Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A PRAM and NAND flash hybrid architecture for high-performance embedded storage subsystems

NAND flash-based storage is widely used in embedded systems due to its numerous benefits: low cost, high density, small form factor and so on. However, NAND flash-based storage is still suffering from serious performance degradation for random or small size write access. This degradation mainly comes from the physical constraints of NAND flash: erase-before-program and different unit size of erase and program operations. To overcome these constraints, we propose to use PRAM (Phase-change RAM) which supports advanced features: fast byte access capability and no requirement for erase-before-program. In this paper, we focus on developing a high-performance NAND flash-based storage system by maximally exploiting the advanced feature of PRAM, in terms of performance and wearing out. To do this, we first propose a new hybrid storage architecture which consists of PRAM and NAND flash. Second, we devise two novel software schemes for the proposed hybrid storage architecture; FSMS (File System Metadata Separation) and hFTL (hybrid Flash Translation Layer). Finally, we demonstrate that our hybrid architecture increases the performance up to 290% and doubles the lifespan compared to the existing NAND flash only storage systems.
The Dynamics of Flame Flicker in Conical Premixed Flames : An Experimental and Numerical Study

Flame tip flicker in premixed conical laminar methane/air flames has been investigated using a coupled experimental and numerical approach. A time-dependent, multidimensional, Low Mach number Combustion Simulation (LMCS), an adaptive mesh refinement technique, has been adopted to handle the large range of scales characteristic of buoyantly driven phenomena. These simulations, using a reduced chemical scheme, are compared with experimental measurements made in a 20 mm diameter ring-stabilized flame with an inlet flow of 0.73 m/s and equivalence ratio, φ=0.8. Phase-averaged particle image velocimetry (PIV) provided two-dimensional velocity data. The simulations captured the dynamics of the flame tip oscillation with remarkable fidelity. Time and phase-averaged velocity fields, centerline axial velocities and the flame flicker frequency (10.2 Hz) show good agreement between the numerical and experimental results. The flame tip oscillation is caused by a competition between the pressure fields associated with the predominately radial motion of the burnt gases near the flame front and the rotating vortex motion. The phase-averaged velocity data provided an excellent means for following the evolution of the flow field. Because of the very satisfactory agreement between experiment and simulation a more detailed investigation of the flicker process by means of the much more extensive simulation data was performed. Two types of vortex evolution were observed as alternate vortices were entrained leading to regular variations in the maximum flame tip height. As the inlet flow velocity increases these vortex interactions produce progressively more chaotic flame tip motion. This study shows that a powerful numerical technique coupled with sophisticated experimental diagnostics can lead to significantly improved insight into large-scale combustion/buoyant phenomena.
Effect of protein binding on serum bactericidal activities of ceftazidime and cefoperazone in healthy volunteers

The effect of protein binding on antibiotic efficacy is controversial. The pharmacologic effect of an antibiotic is believed to be related to its unbound concentration at the site of infection. It is unknown whether antibiotics with a low degree of serum protein binding are clinically superior to antibiotics that are highly protein bound. In a randomized, crossover investigation, the serum bactericidal activities of a single dose of ceftazidime (30 mg/kg) and cefoperazone (30 mg/kg) were studied in six healthy volunteers against three clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for which both antibiotics had similar MICs and MBCs. Serum samples were collected over 12 h. The total and unbound antibiotic concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Mean peak total concentrations of ceftazidime and cefoperazone in serum were 101.7 +/- 18.6 and 264.1 +/- 149.6 micrograms/ml, respectively. Due to its lower protein binding (21 +/- 6%), ceftazidime had significantly higher unbound concentrations in serum than did the highly bound cefoperazone (91.5 +/- 2%). Mean peak unbound concentrations were 78.5 +/- 12.5 and 24.2 +/- 17.8 micrograms/ml for ceftazidime and cefoperazone, respectively. The unbound concentration of ceftazidime at each sampling time was higher than that of cefoperazone. Although total concentrations were consistently higher than the MICs, serum containing cefoperazone showed minimal bactericidal activity against the isolates. In contrast, despite lower total concentrations, ceftazidime had greater antibacterial activity than cefoperazone. Serum bactericidal activity was more closely related to unbound rather than total antibiotic concentrations. Our data support the concept that only the unbound drug is microbiologically active.
pathway Diet-induced obesity mediated by the JNK / DIO 2 signal transduction Material Supplemental

Material Supplemental http://genesdev.cshlp. org/content/suppl/2013/11/01/27.21. 2345.DC1. html References http://genesdev.cshlp. org/content/27/21/2345.full. html#ref-list-1 This article cites 46 articles, 16 of which can be accessed free at: License Commons Creative . http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ Creative Commons License (Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported), as described at ). After six months, it is available under a http://genesdev.cshlp. org/site/misc/terms.xhtml six months after the full-issue publication date (see This article is distributed exclusively by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press for the first
Early Prediction of the Cost of Cloud Usage for HPC Applications

After a decade of diffusion, cloud computing has received wide acceptance, but it is not yet attractive for the HPC community. Clouds could be a cost-effective alternative to clusters and supercomputers, providing economy of scale, elasticity, flexibility, and easy customization. Unfortunately, most clouds are optimized for running business applications, not for HPC. However, they can be profitably used to run small-scale parallelism codes. This paper presents a framework built on the top of a cloud-aware programming platform (mOSAIC) for the development of bag-of-tasks scientific applications. The framework integrates a cloud-based simulation environment able to predict the behavior of the developed applications. Simulations enable the developer to predict at an early development stage performance and cloud resource usage, and so the infrastructure lease cost on a public cloud. The paper sketches the framework organization and presents the approach followed for the performance simulation of applications, focusing on a software development methodology that hinges on early performance prediction. After showing the results of some validation tests of simulation accuracy, an example of early performance prediction is presented.
Investigating the possible causal role of coffee consumption with prostate cancer risk and progression using Mendelian randomization analysis

Coffee consumption has been shown in some studies to be associated with lower risk of prostate cancer. However, it is unclear if this association is causal or due to confounding or reverse causality. We conducted a Mendelian randomisation analysis to investigate the causal effects of coffee consumption on prostate cancer risk and progression. We used two genetic variants robustly associated with caffeine intake (rs4410790 and rs2472297) as proxies for coffee consumption in a sample of 46,687 men of European ancestry from 25 studies in the PRACTICAL consortium. Associations between genetic variants and prostate cancer case status, stage and grade were assessed by logistic regression and with all‐cause and prostate cancer‐specific mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression. There was no clear evidence that a genetic risk score combining rs4410790 and rs2472297 was associated with prostate cancer risk (OR per additional coffee increasing allele: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.98,1.03) or having high‐grade compared to low‐grade disease (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.97,1.04). There was some evidence that the genetic risk score was associated with higher odds of having nonlocalised compared to localised stage disease (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06). Amongst men with prostate cancer, there was no clear association between the genetic risk score and all‐cause mortality (HR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.97,1.04) or prostate cancer‐specific mortality (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.98,1.08). These results, which should have less bias from confounding than observational estimates, are not consistent with a substantial effect of coffee consumption on reducing prostate cancer incidence or progression.
Impact of the Metabolic Syndrome on Macrovascular and Microvascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study 78

Background— The metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus are both associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. We examined retrospectively the degree to which the presence of MetS in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus increased their risk of diabetic complications using United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study data. Methods and Results— Of 5102 United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study patients recruited with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and followed up for a median of 10.3 years, 4542 had the requisite data for these analyses. After a 3-month dietary run-in, MetS, diagnosed with National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, World Health Organization, International Diabetes Federation, or European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance criteria, was present in 61%, 38%, 54%, and 24%, respectively. Those with MetS by these criteria had increased cardiovascular disease risks relative to those without MetS of 1.33 (95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.54), 1.45 (95% confidence interval 1.26 to 1.66), 1.23 (95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.42), and 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.10 to 1.57), respectively, but similar risks for microvascular complications. The positive predictive value of MetS for cardiovascular disease events, however, was only 18%, 13%, 18%, and 39%, respectively. Conclusions— MetS, diagnosed by Adult Treatment Panel III, World Health Organization, or International Diabetes Federation criteria, identifies diabetic patients at greater risk of macrovascular but not microvascular complications. Poor discrimination by MetS with respect to cardiovascular disease outcomes means that it is of limited clinical value for cardiovascular disease risk stratification in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
De-Escalation Surgery in cT3-4 Breast Cancer Patients after Neoadjuvant Therapy: Predictors of Breast Conservation and Comparison of Long-Term Oncological Outcomes with Mastectomy

Simple Summary Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has transformed the treatment of advanced breast cancer (BC), making previously inoperable tumors operable and allowing for the direct observation of treatment response. This approach reduces the need for extensive surgery, making breast-conserving surgery (BCS) a viable option for more patients. Despite the shift towards less-invasive surgery, the decision between BCS and mastectomy remains complex, influenced by numerous factors. Our study specifically looked at patients with cT3-4 BC treated with NAT, aiming to identify independent factors that predict the likelihood of undergoing BCS and to compare long-term oncological outcomes between BCS and mastectomy. We found that the absence of vascular invasion, smaller tumor size post-NAT, and achieving a complete response of the primary tumor were key predictors for breast conservation. Our results indicate that BCS post-NAT does not negatively impact long-term oncological outcomes, supporting its use as a safe option for patients with cT3-4 BC. Abstract Background: Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has become increasingly employed for the treatment of cT3-4 breast cancer (BC), enabling breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in cases traditionally considered for mastectomy. This study aims to identify predictors for breast conservation post-NAT and to evaluate whether BCS influences long-term oncological outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with cT3-4 BC who received NAT at the Breast Unit of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy, from October 2009 to April 2020. Surgical outcomes and long-term oncological results, such as disease-free survival (DFS), distant DFS (DDFS), overall survival (OS), and BC-specific survival (BCSS), were compared between the BCS and mastectomy groups. Results: Among 114 patients analyzed, 37 (32.5%) underwent BCS, and 77 (67.5%) had a mastectomy. The key predictors for opting for BCS included absence of vascular invasion, reduced tumor size post-NAT, and achieving ypT0 status. No significant differences in DFS, DDFS, OS, and BCSS were observed between the two surgical groups (log-ranks, p = 0.520, p = 0.789, p = 0.216, p = 0.559, respectively). Conclusions: BCS after NAT is a feasible and safe option for patients with cT3-4 BC, without adversely affecting long-term oncological outcomes. Identifying predictors of breast conservation can guide surgical decision-making, ensuring that patients receive optimal treatment.
Immunological Risk Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Patients With Hereditary Thrombophilia

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a complicated reproductive disorder with underlying genetic and immunological causes. RPL may be influenced by hereditary thrombophilia, a class of blood clotting-related genetic abnormalities, via the vascular and immune systems. This study examines the immunological characteristics that hereditary thrombophilia patients have in common with RPL. Methods: A prospective cohort study included 300 patients split into two groups: a control group without hereditary thrombophilia and a group with the condition. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels were measured, along with demographic specifics, antiphospholipid antibodies, natural killer (NK) cell counts, and other cytokines. Group differences were found using statistical analysis. Results: Antiphospholipid antibodies were significantly more common in the thrombophilia group (42% testing positive, p=0.001) compared to the control group (12% testing positive), despite demographic factors being similar between groups (p=0.372 and p=0.093). When body mass index (BMI) was taken into account, the study found a statistically significant difference (p=0.046), with the thrombophilia group having a higher mean BMI (26.3 kg/m2, standard deviation (SD): 2.8) than the control group (24.7 kg/m2, SD: 3.1). IL-6 (14.8 pg/mL, SD: 3.2, p=0.029) were higher than the control group (12.4 pg/mL, SD: 2.1), and TNF-α levels were higher in the thrombophilia group (10.5 pg/mL, SD: 2.0, p=0.012) compared to the control group (8.9 pg/mL, SD: 1.5), but NK cell counts did not differ significantly (p=0.213). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the role of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and antiphospholipid antibodies in RPL among people with hereditary thrombophilia. In this population, early detection and immunomodulatory interventions may improve pregnancy outcomes. To fully comprehend these mechanisms and create customized treatments, collaborative research is required.
Selective mRNA translation during eIF2 phosphorylation induces expression of IBTKα

This study measured changes in global mRNA translation in response to ER stress. The analysis suggests that translation of a majority of gene transcripts is either repressed or resistant, whereas select key regulators are subject to preferential translation. From this last group, IBTKα is identified as a novel target of the UPR central to cell fate.
Milk fatty acid variability: effect of some candidate genes involved in lipid synthesis

In this work, the genetic variation of milk FA was investigated in three different bovine breeds, the Jersey, the Piedmontese and the Valdostana, and at different lactation stages. All animals were genotyped for 21 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms located within nine candidate genes involved in lipid synthesis: diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and 2 (DGAT1, 2); stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD); growth hormone receptor (GHR); fatty acid synthase (FASN); acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD); fatty acid binding protein (FABP4); lipoprotein lipase (LPL); and leptin gene (LEP). The highest milk-fat Jersey breed also showed the highest content of saturated FA. Throughout lactation, the breeds showed a similar variation in the FA, with a decrease in the short-chain, this was accompanied by a general increase in the long chain FA at the end of lactation. The increase in long chain saturated FA was particularly evident in the case of the Jersey. The effect of SCD gene on the C14 desaturation index was confirmed; the DGAT1 gene was polymorphic only in the Jersey breed, but its effect was confirmed only on milk fat content; three further potential candidate genes were identified: first, the FABP4 gene, which was found to influence medium and long chain FA in all the breeds, but not the desaturation indices; second, the FASN gene, which was found to influence the amount of PUFA in the Piedmontese and the Valdostana, and third, the LPL gene, which was found to affect fat content in the Piedmontese.
Impaired Fat Oxidation After a Single High-Fat Meal in Insulin-Sensitive Nondiabetic Individuals With a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes have an impaired ability to switch appropriately between carbohydrate and fatty acid oxidation. However, whether this is a cause or consequence of insulin resistance is unclear, and the mechanism(s) involved in this response is not completely elucidated. Whole-body fat oxidation and transcriptional regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle were measured after a prolonged fast and after consumption of either high-fat (76%) or high-carbohydrate (76%) meals in individuals with no family history of type 2 diabetes (control, n = 8) and in age- and fatness-matched individuals with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes (n = 9). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were performed before and 3 h after each meal. Insulin sensitivity and fasting measures of fat oxidation were not different between groups. However, subjects with a family history of type 2 diabetes had an impaired ability to increase fatty acid oxidation in response to the high-fat meal (P < 0.05). This was related to impaired activation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, including those for peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor coactivator-1α (PGC1α) and fatty acid translocase (FAT)/CD36 (P < 0.05). Of interest, adiponectin receptor-1 expression decreased 23% after the high-fat meal in both groups, but it was not changed after the high-carbohydrate meal. In conclusion, an impaired ability to increase fatty acid oxidation precedes the development of insulin resistance in genetically susceptible individuals. PGC1α and FAT/CD36 are likely candidates in mediating this response.
Annual Variations of Odor Concentrations and Emissions from Swine Gestation, Farrowing, and Nursery Buildings

ABSTRACT To obtain annual odor emission profiles from intensive swine operations, odor concentrations and emission rates were measured monthly from swine nursery, farrowing, and gestation rooms for a year. Large annual variations in odor concentrations and emissions were found in all the rooms and the impact of the seasonal factor (month) was significant (P < 0.05). Odor concentration was low in summer when ventilation rate was high but high in winter when ventilation rate was low, ranging from 362 (farrowing room in July) to 8934 (nursery room in December) olfactory unit (OU) m−3. This indicates that the air quality regarding odor was significantly better in summer than that in winter. Odor emission rate did not show obvious seasonal pattern as odor concentration did, ranging from 2 (gestation room in November) to 90 (nursery room in April) OU m−2 sec−1; this explains why the odor complaints for swine barns have occurred all year round. The annual geometric mean odor concentration and emission rate of the nursery room was significantly higher than the other rooms (P < 0.05). In order to obtain the representative annual emission rate, measurements have to be taken at least monthly, and then the geometric mean of the monthly values will represent the annual emission rate. Incorporating odor control technologies in the nursery area will be the most efficient in reducing odor emission from the farm considering its emission rate was 2 to 3 times of the other areas. The swine grower-finisher area was the major odor source contributing 53% of odor emission of the farm and should also be targeted for odor control. Relatively positive correlations between odor concentration and both H2S and CO2 concentrations (R 2 = 0.58) means that high level of these two gases might likely indicate high odor concentration in swine barns. IMPLICATIONS The emissions of air pollutants including odors, greenhouse gases, and toxic gases have become a major environmental issue facing animal farms in the U.S.A. and Canada. To ensure the air quality in the vicinity of intensive livestock farms, air dispersion models have been used to determine setback distances between livestock facilities and neighboring residences based on certain air quality requirement on odor and gases. Due to the limited odor emission data available, none of the existing models can take account of seasonal variations of odor emissions, which may result in great uncertainties in setback distance calculations. Therefore, the obtained seasonal odor and gas emission rates by this study can be used by the government regulatory organizations and researchers in air dispersion modeling to get improved calculation of setback distances.
Reliability-Based Iterative Decoding of LDPC Codes Using Likelihood Accumulation

In this work, we present an improvement on low complexity serial concatenation of belief propagation (BP) - order statistic decoding (OSD) algorithm for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. We introduce a more reliable method to reconstruct ordered information sequence in terms of the accumulated log-likelihood ratio (LLR) transitions of variable nodes. We give a general expression for both the existing BP-OSD algorithm and our proposed new method according to a structure similar to an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter. This improved algorithm achieves noticeable performance gains with only modest increase in computation complexity.