Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy consumption of interactive cloud-based document processing applications

Cloud computing and cloud-based services are a rapidly growing sector of the expanding digital economy. Recent studies have suggested that processing a task in the cloud is more energy-efficient than processing the same task locally. However, these studies have generally ignored the network transport energy and the additional power consumed by end-user devices when accessing the cloud. In this paper, we develop a simple model to estimate the incremental power consumption involved in using interactive cloud services. We then apply our model to a representative cloud-based word processing application and observe from our measurements that the volume of traffic generated by a session of the application typically exceeds the amount of data keyed in by the user by more than a factor of 1000. This has important implications on the overall power consumption of the service. We provide insights into the reasons behind the observed traffic levels. Finally, we compare our estimates of the power consumption with performing the same task on a low-power consuming computer. Our study reveals that it is not always energy-wise to use the cloud. Performing certain tasks locally can be more energy-efficient than using the cloud.
A Boosting Method with Gaussian Mixtures as Base Learners in a Low-Dimension Space

In this paper we propose a classification method in the context of Boosting called Transformed Space Boosting (TSB). Our aim is to develop the idea of using a combination of Gaussian Mixture Models and transformation matrices to design 'non-weak' base learners in Boosting strategies. The use of transformation matrices makes it possible to do a linear dimensionality reduction from an original space to a transformed one. This leads to a two-steps method where in the first one a single-component mixture is trained in the original space. In the second step, based on the single Gaussian previously trained, we apply the concept of average divergence measure to estimate the transformation matrix. The final classifier achieves an improvement in performance compared to other methods also based on dimensionality reduction. This is clearly seen from the experiments we present which strength the validity of our method and show promising classification scores.
Spatial Ability: A Review and Reanalysis of the Correlational Literature.

Abstract : The first and longest part of this report reviews and reanalyzes the major American factor analytic studies of spatial ability in terms of a hierarchical model of ability organization. The most important questions are 'What are the major dimensions of individual differences in spatial ability? ' and 'What are the implications of this research for a process understanding of spatial ability? ' The second section examines the effects of alternative solution strategies used by subjects on spatial tests. Some of the major confusions in the factor analytic studies are shown to result from individuals solving spatial problems in different ways. In addition to reviewing the literature on this topic, some new data are presented and discussed. The third section reviews the relationship between speed, level, and complexity in test performance. The speed-level dimension is shown to be crucially important for all factor analytic work, particularly for the distinction between broad, general factors and narrow specifics. Implications of this research for chronometric studies of spatial ability are also discussed. It is argued that individual differences in speed may be largely independent of individual differences in level, especially on spatial tasks.
The Sp185/333 immune response genes and proteins are expressed in cells dispersed within all major organs of the adult purple sea urchin

Purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) express a highly variable set of immune genes called Sp185/333 by two subtypes of coelomocytes: the polygonal and small phagocytes. We report that the Sp185/333 genes and their encoded proteins are also expressed in all of the major organs in the adult sea urchin, including the axial organ, pharynx, esophagus, intestine and gonads. After immune challenge, there is an increase in the level of Sp185/333 mRNA in cells associated with the intestine and axial organ. The Sp185/333 proteins increase in the axial organ, pharynx, esophagus and intestine after challenge. However, the proportion of Sp185/333-positive cells only increases in the axial organ, while there is no change in that proportion in the other organs after challenge. The size range of the major Sp185/333 proteins expressed by organs is broader (5 kDa to > 250 kDa) compared with those in coelomocytes (∼40 kDa to < 250 kDa). Images of the different organs do not clarify whether coelomocytes or parenchymal cells express the Sp185/333 proteins. The increase in levels of Sp185/333 transcripts, protein expression and Sp185/333-positive cells in the axial organ in response to challenge suggests that this organ may have an important role in immunity for this species.
MANAGING TWO ROLES

The main reasons for students combining term-time employment with university life are seen as financial, although additional benefits and costs are associated with ‘earning and learning’. Most studies focus on the negative impact of combining these roles, suggesting that students’ term-time employment leads to poorer adjustment to university life in terms of academic performance, social inclusion and reduced psychological well-being. Methodological problems with previous research have made it difficult to draw firm and generalizable conclusions regarding the interrelationship between university life and term-time employment roles. The current study adopts a pluralistic approach to study the links between psychological well-being, satisfaction with academic performance and social integration and students’ term-time and vacation employment. The first phase, reported here, consisted of qualitative research. Nine focus groups were conducted with undergraduate students at Stirling University, Scotland. These data were examined using a content analysis approach. Both positive and negative aspects of combining work and studying were discussed within the focus groups. This provides a balanced picture of combining the two roles. Results are discussed in relation to the models of complementarity, spillover and separation.
Fairness Constraints: Mechanisms for Fair Classification

Algorithmic decision making systems are ubiquitous across a wide variety of online as well as offline services. These systems rely on complex learning methods and vast amounts of data to optimize the service functionality, satisfaction of the end user and profitability. However, there is a growing concern that these automated decisions can lead, even in the absence of intent, to a lack of fairness, i.e., their outcomes can disproportionately hurt (or, benefit) particular groups of people sharing one or more sensitive attributes (e.g., race, sex). In this paper, we introduce a flexible mechanism to design fair classifiers by leveraging a novel intuitive measure of decision boundary (un)fairness. We instantiate this mechanism with two well-known classifiers, logistic regression and support vector machines, and show on real-world data that our mechanism allows for a fine-grained control on the degree of fairness, often at a small cost in terms of accuracy.
Microtubule stability, Golgi organization, and transport flux require dystonin-a2–MAP1B interaction

Loss of function of dystonin cytoskeletal linker proteins causes neurodegeneration in dystonia musculorum (dt) mutant mice. While much investigation has focused on understanding dt pathology, divergent functions of dystonin isoforms remain unclear. Here, we highlight novel functions of the dystonin‐a2 isoform in mediating microtubule (MT) stability, Golgi organization, and flux through the secretory pathway. Using dystonin mutant mice combined with isoform‐specific loss of function analysis, we find dystonin‐a2 is bound to MT associated protein 1B (MAP1B) in the centrosomal region, where it maintains MT acetylation. In dt neurons, absence of the MAP1B/dystonin‐a2 interaction results in altered MAP1B perikaryal localization, leading to MT deacetylation and instability. Deacetylated MTs result in Golgi fragmentation and prevent anterograde trafficking via motor proteins. Maintenance of MT acetylation through trichostatin A (TSA) administration or MAP1B overexpression in vitro, mitigates the observed defect. These aberrations are apparent in pre‐phenotype dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and primary sensory neurons, suggesting they are causal in the dt disorder.
Downregulation of survivin by RNAi inhibits growth of human gastric carcinoma cells.

AIM To investigate the inhibitory effect of a specific small survivin interfering RNA (siRNA) on cell proliferation and the expression of survivin in human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC-7901. METHODS To knockdown survivin expression, a small interfering RNA targeting against survivin was synthesized and transfected into SGC-7901 cells with lipofectamine 2000. The downregulation of survivin expression at both mRNA and protein levels were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation inhibition rates were determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The effect of survivin siRNA on cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS RNA interference could efficiently suppress the survivin expression in SGC-7901 cells. At 48 h after transfection, the expression inhibition rate was 44.52% at mRNA level detected by RT-PCR and 40.17% at protein level by Western blot analysis. Downregulation of survivin resulted in significant inhibition of tumor cell growth in vitro. The cell proliferation inhibition rates at 24, 48 and 72 h after survivin siRNA and non-silencing siRNA transfection, were 34.06%, 47.61% and 40.36%, respectively. The apoptosis rate was 3.56% and the number of cells was increased in G(0)/G(1) phase from 38.2% to 88.6%, and decreased in S and G(2)/M phase at 48 h after transfection. CONCLUSION Downregulation of survivin results in significant inhibition of tumor growth in vitro. The inhibition of survivin expression can induce apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells. The use of survivin siRNA deserves further investigation as a novel approach to cancer therapy.
Age-related change of location-based visual selectivity depending on conflict frequency

Age-related change in cognitive control for visual selectivity was examined using a conflict adaptation effect (CAE). The CAE reflects an increased stimulus compatibility effect for low levels of conflict frequency within blocks of trials. Younger (n = 20) and elderly (n = 20) adults received an Eriksen-type flanker task involving compatible (e.g., "44444") or incompatible (e.g., "44644") arrays presented to either the left or right visual field (VF). The participants identified the central digit of an array. Relative frequency of conflict (incompatible) trials varied as a function of the VF. Also manipulated was the presentation order of more-conflict VF and less-conflict VF conditions over trial blocks. The results showed that a location-based CAE appeared for both age groups in the first set of trial blocks, whereas in the final set of trial blocks the location-based CAE appeared only for the younger adults. These results sug- gested that cognitive flexibility related to context-dependent cognitive control dimin- ishes with age.
Antagonistic Activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus LB against Intracellular Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infecting Human Enterocyte-Like Caco-2/TC-7 Cells

ABSTRACT To gain further insight into the mechanism by which lactobacilli develop antimicrobial activity, we have examined howLactobacillus acidophilus LB inhibits the promoted cellular injuries and intracellular lifestyle of Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium SL1344 infecting the cultured, fully differentiated human intestinal cell line Caco-2/TC-7. We showed that the spent culture supernatant of strain LB (LB-SCS) decreases the number of apical serovar Typhimurium-induced F-actin rearrangements in infected cells. LB-SCS treatment efficiently decreased transcellular passage ofS. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Moreover, LB-SCS treatment inhibited intracellular growth of serovar Typhimurium, since treated intracellular bacteria displayed a small, rounded morphology resembling that of resting bacteria. We also showed that LB-SCS treatment inhibits adhesion-dependent serovar Typhimurium-induced interleukin-8 production.
Compliance With Saliva Sampling Protocols: Electronic Monitoring Reveals Invalid Cortisol Daytime Profiles in Noncompliant Subjects

Objective Ambulatory saliva collections for subsequent analysis of free cortisol levels are now frequently applied to measure adrenocortical activity in healthy subjects and patient populations. Despite the prime importance of accurate timing of saliva collection outside the laboratory, no data are available on the compliance of study participants following a given sampling protocol. This study investigated how accurately subjects adhered to the instructions to collect six saliva samples throughout 1 day. Methods Subjects were instructed to collect six saliva samples throughout 1 day (directly after awakening, 30 minutes after awakening, 11 AM, 3 PM, 8 PM, 10 PM). Objective compliance was measured using an electronic monitoring device given to the subjects either with (“informed”N = 23) or without (“noninformed”N = 24) their knowledge of the nature of the device. Data on subjective compliance were obtained by self-report. Results Thirty-one subjects (74%) were found to comply with the sampling instructions, and 11 (26%) failed at least once to obtain the saliva sample at the correct time of day. Nine of the 11 noncompliant subjects (82%) had two or more noncompliant samples. Fifty-five percent (6 of 11) of the noncompliant subjects took sample 2 outside the sampling window. The circadian cortisol profile differed significantly between compliant and noncompliant subjects (F = 7.98, p = .007). The most important effect of compliance was seen in the rise of cortisol at awakening. Compliant subjects showed a robust increase, whereas noncompliant individuals had only minimal changes from baseline at 30 minutes after awakening (t = 2.89, p = .007). Thus the steepness of the circadian cortisol decline was greater for compliant subjects (t = 2.10, p = .043). Furthermore, the informed group adhered more closely to the sampling protocol than the noninformed subjects (p = .001). Self-reported compliance also differed significantly between study groups (p = .03). In the noninformed group, self-reported sampling accuracy was significantly higher than objectively measured compliance (p = .03); the two measures were similar in the informed group (p = NS). Conclusions A significant number of subjects did not obtain saliva samples reliably in an ambulatory setting. This can partially invalidate the cortisol results and mask potential differences between subject groups of interest. We therefore recommend the use of electronic monitoring devices or other suitable methods and that study participants be informed about the device when ambulatory saliva collection is performed.
Retinal recognition: Personal identification using blood vessels

Biometrics are used for personal recognition based on some physiologic or behavioral characteristics. In this era, biometric security systems are widely used which mostly include fingerprint recognition, face recognition, iris and speech recognition etc. Retinal recognition based security systems are very rare due to retina acquisition problem but still it provides the most reliable and stable mean of biometric identification. This paper presents a four stage personal identification system using vascular pattern of human retina. In first step, it acquires and preprocesses the colored retinal image. Then blood vessels are enhanced and extracted using 2-D wavelet and adaptive thresholding respectively. In third stage, it performs feature extraction and filtration followed by vascular pattern matching in forth step. The proposed method is tested on three publicly available databases i.e DRIVE, STARE and VARIA. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieved an accuracy of 0.9485 and 0.9761 for vascular pattern extraction and personal recognition respectively.
Four Short-Form Linear Equation Estimates of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III IQs in an Elderly Sample

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-3rd Edition (WAIS-III) was released in 1997. Short forms developed for previous versions have not yet been investigated for the WAIS-III in special populations. A 4-subtest short form by A. B. Silverstein (1982, 1985b) emerged as the most promising short form in an elderly sample.
Nodular renal blastema. Definition and possible significance

A survey of autopsy records disclosed 8 infants in whom multiple small discrete nodules of primitive, undifferentiated derivatives of the renal blastema persisted in the subcapsular renal cortex. These were histologically similar to nephroblastoma (Wilms' tumor), although the character of the cells was usually undifferentiated rather than distinctly stromal or epithelial. Nodules of renal blastema were associated with multiple congenital anomalies in all cases and were detected in serial sections of 5 of 8 cases with the Trisomy 18 syndrome. Evidence was found that these nodules often retained a capacity for differentiation into dysplastic nephrons, and a possible relationship to cystic renal changes in Trisomy 18 is suggested. Dysplastic lesions, similar in location and appearance were found in 8 of 46 patients with Wilms' tumor. Because the incidence and type of congenital anomalies associated with Trisomy 18 and Wilms' tumor differ, and because Wilms' tumor is rare among children with Trisomy 18, nodular renal blastema is considered to be nonneoplastic. Its potential for neoplastic transformation is, however, unknown.
Use of Enoxaparin in a Preterm Infant

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of enoxaparin to treat suspected thrombosis in a preterm neonate. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 29-week-gestation white infant with a family history of protein S deficiency lost color and blood flow to the right hand several hours after removal of the umbilical artery catheter. Although normal color returned to all except the distal first, second, and third fingers after warming, Doppler flow showed a radial artery defect, indicating a lack of blood flow. Enoxaparin 1 mg/kg intravenously every eight hours was then started. Heparin concentrations measured via anti-Xa assay drawn four and eight hours after a dose were 0.78 and 0.39 units/mL, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters calculated from these concentrations using a one-compartment model were elimination half-life four hours, volume of distribution 0.13 L/kg, and clearance 0.022 L/kg/h. No adverse effects were noted. Blood flow eventually returned, leaving only the third fingertip chronically injured. DISCUSSION: Differences between the neonatal and adult hemostatic systems contribute to an increased risk of thromboembolic events and an altered sensitivity to heparin anticoagulation in the neonate. Although heparin is currently the anticoagulant of choice, it may produce several adverse effects, such as hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia, which may be avoided by use of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs). However, despite the efficacy and improved safety profile of LMWHs in adults, data regarding their use in children and neonates are scarce. This case demonstrates that enoxaparin can be used safely and effectively in a preterm infant through appropriate monitoring of heparin concentrations to adjust dosages. A larger volume of distribution of enoxaparin was noted in this neonate than in adults. CONCLUSIONS: Enoxaparin 1 mg/kg intravenously every eight hours was used safely in this preterm infant with suspected thrombosis, suggesting that more than one dosing regimen may be appropriate in this population.
They grow in silence: Understanding deaf children and adults

The second edition of They Grow in Silence: Understanding Deaf Children and Adults will be greeted by those familiar with the first edition as a welcome update of a seminal work. Conversely, those unfamiliar with the first edition will find a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological, medical, audiological, psychological, educational and vocational aspects of deafness. The book brings together myriad perspectives and a wealth of information in a volume comfortable for the educated lay person and the professional. This edition follows its predecessor in eschewing the guarded jargon of academia for the persuasive presentation of some familiar, but nonetheless important, points: viz., that deaf people are denied communication and language, that the denial of these attributes is much more severe than the simple lack of auditory perception, and that individuals interested in helping deaf people must not impose preconceived notions of right and wrong on services provided to deaf individuals. The strength of this book is the timely reiteration of these, as well as other, important points. In my opinion, the weakness of this book is that the passionate reiteration of these points ignores some new and controversial issues. One example is that the issue of cochlear implants receives no more than passing reference in two sentences (despite the inclusion of a chapter specifically devoted to recent advances in audiology). Another example is the failure to note that the introduction of sign systems into educational programs some 15 years ago has not significantly improved the educational attainments of deaf children. It seems this book has unwittingly replicated the "oralists'" myopia by suppressing or ignoring challenges to long-cherished beliefs. In any event, the second edition of They Grow in Silence provides vast information about deafness. I therefore recommend this book to the professional as a comprehensive, if slightly biased, review, and I recommend it to the educated lay reader as an excellent overview of information and issues regarding deafness from the perspective of professionals aligned with the adult deaf community. Introduction to Audiology, Frederick N. Martin, Ph.D., 452 pp., $30.95 hardback, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 07632,1986.
The latrine effect: impact of howler monkeys on the distribution of small seeds in a tropical rain-forest soil

Abstract: We studied the impact of dung deposition by the red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), and subsequent burial by dung beetles and other biotic and abiotic processes, on the distribution of small seeds in the soil seed bank (Nouragues Reserve, French Guiana). Seeds were collected from 54 soil samples taken under three sleeping sites and adjoining control sites, at three positions according to a fixed grid and at three different depths (0–2, 2–4 and 4–6 cm). Despite large differences between the three sites, defecation areas (latrines) were found to contain more seeds and higher seed diversity than control areas. Seed density decreased with depth in the top 6 cm in two sites but not in the third. Shannon diversity decreased with depth in both defecation and control areas. Differences in the distribution of seeds of different species were found according to size and growth habits (pioneer vs non-pioneer species). The viability of seeds, ascertained from toughness and integrity of the seed coat, varied according to depth, site and defecation. Seed viability was on average higher in defecation areas compared with control areas.