Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OmniX: an accelerator-centric OS for omni-programmable systems

Future systemswill be omni-programmable: alongside CPUs, GPUs and FPGAs, theywill execute user code near-storage, near-network, near-memory, or on other Near-X accelerator Units, NXUs. This paper explores the design space ofOS support for omni-programmable systems, aiming to simplify the development of efficient applications that span multiple heterogeneous processors and near-data accelerators. OmniX is an accelerator-centric OS architecture that extends standard OS abstractions, such as task execution and I/O, into NXUs while maintaining a coherent viewof the systemamong all the processors. OmniX enables NXUs to directly invoke tasks and access I/O services among themselves, excluding the CPU from the performance-critical control plane operations. The host CPU serves as a controller - for protection, device configuration and monitoring.We discuss the hardware trends that motivate ourwork, outline OmniX design principles, and sketch the core implementation ideas while highlighting missing hardware features, in the hope of motivating hardware vendors to implement them soon.
Metal mesh heating element size effect in resistance welding of thermoplastic composites

The objective of this work is to determine the effects of metal mesh heating element size on resistance welding of thermoplastic composites. The materials to be resistance-welded consisted of carbon fiber/poly-ether-ketone-ketone (CF/PEKK), carbon fiber/poly-ether-imide (CF/PEI) and glass fiber/PEI (GF/PEI). Four different metal mesh sizes were used as heating elements. The samples were welded in a lap shear joint configuration and mechanically tested. Maximum Lap Shear Strengths of 52, 47 and 33 MPa were obtained for the CF/PEKK, CF/PEI and GF/PEI specimens, respectively. The ratio of the heating element’s fraction of open area and wire diameter was shown to be the most important parameter to be considered when selecting an appropriate heating element size.
microRNA‐145‐3p inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting PDK1 via the mTOR signaling pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is dysregulated in more than 50% of all human malignancies and is a major target in cancer treatment. In this study, we explored the underlying mechanism involving microRNA‐145‐3p (miR‐145‐3p) in the development and progression of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting PDK1 via the mTOR signaling pathway. NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 83 NSCLC patients. miR‐145‐3p, PDK1, and mTOR levels were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Human NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299 were transfected with miR‐145‐3p and siPDK1 to confirm the effect of miR‐145‐3p and PDK1 on NSCLC cells in vitro. Cell growth was evaluated by a CCK8 assay. Cell motility and chemotaxis analysis were determined by the scratch test and chemotaxis assay, respectively. The protein levels of PDK1 and mTOR were measured using the western blotting. Results showed lower level of miR‐145‐3p and higher levels of PDK1 and mTOR in NSCLC tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. In vitro results showed that cell growth, cell motility, and chemotaxis were all inhibited in cells transfected with miR‐145‐3p and those transfected with siPDK. Additionally, dual luciferase reporter gene assay helped confirmed that PDK1 is a target of miR‐145. Finally, levels of PDK1, mTOR, and phosphorylated‐mTOR were lower in cells transfected with miR‐145‐3p as well as those with siPDK1. These findings indicate that miR‐145‐3p may inhibit cell growth, motility, and chemotaxis in NSCLC by targeting PDK1 through suppressing the mTOR pathway.
What Components Comprise the Measurement of the Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance in a Patellar Dislocation Population?

BACKGROUND The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance is used as an indicator for medial tibial tubercle transfer; however, to our knowledge, no studies have verified whether this distance is strongly affected by tubercle lateralization at the proximal part of the tibia. We hypothesized that the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance is mainly affected by tibial tubercle lateralization at the proximal part of the tibia. METHODS Forty-four patients with a history of patellar dislocation and forty-four age and sex-matched controls were analyzed with use of computed tomography. The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, tibial tubercle lateralization, trochlear groove medialization, and knee rotation were measured and were compared between the patellar dislocation group and the control group. The association between the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance and three other parameters was calculated with use of the Pearson correlation coefficient and partial correlation analysis. RESULTS There were significant differences in the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (p < 0.001) and knee rotation (p < 0.001), but there was no difference in the tibial tubercle lateralization (p = 0.13) and trochlear groove medialization (p = 0.08) between the patellar dislocation group and the control group. The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance had no linear correlation with tubercle lateralization (r = 0.21) or groove medialization (r = -0.15); however, knee rotation had a good positive correlation in the patellar dislocation group (r = 0.62). After adjusting for the remaining parameters, knee rotation strongly correlated with the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), whereas tubercle lateralization showed moderate significant correlations in the patellar dislocation group (r = 0.42; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Because the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance is affected more by knee rotation than by tubercle malposition, its use as an indicator for tibial tubercle transfer may not be appropriate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical decisions of tibial tubercle transfer should be made after the careful analysis of several underlying factors of patellar dislocation.
On the Use of Bagging, Mutual Information-Based Feature Selection and Multicriteria Genetic Algorithms to Design Fuzzy Rule-Based Classification Ensembles

In this contribution we explore the combination of bagging with random subspace and two variants of Battiti's mutual information feature selection methods to design fuzzy rule-based classification system ensembles. Besides, we consider a multicriteria genetic algorithm guided by the training error to select the component classifiers, in order to look for appropriate accuracy-complexity trade-offs in the final multiclassifier.
Hyperplastic (Serrated) Polyps of the Colorectum: Relationship of CpG Island Methylator Phenotype and K-ras Mutation to Location and Histologic Subtype

We investigated the frequency of promoter region CpG island methylation (CIM) of hMLH1, MGMT, MINT1, MINT2, and p16INK4a and K-ras mutations in a total of 79 hyperplastic (serrated) polyps (HPs) from 75 patients and correlated the molecular profiles to polyp location in the colorectum, histologic variation, and other factors. Methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) was used to assay CIM status. HPs that showed CIM of one or more or two or more of the genes assayed were classified as CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) and CIMP-high (CIMP-H), respectively. PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to assay K-ras codon 12 and 13 mutations. Logistic regression indicated a statistically significant trend for increasing odds for CIMP (P = 0.002) and CIMP-H (P < 0.001) according to proximity to the cecum or distance from the rectum. Conversely, K-ras codon 12 mutation was present in 13 of 40 (32.5%) distally located HPs compared with 2 of 39 (5.1%) proximal HPs (P = 0.006). Histologic subtype distribution varied by proximal and distal locations. Frequency of CIMP in serrated polyps with abnormal proliferation (SPAPs), differed significantly from goblet cell serrated polyps (GCSPs) (24 of 26, 92.3% vs. 6 of 13, 46.2%) (P = 0.003) and microvesicular serrated polyps (MVSPs) (26 of 38, 68.4%) (P = 0.03). Frequency of K-ras mutation in GCSPs (7 of 13, 54%) differed from that of MVSPs (6 of 38, 16%) (P = 0.01) and SPAPs (2 of 26, 8%) (P = 0.003). Location in the colorectum and histologic subtype were major determinants of the molecular profile of HPs. The molecular findings of CIMP and K-ras mutations appear to encompass most if not all HPs; CIMP profiles suggest that SPAP is the most advanced morphologic variant. We postulate that MVSP and GCSP may be precursor lesions that, if proximally located or larger, can progress to SPAP. Frequent K-ras mutations and infrequent CIMP distinguish the distal GCSP variant.
Prospective Study of Arterial Stiffness and Subsequent Cognitive Decline Among Community-Dwelling Older Japanese

Background Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is inversely associated with cognitive function. However, it is not known whether baPWV predicts cognitive decline (CD) in later life. We examined whether or not baPWV is an independent risk marker of subsequent CD in a population of older Japanese. Methods Among 982 adults aged 65 years or older who participated in a baseline survey, 526 cognitively intact adults (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score ≥24; mean [SD] age, 71.7 [5.6] years; women, 57.8%) were followed for a period of up to 5 years. Pulse wave velocity was determined using an automated waveform analyser. Cognition was assessed by the MMSE, and CD was defined as a decrease of two points or more on the MMSE. Results During an average follow-up of 3.4 years, 85 participants (16.2%) developed CD. After controlling for important confounders, the odds ratios for CD in the highest and middle tertiles of baPWV, as compared with the lowest tertile, were 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.29–6.74) and 2.39 (95% confidence interval, 1.11–5.15), respectively. Conclusions High baPWV was an independent predictor of CD in a general population of older adults and may be useful in the clinical evaluation of elders.
Environmental Contamination as a Risk Factor for Intra-Household Staphylococcus aureus Transmission

Background The household is a recognized community reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus. This study investigated potential risk factors for intra-household S. aureus transmission, including the contribution of environmental contamination. Methods We investigated intra-household S. aureus transmission using a sample of multiple member households from a community-based case-control study examining risk factors for CA-MRSA infection conducted in Northern Manhattan. During a home visit, index subjects completed a questionnaire. All consenting household members were swabbed, as were standardized environmental household items. Swabs were cultured for S. aureus. Positive isolates underwent further molecular characterization. Intra-household transmission was defined as having identical strains among two or more household members. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for transmission. Results We enrolled 291 households: 146 index cases, 145 index controls and 687 of their household contacts. The majority of indexes were Hispanic (85%), low income (74%), and female (67%), with a mean age of 31 (range 1–79). The average size of case and control households was 4 people. S. aureus colonized individuals in 62% of households and contaminated the environment in 54% of households. USA300 was the predominant clinical infection, colonizing and environmental strain. Eighty-one households had evidence of intra-household transmission: 55 (38%) case and 26 (18%) control households (P<.01). Environmental contamination with a colonizing or clinical infection strain (aOR: 5.4 [2.9–10.3] P<.01) and the presence of a child under 5 (aOR: 2.3 [1.2–4.5] P = .02) were independently associated with transmission. In separate multivariable models, environmental contamination was associated with transmission among case (aOR 3.3, p<.01) and control households (aOR 27.2, p<.01). Conclusions Environmental contamination with a colonizing or clinical infection strain was significantly and independently associated with transmission in a large community-based sample. Environmental contamination should be considered when treating S. aureus infections, particularly among households with multiple infected members.
Teaching Advanced Concepts in Computer Networks: VNUML-UM Virtualization Tool

In the teaching of computer networks the main problem that arises is the high price and limited number of network devices the students can work with in the laboratories. Nowadays, with virtualization we can overcome this limitation. In this paper, we present a methodology that allows students to learn advanced computer network concepts through hands-on experience with the VNUML-UM virtualization tool, which is offered freely as a resource for the practical teaching of mobility, load balancing, and high availability. To verify the utility of using the VNUML-UM virtualization tool in the teaching of advanced computer network concepts, we have performed some opinion polls to the students during the last three academic years. The obtained results confirm that our students agree that the VNUML-UM enables an enhanced learning process of the different concepts and their practical skills. This perception is also confirmed by the final marks obtained by the students, which have considerably improved along the years. To the best our knowledge, this paper presents the first experience that provides results on the use of virtualization to teach advanced concepts in the field of computer networks.
Factor analysis of positive and negative syndrome scale in schizophrenia: An exploratory study

Background: Controversy persists with regard to how best we can categorize symptomatic dimension of Schizophrenia. Aim of the study was to compute factorial dimensions in Indian subset of schizophrenic patients and to compare them with five factor pentagonal model extracted in western studies. Materials and Methods: 150 inpatients of Schizophrenia with acute exacerbation were subjected to PANSS rating within one week of admission and statistical calculation done based on exploratory factor analysis. Results: Five factors namely negative, autistic, activation, positive and depression were extracted wherein negative factors showed highest percentage of total variance supporting five factor modal of western literature Conclusion: A consensus is gradually emerging regarding symptomatic dimensions of Schizophrenia.
Nitric oxide synthase in the thoracic ganglia of the locust: Distribution in the neuropiles and morphology of neurones

Nitric oxide signaling is implicated in olfactory and visual pathways within the insect brain. In contrast, little is known about the distribution and function of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the ventral nerve cord. This study uses NADPH diaphorase histochemistry to describe the anatomy of NOS‐containing neurones and the neuropilar distribution of NOS in the thoracic nerve cord of the locust. It is shown for the first time that mechanosensory neuropiles receive innervation from NOS‐containing interneurones. Different cells innervate exteroceptive and proprioceptive projection neuropiles. In the projection neuropiles of tactile afferents, a dense meshwork of NOS‐containing fibres is formed by collaterals of paired intersegmental axons that run through the entire thoracic nerve cord, innervating exclusively these exteroceptive neuropiles. In neuropile areas where proprioceptive afferents terminate, stained fibres are comparatively sparse and originate from local interneurones. The prothoracic ganglion showed strongly stained dense fibres in the dorsal neuropile that were not seen in the other neuromeres. This differential NOS‐expression can be related to the branching pattern of a ventral group of neurones that was different in each neuromere. All thoracic neuromeres and the abdominal neuromeres A2 and A3 of the metathoraic ganglion contained a previously undescribed type of unpaired median neurone with bilaterally ascending and descending intersegmental projections that stained strongly for NOS. The distribution of NOS found in this study suggests a novel role for nitric oxide in an early stage of mechanosensory information processing in all thoracic neuromeres and an additional role in the prothoracic ganglion, which might be related to behavioural specializations of the forelegs. J. Comp. Neurol. 395:217–230, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An empirical investigation of personal financial risk tolerance

We analyze a large database of psychometrically derived financial risk tolerance scores (RTS) and associated demographic information. We find that people's self-assessed risk tolerance generally accords with RTS. Furthermore, we find that gender, age, number of dependents, marital status, income, and wealth are significantly related to the RTS. Notably, the relationship between age and risk tolerance exhibits a significant nonlinear structure.
Crack propagation analysis in composite bonded joints under mixed-mode (I+II) static and fatigue loading: experimental investigation and phenomenological modelling

This paper illustrates the results of an extensive experimental investigation on composite bonded joints under mixed-mode (I+II) static and cyclic loading conditions oriented to understand the influence of the mode mixity condition on the crack propagation resistance at the bondline. The double cantilever beam (DCB), end notch flexure (ENF) and mixed-mode bending (MMB) tests were conducted on pre-cracked samples and both fracture toughness and crack propagation resistance were seen to increase, both for static and fatigue loading, respectively, as the mode II contribution increases. The crack propagation and damage evolution were carefully investigated and documented, and a strong dependence of the propagation mode on the mode mixity was found. Fatigue data under the different loading conditions are then described by a phenomenological model based on the strain energy release rate contributions, which represents a useful engineering tool for preliminary design. After that a damage-based model, developed on the basis of the actual damage mechanisms, is presented in a companion paper.
Bacterial Community Structure after Long-term Organic and Inorganic Fertilization Reveals Important Associations between Soil Nutrients and Specific Taxa Involved in Nutrient Transformations

Fertilization has a large impact on the soil microbial communities, which play pivotal roles in soil biogeochemical cycling and ecological processes. While the effects of changes in nutrient availability due to fertilization on the soil microbial communities have received considerable attention, specific microbial taxa strongly influenced by long-term organic and inorganic fertilization, their potential effects and associations with soil nutrients remain unclear. Here, we use deep 16S amplicon sequencing to investigate bacterial community characteristics in a fluvo-aquic soil treated for 24 years with inorganic fertilizers and organics (manure and straw)-inorganic fertilizers, and uncover potential links between soil nutrient parameters and specific bacterial taxa. Our results showed that combined organic-inorganic fertilization increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents and altered bacterial community composition, while inorganic fertilization had little impact on soil nutrients and bacterial community composition. SOC and TN emerged as the major determinants of community composition. The abundances of specific taxa, especially Arenimonas, Gemmatimonas, and an unclassified member of Xanthomonadaceae, were substantially increased by organic-inorganic amendments rather than inorganic amendments only. A co-occurrence based network analysis demonstrated that SOC and TN had strong positive associations with some taxa (Gemmatimonas and the members of Acidobacteria subgroup 6, Myxococcales, Betaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes), and Gemmatimonas, Flavobacterium, and an unclassified member of Verrucomicrobia were identified as the keystone taxa. These specific taxa identified above are implicated in the decomposition of complex organic matters and soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus transformations. The present work strengthens our current understanding of the soil microbial community structure and functions under long-term fertilization management and provides certain theoretical support for selection of rational fertilization strategies.
Tail Point Density Estimation Using Probabilistic Fuzzy Systems

Value at Risk (VaR) is a popular measure for quantifying the market risk that a financial institution faces into a single number. Due to the complexity of financial markets, the risks associated with a portfolio may vary over time. For accurate VaR estimation, it is necessary to have flexible methods that adapt to the underlying data distribution. In this paper, we consider VaR estimation by using probabilistic fuzzy systems (PFS). Contrary to previous publications, our focus is on the modeling of the tail points of the distribution of returns. We study two approaches to designing probabilistic fuzzy VaR models that take into account the extreme values of the data and compare their performance with the performance of a GARCH model. It is found that the VaR estimation process is simplified and improved by our proposed method. Keywords— Density estimation, extreme values, fuzzy histograms, probabilistic fuzzy systems, value-at-risk.
ULTRASONIC TESTING OF DAMAGE IN CONCRETE UNDER UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION

In this research, experiments using ultrasound were conducted to evaluate microcrack growth and degradation of elastic properties in cement-based materials during uniaxial compression. Prismatic specimens made of 3 concrete mixtures, mortar, and hardened cement paste were used. The specimens were subjected to monotonic axial loading until failure while ultrasonic shear and longitudinal pulses were recorded. Changes in the amplitude, velocity, and frequency contents of the pulses were correlated to the increasing levels of stress. Two scalar damage models were applied to evaluate whether the concrete damage induced by axial loading leads to the independent degradation of the 2 moduli of elastic isotropy or only 1. The 1st model considers degradation of the secant modulus of elasticity alone, while the 2nd model assumes degradation of 2 independent moduli of elasticity assuming damage to remain isotropic. The ultrasonic damage estimators based on pulse velocity were defined and compared with the mechanical measurements.