Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modifying min-cut for hardware and software functional partitioning

The Kernighan/Lin heuristic, also known as min-cut, has been extended very successfully for circuit partitioning over several decades. Those extensions customized the heuristic and its associated data structure to rapidly compute the minimum-cut metric required during circuit partitioning thus, those extensions are not applicable to problems requiring other metrics. The author extends the heuristic for functional partitioning in a manner applicable to the codesign problem of hardware/software partitioning as well as to hardware/hardware partitioning. The extension customizes the heuristic and data structure to rapidly compute execution-time and communication metrics, crucial to hardware and software partitioning, and leads to near-linear time-complexity and excellent results. The experiments demonstrate extremely fast execution times (just a few seconds) with results matched only by the much slower simulated annealing heuristic, meaning that the extended Kernighan/Lin heuristic will likely prove hard to beat for hardware and software functional partitioning.
3D presentation of a neurotrophic factor for the regulation of neural progenitor cells.

BACKGROUND Adequate cell-scaffold interactions and neurotrophin support are essential factors for neural regeneration. AIM To provide insight into the biofunctionalization of complex 3D scaffolds with nanoscale precision, as well as the effect of spatial distribution of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its prolonged stimulation in combination with enhanced cell affinity of nanofibrous scaffolds on the survival/proliferation and neurite outgrowth. METHODS & MATERIALS We developed a versatile approach using layer-by-layer self-assembly to incorporate cell adhesion and spatial representation of neurotrophic factors into complex nanofibrous scaffolds. RESULTS Heparin/poly-L-lysine (PLL) polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) were deposited on electrospun poly-ε-caprolatone nanofibers. Well-controlled amounts of BDNF were immobilized on the PEM-modified nanofibers. In addition, longer neurite outgrowth was observed in neural progenitor cells cultured on PLL-terminating PEM scaffolds. The immobilized BDNF on PLL-terminated PEM scaffolds resulted in significantly longer neurites and higher cell numbers (p < 0.01) compared with BDNF-free and BDNF-adsorbed PLL-terminating scaffolds. Interestingly, there was no upregulation of TrkB-FL, TrkB-T1 or GAP-43 mRNAs with immobilized BDNF in day 5 cultures. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION This work reinforces the importance of the combinatorial effects of biomaterial scaffold nanostructure and spatial presentation of neurotrophins in directing neural progenitor cell fates.
A generic method for statistical testing

This paper addresses the problem of selecting finite test sets and automating this selection. Among these methods, some are deterministic and some are statistical. The kind of statistical testing we consider has been inspired by the work of Thevenod-Fosse and Waeselynck. There, the choice of the distribution on the input domain is guided by the structure of the program or the form of its specification. In the present paper, we describe a new generic method for performing statistical testing according to any given graphical description of the behavior of the system under test. This method can be fully automated. Its main originality is that it exploits recent results and tools in combinatorics, precisely in the area of random generation of combinatorial structures. Uniform random generation routines are used for drawing paths from the set of execution paths or traces of the system under test. Then a constraint resolution step is performed, aiming to design a set of test data that activate the generated paths. This approach applies to a number of classical coverage criteria. Moreover, we show how linear programming techniques may help to improve the quality of test, i.e. the probabilities for the elements to be covered by the test process. The paper presents the method in its generality. Then, in the last section, experimental results on applying it to structural statistical software testing are reported.
Targeted Agents in Ovarian Cancer

Despite recent advances in the treatment of ovarian cancer, a large majority of women with this diagnosis will die from recurrence of their disease. Targeted therapies, in the form of monoclonal antibodies and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors have significantly altered the management of many solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. No such agents have been approved by the US FDA for use in ovarian cancer, although Phase II data suggests excellent single-agent activity of some of these drugs. Antiangiogenic agents in combination with chemotherapy are being evaluated in Phase III clinical trials, both in the adjuvant setting and in recurrent platinum-sensitive disease. Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors are promising agents in BRCA1/2-mutated breast and ovarian cancers. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring the anti-tumor effect of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors administered as single agents and in combination with chemotherapy. Many other new drugs are in earlier grades of development. In this article, we review the state of the art in targeted therapies for ovarian cancer and identify future directions for their development in the management of this often devastating disease.
Genetic Factors of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Japanese

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), are caused by immune response to self-thyroid antigens and affect approximately 2–5% of the general population. Genetic susceptibility in combination with external factors, such as smoking, viral/bacterial infection, and chemicals, is believed to initiate the autoimmune response against thyroid antigens. Abundant epidemiological data, including family and twin studies, point to a strong genetic influence on the development of AITDs. Various techniques have been employed to identify genes contributing to the etiology of AITDs, including candidate gene analysis and whole genome screening. These studies have enabled the identification of several loci (genetic regions) that are linked to AITDs, and, in some of these loci, putative AITD susceptibility genes have been identified. Some of these genes/loci are unique to GD and HT and some are common to both diseases, indicating that there is a shared genetic susceptibility to GD and HT. Known AITD-susceptibility genes are classified into three groups: HLA genes, non-HLA immune-regulatory genes (e.g., CTLA-4, PTPN22, and CD40), and thyroid-specific genes (e.g., TSHR and Tg). In this paper, we will summarize the latest findings on AITD susceptibility genes in Japanese.
Modeling of the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of polyamide 6 composites during thermoforming

The combination of thermoforming processes of continuous-fiber reinforced thermoplastics and injection molding offers a high potential for cost-effective use in automobile mass production. During manufacturing, the thermoplastic laminates are initially heated up to a temperature above the melting point. This is followed by continuous cooling of the material during the forming process, which leads to crystallization under non-isothermal conditions. To account for phase change effects in thermoforming simulation, an accurate modeling of the crystallization kinetics is required. In this context, it is important to consider the wide range of cooling rates, which are observed during processing. Consequently, this paper deals with the experimental investigation of the crystallization at cooling rates varying from 0.16 K/s to 100 K/s using standard differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fast scanning calorimetry (Flash DSC). Two different modeling approaches (Nakamura model, modified Nakamura-Ziabicki model.
Age-related changes in general and sexual health in middle-aged and older men: results from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS).

INTRODUCTION Limited information is available concerning the general and sexual health status of European men. AIM To investigate the age-related changes in general and sexual health in middle-aged and older men from different countries of the European Union. METHODS This is a cross-sectional multicenter survey performed on a sample of 3,369 community-dwelling men aged 40-79 years old (mean 60 + or - 11 years). Subjects were randomly selected from eight European centers including centers from nontransitional (Florence [Italy], Leuven [Belgium], Malmö[Sweden], Manchester [United Kingdom], Santiago de Compostela [Spain]) and transitional countries (Lodz [Poland], Szeged [Hungary], Tartu [Estonia]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Different parameters were evaluated including the Beck's Depression Inventory for the quantification of depressive symptoms, the Short Form-36 Health Survey for the assessment of the quality of life (QoL), the International Prostate Symptom Score for the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms, and the European Male Ageing Study sexual function questionnaire for the study of sexual function. RESULTS More than 50% of subjects reported the presence of one or more common morbidities. Overall, hypertension (29%), obesity (24%), and heart diseases (16%) were the most prevalent conditions. Around 30% of men reported erectile dysfunction (ED) and 6% reported severe orgasmic impairment, both of which were closely associated with age and concomitant morbidities. Only 38% of men reporting ED were concerned about it. Furthermore, concern about ED increased with age, peaking in the 50-59 years age band, but decreased thereafter. Men in transitional countries reported a higher prevalence of morbidities and impairment of sexual function as well as a lower QoL. CONCLUSION Sexual health declined while concomitant morbidities increased in European men as a function of age. The burden of general and sexual health is higher in transitional countries, emphasizing the need to develop more effective strategies to promote healthy aging for men in these countries.
New galactic open cluster candidates from DSS and 2MASS imagery

An inspection of the DSS and 2MASS images of selected Milky Way regions has led to the discovery of 66 stellar groupings whose morphologies, color-magnitude diagrams, and stellar density distributions suggest that the se objects are possible open clusters that do not yet appear to be listed in any catalogue. For 24 of these groupings, which we consider to be the most likely to be candidates, we provide extensive descriptions on the basis of 2MASS photometry and their visual impression on DSS and 2MASS. Of these cluster candidates, 9 have fundamental parameters determined by fitting the color- magnitude diagrams with solar metallicity Padova isochrones. An additional 10 cluster candidates have distance moduli and reddenings derived from K magnitudes and (J− K) color indices of helium-burning red clump stars. As an addendum, we also provide a list of a number of apparently unknown galactic and extragalactic objects that were also discovered during the survey.
Closed-form channel estimation for blind decoding of orthogonal space-time block codes

A new computationally simple approach to blind decoding of orthogonal space-time block codes is proposed. Our approach estimates the channel matrix in a closed form and uses this estimate in the maximum likelihood (ML) receiver to decode the symbols. It exploits specific properties of the orthogonal space-time block codes (STBCs) and is free of most of the shortcomings of other blind space-time decoding schemes.
Soft systems and research

Purpose – This paper is written in response to the question “What developments are taking place in systems? ” as a contribution to the November 2006 Cybernetics Conference. The paper is based upon the assumption that what is meant by the question relates to research in an area of systems known as soft systems.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with clarification about “Systems” and then the reader is taken on a personal journey through what are considered to be important contributions to soft systems research. The account includes reference to philosophical treatise on aspects relevant to some of the difficulties facing subjective research and some outcomes from research germane to the development of these ideas.Findings – The paper recounts lessons learnt from the practice about the nature of undertaking soft systems research and whilst acknowledging that this research continues suggests that because of these soft systems has an intellectual and practical foundation.Originality/value – Systems.
Training in difficult conversations: a national survey of pediatric hematology-oncology and pediatric critical care physicians.

BACKGROUND In pediatric oncology and critical care, physicians give difficult news, including discussions regarding palliative care and comfort measures, but there are minimal data regarding fellowship program preparation for this task. PURPOSE We surveyed graduates of pediatric hematology/oncology and critical care fellowships regarding communication training to describe teaching methods, assess which were helpful, and determine whether comfort level is related to training experiences. METHODS A 12-question Web survey was sent to physicians completing fellowship in the previous 5 years. RESULTS Of 345 fellows identified, 171 (50%) responded. Prior training included observing senior physicians (100%), being observed (78%), reading (56%), lectures (46%), role-play (20%), workshops (16%), simulation (13%), and videos (13%). Observing senior physicians was thought most helpful. More years since training (p < 0.0005) and frequent difficult conversations (p = 0.009) were predictors of current comfort. Only workshops were associated with feeling better prepared at the end of training (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS Training may help physicians feel prepared for difficult conversations, but ongoing experience was strongly associated with comfort level.
Impact of laughter on air trapping in severe chronic obstructive lung disease

Static and dynamic hyperinflation is an important factor of exertional dyspnea in patients with severe COPD. This proof-of-concept intervention trial sought to study whether laughter can reduce hyperinflation through repetitive expiratory efforts in patients with severe COPD. For small groups of patients with severe COPD (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 10) Pello the clown performed a humor intervention triggering regular laughter. Plethysmography was done before and up to 24 hours after intervention. Laughing and smiling were quantified with video-analysis. Real-time breathing pattern was assessed with the LifeShirt™, and the psychological impact of the intervention was monitored with self-administered questionnaires. The intervention led to a reduction of TLC in COPD (p = 0.04), but not in controls (p = 0.9). TLC reduction was due to a decline of the residual volume. Four (22 [CI 95% 7 to 46] %) patients were ≥10% responders. The frequency of smiling and TLC at baseline were independent predictors of TLC response. The humor intervention improved cheerfulness, but not seriousness nor bad mood. In conclusion, smiling induced by a humor intervention was able to reduce hyperinflation in patients with severe COPD. A smiling-derived breathing technique might complement pursed-lips breathing in patients with symptomatic obstruction.
General and Maladaptive Traits in a Five-Factor Framework for DSM-5 in a University Student Sample

The relationships between two measures proposed to describe personality pathology, that is the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-3) and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5), are examined in an undergraduate sample (N = 240). The NEO inventories are general trait measures, also considered relevant to assess disordered personality, whereas the PID-5 measure is specifically designed to assess pathological personality traits, as conceptualized in the DSM-5 proposal. A structural analysis of the 25 PID-5 traits confirmed the factor structure observed in the U.S. derivation sample, with higher order factors of Negative Affectivity, Detachment, Antagonism, Disinhibition, and Psychoticism. A joint factor analysis of, respectively, the NEO domains and their facets with the PID-5 traits showed that general and maladaptive traits are subsumed under an umbrella of five to six major dimensions that can be interpreted from the perspective of the five-factor model or the Personality Psychopathology Five. Implications for the assessment of personality pathology and the construction of models of psychopathology grounded in personality are discussed.
Developing a More Rapid Test to Assess Sulfate Resistance of Hydraulic Cements

External sulfate attack of concrete is a major problem that can appear in regions where concrete is exposed to soil or water containing sulfates, leading to softening and cracking of the concrete. Therefore, it is important that materials selection and proportioning of concrete in susceptible regions be carefully considered to resist sulfate attack. American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) limits the tricalcium aluminate phase in cements when sulfate exposure is of concern. The hydration products of tricalcium aluminate react with the sulfates resulting in expansion and cracking. While ASTM standard tests are available to determine the susceptibility of cements to sulfate attack, these tests require at least 6 months and often up to a year to perform; a delay that hinders development of new cements. This paper presents a new method for testing cement resistance to sulfate attack that is three to five times faster than the current ASTM tests. Development of the procedure was based upon insights on the degradation process by petrographic examination of sulfate-exposed specimens over time. Also key to the development was the use of smaller samples and tighter environmental control.
Commonly asked questions in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and often a highly disabling condition that was considered untreatable before the 1960s. The advent of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and exposure and response prevention revolutionized the treatment of OCD. Although they are still the first line treatments for OCD, new treatments like augmentation strategies, brain stimulation techniques, psychosurgery, newer forms of psychotherapy (like cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy) have been added to the armamentarium. With the available treatment strategies, many patients can achieve at least partial remission of symptoms. Nevertheless, the plethora of information gives rise to many questions on their application for practicing clinicians. We provide evidence-based responses to these questions and suggest a broad guideline for treatment of OCD.
The Effect of Modified Asphalt Binders by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Two performance-grade asphalt binders, PG 64-10 and PG 76-10, and two modifiers, Acrylate Styrene Acrylonhrtilrei (ASA) polymer and nanomaterials of Al 2 O 3 , have been used to modify properties of asphalt mixes. The main function of this study is to characterize and assess materials of modified asphalt binder mixes by three important rheological properties, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). For the same mixes of modified asphalt binders, physical properties were obtained previously, therefore, FTIR, SEM, and XRD results followed the results of physical properties. The data analysis clearly indicates that although the SEM images show uniform dispersion of the ASA and Al 2 O 3 , it has been concluded that the FTIR spectra of ASA polymer- and Al 2 O 3 -altered asphalt binders were similar notwithstanding highest points, which established that no adjustment in structure occurred in the altered binders associated with the original asphalt binder. The results of the properties of asphalt with the use of ASA polymer are more notable than those with the use of Al 2 O 3 nanomaterials.
Effects of Traditional Coronary Risk Factors on Rates of Incident Coronary Events in a Low‐Risk Population: The Adventist Health Study

BackgroundCalifornia Seventh-Day Adventists have lower mortality rates from coronary heart disease (CHD) than other Californians. Associations between traditional risk factor and CHD events have not been reported previously for Adventists. Methods and ResultsA cohort study allowed 6 years of follow-up of 27,658 male and female California Seventh-Day Adventists. Data collected included age, sex, physician-diagnosed hypertension and diabetes mellitus, body height, weight, previous and current cigarette smoking habits, and current exercise habits. Incident cases of definite myocardial infarction (MI) and definite fatal CHD were diagnosed according to recognized criteria. Both stratified and proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that in this low-risk population, the above traditional coronary risk factors exhibit their usual associations with risk of CHD events. It was noted that exercise had a strong negative association with fatal CHD events (relative risks [RR], 1.0, 0.66, and 0.50 with increasing exercise) but no association with risk of MI (either nonfatal or all cases). Conversely, obesity was much more clearly associated with MI (RR, 1.0, 1.18, and 1.83 with increasing tertiles of obesity) than with fatal events. The importance of the risk factors was similar in both sexes, except that the effect of cigarette smoking seemed more pronounced in women. ConclusionsThe epidemiology of coronary heart disease in this low-risk California population appears to be at least qualitatively similar to that seen in other groups. There was evidence that the effects of exercise and obesity may differ depending on whether fatal CHD and MI (either all MI or nonfatal alone) is the end point.
Homo denisova, Correspondence Spectral Analysis, Finite Sites Reticulate Hierarchical Coalescent Models and the Ron Jeremy Hypothesis

This article shows how to fit reticulate finite and infinite sites sequence spectra to aligned data from five modern human genomes (San, Yoruba, French, Han and Papuan) plus two archaic humans (Denisovan and Neanderthal), to better infer demographic parameters. These include interbreeding between distinct lineages. Major improvements in the fit of the sequence spectrum are made with successively more complicated models. Findings include some evidence of a male biased gene flow from the Denisova lineage to Papuan ancestors and possibly even more archaic gene flow. It is unclear if there is evidence for more than one Neanderthal interbreeding, as the evidence suggesting this largely disappears when a finite sites model is fitted.