Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low depth cache-oblivious algorithms

In this paper we explore a simple and general approach for developing parallel algorithms that lead to good cache complexity on parallel machines with private or shared caches. The approach is to design nested-parallel algorithms that have low depth (span, critical path length) and for which the natural sequential evaluation order has low cache complexity in the cache-oblivious model. We describe several cache-oblivious algorithms with optimal work, polylogarithmic depth, and sequential cache complexities that match the best sequential algorithms, including the first such algorithms for sorting and for sparse-matrix vector multiply on matrices with good vertex separators. Using known mappings, our results lead to low cache complexities on shared-memory multiprocessors with a single level of private caches or a single shared cache. We generalize these mappings to multi-level cache hierarchies of private or shared caches, implying that our algorithms also have low cache complexities on such hierarchies. The key factor in obtaining these low parallel cache complexities is the low depth of the algorithms we propose.
Shear Strength of Stabilized Kaolin Soil Using Liquid Polymer

The purpose of this research is to investigate the suitability of polymer in soil stabilization by examining its strength to withstand compressive strength. Throughout this research study, manufactured polymer was used as a chemical liquid soil stabilizer. The liquid polymer was diluted using a proposed dilution factor of 1 : 3 (1 part polymer: 3 parts distilled water) to preserve the workability of the polymer in kaolin mixture. A mold with a diameter of 50 mm and a height of 100 mm was prepared. Kaolin soil was mixed with different percentages of polymer from 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of the mass of the kaolin clay sample. Kaolin mixtures were tested after a curing period of 3 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days respectively. The physical properties were determined by conducting a moisture content test and Atterberg limit test which comprise of liquid limit, plastic limit and shrinkage limit. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of the soil shear strength were identified through an unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test. Stabilized kaolin soil showed the highest compressive strength value when it was mixed with 35% of polymer compared to other percentages that marked an increment in strength which are 45.72% (3 days), 67.57% (7 days), 81.73% (14 days) and 77.84% (28 days). Hence, the most effective percentage of liquid polymer which should be used to increase the strength of kaolin soil is 35%.
Bovine Mammary Gene Expression Profiling during the Onset of Lactation

Background Lactogenesis includes two stages. Stage I begins a few weeks before parturition. Stage II is initiated around the time of parturition and extends for several days afterwards. Methodology/Principal Findings To better understand the molecular events underlying these changes, genome-wide gene expression profiling was conducted using digital gene expression (DGE) on bovine mammary tissue at three time points (on approximately day 35 before parturition (−35 d), day 7 before parturition (−7 d) and day 3 after parturition (+3 d)). Approximately 6.2 million (M), 5.8 million (M) and 6.1 million (M) 21-nt cDNA tags were sequenced in the three cDNA libraries (−35 d, −7 d and +3 d), respectively. After aligning to the reference sequences, the three cDNA libraries included 8,662, 8,363 and 8,359 genes, respectively. With a fold change cutoff criteria of ≥2 or ≤−2 and a false discovery rate (FDR) of ≤0.001, a total of 812 genes were significantly differentially expressed at −7 d compared with −35 d (stage I). Gene ontology analysis showed that those significantly differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with cell cycle, lipid metabolism, immune response and biological adhesion. A total of 1,189 genes were significantly differentially expressed at +3 d compared with −7 d (stage II), and these genes were mainly associated with the immune response and cell cycle. Moreover, there were 1,672 genes significantly differentially expressed at +3 d compared with −35 d. Gene ontology analysis showed that the main differentially expressed genes were those associated with metabolic processes. Conclusions The results suggest that the mammary gland begins to lactate not only by a gain of function but also by a broad suppression of function to effectively push most of the cell's resources towards lactation.
Menu Costs, Uncertainty Cycles, and the Propagation of Nominal Shocks

Nominal shocks have long-lasting effects on real economic activity, beyond those implied by standard models that target the average frequency of price adjustment in micro data. This paper develops a price-setting model that explains this gap through the interplay of menu costs and uncertainty about idiosyncratic productivity. Uncertainty arises from firms' inability to distinguish between permanent and transitory productivity changes. Upon the arrival of a productivity shock, a firm's uncertainty spikes up and then fades with learning until the next shock arrives. These uncertainty cycles, when paired with menu costs, generate recurrent episodes of high adjustment frequency followed by episodes of low adjustment frequency at the firm level. A decreasing hazard rate of price adjustment results, as in the data. Taking into account this pricing behavior amplifies the persistence and reduces the pass-through of nominal shocks.
Application of 18F-FDG PET/CT combined with carbohydrate antigen 19-9 for differentiating pancreatic carcinoma from chronic mass-forming pancreatitis in Chinese elderly

Objective The current study was designed to analyze the value of 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) combined with carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in differentiating pancreatic carcinoma (PC) from chronic mass-forming pancreatitis (CMFP) in Chinese elderly. Methods As it is impossible to differentially diagnose PC from CMFP, 60 participants older than 65 years with focal pancreatic lesions were scanned by 18F-FDG PET/CT and their CA19-9 levels were tested. Diagnoses of all participants were confirmed by comprehensive methods including aspiration biopsy, surgical pathology, and clinical follow-up of 12 months. Twenty participants with CMFP were included in CMFP group and 40 participants with PC in PC group. Results In CMFP and PC groups, 46 participants showed increased 18F-FDG uptake, 43 had elevated CA19-9 levels, and 38 participants had both increased 18F-FDG uptake and elevated CA19-9 levels. Standardized uptake value maximum of PC group (5.98±2.27) was significantly different from CMFP group (2.58±1.81, P<0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in differentiating PC from CMFP were 95%, 60%, and 83.3%, respectively. CA19-9 levels of PC group (917.44±1,088.24) were significantly different from CMFP group (19.09±19.54, P<0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CA19-9 levels in differentiating PC from CMFP were 87.5%, 60%, and 78.3%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT combined with CA19-9 levels in differentiating PC from CMFP were 90%, 90%, and 90%, respectively. Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT had reliable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in differentiating PC from CMFP, and CA19-9 levels could be helpful in 18F-FDG PET/CT for differentiating PC from CMFP in Chinese elderly. Moreover, 18F-FDG PET/CT combined with CA19-9 levels was found to be an effective method to differentially diagnose PC from CMFP and has paved the way for the timely and safe treatment of PC and CMFP in Chinese elderly.
Lineage-Specific Programming Target Genes Defines Potential for Th1 Temporal Induction Pattern of STAT4

STAT4 is a critical component in the development of inﬂammatory adaptive immune responses. It has been extensively characterized as a lineage-determining factor in Th1 development. However, the genetic program activated by STAT4 that results in an inﬂammatory cell type is not well deﬁned. In this report, we use DNA isolated from STAT4-chromatin immunoprecipitation to perform chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip analysis of over 28,000 mouse gene promoters to identify STAT4 targets. We demonstrate that STAT4 binds multiple gene-sets that program distinct components of the Th1 lineage. Although many STAT4 target genes display STAT4-dependent IL-12-inducible expression, other genes displayed IL-12-induced histone modiﬁcations but lack induction, possibly due to high relative basal expression. In the subset of genes that STAT4 programs for expression in Th1 cells, IL-12-induced mRNA levels remain increased for a longer time than mRNA from genes that are not programmed. This suggests that STAT4 binding to target genes, while critical, is not the only determinant for STAT4-dependent gene programming during Th1 differentiation. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 183: 3839–3847.
Views of glaucoma patients on provision of follow-up care; an assessment of patient preferences by conjoint analysis

Aims: To determine patients’ preferences for provision of glaucoma follow-up services examining preferences for location, access and personnel for delivery of this care. Methods: 100 patient patients attending the glaucoma outpatient clinic for follow-up review underwent an interview-based assessment during which they completed the visual function questionnaire 25 and ranking of scenario options for provision of follow-up care for their glaucoma. Percentage preferences for aspects of care offered in the conjoint analysis scenario packages and generation of utility values for each of the factor levels included in the scenario design were calculated. Results: Travel time and training of health professional were the most important factors for patients (accounting for over 60%) of their preference. Utility scores were generated for each factor, with shorter travel time and examination by a doctor being the most important features to the patients. Patients who lived furthest from the hospital and had severe visual disability considered the number of visits to complete an episode to be an important feature. Conclusion: Patients ideally would like to travel a short distance and be seen by a doctor when being followed up for their glaucoma.
HAT-P-7b: An Extremely Hot Massive Planet Transiting a Bright Star in the Kepler Field

We report on the latest discovery of the HATNet project: a very hot giant planet orbiting a bright (V = 10.5) star with a small semimajor axis of a = 0.0377 ± 0.0005 AU. Ephemeris for the system is P = 2.2047299 ± 0.0000040 days, midtransit time E = 2,453,790.2593 ± 0.0010 (BJD). Based on the available spectroscopic data on the host star and photometry of the system, the planet has a mass of Mp = 1.78+ 0.08−0.05 MJ and radius of Rp = 1.36+ 0.20−0.09 RJ. The parent star is a slightly evolved F6 star with M⋆ = 1.47+ 0.08−0.05 M☉, R⋆ = 1.84+ 0.23−0.11 R☉, Teff = 6350 ± 80 K, and metallicity [ Fe/H ] = + 0.26 ± 0.08. The relatively hot and large host star, combined with the close orbit of the planet, yield a very high planetary irradiance of 4.71+ 1.44−0.05 × 109 erg cm−2 s−1, which places the planet near the top of the pM class of irradiated planets as defined by Fortney et al. If as predicted by Fortney et al. the planet reradiates its absorbed energy before distributing it to the night side, the day-side temperature should be about 2730+ 150−100 K. Because the host star is quite bright, measurement of the secondary eclipse should be feasible for ground-based telescopes, providing a good opportunity to compare the predictions of current hot Jupiter atmospheric models with the observations. Moreover, the host star falls in the field of the upcoming Kepler mission; hence extensive space-borne follow-up, including not only primary transit and secondary eclipse observations but also asteroseismology, will be possible.
Nonbinary Quasi-Cyclic LDPC Cycle Codes with Low-Density Systematic Quasi-Cyclic Generator Matrices

In this letter, we propose an appealing class of nonbinary quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) cycle codes. The parity-check matrix is carefully designed such that the corresponding generator matrix has some nice properties: 1) systematic, 2) quasi-cyclic, and 3) sparse, which allows a parallel encoding with low complexity. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed encoding-aware LDPC codes is comparable to that of the progressive-edge-growth (PEG) constructed nonbinary LDPC cycle codes.
Protein binding of clindamycin in sera of patients with AIDS

Patients with AIDS have altered pharmacokinetics of clindamycin compared with those of healthy control subjects. In an attempt to better understand these differences, we undertook a study of protein binding of clindamycin in sera of patients with AIDS. Fifteen patients with AIDS and 15 healthy volunteers were given a single 600-mg dose of clindamycin orally and intravenously, and serum samples were collected at three time points corresponding to high, midpoint, and low clindamycin concentrations. Protein binding was determined by ultrafiltration, and total and unbound clindamycin concentrations were measured with a gas chromatography assay. AIDS patients had alpha 1-acid glycoprotein values approximately twice those of healthy volunteers (mean +/- standard deviation, 103 +/- 27 versus 61 +/- 11 mg/dl; P = 0.001). Overall, serum protein binding levels were higher in AIDS patients (mean +/- standard deviation, 83 +/- 7 versus 78% +/- 8%; P = 0.0001), which is likely the result of increased alpha 1-acid glycoprotein levels in these patients. Total concentrations of clindamycin in plasma were significantly higher in AIDS patients at most time points studied, while unbound serum clindamycin concentrations did not differ among the groups at each sampling time after both oral and intravenous dosing. Increased protein binding may partly explain the altered pharmacokinetic disposition of clindamycin in AIDS patients; however, other factors cannot be excluded.
Analysis of small cell partitioning in urban two-tier heterogeneous cellular networks

This paper presents a system model that enables the analysis of indoor downlink performance in urban two-tier heterogeneous cellular networks. The urban building topology is modeled as a process of randomly distributed circles. Each building is deployed with an indoor small cell with a certain occupation probability. Macro base stations are sited outdoors. Their signals experience distance-dependent shadowing due to the blockage of the buildings. Given a typical building at the origin, expressions for the coverage probability with- and without small cell occupation are derived. The analysis of the asymmetric interference field as observed by a typical indoor user is simplified by approximations. Their accuracy is verified by Monte Carlo simulations. Our results show that isolation by wall partitioning can enhance indoor rate, and that the improvement is more sensitive to building density, rather than penetration loss per building.
DRIVING TURBULENCE AND TRIGGERING STAR FORMATION BY IONIZING RADIATION

We present high-resolution simulations on the impact of ionizing radiation of massive O stars on the surrounding turbulent interstellar medium (ISM). The simulations are performed with the newly developed software iVINE which combines ionization with smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and gravitational forces. We show that radiation from hot stars penetrates the ISM, efficiently heats cold low-density gas and amplifies overdensities seeded by the initial turbulence. The formation of observed pillar-like structures in star-forming regions (e.g. in M16) can be explained by this scenario. At the tip of the pillars gravitational collapse can be induced, eventually leading to the formation of low-mass stars. Detailed analysis of the evolution of the turbulence spectra shows that UV radiation of O stars indeed provides an excellent mechanism to sustain and even drive turbulence in the parental molecular cloud.
Persistence of measles virus and depression of antibody formation in patients with giant-cell pneumonia after measles.

IN the previous paper1 isolation of measles virus in 3 cases of giant-cell pneumonia (Hecht) without associated signs and symptoms of measles was described. These findings provide direct evidence in support of the hypothesis long current that this form of pneumonia may be caused by this agent. The present communication presents the results of studies of 4 leukemic children with overt measles complicated by severe pneumonitis (Table 1). The data supplement the evidence already obtained for measles virus in cases of giant-cell pneumonia without clinically apparent measles. They also indicate that the presumptive diagnosis of this condition can be made .
Hydrogen sulfide improves endothelial dysfunction in hypertension by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta/endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling

Objective: We aimed to elucidate the ameliorative effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on endothelium-dependent relaxation disturbances via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (PPAR&dgr;/eNOS) pathway activation in hypertensive patients and rats. Methods: Renal arteries were collected from normotensive and hypertensive patients who underwent nephron-sparing surgery. Renal arteries from 37 patients were cultured with or without sodium H2S (NaHS) 50 &mgr;mol/l. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham; Sham + NaHS, two kidneys; one clipped (2K1C); and 2K1C + NaHS. Mean arterial pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. A microvessel recording technique was used to observe the effect of NaHS on endothelium-dependent relaxation. Plasma H2S concentrations were detected using the monobromobimane method. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to assess mRNA and protein levels of AT1, cystathionine &ggr;-lyase, PPAR&dgr;, and phosphor-eNOS. Laser confocal scanning microscopy measured intracellular NO production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Results: NaHS improved endothelial function in hypertensive humans and rats. The 20-week administration of NaHS to 2K1C rats lowered the mean arterial pressure. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, NaHS improved the AngII-induced production of NO. NaHS upregulated PPAR&dgr; expression, increased protein kinase B (Akt) or adenosine monophosphate kinase-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and enhanced eNOS phosphorylation. A PPAR&dgr; agonist could mimic the ameliorative effect of NaHS that was suppressed by PPAR&dgr;, AMPK, or Akt inhibition. Conclusion: H2S plays a protective function in renal arterial endothelium in hypertension by activating the PPAR&dgr;/PI3K/Akt/eNOS or PPAR&dgr;/AMPK/eNOS pathway. H2S may serve as an effective strategy against hypertension.
In-plane self-assembly and lasing performance of cesium lead halide perovskite nanowires

ABSTRACT Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite nanowires (NWs) were synthesised by an in-plane self-assembly method. With the assistance of saturated solvent vapour, perovskite microparticles self-assembled into NWs. By stoichiometric adjustment of the halogen anion components in the NWs, their photoluminescence could be tuned to span the entire visible range. A detailed investigation of the lasing properties of the in-situ perovskite NWs and microplates revealed a lasing range of 420–560 nm, with typical thresholds of 18.8 μJ cm−2 for CsPbBr3 NWs and 8.87 μJ cm−2 for CsPbBrxCl3-x microplates. The NWs exhibited robust stability under extended laser pumping in ambient atmosphere. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT An in-plane self-assembly method was developed for high-quality CsPbX3 nanowires preparation, and the NWs possessed robust lasing performance in the range of 420–560 nm.
Levofloxacin, Metronidazole, and Lansoprazole Triple Therapy Compared to Quadruple Therapy as a Second-Line Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Korea

Background/Aims Several rescue therapies have been recommended to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with a failure of first-line eradication therapy, but they still fail in more than 20% of cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin, metronidazole, and lansoprazole (LML) triple therapy relative to quadruple therapy as a second-line treatment. Methods In total, 113 patients who failed first-line triple therapy for H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to two groups: LML for 7 days and tetracycline, bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole and lansoprazole (quadruple) for 7 days. Results According to intention-to-treat analysis, the infection was eradicated in 38 of 56 patients (67.9%) in the LML group and 48 of 57 (84.2%) in the quadruple group (p=0.042). Per-protocol analysis showed successful eradication in 38 of 52 patients (73.1%) from the LML group and 48 of 52 (92.3%) from the quadruple group (p=0.010). There were no significant differences in the adverse effects in either treatment group. Conclusions LML therapy is less effective than quadruple therapy as a second-line treatment for H. pylori infection. Therefore, quadruple therapy should be considered as the primary second-line strategy for patients experiencing a failure of first-line H. pylori therapy in Korea.
Functional Significance of Interspecific Variation in Burmeistera Flower Morphology: Evidence from Nectar Bat Captures in Ecuador

What causes flowers to diverge? While a plant's primary pollinator should strongly influence floral phenotype, selective pressures may also be exerted by other flower visitors or competition with other plants for pollination. Species of the primarily bat‐pollinated genus Burmeistera (Campanulaceae) frequently cooccur, with up to four species in a given site, and broadly overlap in flowering phenology, typically flowering throughout the year. The genus displays extensive interspecific variation in floral morphology in the degree that the reproductive parts (anthers and stigma) are exserted outside of the corolla, and species can be roughly classified as either long or short‐exserted. I tested two hypotheses regarding the functional significance of such variation: (1) exsertion lengths correspond to pollination by bat species of different sizes; and (2) variation serves to partition pollinator's bodies spatially and thus reduces interspecific pollen transfer. I captured bats in Ecuador to evaluate the identity and location of the Burmeistera pollen they were carrying. Results show that exsertion does not correspond to specialization on different pollinators; different bat species carried pollen of both flower types just as frequently. In support of the second hypothesis, pollen from flowers of different exsertion lengths was found to occur on different regions of bats' heads. This may serve to reduce competition for pollination among coexisting Burmeistera.