Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of Cache Memories

Using the Independent Reference assumption to model program behavior, the performance of different buffer organizations (Fully Associative, Direct Mapping, Set Associative. and Sector) are analyzed' (1) The expressions for their fault rate are derived To show more explicitly the dependence of the fault rate on the factors that affect it, distribution-free upper bounds on fault rates are computed for the Direct Mapping, Set Associative, and Sector buffers The use of such bounds is illustrated in the case of the Direct Mapping buffer (2) The performance of the buffers for FIFO and Random Replacement are shown to be identical (3) It is possible to restructure programs to take advantage of the basic organization of the buffers The effect of such restructuring is quantified for the Direct Mapping buffer It is shown that the performance of the Direct Mapping buffer under near-optimal restructuring is comparable to the performance of the Fully Associative buffer Further, the effect of this restructuring is shown to be potentially stronger than that of buffer replacement algorithms
Influences of trust in subordinate, perceived risk and power distance on leader empowering behavior: Empirical study from China

Empowerment can improve effectively the flexibility and efficiency of organizations. And leader empowering behavior is an important part of successful empowerment. However, few empirical researches explored the antecedents of leader empowering behavior. This present study was conducted to explore the effects of trust in subordinate, perceived risk and leader's power distance on different dimensions of leader empowering behaviors via scenario experiment. One hundred and fifty six managers participated in the study. The results indicated that trust in subordinate had positive effects on leader empowering behavior, involving participative decision, informing and coaching, and trust in subordinate had stronger effect on participative decision than on informing and coaching. Perceived risk only had negative direct influences and interactive effect with trust in subordinate on participative decision and informing. In addition, power distance had negative direct effects and interaction with trust in subordinate on three dimension of leader empowering behavior. Our study could offer valuable theoretical and practical insights for empowerment which is becoming more and more significant in Chinese organizations in transitional economy.
Dosimetric comparison of high dose rate brachytherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy for cervical carcinoma

Intracavitary brachytherapy is an integral part of radiotherapy for locally advanced gynecologic malignancies. A dosimetric intercomparison of high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR_BT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy in cervical carcinoma has been made in the present study. CT scan images of 10 patients treated with HDR_BT were used for this study. A sliding-window IMRT (IMRT_SW) and step-and-shoot IMRT plans were generated using 6-MV X-rays. The cumulative dose volume histograms of target, bladder, rectum and normal tissue were analyzed for both techniques and dose distributions were compared. It was seen that the pear-shaped dose distribution characteristic of intracavitary brachytherapy with sharp dose fall-off outside the target could be achieved with IMRT. The integral dose to planning target volume was significantly higher with HDR_BT in comparison with IMRT. Significant differences between the two techniques were seen for doses to 1 cc and 2 cc of rectum, while the differences in 1 cc and 2 cc doses to bladder were not significant. The integral doses to the nontarget critical and normal structures were smaller with HDR_BT and with IMRT. It is concluded that IMRT can be the choice of treatment in case of non-availability of HDR brachytherapy facilities or when noninvasive treatments are preferred
Analysis of gene expressions during Xenopus forelimb regeneration.

Xenopus laevis can regenerate an amputated limb completely at early limb bud stages, but the metamorphosed froglet gradually loses this capacity and can regenerate only a spike-like structure. We show that the spike formation in a Xenopus froglet is nerve dependent as is limb regeneration in urodeles, since denervation concomitant with amputation is sufficient to inhibit the initiation of blastema formation and fgf8 expression in the epidermis. Furthermore, in order to determine the cause of the reduction in regenerative capacity, we examined the expression patterns of several key genes for limb patterning during the spike-like structure formation, and we compared them with those in developing and regenerating limb buds that produce a complete limb structure. We cloned Xenopus HoxA13, a marker of the prospective autopodium region, and the expression pattern suggested that the spike-like structure in froglets is accompanied by elongation and patterning along the proximodistal (PD) axis. On the other hand, shh expression was not detected in the froglet blastema, which expresses fgf8 and msx1. Thus, although the wound epidermis probably induces outgrowth of the froglet blastema, the polarizing activity that organizes the anteroposterior (AP) axis formation is likely to be absent there. Our results demonstrate that the lost region in froglet limbs is regenerated along the PD axis and that the failure of organization of the AP pattern gives rise to a spike-like incomplete structure in the froglet, suggesting a relationship between regenerative capacity and AP patterning. These findings lead us to conclude that the spike formation in postometamorphic Xenopus limbs is epimorphic regeneration.
Outcome for Children with Autism who Began Intensive Behavioral Treatment Between Ages 4 and 7

This study extends findings on the effects of intensive applied behavior analytic treatment for children with autism who began treatment at a mean age of 5.5 years. The behavioral treatment group (n = 13, 8 boys) was compared to an eclectic treatment group (n = 12, 11 boys). Assignment to groups was made independently based on the availability of qualified supervisors. Both behavioral and eclectic treatment took place in public kindergartens and elementary schools for typically developing children. At a mean age of 8 years, 2 months, the behavioral treatment group showed larger increases in IQ and adaptive functioning than did the eclectic group. The behavioral treatment group also displayed fewer aberrant behaviors and social problems at follow-up. Results suggest that behavioral treatment was effective for children with autism in the study.
How reuse influences productivity in object-oriented systems

Although reuse is assumed to be especially valuable in building high quality software as well as in Object Oriented (OO) development, limited empirical evidence connects reuse with productivity and quality gains. The author's eight system study begins to define such benefits in an OO framework, most notably in terms of reduce defect density and rework as well as in increased productivity.
Shape Matching and Object Recognition Using Shape Contexts

We present a novel approach to measuring similarity between shapes and exploit it for object recognition. In our framework, the measurement of similarity is preceded by: (1) solving for correspondences between points on the two shapes; (2) using the correspondences to estimate an aligning transform. In order to solve the correspondence problem, we attach a descriptor, the shape context, to each point. The shape context at a reference point captures the distribution of the remaining points relative to it, thus offering a globally discriminative characterization. Corresponding points on two similar shapes will have similar shape contexts, enabling us to solve for correspondences as an optimal assignment problem. Given the point correspondences, we estimate the transformation that best aligns the two shapes; regularized thin-plate splines provide a flexible class of transformation maps for this purpose. The dissimilarity between the two shapes is computed as a sum of matching errors between corresponding points, together with a term measuring the magnitude of the aligning transform. We treat recognition in a nearest-neighbor classification framework as the problem of finding the stored prototype shape that is maximally similar to that in the image. Results are presented for silhouettes, trademarks, handwritten digits, and the COIL data set.
Japanese Men’s Success in Altered Fatherhood Role in a Foreign Country

This study explores the meaning of the lived experience of childbirth and parenting of Japanese men who became fathers in a foreign country. Japanese men have been raised to maintain very strict gender roles, excluding them from sharing with their wives the experience of childbirth and the day-to-day parenting of young children. The study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach with in-depth interviews. Participants included nine Japanese men born and raised in Japan who were living in Honolulu. Three theme categories emerged from the data: “making active efforts in preparation for childbirth in a foreign country”; “challenges in pregnancy, childbirth, child care, and as husbands or partners”; and “challenges in transition to parenthood. ” Japanese men successfully altered their transitional and authoritarian gender role to a family orientated social structure, under the influence of Western values, when living in foreign country. By spending more time with their new family, they acknowledged the processes of becoming a father. The ability to adapt their expectations of fatherhood in line with Western values was enhanced by the support of coworkers, their mature age, rich educational background, and the personal financial resources of the male participants in the study.
Collateral-flow measurements in humans by myocardial contrast echocardiography: validation of coronary pressure-derived collateral-flow assessment.

AIMS Myocardial blood flow (MBF) is the gold standard to assess myocardial blood supply and, as recently shown, can be obtained by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE). The aims of this human study are (i) to test whether measurements of collateral-derived MBF by MCE are feasible during elective angioplasty and (ii) to validate the concept of pressure-derived collateral-flow assessment. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty patients with stable coronary artery disease underwent MCE of the collateral-receiving territory during and after angioplasty of 37 stenoses. MCE perfusion analysis was successful in 32 cases. MBF during and after angioplasty varied between 0.060-0.876 mL min(-1) g(-1) (0.304+/-0.196 mL min(-1) g(-1)) and 0.676-1.773 mL min(-1) g(-1) (1.207+/-0.327 mL min(-1) g(-1)), respectively. Collateral-perfusion index (CPI) is defined as the rate of MBF during and after angioplasty varied between 0.05 and 0.67 (0.26+/-0.15). During angioplasty, simultaneous measurements of mean aortic pressure, coronary wedge pressure, and central venous pressure determined the pressure-derived collateral-flow index (CFI(p)), which varied between 0.04 and 0.61 (0.23+/-0.14). Linear-regression analysis demonstrated an excellent agreement between CFI(p) and CPI (y=0.88 x +0.01; r(2)=0.92; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION Collateral-derived MBF measurements by MCE during angioplasty are feasible and proved that the pressure-derived CFI exactly reflects collateral relative to normal myocardial perfusion in humans.
Nicotine-Mediated Cell Proliferation and Tumor Progression in Smoking-Related Cancers

Tobacco smoke contains multiple classes of established carcinogens including benzo(a)pyrenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines. Most of these compounds exert their genotoxic effects by forming DNA adducts and generation of reactive oxygen species, causing mutations in vital genes such as K-Ras and p53. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines can activate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and to a certain extent β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR), promoting cell proliferation. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that nicotine, the major addictive component of tobacco smoke, can induce cell-cycle progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis of lung and pancreatic cancers. These effects occur mainly through the α7-nAChRs, with possible contribution from the β-ARs and/or epidermal growth factor receptors. This review article will discuss the molecular mechanisms by which nicotine and its oncogenic derivatives such as 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and N-nitrosonornicotine induce cell-cycle progression and promote tumor growth. A variety of signaling cascades are induced by nicotine through nAChRs, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT pathway, and janus-activated kinase/STAT signaling. In addition, studies have shown that nAChR activation induces Src kinase in a β-arrestin-1-dependent manner, leading to the inactivation of Rb protein and resulting in the expression of E2F1-regulated proliferative genes. Such nAChR-mediated signaling events enhance the proliferation of cells and render them resistant to apoptosis induced by various agents. These observations highlight the role of nAChRs in promoting the growth and metastasis of tumors and raise the possibility of targeting them for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 14–23. ©2014 AACR.
Mapping the Landscape of Host-Pathogen Coevolution: HLA Class I Binding and Its Relationship with Evolutionary Conservation in Human and Viral Proteins

ABSTRACT The high diversity of HLA binding preferences has been driven by the sequence diversity of short segments of relevant pathogenic proteins presented by HLA molecules to the immune system. To identify possible commonalities in HLA binding preferences, we quantify these using a novel measure termed “targeting efficiency,” which captures the correlation between HLA-peptide binding affinities and the conservation of the targeted proteomic regions. Analysis of targeting efficiencies for 95 HLA class I alleles over thousands of human proteins and 52 human viruses indicates that HLA molecules preferentially target conserved regions in these proteomes, although the arboviral Flaviviridae are a notable exception where nonconserved regions are preferentially targeted by most alleles. HLA-A alleles and several HLA-B alleles that have maintained close sequence identity with chimpanzee homologues target conserved human proteins and DNA viruses such as Herpesviridae and Adenoviridae most efficiently, while all HLA-B alleles studied efficiently target RNA viruses. These patterns of host and pathogen specialization are both consistent with coevolutionary selection and functionally relevant in specific cases; for example, preferential HLA targeting of conserved proteomic regions is associated with improved outcomes in HIV infection and with protection against dengue hemorrhagic fever. Efficiency analysis provides a novel perspective on the coevolutionary relationship between HLA class I molecular diversity, self-derived peptides that shape T-cell immunity through ontogeny, and the broad range of viruses that subsequently engage with the adaptive immune response.
Mineral records of the pyroxenites formed within harzburgites (Ulaş, Sivas, Turkey): implications on petrogenesis and tectonic setting

In this article, the petrological processes of the clinopyroxenite dykes and host peridotites occurring in Ulas District (Sivas, mid-Anatolia, Turkey) are discussed. The new geochemical data from major minerals in the clinopyroxenite dykes and host harzburgites revealed differences to the supra-subduction zone (SSZ)-type pyroxenites and peridotites. In particular, the NiO content of olivines in the host harzburgites showed the signature of the mantle, whereas rare olivines of the clinopyroxenites had a NiO content and Fo number that were inferior to those of mantle peridotites. The high Mg-number of clinopyroxenes in the clinopyroxenites was likely associated with the partial remelting of the host harzburgites. Additionally, the rare earth element pattern of clinopyroxenes from the studied clinopyroxenites exhibited a similar pattern to those of the other SSZ or fore-arc clinopyroxenes. Additionally, the low Mgnumber and relatively high Cr-number of spinels in the clinopyroxenites showed similarity to the subduction-related origin. Based on textural and geochemical evidence, the harzburgites were interpreted as depleted mantle rock, which was modified by melt-peridotite interactions. Consequently, the pyroxenites likely occurred as a crystallizing or cumulative zone of the SSZ-type melt and the minerals were gained from partial melting of the harzburgites through the interaction with such magma.
A comparison of self-reported sickness absence with absences recorded in employers’ registers: evidence from the Whitehall II study

Aim: To compare self-reported sickness absence days in the last 12 months with recorded absences from the employers’ registers for the same period. Methods: Self-reported sickness absence data over the 12 months preceding baseline (1985–88) were compared with absence records from the employers’ registers over the same period for 2406 women and 5589 men, participants in the Whitehall II study of British civil servants. Associations with self-rated health, longstanding illness, minor psychiatric disorder, physical illness, and prevalent coronary heart disease at baseline were determined. Results: In general, women reported less sickness absence over the last year than was recorded in the employers’ registers, while men, with the exception of those in the lower employment grades, reported more. Agreement between self-reported and recorded absence days decreased as the total number of days increased. After adjustment for employment grade and the average number of recorded and self-reported absence days, the total number of self-reported absence days was within two days of the recorded number of days for 63% of women and 67% of men. Associations between annual self-reported sickness absence days and self-rated health, longstanding illness, minor psychiatric disorder, physical illness, and prevalent coronary heart disease were as strong as those for recorded absence days. Conclusion: These findings suggest that agreement between the annual number of self-reported and the annual number of recorded sickness absence days is relatively good in both sexes and that associations with health are equivalent for both measures.
Reprogramming human A375 amelanotic melanoma cells by catalase overexpression: Reversion or promotion of malignancy by inducing melanogenesis or metastasis

Advanced melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. It is highly metastatic and dysfunctional in melanogenesis; two processes that are induced by H2O2. This work presents a melanoma cell model with low levels of H2O2 induced by catalase overexpression to study differentiation/dedifferentiation processes. Three clones (A7, C10 and G10) of human A375 amelanotic melanoma cells with quite distinct phenotypes were obtained. These clones faced H2O2 scavenging by two main strategies. One developed by clone G10 where ROS increased. This resulted in G10 migration and metastasis associated with the increased of cofilin-1 and CAP1. The other strategy was observed in clone A7 and C10, where ROS levels were maintained reversing malignant features. Particularly, C10 was not tumorigenic, while A7 reversed the amelanotic phenotype by increasing melanin content and melanocytic differentiation markers. These clones allowed the study of potential differentiation and migration markers and its association with ROS levels in vitro and in vivo, providing a new melanoma model with different degree of malignancy.
Analytical modeling of random waypoint mobility patterns

Mobility, in its various forms, is one of the sources of several technical challenges being addressed in the last years to achieve a more flexible computing and communication infrastructure. In this context, the study and characterization of node mobility in wireless networks is extremely important to foresee the node distribution in the network, thus enabling the creation of suitable models and a more accurate prediction of performance and dependability levels.In this paper we adopt a Markovian formalism, namely SAN (Stochastic Automata Networks), to model and analyze various aspects of the Random Waypoint mobility pattern. We first show the compatibility of our results with existing continuous state studies and then we extend the analysis of the Random Waypoint by addressing different specific, but far from irrelevant, aspects of the mobility pattern. In this sense, this contribution shows both results for this mobility pattern as well as the suitability of the SAN formalism to detailed description of such pattern
Unified Representation and Lifted Sampling for Generative Models of Social Networks

Statistical models of network structure are widely used in network science to reason about the properties of complex systems—where the nodes and edges represent entities and their relationships. Recently, a number of generative network models (GNM) have been developed that accurately capture characteristics of real world networks, but since they are typically defined in a procedural manner, it is difficult to identify commonalities in their structure. Moreover, procedural definitions make it difficult to develop statistical sampling algorithms that are both efficient and correct. In this paper, we identify a family of GNMs that share a common latent structure and create a Bayesian network (BN) representation that captures their common form. We show how to reduce two existing GNMs to this representation. Then, using the BN representation we develop a generalized, efficient, and provably correct, sampling method that exploits parametric symmetries and deterministic context-specific dependence. Finally, we use the new representation to design a novel GNM and evaluate it empirically.