Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bandwidth assurance issues for TCP flows in a differentiated services network

Much industry attention has been focused on providing differentiated levels of service to users on IP networks. One such proposal is the RIO scheme proposed by Clark (see ACM Transactions on Networking, 1998 ). RIO is an extension of the RED algorithm that relies on a differentiated drop treatment during congestion to cause different levels of service. The end result of differentiated dropping of packets during congestion is differentiated throughput rates for end-users. The IETF's Diffserv Working Group has recently standardized a PHB (per hop behaviour) that is based on a differentiated drop scheme-assured forwarding (AF). This paper raises issues with providing bandwidth assurance for TCP flows in a RIO-enabled differentiated services network. The main contribution is a detailed experimental study of five different factors that impact throughput assurances for TCP and UDP flows in such a network. Our study demonstrates that these factors can cause different throughput rates for end-users in spite of having contracted identical service agreements.
Edit, inspect and connect your surroundings: a reference framework for meta-UIs

Discovering and unlocking the full potential of complex pervasive environments is still approached in application-centric ways. A set of statically deployed applications often defines the possible interactions within the environment. However, the increasing dynamics of such environments require a more versatile and generic approach which allows the end-user to inspect, configure and control the overall behavior of such an environment. A meta-UI addresses these needs by providing the end-user with an interactive view on a physical or virtual environment which can then be observed and manipulated at runtime. The meta-UI bridges the gap between the resource providers and the end-users by abstracting a resource's features as executable activities that can be assembled at runtime to reach a common goal. In order to allow software services to automatically integrate with a pervasive computing environment, the minimal requirements of the environment's meta-UI must be identified and agreed on. In this paper we present Meta-STUD, a goal- and service-oriented reference framework that supports the creation of meta-UIs for usage in pervasive environments. The framework is validated using two independent implementation approaches designed with different technologies and focuses.
Long-Term Results With Different Bone Substitutes Used for Sinus Floor Elevation

One of the surgical procedures preceding implantation is elevation of the base of the maxillary sinus. Numerous bone substituting materials (grafts) may be used for this purpose, including autogenous bone, heterografts, xenogenous bone, and synthetic materials alone or in combination or mixed with growth factors and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) preparations. A study of the frequencies of the failures (graft material resorption or implant loss) after sinus elevations with various graft materials or their combinations was conducted. In the 5-year period from 1996 through 2001, a follow-up investigation of 810 maxillary sinus augmentations was performed, in which the sinus elevations involved the use of autogenous bone, a calcium carbonate-coated polymer, hydroxylapatite of algal origin, calcium carbonate gel produced from coral or &bgr;-tricalcium phosphate alone, autogenous bone mixed with these bone substitutes, or a combination of &bgr;-tricalcium phosphate and platelet-rich plasma. The incidences of graft resorption and implant loss after the augmentations with various bone substitutes were recorded. Total resorption (disappearance) of the bone substitute material was observed in 2.7% of the cases. An essential difference was not experienced between the various bone substitutes from this aspect, with the exception of the gel-state calcium carbonate, where 40% of the grafts were resorbed. In total, 5.46% of the implants were lost; the differences between the various materials were not significant.
Fractional Anisotropy of the Fornix and Hippocampal Atrophy in Alzheimer’s Disease

Decrease in the directionality of water diffusion measured with fractional anisotropy (FA) on diffusion tensor imaging has been linked to loss of myelin and axons in the white matter. Fornix FA is consistently decreased in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Furthermore, decreased fornix FA is one of the earliest MRI abnormalities observed in cognitively normal individuals who are at an increased risk for AD, such as in pre-symptomatic carriers of familial AD mutations and in pre-clinical AD. Reductions of FA at these early stages, which predicted the decline in memory function. Fornix carries the efferent projections from the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus and subiculum, connecting these structures to the septal nuclei, anterior thalamic nucleus, mammillary bodies, and medial hypothalamus. Fornix also carries the afferent cholinergic and GABAergic projections from the medial septal nuclei and the adjacent diagonal band back to the medial temporal lobe, interconnecting the core limbic structures. Because fornix carries the axons projecting from the hippocampus, integrity of the fornix is in-part linked to the integrity of the hippocampus. In keeping with that, fornix FA is reduced in subjects with hippocampal atrophy, correlating with memory function. The literature on FA reductions in the fornix in the clinical spectrum of AD from pre-symptomatic carriers of familial AD mutations to pre-clinical AD, MCI, and dementia stages is reviewed.
CENSUS OF BLUE STARS IN SDSS DR8

We present a census of the 12,060 spectra of blue objects ((g − r)0 < −0.25) in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 8 (DR8). As part of the data release, all of the spectra were cross-correlated with 48 template spectra of stars, galaxies, and QSOs to determine the best match. We compared the blue spectra by eye to the templates assigned in SDSS DR8. 10,856 of the objects matched their assigned template, 170 could not be classified due to low signal-to-noise ratio, and 1034 were given new classifications. We identify 7458 DA white dwarfs, 1145 DB white dwarfs, 273 rarer white dwarfs (including carbon, DZ, DQ, and magnetic), 294 subdwarf O stars, 648 subdwarf B stars, 679 blue horizontal branch stars, 1026 blue stragglers, 13 cataclysmic variables, 129 white dwarf–M dwarf binaries, 36 objects with spectra similar to DO white dwarfs, 179, quasi-stellar objects (QSOs), and 10 galaxies. We provide two tables of these objects, sample spectra that match the templates, figures showing all of the spectra that were grouped by eye, and diagnostic plots that show the positions, colors, apparent magnitudes, proper motions, etc., for each classification. Future surveys will be able to use templates similar to stars in each of the classes we identify to automatically classify blue stars, including rare types.
Fairness and Throughput in Switch on Event Multithreading

The need to reduce power and complexity will increase the interest in switch on event multithreading (coarse grained multithreading). Switch on event multithreading is a low power and low complexity mechanism to improve processor throughput by switching threads on execution stalls. Fairness may, however, become a problem in a multithreaded processor. Unless fairness is properly handled, some threads may starve while others consume all of the processor cycles. Heuristics that were devised in order to improve fairness in simultaneous multithreading are not applicable to switch on event multithreading. This paper defines the fairness metric using the ratio of the individual threads' speedups, and shows how it can be enforced in switch on event multithreading. Fairness is controlled by forcing additional thread switch points. These switch points are determined dynamically by runtime estimation of the single threaded performance of each of the individual threads. We analyze the impact of the fairness enforcement mechanism on throughput. We present simulation results of the performance of switch on event multithreading. Switch on event multithreading achieves an average speedup over single thread of 24% when no fairness is enforced. In this case, over a third of our runs achieved poor fairness in which one thread ran extremely slowly (10 to 100 times slower than its single thread performance) while the other thread's performance was hardly affected. By using the proposed mechanism we can guarantee fairness of 1/4, 1/2 and 1 for a small performance loss of 2.2%, 3.7% and 7.2% respectively
Toward a Public Mental Health Approach for Survivors of Terrorism

Abstract Although most people exposed to bioterrorism or mass casualties will be extremely distressed during the immediate aftermath, only a minority (approximately 30%) will develop clinically significant psychiatric disorders. From a public mental health perspective, the challenge is to provide both preventive programs for the entire population and early detection and intervention for those at greatest risk for PTSD or other post-traumatic psychiatric disorders. Both individual and soci-etal preventive and early intervention approaches are reviewed. Utilization of the media, especially television, is presented as an example of one of many potential community/societal public mental health approaches.
Which comes first, organizational culture or performance? A longitudinal study of causal priority with automobile dealerships

Summary Prior research supports a link between organizational culture and performance but generally falls short of establishing causality or determining the direction of a culture–performance (C-P) relationship. Using data collected from 95 franchise automobile dealerships over 6 years, we studied longitudinal culture–performance relationships to determine whether culture or performance has causal priority, or alternatively, whether a reciprocal relationship exists. Results from cross-lagged panel analyses indicate that culture “comes first,” consistently predicting subsequent ratings of customer satisfaction and vehicle sales. Furthermore, the positive effect of culture on vehicle sales is fully mediated by customer satisfaction ratings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cutting Edge: Selective Requirement for the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein in Cytokine, but Not Chemokine, Secretion by CD4+ T Cells1

The mechanism of cytokine secretion is not well understood, but cytokines appear to be synthesized and released in a polarized fashion toward an Ag-specific target cell. In this study, we demonstrate that the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) is an essential component of the cytokine secretory pathway in CD4+ T cells. Murine WASp-deficient CD4+ T cells fail to polarize cytokines toward a target and show an unexpected and striking block in cytokine secretion. In contrast, chemokine secretion and trafficking of plasma membrane proteins, transported via the constitutive secretory pathway, are unaffected by the lack of WASp. These results suggest that CD4+ T cell cytokines require a specialized, WASp-dependent pathway for cellular traffic and/or vesicle release that is distinct from that required for chemokine release. We propose that the use of different secretory pathways for cytokines and chemokines enables CD4+ T cell activity to be further fine-tuned to serve specialized effector functions.
DC/DC Boost Converter Functionality in a Three-Phase Indirect Matrix Converter

An indirect matrix converter (IMC) connected with two input power sources is proposed: a gasoline generator as the main ac power supply and batteries as the secondary power source. The IMC is small in size because of having a dc-link part without an electrolytic capacitor. The dc-link part is utilized by connection with a boost-up chopper with batteries as a secondary input power source. Furthermore, the chopper connects to the neutral point of the motor and utilizes the leakage inductance of the motor as a reactor component. The proposed technique successfully further reduce the size of the converter by removing the boost reactor in the boost converter stage. The proposed converter is simulated and experimentally validated using a 750-W prototype and an induction motor driven with V/f control. The total harmonic distortion of the input and output currents are 4% and 3.7%, respectively, and the efficiency is 96%.
Diversity Considerations for Promoting Early Childhood Oral Health: A Pilot Study

Objectives. Several groups in Manitoba, Canada, experience early childhood caries (ECC), including Aboriginal, immigrant, and refugee children and those from select rural regions. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the views of parents and caregivers from four cultural groups on early childhood oral health and ECC. Methods. A qualitative descriptive study design using focus groups recruited parents and caregivers from four cultural groups. Discussions were documented, audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed for content based on themes. Results. Parents and caregivers identified several potential barriers to good oral health practice, including child's temperament, finances, and inability to control sugar intake. Both religion and genetics were found to influence perceptions of oral health. Misconceptions regarding breastfeeding and bottle use were present. One-on-one discussions, parental networks, and using laypeople from similar backgrounds were suggested methods to promote oral health. The immigrant and refugee participants placed emphasis on the use of visuals for those with language barriers while Hutterite participants suggested a health-education approach. Conclusions. These pilot study findings provide initial insight into the oral health-related knowledge and beliefs of these groups. This will help to inform planning of ECC prevention and research strategies, which can be tailored to specific populations.
Radiation Induces Endothelial Dysfunction in Murine Intestinal Arterioles via Enhanced Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Objective—Endothelial dysfunction and vascular dysregulation contribute to the pathological effects of radiation on tissues. The objectives of this study were to assess the acute effect of irradiation on acetylcholine (Ach)-induced dilation of gut submucosal microvessels. Methods and Results—Rats were exposed in vivo to 1 to 9 cGy in 3 fractions per week on alternate days for 3 successive weeks for a total dose of up to 2250 cGy. Submucosal microvessels were isolated after varying levels of irradiation. Diameters of isolated vessels were measured using videomicroscopy, and the dose-response relationship to Ach was determined. Dihydroethidine and 2′, 7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probes were used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. After constriction (30% to 50%) with endothelin, dilation to graded doses of Ach (10−9−10−4 M) was observed in control vessels (maximal dilation [MD] 87±3%; n=7). However, Ach-induced dilation was reduced in vessels from irradiated rats (MD=3±9%; n=7; P=<0.05 versus controls). Significant increases in superoxide and peroxides were observed in irradiated microvessels. Irradiated microvessels pretreated with superoxide dismutase–mimetic demonstrated significant improvement in Ach-induced vasodilation compared with irradiation alone, suggesting that superoxide contributes to impaired dilation to Ach after irradiation. Conclusions—Radiation induces acute microvascular dysfunction in the resistance arterioles of the intestine. Enhanced ROS contribute to this dysfunction and therefore may represent a novel therapeutic target to minimize radiation toxicity in the gut.
Effects of body condition score in cows peripartum on the onset of postpartum ovarian cyclicity and conception rates after ovulation synchronization/fixed-time artificial insemination.

The aim of this study was to examine whether the nutritional state of cows peripartum was associated with the recovery of ovarian function and conception rates after synchronization of ovulation and fixed-time artificial insemination (OVSYNCH/TAI). The effect of the interval in days from calving to the first ovulation on conception rates after OVSYNCH/TAI was also investigated. Conception rates of cows after OVSYNCH/TAI (n=39) were 43.6%. The conception rates of cows with a body condition score (BCS) of 2.75-3.25 at 30 d postpartum and on the day of OVSYNCH treatment were significantly higher than in cows with a BCS < or =2.5 (P<0.05). The percentage of cows establishing ovarian cyclicity before 55 d postpartum in cows with a BCS of 2.75-3.25 at 30 d postpartum and on the day of OVSYNCH treatment were significantly higher than in cows with a BCS < or =2.5 (P<0.05). The conception rates after OVSYNCH/TAI in cows which recovered ovarian cyclicity within 34 d postpartum were significantly higher than in cows with first ovulation > or =56 d (P<0.05). These results indicated that the nutritional state in cows peripartum influenced the conception rates after OVSYNCH/TAI and the postpartum ovarian cyclicity and also suggested that the conception rates after OVSYNCH/TAI decreased in cows with delayed recovery of ovarian cyclicity.
Multi30K: Multilingual English-German Image Descriptions

We introduce the Multi30K dataset to stimulate multilingual multimodal research. Recent advances in image description have been demonstrated on English-language datasets almost exclusively, but image description should not be limited to English. This dataset extends the Flickr30K dataset with i) German translations created by professional translators over a subset of the English descriptions, and ii) descriptions crowdsourced independently of the original English descriptions. We outline how the data can be used for multilingual image description and multimodal machine translation, but we anticipate the data will be useful for a broader range of tasks.
Real-Time Implementation of an ISM Fault-Tolerant Control Scheme for LPV Plants

This paper proposes a fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme for linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems based on integral sliding modes (ISMs) and control allocation (CA) and describes the implementation and evaluation of the controllers on a 6-degree-of-freedom research flight simulator called SIMONA. The FTC scheme is developed using an LPV approach to extend ideas previously developed for linear time-invariant systems, in order to cover a wide range of operating conditions. The scheme benefits from the combination of the inherent robustness properties of ISMs (to ensure sliding occurs throughout the simulation) and CA, which has the ability to redistribute control signals to all available actuators in the event of faults/failures.
The effects of two components of the aussie optimism program on social skills

The relationship between social skill deficits and emotional and behavioural problems has led researchers to examine the cognitive and behavioural elements of social skill acquisition in childhood. This research aimed to compare the effectiveness of two components of the Aussie Optimism program for enhancing social behaviour in late childhood. One hundred and twenty-eight children (68 boys and 60 girls) aged between 9 and 12 years from two schools participated in the study: (a) 34 students received the social life skills program; (b) 49 students received the optimistic thinking skills program; and (c) 45 students were assigned to a no-treatment control group. Children were assessed with self-report and teacher-report measures of social skills, adjustment and explanatory style at pretest, posttest and three months follow-up. In addition, the relationship between these variables at pretest and health-related variables measured throughout the intervention was examined. The results indicated that the social skills program improved the social skills of participating children at posttest. No intervention effects were found for explanatory style. No intervention effects were found for teacher-rated measures of behaviour or adjustment, although in general students improved on these measures over time. Eating breakfast was associated with increased social skills, and better teacher-rated academic performance and adaptive functioning at pretest. Stressful life events were negatively correlated with academic performance and teacher-rated happiness at pretest, and higher exercise levels were associated with less teacher-rated social problems at pretest. This research indicates that the social life skills intervention program improves the social skills of participating children in the short-term. Limitations and implications of the present findings are discussed. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of health-related variables on intervention outcomes for children.
Effects of Construal Level on Omission Detection and Multiattribute Evaluation

Research has demonstrated that consumers are commonly insensitive to missing information and that this insensitivity can lead them to form strong beliefs and evaluations on the basis of weak evidence. A growing body of research has shown that sensitivity to omissions can be heightened and that this increased sensitivity results in more appropriate evaluations. Expanding on this, the current research finds that the level of abstraction by which a situation is construed can influence the likelihood of omission detection and the resulting evaluative judgments. A series of studies reveal that people are more likely to spontaneously detect omissions in near vs. distant judgments, in concrete vs. abstract mindsets, and when they are inherently more likely to interpret actions in concrete vs. abstract terms. Further, although prior findings suggest that people may have differential sensitivity to primary and secondary missing features at different levels of construal, the current research finds no such difference. The results of this study indicate that people are more sensitive to all types of missing information when construal levels are low, and that this sensitivity leads to more moderate and appropriate judgments.
Extent of Surgery for Papillary Thyroid Cancer Is Not Associated With Survival: An Analysis of 61,775 Patients

Objective:To examine the association between the extent of surgery and overall survival in a large contemporary cohort of patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Background:Guidelines recommend total thyroidectomy for PTC tumors >1 cm, based on older data demonstrating an overall survival advantage for total thyroidectomy over lobectomy. Methods:Adult patients with PTC tumors 1.0–4.0 cm undergoing thyroidectomy in the National Cancer Database, 1998–2006, were included. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to measure the association between the extent of surgery and overall survival while adjusting for patient demographic and clinical factors, including comorbidities, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, nodal and distant metastases, and radioactive iodine treatment. Results:Among 61,775 PTC patients, 54,926 underwent total thyroidectomy and 6849 lobectomy. Compared with lobectomy, patients undergoing total thyroidectomy had more nodal (7% vs 27%), extrathyroidal (5% vs16%), and multifocal disease (29% vs 44%) (all Ps < 0.001). Median follow-up was 82 months (range, 60–179 months). After multivariable adjustment, overall survival was similar in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy versus lobectomy for tumors 1.0–4.0 cm [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.84–1.09); P = 0.54] and when stratified by tumor size: 1.0–2.0 cm [HR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.88–1.26; P = 0.61] and 2.1–4.0 cm [HR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73–1.07; P = 0.21]. Older age, male sex, black race, lower income, tumor size, and presence of nodal or distant metastases were independently associated with compromised survival (P < 0.0001). Conclusions:Current guidelines suggest total thyroidectomy for PTC tumors >1 cm. However, we did not observe a survival advantage associated with total thyroidectomy compared with lobectomy. These findings call into question whether tumor size should be an absolute indication for total thyroidectomy.