver transplantation required perioperative pleural fluid drainage, but only 1 subject has experienced recurrent effusion. We conclude that TIPS may be a safe and effective temporizing treatment for carefully selected patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax. However, patient survival is limited after TIPS and is primarily determined by availability of liver transplantation.