Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Scalable Distributed Erlang for Scalability and Reliability

Large scale servers with hundreds of hosts and tens of thousands of cores are becoming common. To exploit these platforms software must be both scalable and reliable, and distributed actor languages like Erlang are a proven technology in this area. While distributed Erlang conceptually supports the engineering of large scale reliable systems, in practice it has some scalability limits that force developers to depart from the standard language mechanisms at scale. In earlier work we have explored these scalability limitations, and addressed them by providing a Scalable Distributed (SD) Erlang library that partitions the network of Erlang Virtual Machines (VMs) into scalable groups (s_groups). This paper presents the first systematic evaluation of SD Erlang s_groups and associated tools, and how they can be used. We present a comprehensive evaluation of the scalability and reliability of SD Erlang using three typical benchmarks and a case study. We demonstrate that s_groups improve the scalability of reliable and unreliable Erlang applications on up to 256 hosts (6,144 cores). We show that SD Erlang preserves the class-leading distributed Erlang reliability model, but scales far better than the standard model. We present a novel, systematic, and tool-supported approach for refactoring distributed Erlang applications into SD Erlang. We outline the new and improved monitoring, debugging and deployment tools for large scale SD Erlang applications. We demonstrate the scaling characteristics of key tools on systems comprising up to 10 K Erlang VMs.
Reproductive Tract Infections and Treatment Seeking Behavior among Married Adolescent Women 15-19 Years in India

Background: India is home to the highest number of adolescents in the world. Adolescents in India suffer from lack of knowledge and empowerment to make informed sexual and reproductive health decisions. This paper analyses the prevalence of reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted infections (RTI/STI) and treatment seeking behavior among married adolescent women in India aged 15-19 years. Methods: Data from the District Level Household Survey (DLHS, 2007-08) of India were used. The prevalence of RTIs symptoms and treatment seeking behavior among women by different socio-demographic characteristics was analyzed. Factor analysis was utilized to create an index using information about 11 symptoms of RTI/STI collected in the survey. Linear and binary logistic regressions were used to know the association between infections and treatment seeking behavior with socio-demographic factors. Results: About 15 percent of adolescent women reported having any symptoms of RTI/STI. The main symptoms reported were low backache, pain in the lower abdomen, pain during intercourse and itching or irritation around the vulvar region. Factor analysis showed the concentration of diseases in three clusters - infection in around the vulva, other reproductive infection and abnormal discharge; and intercourse related problems. Major predictors of both symptoms of reproductive infections and treatment seeking behavior from multivariate analysis are age, education, wealth, region and awareness about RTI/STI. Conclusions and Public Health Implications: Knowledge and treatment seeking behavior is poor among adolescent women in India. There is need for programmatic and policy emphasis on increasing knowledge and awareness through family life education including in educational curriculum at school level.
Waveguide-Based Biosensors for Pathogen Detection

Optical phenomena such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, polarization, interference and non-linearity have been extensively used for biosensing applications. Optical waveguides (both planar and fiber-optic) are comprised of a material with high permittivity/high refractive index surrounded on all sides by materials with lower refractive indices, such as a substrate and the media to be sensed. This arrangement allows coupled light to propagate through the high refractive index waveguide by total internal reflection and generates an electromagnetic wave—the evanescent field—whose amplitude decreases exponentially as the distance from the surface increases. Excitation of fluorophores within the evanescent wave allows for sensitive detection while minimizing background fluorescence from complex, “dirty” biological samples. In this review, we will describe the basic principles, advantages and disadvantages of planar optical waveguide-based biodetection technologies. This discussion will include already commercialized technologies (e.g., Corning’s EPIC® Ô, SRU Biosystems’ BIND™, Zeptosense®, etc.) and new technologies that are under research and development. We will also review differing assay approaches for the detection of various biomolecules, as well as the thin-film coatings that are often required for waveguide functionalization and effective detection. Finally, we will discuss reverse-symmetry waveguides, resonant waveguide grating sensors and metal-clad leaky waveguides as alternative signal transducers in optical biosensing.
A multiresolution color model for visual difference prediction

How different are two images when viewed by a human observer? Such knowledge is needed in many situations including when one has to judge the degree to which a graphics representation may be similar to a high-quality photograph of the original scene. There is a class of computational models which attempt to predict such perceived differences. These are derived from theoretical considerations of human vision and are mostly validated from experiments on stimuli such as sinusoidal gratings. We are developing a model of visual difference prediction based on multi-scale analysis of local contrast, to be tested with psychophysical discrimination experiments on natural-scene stimuli. Here, we extend our model to account for differences in the chromatic domain. We describe the model, how it has been derived and how we attempt to validate it psychophysically for monochrome and chromatic images.
On the Almost Everywhere Convergence of Nonparametric Regression Function Estimates

Let (X, Y), (X1, Y1), . •, (X,, Yn ) be independent identically distributed random vectors from R dxR, and let E(I Y 1 p) < oo for some p > 1 . We wish to estimate the regression function m(x) = E(Y I X = x) by mn(x), a function of x and (X1 , Y1), . •, (X,, Yn ) . For large classes of kernel estimates and nearest neighbor estimates, sufficient conditions are given for E { l m(x) m(x) 0 ) -* 0 as n -* oo, almost all x . No additional conditions are imposed on the distribution of (X, Y) . As a by-product, just assuming the boundedness of Y, the almost sure convergence to O of E { I m(X) m (X) I I Xl , Yl, • • • , X,, Yn } is established for the same estimates. Finally, the weak and strong Bayes risk consistency of the corresponding nonparametric discrimination rules is proved for all possible distributions of the data .
Feedback-Controlled Adaptive Multiprocessor Real-Time Systems ⁄

We develop an adaptive feedback-controlled scheduling algo-rithm for changing the processor shares of tasks(cid:151)a process called reweighting (cid:151)on real-time multiprocessor platforms. Our particular focus is reweighting schemes that are deployed in environments in which tasks may frequently require signi(cid:2)-cant share changes. Prior work on enabling real-time adaptivity on multiprocessors has focused exclusively on scheduling algorithms that can enact needed adaptations. The algorithm proposed in this paper uses feedback-control techniques to determine at runtime which adaptations are needed.
The Architecture of Human-Like General Intelligence

By exploring the relationships between different AGI architectures, one can work toward a holistic cognitive model of human-level intelligence. In this vein, here an integrative architecture diagram for human-like general intelligence is proposed, via merging of lightly modified version of prior diagrams including Aaron Sloman’s high-level cognitive model, Stan Franklin and the LIDA group’s model of working memory and the cognitive cycle, Joscha Bach and Dietrich Dorner’s Psi model of motivated action and cognition, James Albus’s three-hierarchy intelligent robotics model, and the author’s prior work on cognitive synergy in deliberative thought and metacognition, along with ideas from deep learning and computational linguistics.
Isolation and characterization of flagella and flagellin proteins from the Thermoacidophilic archaea Thermoplasma volcanium and Sulfolobus shibatae

Isolated flagellar filaments of Sulfolobus shibatae were 15 nm in diameter, and they were composed of two major flagellins which have M(r)s of 31,000 and 33,000 and which stained positively for glycoprotein. The flagellar filaments of Thermoplasma volcanium were 12 nm in diameter and were composed of one major flagellin which has an M(r) of 41,000 and which also stained positively for glycoprotein. N-terminal amino acid sequencing indicated that 18 of the N-terminal 20 amino acid positions of the 41-kDa flagellin of T. volcanium were identical to those of the Methanococcus voltae 31-kDa flagellin. Both flagellins of S. shibatae had identical amino acid sequences for at least 23 of the N-terminal positions. This sequence was least similar to any of the available archaeal flagellin sequences, consistent with the phylogenetic distance of S. shibatae from the other archaea studied.
Independent prognostic value of elevated C-reactive protein in unstable angina.

BACKGROUND There is growing evidence of the prognostic importance of C-reactive protein (CRP) in unstable angina. However, the independent value of CRP relative to other conventional markers at different stages of treatment has not been established. Therefore, we assessed the in-hospital and 90-day prognostic values of serum CRP in unstable angina. We also compared the relation of CRP at admission and discharge with 90-day outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred ninety-four consecutive patients were included in a derivation (n = 105) and a validation set (n = 89). Serum CRP was measured at admission, at 48 hours, and at hospital discharge. A cutoff point of 1.5 mg/dL for CRP provided optimum sensitivity and specificity for adverse outcome, based on the receiver operator curves. No association was found between CRP on admission and in-hospital outcome. CRP at admission, adjusted for age, ECG findings on admission, silent ischemia, left ventricular wall motion score, and high-risk clinical presentation, was related to the combined end point of refractory angina, myocardial infarction, or death at 90 days (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.3, P = 0.002). CRP at hospital discharge was the strongest independent marker of an adverse outcome (HR 3.16, 95% CI 2.0 to 5.2, P = 0.0001). These results were confirmed in the validation set (CRP at discharge: HR 3. 3, 95% CI 2.0 to 7.69, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In unstable angina, CRP is a strong independent marker of increased 90-day risk. Compared with CRP at admission, CRP at discharge is better related to later outcome and could be of great utility for risk stratification.
Detection of Underwater Carrier-Free Pulse based on Time-Frequency Analysis

Carrier-free short pulse widely employed in UWB radar is brought into high-resolution sonar system, which has unique advantages: attaining more target information, restraining fluctuation of reverberation envelop efficiently in short-range detection and achieving accurate estimation. In essence such pulse is transiently short in time domain and wide in frequency domain, and as such it is difficult to separate signal to noise based on Fourier Transform spectrum. So as to seek for detection methods of short pulse, minor differences of energy distribution of time-frequency characteristics are presented on three time-frequency methods such as Short Time Fourier Transform, Wavelet Transform and Hilbert-Huang Transform. With these results, a tri-channel detector is established for such underwater short pulse in noise environment, which is generally suitable not only for detection module of underwater sonar system but also that of radar system.
Vitamin E in Preeclampsia

Abstract: Preeclampsia is the disorder of pregnancy with the highest rate of both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The maternal syndrome is characterized by oxidative stress and activation of the vascular endothelium that may originate from placental release of lipid peroxidation products, cytokines, and microparticles leading to an acute inflammatory response. The current understanding of the etiology has allowed the improvement of predictive tests, tests that could make intervention possible from early pregnancy onwards. Although the large secondary intervention antioxidant trials in cardiovascular diseases did not show any beneficial effect of vitamin E and vitamin C, either alone or in combination, knowledge of the nature of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia offers hope for the beneficial use of antioxidants in the prevention of the disorder. Not only has our previous small trial shown that antioxidant prophylactics in high‐risk women lowered the prevalence of preeclampsia, but also new evidence has demonstrated multiple other actions of α‐tocopherol (such as anti‐inflammation and inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase activation) besides its antioxidant properties that could be advantageous in the prevention of the disorder. Several larger trials are under way to investigate the precise role that vitamins C and E can play in the prevention of preeclampsia.
Neuroprotection by the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang, against Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion-Induced Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang (THSWT) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TMC). In the present study, oral administration of THSWT (0.7 and 1.4 g kg−1day−1) for 14 days before MCAO dose-dependently attenuated focal cerebral ischemia in rats. MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia was associated with increases in hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and active caspase-3 expressions in ischemic regions. These expressions were obviously inhibited by 0.7 g kg−1day−1 THSWT treatment. In addition, THSWT inhibited platelet aggregation stimulated by collagen in washed platelets. In an in vivo study, THSWT (16 g kg−1) significantly prolonged platelet plug formation in mice. However, THSWT (20 and 40 μg mL−1) did not significantly reduce the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal intensity of hydroxyl radical (OH•) formation. In conclusion, the most important findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that THSWT possesses potent neuroprotective activity against MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. This effect may be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of both HIF-1α and TNF-α activation, followed by the inhibition of inflammatory responses (i.e., iNOS expression), apoptosis formation (active caspase-3), and platelet activation, resulting in a reduction in the infarct volume in ischemia-reperfusion brain injury.
Coffee Consumption and Risk of Fracture in the Cohort of Swedish Men (COSM)

Background Recent research in a large cohort of women showed that coffee consumption is not associated with increased risk of fracture. Whether this is the case also among men is less clear. Methods In the Cohort of Swedish Men (COSM) study, 42,978 men aged 45–79 years old at baseline in 1997 answered a self-administered food frequency questionnaire covering coffee consumption and a medical and lifestyle questionnaire covering potential confounders. Our main outcomes first fracture at any site and first hip fracture were collected from the National Patient Registry in Sweden. The association between coffee consumption and fracture risk was investigated using Cox’s proportional hazards regression. Results During a mean follow-up of 11.2 years, 5,066 men had a first fracture at any site and of these, 1,186 (23%) were hip fractures. There was no association between increasing coffee consumption (per 200 ml) and rate of any fracture (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.02) or hip fracture (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.99–1.06) after adjustment for potential confounders. For men consuming ≥4 cups of coffee/day compared to those consuming <1 cup of coffee/day, HR for any type of fracture was 0.91 (95% CI 0.80–1.02) and for hip fracture: 0.89 (95% CI 0.70–1.14). Conclusions High coffee consumption was not associated with an increased risk of fractures in this large cohort of Swedish men.
Microstructure provides insights into evolutionary design and resilience of Coscinodiscus sp. frustule

Significance Diatoms are unicellular algae that form an intricate silica cell wall. A protective shell that is light enough to prevent sinking while simultaneously offering strength against predators is of interest to the design of lightweight structural materials. Using three-point bending experiments, we show that the diatom shell has the highest specific strength of all previously reported biological materials. Fracture analysis and finite element simulations also suggest functional differentiation between the shell layers and features to mitigate fracture. These results demonstrate the natural development of architecture in live organisms to simultaneously achieve light weight, strength, and structural integrity and may provide insight into evolutionary design. We conducted in situ three-point bending experiments on beams with roughly square cross-sections, which we fabricated from the frustule of Coscinodiscus sp. We observe failure by brittle fracture at an average stress of 1.1 GPa. Analysis of crack propagation and shell morphology reveals a differentiation in the function of the frustule layers with the basal layer pores, which deflect crack propagation. We calculated the relative density of the frustule to be ∼30% and show that at this density the frustule has the highest strength-to-density ratio of 1,702 kN⋅m/kg, a significant departure from all reported biologic materials. We also performed nanoindentation on both the single basal layer of the frustule as well as the girdle band and show that these components display similar mechanical properties that also agree well with bending tests. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that the frustule is made almost entirely of amorphous silica with a nanocrystalline proximal layer. No flaws are observed within the frustule material down to 2 nm. Finite element simulations of the three-point bending experiments show that the basal layer carries most of the applied load whereas stresses within the cribrum and areolae layer are an order of magnitude lower. These results demonstrate the natural development of architecture in live organisms to simultaneously achieve light weight, strength, and exceptional structural integrity and may provide insight into evolutionary design.
Survival of Spiral Ganglion Cells in Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Implications for Cochlear Implantation

Ninety-three temporal bones from 66 patients who were profoundly deaf during life were reconstructed by analysis of serial light microscopic sections. The correlations of total and segmental spiral ganglion cell counts with age, duration of hearing loss and profound deafness, and cause of hearing loss were evaluated. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that total spiral ganglion cell count tended to be lower in older than in younger deaf individuals and lower with longer duration of hearing loss and total deafness. However, multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the cause of hearing loss was the single most significant determinant of total spiral ganglion cell count. Patients with deafness due to aminoglycoside toxicity or sudden idiopathic deafness had the highest residual spiral ganglion cell count and patients with deafness due to presumptive postnatal viral labyrinthitis, bacterial labyrinthitis, and congenital or genetic causes had the lowest numbers of residual spiral ganglion cells.
Neighboring in Netville: How the Internet Supports Community and Social Capital in a Wired Suburb

What is the Internet doing to local community? Analysts have debated about whether the Internet is weakening community by leading people away from meaningful in‐person contact; transforming community by creating new forms of community online; or enhancing community by adding a new means of connecting with existing relationships. They have been especially concerned that the globe‐spanning capabilities of the Internet can limit local involvements. Survey and ethnographic data from a “wired suburb” near Toronto show that high‐speed, always‐on access to the Internet, coupled with a local online discussion group, transforms and enhances neighboring. The Internet especially supports increased contact with weaker ties. In comparison to nonwired residents of the same suburb, more neighbors are known and chatted with, and they are more geographically dispersed around the suburb. Not only did the Internet support neighboring, it also facilitated discussion and mobilization around local issues.
Regulation of the epithelial calcium channel TRPV5 by extracellular factors

Purpose of reviewRecent studies have greatly increased our knowledge concerning the regulation of renal calcium handling. This review focuses on newly identified calciotropic factors present in the pro-urine and the mechanisms by which they control the transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subtype 5 (TRPV5) which forms the gatekeeper of active renal calcium reabsorption. Recent findingsThe antiaging hormone klotho regulates TRPV5 activity via a novel mechanism modifying its glycosylation status, thereby entrapping the channel at the cell surface. Functional characterization of tissue kallikrein knockout mice revealed that these animals exhibit a pronounced hypercalciuria, comparable to the calcium leak observed in TRPV5 knockout mice. Recently, it has been demonstrated that tissue kallikrein stimulates active calcium reabsorption via the bradykinin receptor type 2 pathway involving protein kinase C-dependent activation of TRPV5. Finally, the extracellular pH appears to act as a dynamic switch controlling cell surface expression of TRPV5. SummaryUnraveling the molecular mechanisms of TRPV5 channel regulation by the antiaging hormone klotho, tissue kallikrein and extracellular pH demonstrated the existence of novel regulatory mechanisms of active calcium reabsorption acting from the tubular lumen.