Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Design of Data Stream Processing Systems on Multi-Core Processors

Driven by the rapidly increasing demand for handling real-time data streams, many data stream processing (DSP) systems have been proposed. Regardless of the different architectures of those DSP systems, they are mostly aiming at scaling out using a cluster of commodity machines and built around a number of key design aspects: a) pipelined processing with message passing, b) on-demand data parallelism, and c) JVM based implementation. However, there lacks a study on those key design aspects on modern scale-up architectures, where more CPU cores are being put on the same die, and the onchip cache hierarchies are getting larger, deeper, and complex. Multiple sockets bring non-uniform memory access (NUMA) effort. In this paper, we revisit the aforementioned design aspects on a modern scale-up server. Specifically, we use a series of applications as micro benchmark to conduct detailed profiling studies on Apache Storm and Flink. From the profiling results, we observe two major performance issues: a) the massively parallel execution model causes serious front-end stalls, which are a major performance bottleneck issue on a single CPU socket, b) the lack of NUMA-aware mechanism causes major drawback on the scalability of DSP systems on multi-socket architectures. Addressing these issues should allow DSP systems to exploit modern scale-up architectures, which also benefits scaling out environments. We present our initial efforts on resolving the above-mentioned performance issues, which have shown up to 3.2x and 3.1x improvement on the performance of Storm and Flink, respectively.
On Evaluation of Natural Language Processing Tasks - Is Gold Standard Evaluation Methodology a Good Solution?

The paper discusses problems in state of the art evaluation methods used in natural language processing (NLP). Usually, some form of gold standard data is used for evaluation of various NLP tasks, ranging from morphological annotation to semantic analysis. We discuss problems and validity of this type of evaluation, for various tasks, and illustrate the problems on examples. Then we propose using application-driven evaluations, wherever it is possible. Although it is more expensive, more complicated and not so precise, it is the only way to find out if a particular tool is useful at all.
The Effect of the UK ’ s Smoke Free Law on Smoking Prevalence , Tobacco Related Hospital Admissions and NHS Expenditure – A Discussion Seven Years following the Public Smoking Ban

The consumption of tobacco is a widely researched and discussed area, particularly in terms of health effects. This dissertation aims to add to current and past literature by discussing the impact the smoke free legislation has had on smoking prevalence, tobacco related hospital admissions and consequently NHS expenditure on tobacco related diseases. Particular analysis will be given in terms of age, gender and occupational classification. The methodology and data used is discussed, giving limitations and reference to the quality. The results present the data between years 1974 and 2013, giving interpretation to the trends found. In conclusion, this dissertation finds that smoking prevalence has been largely uninfluenced by the introduction of the smoking ban and hospital admissions due to tobacco related diseases are yet to decline.
Game-Theoretic Topology Controlfor Opportunistic Localization in Sparse Underwater Sensor Networks

In this paper, we propose a localization scheme named Opportunistic Localization by Topology Control (OLTC), specifically for sparse Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSNs). In a UWSN, an unlocalized sensor node finds its location by utilizing the spatio-temporal relation with the reference nodes. Generally, UWSNs are sparsely deployed because of the high implementation cost, and unfortunately, the network topology experiences partitioning due to the effect of passive node mobility. Consequently, most of the underwater sensor nodes lack the required number of reference nodes for localization in underwater environments. The existing literature is deficient in addressing the problem of node localization in the above mentioned scenario. Antagonistically, however, we promote that even in such sparse UWSN context, it is possible to localize the nodes by exploiting their available opportunities. We formulate a game-theoretic model based on the Single-Leader-Multi-Follower Stackelberg game for topology control of the unlocalized and localized nodes. We also prove that both the players choose strategies to reach a socially optimal Stackelberg-Nash-Cournot Equilibrium. NS-3 based simulation results indicate that the localization coverage of the network increases upto 1.5 times compared to the existing state-of-the-art. The energy-efficiency of OLTC has also been established.
Improved skin permeation of methotrexate via nanosized ultradeformable liposomes

The aim of this study is to investigate methotrexate-entrapped ultradeformable liposomes (MTX-UDLs) for potential transdermal application. MTX-UDLs were prepared by extrusion method with phosphatidylcholine as a bilayer matrix and sodium cholate or Tween 80 as an edge activator. The physicochemical properties of MTX-UDLs were determined in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The deformability of MTX-UDLs was compared with that of methotrexate-entrapped conventional liposomes (MTX-CLs) using a steel pressure filter device. The skin permeation of MTX-UDLs was investigated using Franz diffusion cell, and the skin penetration depth of rhodamine 6G-entrapped UDLs was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. MTX-UDLs showed a narrow size distribution, with the particle size of ~100 nm. The deformability of MTX-UDLs was two to five times greater than that of MTX-CLs. The skin permeation of MTX-UDLs was significantly improved compared with MTX-CLs and free MTX solution. The optimized UDLs (phosphatidylcholine: Tween 80 =7:3, w/w) showed a higher fluorescence intensity than conventional liposomes at every increment of skin depth. Thus, the optimized UDLs could be promising nanocarriers for systemic delivery of MTX across skin.
Positive effect of dietary soy in ESRD patients with systemic inflammation--correlation between blood levels of the soy isoflavones and the acute-phase reactants.

BACKGROUND Inflammation is commonly associated with malnutrition and cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal failure patients. Anti-inflammatory properties of the isoflavones, a micronutrient component of soy, have been reported in several experimental models and disease conditions, but never in renal failure. We hypothesized that dietary soy isoflavones correct laboratory evidence of systemic inflammation in haemodialysis (HD) patients with underlying high blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS End-stage renal disease patients on chronic HD, with elevated CRP (>10.0 mg/l) were enrolled in this pilot study. The subjects were double-blind randomly distributed with 2 : 1 ratio to receive isoflavone-containing soy-based nutritional supplements (soy group) or isoflavone-free milk protein (control group) for 8 weeks. Serum isoflavone, inflammatory markers and nutrition markers were assessed at baseline and at the end of the treatment. RESULTS Thirty-two subjects were enrolled. Fifteen subjects in the soy group and 10 in the control group completed the study; five dropouts were due to acute illness and two due to food intolerance. After intervention, blood isoflavone levels were 5- to 10-fold higher in the soy group than in the control group [e.g. median genistein (25-75th percentile): 337.9 (175.5-1007) nM in the soy group vs 41.4 (22.9-100.4) nM in the control group; P < 0.001]. However, the isoflavone levels ranged widely in the soy group (e.g. genistein: 33-1868 nM) and, depending on the individual compound, four to seven subjects had end-of-treatment levels that were not different from baseline. Variation from baseline of the individual serum isoflavone levels (Delta-isoflavone) and CRP displayed a strong inverse correlation in the soy group (R = -0.599, P < 0.02). In addition, Delta-isoflavone correlated positively with the variation of albumin (R = 0.522, P = 0.05) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (R = 0.518, P < 0.05). Group levels of CRP were not statistically different after intervention although a trend towards lower levels was noted in the soy group [18.2 (12.7-29.1) mg/l at baseline vs 9.7 (5.2-20.7) mg/l at week 8; NS] but not in the control group [20.6 (9.2-38.5) vs 17.6 (9.1-40.7) mg/l]. CONCLUSION These data suggest the possibility of beneficial effects of isoflavone-rich soy foods on the inflammatory and nutritional status of HD patients with underlying systemic inflammation.
Detection of novel strains genetically related to Anaplasma platys in Tunisian one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius).

INTRODUCTION Little information is currently available regarding the presence of Anaplasma species in North African dromedaries. To fill this gap in knowledge, the prevalence, risk factors, and genetic diversity of Anaplasma species were investigated in Tunisian dromedary camels. METHODOLOGY A total of 226 camels from three different bioclimatic areas were sampled and tested for the presence of Anaplasma species by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) assays. Detected Anaplasma strains were characterized by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. RESULTS Overall infection rate of Anaplasma spp. was 17.7%, and was significantly higher in females. Notably, A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, and A. phagocytophilum were not detected. Animals were severely infested by three tick species belonging to the genus Hyalomma (H. dromedarii, H. impeltatum, and H. excavatum). Alignment, similarity comparison, and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence variants obtained in this study suggest that Tunisian dromedaries are infected by more than one novel Anaplasma strain genetically related to A. platys. CONCLUSIONS This study reports the presence of novel Anaplasma sp. strains genetically related to A. platys in dromedaries from various bioclimatic areas of Tunisia. Findings raise new concerns about the specificity of the direct and indirect diagnostic tests routinely used to detect different Anaplasma species in ruminants and provide useful molecular information to elucidate the evolutionary history of bacterial species related to A. platys.
Computational study of the Seebeck coefficient of one-dimensional composite nano-structures

The Seebeck coefficient (S) of composite nano-structures is theoretically explored within a self-consistent electro-thermal transport simulation framework using the non-equilibrium Green’s function method and a heat diffusion equation. Seebeck coefficients are determined using numerical techniques that mimic experimental measurements. Simulation results show that, without energy relaxing scattering, the overall S of a composite structure is determined by the highest barrier within the device. For a diffusive, composite structure with energy relaxation due to electron-phonon scattering, however, the measured S is an average of the position-dependent values with the weighting factor being the lattice temperature gradient. The results stress the importance of self-consistent solutions of phonon heat transport and the resulting lattice temperature distribution in understanding the thermoelectric properties of a composite structure. It is also clarified that the measured S of a composite structure reflects its power generation performance rather than its cooling performance. The results suggest that the lattice thermal conductivity within the composite structure might be engineered to improve the power factor over the bulk by avoiding the conventional trade-off between S and the electrical conductivity.The Seebeck coefficient (S) of composite nano-structures is theoretically explored within a self-consistent electro-thermal transport simulation framework using the non-equilibrium Green’s function method and a heat diffusion equation. Seebeck coefficients are determined using numerical techniques that mimic experimental measurements. Simulation results show that, without energy relaxing scattering, the overall S of a composite structure is determined by the highest barrier within the device. For a diffusive, composite structure with energy relaxation due to electron-phonon scattering, however, the measured S is an average of the position-dependent values with the weighting factor being the lattice temperature gradient. The results stress the importance of self-consistent solutions of phonon heat transport and the resulting lattice temperature distribution in understanding the thermoelectric properties of a composite structure. It is also clarified that the measured S of a composite structure reflects it.
Neurophenomenology revisited: second-person methods for the study of human consciousness

In the study of consciousness, neurophenomenology was originally established as a novel research program attempting to reconcile two apparently irreconcilable methodologies in psychology: qualitative and quantitative methods. Its potential relies on Francisco Varela’s idea of reciprocal constraints, in which first-person accounts and neurophysiological data mutually inform each other. However, since its first conceptualization, neurophenomenology has encountered methodological problems. These problems have emerged mainly because of the difficulty of obtaining and analyzing subjective reports in a systematic manner. However, more recently, several interview techniques for describing subjective accounts have been developed, collectively known as “second-person methods. ” Second-person methods refer to interview techniques that solicit both verbal and non-verbal information from participants in order to obtain systematic and detailed subjective reports. Here, we examine the potential for employing second-person methodologies in the neurophenomenological study of consciousness and we propose three practical ideas for developing a second-person neurophenomenological method. Thus, we first describe second-person methodologies available in the literature for analyzing subjective reports, identifying specific constraints on the status of the first-, second- and third- person methods. Second, we analyze two experimental studies that explicitly incorporate second-person methods for traversing the “gap” between phenomenology and neuroscience. Third, we analyze the challenges that second-person accounts face in establishing an objective methodology for comparing results across different participants and interviewers: this is the “validation” problem. Finally, we synthesize the common aspects of the interview methods described above. In conclusion, our arguments emphasize that second-person methods represent a powerful approach for closing the gap between the experiential and the neurobiological levels of description in the study of human consciousness.
Assessing Aquatic Ecological Health for Lake Poyang, China: Part II Index Application

As one of the largest Yangtze river-connected lakes in China, Lake Poyang’s heath status has increasingly become a cause for concern. This study evaluated Lake Poyang’s heath status using a newly developed index (ecosystem health index for Lake Poyang, LP-EHI). The evaluation results revealed a declining tendency in the lake’s health status from 2010 to 2014. The health conditions for Lake Poyang were “good”, “fair”, and “fair” in 2010, 2013, and 2014, respectively. The individual indices for water quality, nutrient conditions, and benthic macroinvertebrate showed a deteriorating trend from 2010 to 2014 mainly due to human activities, such as industrial pollution. Further analysis revealed that the health status of Lake Poyang was strongly affected by hydrological processes. This study demonstrated the potential of LP-EHI in evaluating the ecological health of Lake Poyang. Such a heath status evaluation can be applied to other lakes, and can benefit lake management, restoration, and conservation.
On the minimum of several random variables

For a given sequence of real numbers a 1 ,. ,a n , we denote the kth smallest one by k-min 1<i<nai . Let A be a class of random variables satisfying certain distribution conditions (the class contains N(0,1) Gaussian random variables). We show that there exist two absolute positive constants c and C such that for every sequence of real numbers 0 < x 1 ≤. ≤ x n and every k ≤ n, one has where ξ 1 ,. ,1 n are independent random variables from the class A. Moreover, if k = 1, then the left-hand side estimate does not require independence of the ξ i 's. We provide similar estimates for the moments of k-min 1≤i≤n |x i ξ i | as well.
Met Kinase-dependent Loss of the E3 Ligase Cbl in Gastric Cancer*

Background: Dysregulated Met signaling can promote tumorigenesis. Results: Active Met kinase promotes loss of Cbl protein. This is rescued upon inhibition of Met kinase. Conclusion: Met-dependent Cbl loss in gastric cancers releases other Cbl targets, such as the EGF receptor, from Cbl-mediated attenuation. Significance: Uncoupling of Met and other RTKs from Cbl negative regulation in gastric cancers provides a mechanism for enhanced RTK signaling in cancer. Strict regulation of signaling by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is essential for normal biological processes, and disruption of this regulation can lead to tumor initiation and progression. Signal duration by the Met RTK is mediated in part by the E3 ligase Cbl. Cbl is recruited to Met upon kinase activation and promotes ubiquitination, trafficking, and degradation of the receptor. The Met RTK has been demonstrated to play a role in various types of cancer. Here, we show that Met-dependent loss of Cbl protein in MET-amplified gastric cancer cell lines represents another mechanism contributing to signal dysregulation. Loss of Cbl protein is dependent on Met kinase activity and is partially rescued with a proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin. Moreover, Cbl loss not only uncouples Met from Cbl-mediated negative regulation but also releases other Cbl targets, such as the EGF receptor, from Cbl-mediated signal attenuation. Thus, Met-dependent Cbl loss may also promote cross-talk through indirect enhancement of EGF receptor signaling.
Differences in normal activities, job performance and symptom prevalence between patients not yet on antiretroviral therapy and patients initiating therapy in South Africa

Objectives:Little is known about how antiretroviral therapy (ART) affects patients' economic activities in resource-constrained settings. This study examined the association of ART with functional impairment, symptom prevalence, and employment during the first 6 months on therapy. Methods:Interviews were conducted with 453 patients receiving pre-ART care and 427 patients on ART for 1–6 months in South Africa. Results:Pre-ART subjects were almost twice as likely to report being functionally impaired (unable to perform primary normal activity) in the previous 5-day work week [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–2.66], with a mean of 1.61 impaired days for pre-ART subjects versus 0.87 days for ART subjects (P < 0.0001). Pre-ART subjects were more likely to report fatigue (OR 2.84; 95% CI 2.10–3.84), pain (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.53–2.76), and nausea (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.13–2.28) in the previous week and feeling unwell physically (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.27–2.32), feeling depressed (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.04–1.95) or resting (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.12–2.07) on the previous day. The prevalence of pain, fatigue, skin problems, and resting exceeded 40% in both groups. Employed subjects on ART for 3–6 months reported 3 days less health-related absenteeism per month than those on ART less than 3 months (P = 0.0353). Conclusion:Patients who have initiated ART reported significantly less functional impairment, fewer symptoms, and better work performance than those who had not yet started treatment. The prevalence of some impairment, symptoms, and absenteeism remained high, however.
Mechanism design in large games: incentives and privacy

We study the problem of implementing equilibria of complete information games in settings of incomplete information, and address this problem using "recommender mechanisms. " A recommender mechanism is one that does not have the power to enforce outcomes or to force participation, rather it only has the power to suggestion outcomes on the basis of voluntary participation. We show that despite these restrictions, recommender mechanisms can implement equilibria of complete information games in settings of incomplete information under the condition that the game is large---i.e. that there are a large number of players, and any player's action affects any other's payoff by at most a small amount. Our result follows from a novel application of differential privacy. We show that any algorithm that computes a correlated equilibrium of a complete information game while satisfying a variant of differential privacy---which we call joint differential privacy---can be used as a recommender mechanism while satisfying our desired incentive properties. Our main technical result is an algorithm for computing a correlated equilibrium of a large game while satisfying joint differential privacy. Although our recommender mechanisms are designed to satisfy game-theoretic properties, our solution ends up satisfying a strong privacy property as well. No group of players can learn "much" about the type of any player outside the group from the recommendations of the mechanism, even if these players collude in an arbitrary way. As such, our algorithm is able to implement equilibria of complete information games, without revealing information about the realized types.
Positive cannabis results in urine and blood samples after consumption of hemp food products.

Based on our own studies, we are in a position to confirm the interesting results of Struempler et al. (1) and Lehmann eta]. (2) regarding the analysis of THCCOOH in urine samples after the consumption of hemp seed oil. In 1996, we were able to analyze tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in hemp seed oils that are available on the German market. In some cases, we found considerable amounts of THC, and our results were published (3). As part of these studies, 13 people consumed between 40 and 90 mL hemp seed oil in one day. We were still able to detect THC carbonic acid, the main product of THC metabolism, in urine samples from test subjects up to 80 h later. We also analyzed blood samples after consumption of hemp seed oil. Blood samples were obtained from another six test subjects every hour after consumption of 40 mL hemp seed oil. One hour after ingestion, THC was already detected in these blood samples. Concentrations up to 6 ng THC/mL serum were obtained. Apart from hemp seed oil, we also examined a variety of other food products that were based on hemp. Positive THC results were obtained with all of the analyzed hemp products. Figure 1 shows the total ion chromatogram of the GC-MS analysis performed on a hemp energy bar, and Figure 2 shows the mass spectrum of THC at 13.025 rain. The main product of THC metabolism, THC carbonic acid, could be analyzed in urine samples of test subjects who had eaten several of these hemp bars (4). Tables I and II show the THC content in the examined hemp food products. The manufacturers of hemp food products should be required to advise customers on the packaging that after consumption of these food products, measurable concentrations of THC or THCCOOH can be found in urine or blood samples. This circumstance might also have forensically relevant consequences in Germany because a change in traffic law is planned. According to this change, a positive cannabis result would be considered a 3500000