Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Deployment Topologies for Distributed Enterprise Applications

Enterprise applications are typically implemented as distributed systems composed of several components. Deciding where to deploy which component is a difficult task that today is usually assisted by logical topology recommendations. Choosing inefficient topologies allocates the wrong amount of resources, leads to unnecessary operation costs, or results in poor performance. Testing different topologies to find good solutions takes a lot of time and might delay productive operations. Therefore, this work introduces a software based deployment topology optimization approach for distributed enterprise applications. We use an enhanced performance model generator that extracts models from running applications. The extracted model is used to simulate performance metrics (e.g., resource utilization, response times, throughput) of an enterprise application. Subsequently, we introduce a deployment topology optimizer, which selects an optimized topology for a specified workload. The following two optimization goals are presented in this work: (i) minimum response time for an optimized user experience and (ii) maximize resource utilization for cost-effective topologies. To evaluate the approach we use the SPECjEnterpriseNEXT industry benchmark as distributed enterprise application. The evaluation demonstrates the accuracy of the simulation compared to the actual deployment and the pre-eminence of the selected topology compared to runner-up topologies.
Language lateralization in left-handed and ambidextrous people: fMRI data

Background It is generally accepted that most people have left-hemispheric language dominance, though the actual incidence of atypical language distribution in non–right-handed subjects has not been extensively studied. The authors examined language distribution in these subjects and evaluated the relationships between personal handedness, family history of sinistrality, and a language laterality index (LI) measured with fMRI. Methods The authors used whole-brain fMRI to examine 50 healthy, non–right-handed subjects (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory quotient between −100 and 52) while they performed language activation and nonlinguistic control tasks. Counts of active voxels (p < 0.001) were computed in 22 regions of interest (ROI) covering both hemispheres and the cerebellum. LI were calculated for each ROI and each entire hemisphere using the formula [L − R]/[L + R]. Results Activation was predominantly right hemispheric in 8% (4/50), symmetric in 14% (7/50), and predominantly left hemispheric in 78% (39/50) of the subjects. Lateralization patterns were similar for all hemispheric ROI. Associations were observed between personal handedness and LI (r = 0.28, p = 0.046), family history of sinistrality and LI (p = 0.031), and age and LI (r = −0.49, p < 0.001). Conclusions The incidence of atypical language lateralization in normal left-handed and ambidextrous subjects is higher than in normal right-handed subjects (22% vs 4–6%). These whole-brain results confirm previous findings in a left-handed cohort studied with fMRI of the lateral frontal lobe. Associations observed between personal handedness and LI and family history of handedness and LI may indicate a common genetic factor underlying the inheritance of handedness and language lateralization.
A Template Matcher for Robust NL Interpretation

In this paper, we describe the Template Matcher, a system built at SRI to provide robust natural-language interpretation in the Air Travel Information System (ATIS) domain. The system appears to be robust to both speech recognition errors and unanticipated or difficult locutions used by speakers. We explain the motivation for the Template Matcher, describe in general terms how it works in comparison with similar systems, and examine its performance. We discuss some limitations of this approach, and sketch a plan for integrating the Template Matcher with an analytic parser, which we believe will combine the advantages of both.
Feedback from first-year teachers: rethinking the transfer problem in China

Abstract This article reports the findings of a small-scale, follow-up investigation into the transfer problems encountered by first-year teachers in China, and the interactions that emerged among the teachers’ preconceptions of teaching, university teacher preparation programmes and teaching school contexts in their first year. Participants were surveyed both pre-graduation, after finishing their teaching practice in Year 4 of their B.Ed. programme and after their first year of teaching, when the transfer problem was newly emerged. This study finds that first-year teachers were not challenged solely by transfer problems emerging from differences among their preconceptions of teaching, university teacher preparation programmes and teaching school contexts, but also by the lack of learning support they had when teaching in the wider, radical changing social context. This study gives voice to the perceived learning needs and related supports of first-year teachers in China.
A SIMD Programmable Vision Chip with High Speed Focal Plane Image Processing

—A high speed analog VLSI image acquisition and low-level image processing system is presented. The architecture of the chip is based on a dynamically reconﬁgurable SIMD processor array. The chip features a massively parallel architecture enabling the computation of programmable mask-based image processing in each pixel. Extraction of spatial gradients and convolutions such as Sobel operators are implemented on the circuit. Each pixel include a photodiode, an ampliﬁer, two storage capacitors, and an analog arithmetic unit based on a four-quadrant multiplier architecture. A 64 × 64 pixel proof-of-concept chip was fabricated in a 0.35 µ m standard CMOS process, with a pixel size of 35 µ m × 35 µ m. A dedicated embedded platform including FPGA and ADCs has also been designed to evaluate the vision chip. The chip can capture raw images up to 10000 frames per second and runs low-level image processing at a framerate of 2000 to 5000 frames per second.
Divide and Conquer: Using Geographic Manipulation to Win District-Based Elections

District-based elections, in which voters vote for a district representative and those representatives ultimately choose the winner, are vulnerable to gerrymandering, i.e., manipulation of the outcome by changing the location and borders of districts. Many countries aim to limit blatant gerrymandering, and thus we introduce a geographically-based manipulation problem, where voters must vote at the ballot box closest to them. We show that this problem is NP-complete in the worst case. However, we present a greedy algorithm for the problem; testing it both on simulation data as well as on real-world data from the 2015 Israeli and British elections, we show that many parties are potentially able to make themselves victorious using district manipulation. Moreover, we show that the relevant variables here go beyond share of the vote; the form of geographic dispersion also plays a crucial role.
The projection of the visual field onto the lateral geniculate nucleus of the ferret

The projection of the visual field onto the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the ferret was mapped electrophysiologically. The nucleus contains a single orderly map of the contralateral visual hemifield. The upper visual field is represented dorsally and rostrally in the nucleus; central fields are found in the medial and caudal sections of the LGN; and peripheral fields are represented most laterally. The ipsilateral eye is represented in laminae Al and Cl up to eccentricities of 20–30°. Lines of projection run perpendicular to the laminar borders. The ferret LGN resembles that of the cat rotated approximately 110° clockwise in the sagittal plane, viewing the right nucleus from its lateral aspect; it differs from the cat in having a larger monocular segment.
Cells : Implications for Self-Tolerance and Tumor Therapy MUC 1 Glycoforms and CEA , in Human Thymic Epithelial Expression of Tumor-Associated Differentiation Antigens

Expression of tissue-restricted self-antigens in the thymus, termed promiscuous gene expression, imposes T cell tolerance and protects from autoimmune diseases. This antigen pool also includes various types of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) previously thought to be secluded from the immune system. The scope of promiscuous gene expression has been defined by mRNA analysis at the global level of isolated medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). Information at the protein level on the frequency of mTECs expressing a given antigen, on coexpression patterns, and post-translational modifications is largely missing. We report here promiscuous expression at the protein level of two TAA, MUC1 and CEA, in situ and in purified human mTECs. Both antigens are expressed in 1% to 3% of mTECs, either individually or coexpressed in the same cell. Using a panel of anti-MUC1 monoclonal antibodies recognizing different post-translational modifications, i.e., glycoforms of MUC1, we show that only fully glycosylated forms of MUC1 and the differentiation-dependent glycoforms were detected on mTECs, but not the cancerassociated glycoforms. Our findings imply that MUC1 and CEA are amenable to central tolerance induction, which might, however, be incomplete in case of tumor cell–restricted MUC1 glycoforms. Knowledge of these subtleties in promiscuous gene expressionmay, in the future, assist the selection of Tcell tumor vaccines for clinical trials. [Cancer Res 2007;67(8):3919–26]
Cytokine‐Induced Nitric Oxide Inhibits Bone Resorption by Inducing Apoptosis of Osteoclast Progenitors and Suppressing Osteoclast Activity

Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) has been shown to inhibit interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) stimulated bone resorption by strongly stimulating nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Here we studied the mechanisms underlying this inhibition. Osteoclasts were generated in 10‐day cocultures of mouse osteoblasts and bone marrow cells and the effect of cytokine‐induced NO on osteoclast formation and activity was determined. Stimulation of the cocultures with IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ markedly enhanced NO production by 50‐ to 70‐fold, and this was found to be derived predominantly from the osteoblast cell layer. When high levels of NO were induced by cytokines during early stages of the coculture, osteoclast formation was virtually abolished and bone resorption markedly inhibited. Cytokine stimulation during the latter stages of coculture also resulted in inhibition of bone resorption, but here the effects were mainly due to an inhibitory effect on osteoclast activity. At all stages, however, the inhibitory effects of cytokines on osteoclast formation and activity were blocked by the NO‐synthase inhibitor L‐NMMA. Further investigations suggested that the NO‐mediated inhibition of osteoclast formation was due in part to apoptosis of osteoclast progenitors. Cytokine stimulation during the early stage of the culture caused a large increase in apoptosis of bone marrow cells, and these effects were blocked by L‐NMMA and enhanced by NO donors. We found no evidence of apoptosis in osteoblasts exposed to high levels of cytokine‐induced NO at any stage in the culture, however, or of apoptosis affecting mature osteoclasts exposed to high levels of NO, suggesting that immature cells in the bone marrow compartment are most sensitive to NO‐induced apoptosis. In summary, these studies identify NO as a potentially important osteoblast‐osteoclast coupling factor which has potent inhibitory effects on bone resorption. These actions, in turn, are mediated by inhibition of osteoclast formation probably due to NO‐induced apoptosis of osteoclast progenitors and by inhibition of the resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts.
Public Opinion and Public Policy: Heroin and Other Opioids

Virginia, much like other states, has experienced unprecedented rates of heroin and prescription opioid abuse, overdoses, and deaths. Given the wide range of competing voices concerning drug policy and the complicated situation of the contemporary opioid epidemic, this study examines whether public opinion is reflected in public policy toward illicit involvement with opioids. The 2016 Commonwealth Public Policy Survey, a statewide representative sample of 1,000 Virginia residents, found that Virginians are supportive of treatment over arrest for heroin and prescription pill abusers and factors such as race, education, and political affiliation are predictive of support for treatment over arrest. More importantly, the results of this poll converge with legislative policies of the 2017 General Assembly, supporting the notion that public support can have an influence on the policymaking process. Policy implications are discussed.
Error estimates for a finite volume element method for parabolic equations in convex polygonal domains

We analyze the spatially semidiscrete piecewise linear finite volume element method for parabolic equations in a convex polygonal domain in the plane. Our approach is based on the properties of the standard finite element Ritz projection and also of the elliptic projection defined by the bilinear form associated with the variational formulation of the finite volume element method. Because the domain is polygonal, special attention has to be paid to the limited regularity of the exact solution. We give sufficient conditions in terms of data that yield optimal order error estimates in L2 and H 1 . The convergence rate in the L∞ norm is suboptimal, the same as in the corresponding finite element method, and almost optimal away from the corners. We also briefly consider the lumped mass modification and the backward Euler fully discrete method. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004
A monocular contribution to stimulus rivalry

When corresponding areas of the two eyes view dissimilar images, stable perception gives way to visual competition wherein perceptual awareness alternates between those images. Moreover, a given image can remain visually dominant for several seconds at a time even when the competing images are swapped between the eyes multiple times each second. This perceptual stability across eye swaps has led to the widespread belief that this unique form of visual competition, dubbed stimulus rivalry, is governed by eye-independent neural processes at a purely binocular stage of cortical processing. We tested this idea by investigating the influence of stimulus rivalry on the buildup of the threshold elevation aftereffect, a form of contrast adaptation thought to transpire at early cortical stages that include eye-specific neural activity. Weaker threshold elevation aftereffects were observed when the adapting image was engaged in stimulus rivalry than when it was not, indicating diminished buildup of adaptation during stimulus-rivalry suppression. We then confirmed that this reduction occurred, in part, at eye-specific neural stages by showing that suppression of an image at a given moment specifically diminished adaptation associated with the eye viewing the image at that moment. Considered together, these results imply that eye-specific neural events at early cortical processing stages contribute to stimulus rivalry. We have developed a computational model of stimulus rivalry that successfully implements this idea.
Using Daily Behavior Report Cards during Extended School Year Services for Young Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Daily Behavior Report Cards (DBRCs) have shown to be a successful intervention for improving classroom behavior for students considered to display challenging behaviors. DBRCs have been used for students with emotional/ behavioral disorder in an effort to improve academic and social outcomes. Few studies have examined the use of DBRCs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Even fewer studies have examined the intersection of young (i.e., early childhood) students with IDD in extended school year settings (ESY). The authors examined the effectiveness of DBRCs for young students with IDD in ESY settings. Four elementary students (ages 6–7) with IDD and behavior challenges who were receiving ESY services as mandated by their respective Individualized Education Plan participated in the current study. Researchers used a changing criterion single case research design, with visual analyses and Tau-U statistical analyses indicating a positive impact for each student and 1.00 effect sizes with significance (p < .01). Teachers demonstrated fidelity of implementation, and competence in data collection and graphing student progress.
The Dream of Being a Professional Soccer Player

Because of the improved fortunes in international competition of the Republic of Ireland soccer team and increased media interest in the game, many youngsters embark on their dream to be a full-time professional player. Soccer in Ireland is mostly played on a part-time basis, with few openings for full-time professionals. English clubs are now recruiting youngsters at an early age through their football academies, and competition for playing positions is intense. This article outlines the implications for youngsters in Ireland of recent market developments in England and draws on theory and evidence to shed light on the nature of career planning undertaken by aspiring professional players. Details are also provided on the social networks that best facilitate a youth's career development given her decision to “go international” (to England).
[C II] emission and star formation in late-type galaxies - II. A model

We study the relationship between gas cooling via the [C II] (A = 158 μm) line emission and dust cooling via the far-IR continuum emission on the global scale of a galaxy in normal (i.e. non-AGN dominated and non-starburst) late-type systems. It is known that the luminosity ratio of total gas and dust cooling, L C I I /L F I R , shows a non-linear behaviour with the equivalent width of the Hα (A = 6563 A) line emission, the ratio decreasing in galaxies of lower massive star-formation activity. This result holds despite the fact that known individual Galactic and extragalactic sources of the [C II] line emission show different [C II] line-to-far-IR continuum emission ratios. This non-linear behaviour is reproduced by a simple quantitative theoretical model of gas and dust heating from different stellar populations, assuming that the photoelectric effect on dust, induced by far-UV photons, is the dominant mechanism of gas heating in the general diffuse interstellar medium of the galaxies under investigation. According to the model, the global L C I I /L F I R provides a direct measure of the fractional amount of non-ionizing UV light in the interstellar radiation field and not of the efficiency of the photoelectric heating. The theory also defines a method to constrain the stellar initial mass function from measurements of L C I I and L F I R . A sample of 20 Virgo cluster galaxies observed in the [C II] line with the Long Wavelength Spectrometer on board the Infrared Space Observatory is used to illustrate the model. The limited statistics and the necessary assumptions behind the determination of the global [C II] luminosities from the spatially limited data do not allow us to establish definitive conclusions but data-sets available in the future will allow tests of both the reliability of the assumptions behind our model and the statistical significance of our results.
Clinico-bacteriological study of chronic dacryocystitis cases in northern karnataka, India.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify the organisms responsible and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates from conjunctiva and nasal mucosa in cases of chronic dacryocystitis and comparing with lacrimal sac specimen. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal study. METHODS A prospective analysis of 44 lacrimal sac contents of patients with chronic dacryocystitis conducted during the period from April 2012 to March 2013. Material was obtained directly from the lacrimal sac while making sac flap during external dacryocystorhinostomy for chronic dacryocystitis. Samples were also collected from ipsilateral conjunctiva and inferior meatus of nose. The specimens were cultured and results analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The results were analyzed by using Chi-square (χ(2)) test. RESULTS All the patients were in age group of 30 and above. Gram positive bacteria i.e., Coagulase negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common isolates (71% and 14% respectively). Vancomycin, amikacin, 3(rd) generation cephalosporins and amoxyclav were most sensitive antibiotics (100%, 89%, 83%, and 78% respectively). Comparison between lacrimal and nasal/conjunctival isolates showed high degree of identicalness between the isolates of two sites (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION Majority of the chronic dacryocystitis cases are caused by Coagulase negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Amoxyclav and 3(rd) generation cephalosporins can be used to treat chronic dacryocystitis. Commensal flora of nose and conjunctiva have a direct role in pathogenesis of chronic dacryocystitis.
Removing Biofilms from Microstructured Titanium Ex Vivo: A Novel Approach Using Atmospheric Plasma Technology

The removal of biofilms from microstructured titanium used for dental implants is a still unresolved challenge. This experimental study investigated disinfection and removal of in situ formed biofilms from microstructured titanium using cold atmospheric plasma in combination with air/water spray. Titanium discs (roughness (Ra): 1.96 µm) were exposed to human oral cavities for 24 and 72 hours (n = 149 each) to produce biofilms. Biofilm thickness was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (n = 5 each). Plasma treatment of biofilms was carried out ex vivo using a microwave-driven pulsed plasma source working at temperatures from 39 to 43°C. Following plasma treatment, one group was air/water spray treated before re-treatment by second plasma pulses. Vital microorganisms on the titanium surfaces were identified by contact culture (Rodac agar plates). Biofilm presence and bacterial viability were quantified by fluorescence microscopy. Morphology of titanium surfaces and attached biofilms was visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Total protein amounts of biofilms were colorimetrically quantified. Untreated and air/water treated biofilms served as controls. Cold plasma treatment of native biofilms with a mean thickness of 19 µm (24 h) to 91 µm (72 h) covering the microstructure of the titanium surface caused inactivation of biofilm bacteria and significant reduction of protein amounts. Total removal of biofilms, however, required additional application of air/water spray, and a second series of plasma treatment. Importantly, the microstructure of the titanium discs was not altered by plasma treatment. The combination of atmospheric plasma and non-abrasive air/water spray is applicable for complete elimination of oral biofilms from microstructured titanium used for dental implants and may enable new routes for the therapy of periimplant disease.