Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MemcachedGPU: scaling-up scale-out key-value stores

This paper tackles the challenges of obtaining more efficient data center computing while maintaining low latency, low cost, programmability, and the potential for workload consolidation. We introduce GNoM, a software framework enabling energy-efficient, latency bandwidth optimized UDP network and application processing on GPUs. GNoM handles the data movement and task management to facilitate the development of high-throughput UDP network services on GPUs. We use GNoM to develop MemcachedGPU, an accelerated key-value store, and evaluate the full system on contemporary hardware. MemcachedGPU achieves ~10 GbE line-rate processing of ~13 million requests per second (MRPS) while delivering an efficiency of 62 thousand RPS per Watt (KRPS/W) on a high-performance GPU and 84.8 KRPS/W on a low-power GPU. This closely matches the throughput of an optimized FPGA implementation while providing up to 79% of the energy-efficiency on the low-power GPU. Additionally, the low-power GPU can potentially improve cost-efficiency (KRPS/$) up to 17% over a state-of-the-art CPU implementation. At 8 MRPS, MemcachedGPU achieves a 95-percentile RTT latency under 300μs on both GPUs. An offline limit study on the low-power GPU suggests that MemcachedGPU may continue scaling throughput and energy-efficiency up to 28.5 MRPS and 127 KRPS/W respectively.
Physician and Patient Satisfaction as Factors Related to the Organization of Internal Medicine Group Practices

The present study compares patient satisfaction scores with job satisfaction scores of the physicians providing their care in 16 general internal medicine teaching hospital group practices. Practice sites with more satisfied patients were also more likely to have more satisfied housestaff and faculty physicians. Additionally, higher satisfaction scores for both physician groups and patients were consistently associated with a greater percentage of patients experiencing continuity of care, lower patient no-show rates, more efficient use of ancillary staff in providing direct patient care, and more reasonable charges for a routine follow-up visit. These findings suggest that improving physician and patient satisfaction may have economic as well as psychological and social benefits.
An Analysis of Questions Used by an English Teacher in Classroom (A Case Study at the 10th Grade of SMA Al-Yasini Pasuruan 2011/2012)

This descriptive-qualitative study was aimed at investigating the question types employed by an English teacher and the purposes of the questions asked by the teacher in the classroom. The data were obtained by audio-recording and note-taking the three meetings of English subject, as well as by interviewing the teacher. The English teacher and her thirty six students were involved as the participants. The types of question were identified using the theory proposed by Brown (2007). It was found that the teacher used six out of seven question types; they were knowledge, comprehension, application, inference, analysis, and synthesis questions. Furthermore, knowledge questions were highly employed by the English teacher and used to elicit factual answers, recall tests, recognize information, and check students’ understanding. It was concluded that there were several factors that might influence the use of certain types of question the objectives of lesson, the variety of tasks, and the teacher’s purposes in asking questions.
The effects of leadership style and group structure upon small group productivity: A test of a discrepancy theory of leader effectiveness

Abstract The discrepancy theory of leader effectiveness (O'Brien & Harary, 1977) was tested with 20 three-person groups. Each group leader was pre-selected on the basis of scores on the FIRO-B scales which measured control and participation (inclusion) needs. Half the leaders selected had high control and low participation needs and the other half had low control and high participation needs. Matched and discrepant group structures were imposed by using two structures which provided either high control and low participation opportunities or low control and high participation opportunities. The effects of leader style and group structure were tested using a 2 × 2 factorial design with rated productivity on production and discussion tasks being the dependent measure. Group structure had a significant effect upon group productivity, but the results showed no significant interactions between leader style and group structure. Group structure accounted for approximately 41% of variance in group productivity, wh.
Diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

References of a demyelinating process, with conduction blocks, reduction in conduction velocity, abnormal temporal dispersion, and absent F-waves [3]. The mild sensory involvement is demonstrated by the difference in sural nerve amplitude and the findings of immunoglobulins at nodes of Ranvier in the surd nerve biopsy. The development of a progressive weakness after a rabies vaccine could suggest a diagnosis of a postinfectious polyradiculopathy, possibly with some degree of central involvement [4]. While it may be intriguing to consider that a motor 1.
Place of Interferon-&ggr; Assay for Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis

The diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis relies mainly on serology. When results are doubtful, pediatricians have difficulties with respect to treatment. We report interferon-&ggr; responses after the stimulation of blood by Toxoplasma gondii antigen in 17 infected infants and 80 infants free of infection. Sensitivity and specificity were 93.75% (95% confidence interval: 67%–99%) and 98.75% (95% confidence interval: 92%–99%), respectively.
Computations in Relative Algebraic K-Groups

Let G be finite group and K a number field or a p-adic field with ring of integers OK . In the first part of the manuscript we present an algorithm that computes the relative algebraic K-group K0(OK [G], K) as an abstract abelian group. We solve the discrete logarithm problem, both in K0(OK [G], K) and the locally free class group cl(OK [G]). All algorithms have been implemented in MAGMA for the case K = Q. In the second part of the manuscript we prove formulae for the torsion subgroup of K0(Z[G], Q) for large classes of dihedral and quaternion groups.
Treatment of Port Wine Stains with Intense Pulsed Light: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that intense pulsed light can be useful in treating port wine stains that were resistant to previous pulsed dye laser therapy. Asian persons with high epidermal melanin context can be at a higher risk of complication. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective trial to assess the efficacy and complication of intense pulsed light in the treatment of port wine stains in Chinese patients. METHODS Twenty-two Chinese patients with port wine stains without previous treatment were recruited to receive intense pulsed light source therapy for five to seven treatments at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks. Patient demographics, skin type, characteristics of port wine stains including color and location, treatment parameters, degree of pain caused by intense pulsed light treatment, percentage of clearing, and treatment complications were recorded and entered into a database. A questionnaire was conducted to assess the influence of treatment on daily activity and the intensity of pain experienced during treatment. RESULTS There were 17 female and 5 male patients. Their ages ranged from 6 to 45 years with a mean age of 21.8±10.1 years. More than 90% of patients had more than 25% of clearing and the majority of patients (50%) had 25% to 50% of clearing. Although 40% of the patients showed more than 50% clinical clearance, 9% of the patients were able to achieve more than 75% clearing. The only 2 patients with less than 25% clearing had nodular port wine stains and no patient was able to achieve complete clearing. The procedures were well tolerated with a mean pain score of 2.1±0.9 and the treatment had no influence on daily activity. One patient developed blisters and 6 patients had swelling for more than 24 hr that all resolved within 1 week without leaving permanent marks. They have been followed up from 12 to 27 months and there was no long-term complication. CONCLUSION Intense pulsed light can be effective in treating port wine stains in Asian patients. In experienced hands, complications can be low and should be considered as one of the therapeutic options.
‘Wasting talent’? Gender and the problematics of academic disenchantment and disengagement with leadership

Confronted with the processes of massification, commercialisation, internationalisation and reduced funding, universities also face an ageing academic workforce, with implications of a shrinking pool from which to recruit managerial and research leaders. A feminist analysis suggests that the policy problematic has been wrongly conceptualised as disengagement with leadership due to the characteristics of the academic workforce. Instead, it is argued that the corporatisation of the academy has produced academic disenchantment due to managerial dominance, commercialisation and privatisation and disengagement with the dominant values, practices and images of university leadership. Furthermore, the intensification of academic labour and the lack of diversity in leadership discourage many women from aspiring to or achieving leadership.
Transformational Leadership and Whistle-Blowing Attitudes

Although transformational leadership and whistle-blowing have been extensively examined, only one article was found to explore the relationship between these factors. This is despite research suggesting a connection between leadership practices and whistle-blowing attitudes. This article built on and extended leadership and whistle-blowing theories by investigating the relationship between transformational leadership and whistle-blowing attitudes, as well as how this association might be mediated by public service motivation (PSM) and organizational commitment. Furthermore, the examination was conducted on local, state, and federal government employees in the United States. The findings indicated that transformational leadership had a direct, positive impact on whistle-blowing attitudes, as well as an indirect one through organizational commitment. In addition, PSM had an indirect effect on whistle-blowing attitudes through organizational commitment. On the other hand, PSM was not found to mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and attitudes concerning blowing the whistle.
Pulsed ultrasound enhances the delivery of nitric oxide from bubble liposomes to ex vivo porcine carotid tissue

Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery is a novel technique for enhancing the penetration of drugs into diseased tissue beds noninvasively. By encapsulating drugs into microsized and nanosized liposomes, the therapeutic can be shielded from degradation within the vasculature until delivery to a target site by ultrasound exposure. Traditional in vitro or ex vivo techniques to quantify this delivery profile include optical approaches, cell culture, and electrophysiology. Here, we demonstrate an approach to characterize the degree of nitric oxide (NO) delivery to porcine carotid tissue by direct measurement of ex vivo vascular tone. An ex vivo perfusion model was adapted to assess ultrasound-mediated delivery of NO. This potent vasodilator was coencapsulated with inert octafluoropropane gas to produce acoustically active bubble liposomes. Porcine carotid arteries were excised post mortem and mounted in a physiologic buffer solution. Vascular tone was assessed in real time by coupling the artery to an isometric force transducer. NO-loaded bubble liposomes were infused into the lumen of the artery, which was exposed to 1 MHz pulsed ultrasound at a peak-to-peak acoustic pressure amplitude of 0.34 MPa. Acoustic cavitation emissions were monitored passively. Changes in vascular tone were measured and compared with control and sham NO bubble liposome exposures. Our results demonstrate that ultrasound-triggered NO release from bubble liposomes induces potent vasorelaxation within porcine carotid arteries (maximal relaxation 31%±8%), which was significantly stronger than vasorelaxation due to NO release from bubble liposomes in the absence of ultrasound (maximal relaxation 7%±3%), and comparable with relaxation due to 12 μM sodium nitroprusside infusions (maximal relaxation 32%±3%). This approach is a valuable mechanistic tool for assessing the extent of drug release and delivery to the vasculature caused by ultrasound.
Suppression of STAT3 and HIF-1 Alpha Mediates Anti-Angiogenic Activity of Betulinic Acid in Hypoxic PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

Background Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that regulates various cellular processes such as cell survival, angiogenesis and proliferation. In the present study, we examined that betulinic acid (BA), a triterpene from the bark of white birch, had the inhibitory effects on hypoxia-mediated activation of STAT3 in androgen independent human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Methodology/Principal Findings BA inhibited the protein expression and the transcriptional activities of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) under hypoxic condition. Consistently, BA blocked hypoxia-induced phosphorylation, DNA binding activity and nuclear accumulation of STAT3. In addition, BA significantly reduced cellular and secreted levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a critical angiogenic factor and a target gene of STAT3 induced under hypoxia. Furthermore, BA prevented in vitro capillary tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) maintained in conditioned medium of hypoxic PC-3 cells, implying anti-angiogenic activity of BA under hypoxic condition. Of note, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChiP) assay revealed that BA inhibited binding of HIF-1α and STAT3 to VEGF promoter. Furthermore, silencing STAT3 using siRNA transfection effectively enhanced the reduced VEGF production induced by BA treatment under hypoxia. Conclusions/Significance Taken together, our results suggest that BA has anti-angiogenic activity by disturbing the binding of HIF-1α and STAT3 to the VEGF promoter in hypoxic PC-3 cells.
Mechanical Loading Stimulates Bone Formation by Reactivation of Bone Lining Cells in 13‐Week‐Old Rats

The bone formation that occurs in response to mechanical stimulation is generally considered to be a means by which bone adapts to changes in its mechanical environment. We have previously shown that the expression of genes for bone matrix proteins is maximal 72 h after a single 5‐minute episode of loading of tail vertebrae of 13‐week‐old female rats, that the predominant increase in mineralization occurs after 3 days, and that the osteogenic response to mechanical stimulation is not dependent on prior bone resorption. We have now investigated the cellular correlates of this osteogenic response. No proliferation was detected, by pulse or flash labeling, in the trabecular bone surface cells of animals killed 1 h to 10 days after the loading episode. Ultrastructural examination revealed that most of the cells covering the trabecular bone surface of control vertebrae were flat bone lining cells. After mechanical stimulation, the trabecular bone surface cells developed ultrastructural features of osteoblastic differentiation and activity, with acquisition of an increasingly cuboidal shape, rounded nuclei, and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum. Morphometric analysis of the mean cell area, mean nuclear area, and cell and nuclear height showed that they were all maximal 48 h after loading. By 120 h after loading, the appearances of bone surface cells had reverted to those of control vertebrae. Thus, mechanical loading appears to activate lining cells, with a temporal sequence that correlates with bone matrix production.
Bird species diversity and abundance before and after eradication of possums and wallabies on Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand

Five-minute bird counts were made on Rangitoto Island in 1998 and 1999, 8 and 9 years after the start, and 1 and 2 years after the completion of a 7-year programme that resulted in eradication of the introduced brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and brushtailed rock wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). These were compared with counts made in 1990 (immediately before the start of the programme), to assess whether bird species diversity and abundance had increased as a result of the eradications. The number of bird species detected in 1998/99 was similar to 1990. Five-minute counts of all species except silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) and tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) were also similar in 1998/99 to those in 1990. Silvereye and tui counts increased significantly. This is most likely a response to increased flowering of pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) and rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) as a result of possum (and wallaby) eradication. The most likely reason for no apparent increase in the abundance of other bird species is the continued presence of predators, especially ship rats (Rattus rattus), cats (Felis catus), and stoats (Mustela erminea).
A comparison of the developmental experiences of elite and sub-elite swimmers: similar developmental histories can lead to differences in performance level

The current study fills a void in the literature that investigates the factors required for elite athlete development. Previous studies have (a) illustrated psychological and physiological differences between elites and non-elites; or (b) described the psychological and physiological developmental experiences of elite performers. The current study augments these research bases by obtaining the recollections of 15 highly accomplished swimmers (i.e. seven elite and eight sub-elite) and compares their developmental experiences. Qualitative results are presented within Bloom's (1985) stages of talent development (i.e. The Early, Middle and Late Years) and Hendry and Kloep's (2002) lifespan model of developmental challenges (i.e. Self-Efficacy, Social Resources, Structural Resources, Skills and Biological Dispositions) in order to present these athletes’ idiosyncratic experiences in an organised manner. Similarities and differences among these athletes and between performance groups are presented, some of which are incongruent with current theories that address the developmental requirements of elite athletes. A discussion regarding the implications of these findings, and future research concerns, are then proffered.
Fabrication and Characterization of CMOS-MEMS Thermoelectric Micro Generators

This work presents a thermoelectric micro generator fabricated by the commercial 0.35 μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process and the post-CMOS process. The micro generator is composed of 24 thermocouples in series. Each thermocouple is constructed by p-type and n-type polysilicon strips. The output power of the generator depends on the temperature difference between the hot and cold parts in the thermocouples. In order to prevent heat-receiving in the cold part in the thermocouples, the cold part is covered with a silicon dioxide layer with low thermal conductivity to insulate the heat source. The hot part of the thermocouples is suspended and connected to an aluminum plate, to increases the heat-receiving area in the hot part. The generator requires a post-CMOS process to release the suspended structures. The post-CMOS process uses an anisotropic dry etching to remove the oxide sacrificial layer and an isotropic dry etching to etch the silicon substrate. Experimental results show that the micro generator has an output voltage of 67 μV at the temperature difference of 1 K.
Rescue of atypical protein kinase C in epithelia by the cytoskeleton and Hsp70 family chaperones

Atypical PKC (PKCι) is a key organizer of cellular asymmetry. Sequential extractions of intestinal cells showed a pool of enzymatically active PKCι and the chaperone Hsp70.1 attached to the apical cytoskeleton. Pull-down experiments using purified and recombinant proteins showed a complex of Hsp70 and atypical PKC on filamentous keratins. Transgenic animals overexpressing keratin 8 displayed delocalization of Hsp70 and atypical PKC. Two different keratin-null mouse models, as well as keratin-8 knockdown cells in tissue culture, also showed redistribution of Hsp70 and a sharp decrease in the active form of atypical PKC, which was also reduced by Hsp70 knockdown. An in-vitro turn motif rephosphorylation assay indicated that PKCι is dephosphorylated by prolonged activity. The Triton-soluble fraction could rephosphorylate PKCι only when supplemented with the cytoskeletal pellet or filamentous highly purified keratins, a function abolished by immunodepletion of Hsp70 but rescued by recombinant Hsp70. We conclude that both filamentous keratins and Hsp70 are required for the rescue rephosphorylation of mature atypical PKC, regulating the subcellular distribution and steady-state levels of active PKCι.
Variability in frequency and characteristics of Ca2+ sparks at different release sites in rat ventricular myocytes

1 High spatial resolution confocal imaging was used to investigate spontaneous calcium release events (Ca2+ sparks) in isolated rat cardiac myocytes loaded with the fluorescent calcium indicator fluo‐3. 2 Frequencies of sparks at different release sites varied widely, with a few sites showing sustained activities as great as 50 times the average. Sites with frequent sparks showed more rapid recovery of activity following Ca2+ waves and locally elevated basal [Ca2+]. 3 In addition to transient sparks, some sites showed bursts of rapid flurries of spark‐like events, or apparently sustained Ca2+ liberation. Bursts remained localized to individual Z‐lines, but adjacent sites on the same Z‐line could be ‘driven’ by a bursting site to generate similar activity. 4 Individual sites showed long‐term (tens of seconds) changes in ‘modes’ of activity, with abrupt transitions in frequencies of sparking, and between transient sparks and sustained bursts. These transitions were not associated with changes in the amplitude of the sparks. 5 We conclude that spontaneous sparks are not stereotyped events generated with uniform probability at all sites. Instead, the Ca2+ release event is variable, and some sites have a high probability of spark generation. Both factors show long‐term changes at individual sites, raising the possibility that properties of fundamental Ca2+ release units may be subject to modulation.
Advanced in vitro approach to study neurovascular coupling mechanisms in the brain microcirculation

• We show that parenchymal arterioles of less than 30 μm in diameter can be successfully cannulated and perfused in cortical and hypothalamic brain slices. • Increased flow/pressure induced parenchymal arteriolar constriction. • Alternatively to video microscopy, diameter measurements of cannulated arterioles could be obtained from perfusion velocity values obtained using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. • Perfused and pressurized parenchymal arterioles responded with dilatation to two well‐established signals in neurovascular coupling, K+ (10 mM) and activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs).
Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral and Spiritual-religious Interventions on Reducing Anxiety and Depression of Women with Breast Cancer

This study evaluated the efficacy of cognitive- behavioral and spiritual-religious interventions on reducing anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer. In this semi-experimental study, among women with breast cancer who were supported by a cancer research center, in Terhan, 45 women who met the inclusion criteria were selected purposefully and were placed randomly to three groups of 15; Persons each (incloding two experimental groups and a control group). All participants completed Beck Depression (BDI) (2000) and Anxiety (BAI) (1998) questionnaires in pre-test and post-test. Data were analyzed using covariance. Although the mean scores of the intervention groups were more than those of the control group, the difference was not statistically significant.