Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design, Implementation, and Performance Evaluation of Flash Memory-based File System on Chip

Interoperability is an important requirement for portable storage devices that are increasingly being used to exchange and share data among diverse hosts. However, interoperability cannot be provided if different host systems use different file systems. To address this problem, we propose a storage device that contains a file system within itself, which we refer to as FSOC (File System On Chip). In this paper, we explain the design and implementation of a Flash memory-based FSOC as a proof-of-concept. We also propose a performance model for FSOC, which is derived by analyzing operations of the host and storage device. Using this model, we show that aside from qualitative benefits, there are quantitative benefits in using FSOC instead of a conventional storage device. Results from a series of experiments are given that compare the performance of a conventional storage device and the FSOC using synthetic workloads as well as real applications, which verifies the proposed model.
Competition and Success in the Meme Pool: A Case Study on Quickmeme.com

The advent of social media has provided data and insights about how people relate to information and culture. While information is composed by bits and its fundamental building bricks are relatively well understood, the same cannot be said for culture. The fundamental cultural unit has been defined as a ``meme''. Memes are defined in literature as specific fundamental cultural traits, that are floating in their environment together. Just like genes carried by bodies, memes are carried by cultural manifestations like songs, buildings or pictures. Memes are studied in their competition for being successfully passed from one generation of minds to another, in different ways. In this paper we choose an empirical approach to the study of memes. We downloaded data about memes from a well-known website hosting hundreds of different memes and thousands of their implementations. From this data, we empirically describe the behavior of these memes. We statistically describe meme occurrences in our dataset and we delineate their fundamental traits, along with those traits that make them more or less apt to be successful.
Fecal Colonization with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli

Background. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβLs) and AmpC β-lactamases cause β-lactam resistance in Escherichia coli. Fecal colonization by ESβL- and/or AmpC-positive E. coli is a source of nosocomial infections. Methods. In order to investigate inpatient fecal colonization by ESβLs and AmpC, antibiotic sensitivity tests were conducted and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the disk diffusion method and E-test, respectively. Characterization of ESβL and AmpC was performed using E-test strips, and a set of PCRs and DNA sequence analyses were used to characterize the ESβL and AmpC genes. Results. The whole collection of E. coli isolates (n = 50) was sensitive to imipenem, tigecycline, colistin, and fosfomycin, while 26% of the isolates showed reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime (MIC ≥ 4 μg/mL). ESβL was phenotypically identified in 26% (13/50) of cases, while AmpC activity was detected in two ESβL-producing E. coli isolates. All ESβL-producing E. coli were positive for the CTX-M gene, eleven isolates carried bla CTX-M-15, and two isolates carried bla CTX-M-14 gene. Two CTX-M-positive E. coli isolates carried bla CMY-2. Conclusions. The alimentary tract is a significant reservoir for ESβL- and/or AmpC-producing E. coli, which may lead to nosocomial infection.
Non-Islet Cell Tumor Hypoglycemia at the Second Recurrence of Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Retroperitoneum and Pelvis: A Case Report

An 83-year-old man underwent complete resection of a large malignant solitary fibrous tumor in the retroperitoneum in 2006 and of a local recurrent tumor in 2010. In 2011, he was admitted to our hospital because of hypoglycemia. His serum glucose level was very low, and his levels of insulin and C-peptide were low. Furthermore, he had a recurrent tumor in the retroperitoneum and pelvis. Immediately after the third surgery for complete resection, he had no hypoglycemic episodes and his serum glucose level was within the normal range. Immunoblotting analysis revealed a high-molecular-weight form of insulin-like growth factor II in the patient’s serum and in the protein extract obtained from the resected specimen in 2011. To our knowledge, this is the first report of non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia caused by a malignant solitary fibrous tumor secreting a high-molecular-weight form of insulin-like growth factor II at the second recurrence.
Interval-Based Uncertainty Handling in Model-Based Prediction of System Quality

Our earlier research indicates feasibility of applying the PREDIQT method for model-based prediction of impacts of architecture design changes on system quality. The PREDIQT method develops and makes use of the so called prediction models, a central part of which are the "Dependency Views" (DVs) – weighted trees representing the relationships between system design and the quality notions. The values assigned to the DV parameters originate from domain expert judgments and measurements on the system. However fine grained, the DVs contain a certain degree of uncertainty due to lack and inaccuracy of empirical input. This paper proposes an approach to the representation, propagation and analysis of uncertainties in DVs. Such an approach is essential to facilitate model fitting, identify the kinds of architecture design changes which can be handled by the prediction models, and indicate the value of added information. Based on a set of criteria, we argue analytically and empirically, that our approach is comprehensible, sound, practically useful and better than any other approach we are aware of.
Demonstration of coexisting catecholamine (dopamine), amino acid (GABA), and peptide (NPY) involved in inhibition of melanotrope cell activity in Xenopus laevis: a quantitative ultrastructural, freeze- substitution immunocytochemical study

This quantitative ultrastructural immunocytochemical study demonstrates the coexistence of a catecholamine [dopamine (DA)], an amino acid (GABA), and a neuropeptide [neuropeptide Y (NPY)] in axon varicosities innervating the pars intermedia of Xenopus laevis. The varicosities are assumed to control the pars intermedia melanotrope cells, which regulate skin color during the physiological process of background adaptation. Varicosity profiles appear to abut melanotrope cells and folliculostellate cells, star-shaped cells that intimately contact the melanotropes. All varicosity profiles contain two morphological types of vesicle. Monolabeling studies on routinely fixed and freeze- substituted tissues showed that the small, electron-lucent vesicles store GABA, whereas DA and NPY occur in larger, electron-dense ones. Double and triple labeling experiments, in which the degree of immunoreactivity was quantified per varicosity profile and per vesicle, led to the conclusion that (1) DA, GABA, and NPY coexist within almost all varicosity profiles and (2) DA and NPY are costored within electron- dense vesicles. Varicosity profiles that about melanotrope cells show a much higher ratio between the numbers of electron-lucent and electron- dense vesicles than varicosities contacting folliculostellate cells (15.8 and 3.3, respectively). This differential distribution is in line with the previous demonstration that, in contrast to GABA, NPY does not act directly on the melanotrope cells but indirectly, by controlling the activity of the folliculostellate cells.
and Dibenz ( a , h ) anthracene Hamster Cells with Ultraviolet Irradiation , DNA Base Analogs , Enhancement of Adenovirus Transformation by Treatment of Updated

SUMMARY Treatment of hamster embryo cells with ultraviolet irradiation, 5-bromodeoxyuridine, 5-iododeoxyuridine, 5-bromodeoxycytidine, or dibenz(a,h)anthracene prior to the addition of an oncogenic adenovirus, SA7, enhanced the frequency of viral transformation among surviving cells. An increase of over 100-fold was demonstrated with 5-bromo deoxyuridine, 12.5 Aig/ml, and over 80-fold with 5-bromo deoxycytidine, 100 Mg/ml. Increases in the viral transformation frequency were directly related to dose; however, excessive treatment often resulted in a marked decrease in enhancement. The stimulation of SA7 transformation could not be related to the selection of transformation-sensitive cells, since the absolute number of SA7 foci per plate increased up to 8-fold under conditions where over 90% of the cells were unable to form colonies. These data suggest that the enhancement results from a direct effect upon the cells, thereby increasing their susceptibility to viral transformation.
Effects of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals on Female Reproductive Health

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly prevalent in the environment and the evidence demonstrates that they affect reproductive health, has been accumulating for the last few decades. In this review of recent literature, we present evidence of the effects of estrogen-mimicking EDCs on female reproductive health especially the ovaries and uteri. As representative EDCs, data from studies with a pharmaceutical estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES), an organochlorine pesticide methoxychlor (MXC), a phytoestrogen (genistein), and a chemical used in plastics, bisphenol a (BPA) have been presented. We also discuss the effects of a commonly found plasticizer in the environment, a phthalate (DEHP), even though it is not a typical estrogenic EDC. Collectively, these studies show that exposures during fetal and neonatal periods cause developmental reprogramming leading to adult reproductive disease. Puberty, estrous cyclicity, ovarian follicular development, and uterine functions are all affected by exposure to these EDCs. Evidence that epigenetic modifications are involved in the progression to adult disease is also presented.
Stable transmission of targeted gene modification using single-stranded oligonucleotides with flanking LNAs

Targeted mutagenesis directed by oligonucleotides (ONs) is a promising method for manipulating the genome in higher eukaryotes. In this study, we have compared gene editing by different ONs on two new target sequences, the eBFP and the rd1 mutant photoreceptor βPDE cDNAs, which were integrated as single copy transgenes at the same genomic site in 293T cells. Interestingly, antisense ONs were superior to sense ONs for one target only, showing that target sequence can by itself impart strand-bias in gene editing. The most efficient ONs were short 25 nt ONs with flanking locked nucleic acids (LNAs), a chemistry that had only been tested for targeted nucleotide mutagenesis in yeast, and 25 nt ONs with phosphorothioate linkages. We showed that LNA-modified ONs mediate dose-dependent target modification and analyzed the importance of LNA position and content. Importantly, when using ONs with flanking LNAs, targeted gene modification was stably transmitted during cell division, which allowed reliable cloning of modified cells, a feature essential for further applications in functional genomics and gene therapy. Finally, we showed that ONs with flanking LNAs aimed at correcting the rd1 stop mutation could promote survival of photoreceptors in retinas of rd1 mutant mice, suggesting that they are also active in vivo.
STUDIES IN PHYSICAL CULTURE AND TOURISM Vol. 15, No. 2, 2008

The article presents results of a comprehensive study carried out in the Region of Wielkopolska in Poland. The subjects included guest farms owners, local entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens. The research was to examine the relationship between the development of agritourism and the potential of a local community. At present there are approximately 450 agritourist farms in Wielkopolska. A questionnaire survey was carried out in villages with the best conditions for the development of agritourism and in a large number of working agritourist farms. 765 standardized face-to-face interviews were conducted. The structure of the sample reflected the structure of the local community in terms of respondents’ sex, age and level of education. Additionally, 100 local entrepreneurs were interviewed representing three types of business: non-agritourist lodging and catering, retail and public services. All farm owners were interviewed with the aid of standardized questionnaires. The research results were processed with a Chi Square independence test. The research showed that agritourism had a great impact on the level of development of country dwellers, especially on their level of education, continual education, manners and openness to people. The owners of agritourist farms are better educated than people who do not run such business. Also a directly proportional correlation was observed between the perceived positive impact of agritourism on some aspects of life and the level of education; and an inversely proportional correlation between this influence of agritourism and the interviewees’ age. Following the example of people involved in the agritourist business can enhance the potential of the local community and simultaneously stimulate the development of the countryside. This is also the essence of efficient and successful civil society. Thus a significant feedback between the local community potential and the outcomes of agritourism can be observed. Provision of agritourist services is only made possible when the residents of rural communities have appropriate supplies at their disposal. Also a directly proportional correlation was observed between the perceived positive impact of agritourism on some aspects of life and the interviewees’ level of education. There was also an inversely proportional correlation between this perception and the interviewees’ age. Agritourism raises the prestige of the countryside and gives people satisfaction of belonging to a local community. It also stimulates the activities of local inhabitants. However, as the study results show, the impact of agritourism on the lifestyle and life quality of local people depends on demographic features, in particular, on education and age.
Classification of G-Quadruplex DNA on the Basis of the Quadruplex Twist Angle and Planarity of G-Quartets

The present work is devoted to the analysis of the G-quadruplex DNA structure using the bioinformatics method. The interest towards quadruplex DNAs is determined by their involvement in the functioning of telomeres and onco-promoters as well as by the possibility to create on their basis aptamers and nanostructures. Here, we present an algorithm for a general analysis of the polymorphism of the G-quadruplex structure from the data bank PDB using original parameters. 74 structures were grouped according to the following parameters: the number of DNA strands, the number of G-quartets, and the location and orientation of the connecting loops. Two quantitative parameters were used to describe the quadruplex structure: the twist angle between two adjacent quartets (analogous to that for the complementary pair in the duplex DNA) and the quartet planarity (an original parameter). The distribution patterns of these values are specific for each group of quadruplex structures and are dependent upon the type of connecting loops used (diagonal, lateral or propeller). The tetramolecular loopless parallel quadruplex was used as a comparison template. The lateral loops introduce the strongest distortion into the structure of quadruplexes: the values of the twist angles are the lowest and are not typical for the other quadruplex groups. The loops of the diagonal type introduce much weaker deformation into quadruplexes; the structures with propeller loops are characterized by the optimum geometry of G-quartets. Hence, the correlation between the twist angle and the tension in the structure of quadruplex DNA is revealed.
Atypical immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis

Background:Primary immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) is a plasma cell disorder which mainly affects heart, kidneys, liver, and peripheral nervous system. Cases of atypical AL amyloidosis presented as spontaneous vertebral compression fractures have been rarely reported, and data about the management and clinical outcomes of the patients are scarce. Methods:Herein, we present 3 new cases of AL amyloidosis with spontaneous vertebral compression fracture and review 13 cases retrieved from the literature. Results:Moreover, we observed overrepresentations of liver involvement and bone marrow involvement in AL amyloidosis with spontaneous vertebral compression fracture. Conclusion:We believe that better awareness of the rare clinical presentation as spontaneous vertebral compression fracture of AL amyloidosis can facilitate earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment.
Do personality traits and self‐regulatory processes affect decision‐making tendencies?

Abstract Objective This research attempted to clarify the role played by personality traits and self‐regulated motivation in affecting decision‐making tendencies. Method Study 1 (n = 209) examined whether the Big Five personality traits predict minimising, maximising, and satisficing tendencies; Study 2 (n = 460) tested the mediating role of self‐regulatory orientations in the relationship between personality traits and decision‐making tendencies by performing structural equation modelling with latent variables. Results Conscientiousness emerged as the strongest positive predictor of maximising, whereas openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness emerged as negative predictors of satisficing. As for the mediational model, both locomotion and assessment played a role in mediating the relationships between the personality traits and decision‐making tendencies. Conclusions This research provided interesting insights into the underlying motivations and strategies that lead individuals to maximise, satisfice, or minimise.
ACCURACY OF CROWN SEGMENTATION AND ESTIMATION OF SELECTED TREES AND FOREST STAND PARAMETERS IN ORDER TO RESOLUTION OF USED DSM AND NDSM MODELS GENERATED FROM DENSE SMALL FOOTPRINT LIDAR DATA

The purpose of this study is to categorize how different surface model resolutions impact the estimation of trees and forest stands parameters: number of recognized trees, crown area, treetop location and height of single trees. For forest analysis the following models – DSM (Digital Surface Model) and nDSM (normalized Digital Surface Model) were taken into account. For each model resolutions 0.25; 0.5 and 1.0 m were used. The studies were cared out in 1000 ha area of Forest Experimental Station in Gluchow, owned by Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, central Poland. Research was based on 34 sample plots measured mainly by airborne laser scanning (LIDAR) and by stereo-photogrammetric observation. Forest structure is mixed, with one layer Scotch pine (Pinus silverstris L.) and Common oak (Quercus robur L.) stands, as we as with multilayer, rebuild stands. In this paper discrimination between coniferous and deciduous was not made. Stereo photogrammetric measurements were used as a reference data to comparisons to results from LIDAR data processing. System Falcon II (TopoSys GmbH, Biberach Germany) was used for LIDAR data acquisition. Just first echo (FE) cloud point was used in processing. In the presented study the main findings were that for raster resolution 0.25 and 0.5 m number of detected trees was the largest, about 80 % of the reference value and was no statistician significant difference between these two resolutions. The number of extracted trees based on nDSM was slightly larger comparing to DSM. Results show for all 3 raster resolutions tree height estimation were close to the reference data and did not vary significantly between models.
The human NAD metabolome: Functions, metabolism and compartmentalization

Abstract The metabolism of NAD has emerged as a key regulator of cellular and organismal homeostasis. Being a major component of both bioenergetic and signaling pathways, the molecule is ideally suited to regulate metabolism and major cellular events. In humans, NAD is synthesized from vitamin B3 precursors, most prominently from nicotinamide, which is the degradation product of all NAD-dependent signaling reactions. The scope of NAD-mediated regulatory processes is wide including enzyme regulation, control of gene expression and health span, DNA repair, cell cycle regulation and calcium signaling. In these processes, nicotinamide is cleaved from NAD+ and the remaining ADP-ribosyl moiety used to modify proteins (deacetylation by sirtuins or ADP-ribosylation) or to generate calcium-mobilizing agents such as cyclic ADP-ribose. This review will also emphasize the role of the intermediates in the NAD metabolome, their intra- and extra-cellular conversions and potential contributions to subcellular compartmentalization of NAD pools.
Conceptual Development of Custom, Domain-Specific Mashup Platforms

Despite the common claim by mashup platforms that they enable end-users to develop their own software, in practice end-users still don't develop their own mashups, as the highly technical or inexistent user bases of today's mashup platforms testify. The key shortcoming of current platforms is their general-purpose nature, that privileges expressive power over intuitiveness. In our prior work, we have demonstrated that a domain-specific mashup approach, which privileges intuitiveness over expressive power, has much more potential to enable end-user development (EUD). The problem is that developing mashup platforms—domain-specific or not—is complex and time consuming. In addition, domain-specific mashup platforms by their very nature target only a small user basis, that is, the experts of the target domain, which makes their development not sustainable if it is not adequately supported and automated. With this article, we aim to make the development of custom, domain-specific mashup platforms cost-effective. We describe a mashup tool development kit (MDK) that is able to automatically generate a mashup platform (comprising custom mashup and component description languages and design-time and runtime environments) from a conceptual design and to provision it as a service. We equip the kit with a dedicated development methodology and demonstrate the applicability and viability of the approach with the help of two case studies.
Anti-collision performance of Gen2 air protocol in random error communication link

When a multitude of RFID tags are in the interrogating field, an anti-collision technology must be used. In literatures, the reading performance was mainly investigated on the error-free communication links between reader and tags. In the practical situations, particularly where a number of readers and other wireless devices share the same frequency band, the performance on the erroneous links would be significant interest. In this paper, we evaluated Gen2 air protocol paying attention to the anti-collision performance in random error communication link. As a result of simulation, two findings were obtained. Firstly, there is an appropriate number of slots depending on the number of tags. This number hardly changes even if a random error is incurred on the link. Secondly, the singulation speed might be significantly degraded particularly in erroneous links, if the optimal number of slots is not chosen. The findings can be interpreted such that the necessary link quality can be derived if the number of tags and permissible time are known a priori to the implementation. For instance, if 64 tags are required to be read in one second, it is necessary to ensure the link quality to be better than BER=10/sup -4/ in random error environment.