Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Static Task Partitioning for Locked Caches in Multicore Real-Time Systems

Growing processing demand on multitasking real-time systems can be met by employing scalable multicore architectures. For such environments, locking cache lines for hard real-time systems ensures timing predictability of data references and may lower worst-case execution time. This work studies the benefits of cache locking on massive multicore architectures with private caches in the context of hard real-time systems. In shared cache architectures, the cache is a single resource shared among all of the tasks. However, in scalable cache architectures with private caches, conflicts exist only among the tasks scheduled on one core. This calls for a cache-aware allocation of tasks onto cores. The objective of this work is to increase the predictability of memory accesses resolved by caches while reducing the number of cores for a given task set. This allows designers to reduce the footprint of their subsystem of real-time tasks and thereby cost, either by choosing a product with fewer cores as a target or to allow more subsystems to be co-located on a given fixed number of cores. Our work proposes a novel variant of the cache-unaware First Fit Decreasing (FFD) algorithm called Naive locked First Fit Decreasing (NFFD) policy. We propose two cache-aware static scheduling schemes: (a) Greedy First Fit Decreasing (GFFD) and (b) Colored First Fit Decreasing (CoFFD) for task sets where tasks do not have intratask conflicts among locked regions (Scenario A). NFFD is capable of scheduling high utilization task sets that FFD cannot schedule. Experiments also show that CoFFD consistently outperforms GFFD, resulting in a lower number of cores and lower system utilization. CoFFD reduces the number of core requirements by 30% to 60% compared to NFFD. For a more generic case where tasks have intratask conflicts, we split the task partitioning between two phases: task selection and task allocation (Scenario B). Instead of resolving conflicts at a global level, these algorithms resolve conflicts among regions while allocating a task onto a core and unlocking at region level instead of task level. We show that a combination of dynamic ordering (task selection) with Chaitin’s Coloring (task allocation) scheme reduces the number of cores required by up to 22% over a basic scheme (in a combination of monotone ordering and regional FFD). Regional unlocking allows this scheme to outperform CoFFD for medium utilization task sets from Scenario A. However, CoFFD performs better than any other scheme for high utilization task sets from Scenario A. Overall, this work is unique in considering the challenges of future multicore architectures for real-time systems and provides key insights into task partitioning and cache-locking mechanisms for architectures with private caches.
Percutaneous Plating of the Distal Tibia and Fibula: Risk of Injury to the Saphenous and Superficial Peroneal Nerves

Objectives: To assess the risk of injury to the superficial peroneal nerve, saphenous nerve, and saphenous vein in percutaneous fixation of the distal fibula and tibia. Methods: Ten adult cadaver lower extremities were instrumented with precontoured periarticular plates for the distal tibia and fibula. Plates were inserted percutaneously along the medial distal tibia and lateral fibula. Smooth wires were inserted percutaneously into each screw hole. Dissection of the superficial peroneal nerve, saphenous nerve, and saphenous vein was performed along their respective course. The position of the neurovascular structures relative to the smooth wires was recorded. Results: The saphenous nerve and vein had a predictable course along the medial aspect of the ankle. Both structures were injured in every specimen. This occurred consistently at 2.0 to 4.7 cm from the tip of the medial malleolus. The superficial peroneal nerve demonstrated large variance in the exit point from the lateral compartment crural fascia, exiting at an average of 11.6 cm from the tip of the lateral malleolus. Injury occurred in a single specimen at 11.5 cm from this point. Conclusions: The superficial peroneal nerve, saphenous nerve, and saphenous vein are at risk during percutaneous submuscular plating of the distal fibula and tibia. Careful dissection proximally for the fibula and distally for the tibia can minimize the risk of damage to these structures.
Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study of fluticasone propionate in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the ISOLDE trial

Abstract Objectives: To determine the effect of long term inhaled corticosteroids on lung function, exacerbations, and health status in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: Double blind, placebo controlled study. Setting: Eighteen UK hospitals. Participants: 751 men and women aged between 40 and 75 years with mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 50% of predicted normal. Interventions: Inhaled fluticasone propionate 500 μg twice daily from a metered dose inhaler or identical placebo. Main outcome measures: Efficacy measures: rate of decline in FEV1 after the bronchodilator and in health status, frequency of exacerbations, respiratory withdrawals. Safety measures: morning serum cortisol concentration, incidence of adverse events. Results: There was no significant difference in the annual rate of decline in FEV1 (P=0.16). Mean FEV1 after bronchodilator remained significantly higher throughout the study with fluticasone propionate compared with placebo (P<0.001). Median exacerbation rate was reduced by 25% from 1.32 a year on placebo to 0.99 a year on with fluticasone propionate (P=0.026). Health status deteriorated by 3.2 units a year on placebo and 2.0 units a year on fluticasone propionate (P=0.0043). Withdrawals because of respiratory disease not related to malignancy were higher in the placebo group (25% v 19%, P=0.034). Conclusions: Fluticasone propionate 500 μg twice daily did not affect the rate of decline in FEV1 but did produce a small increase in FEV1. Patients on fluticasone propionate had fewer exacerbations and a slower decline in health status. These improvements in clinical outcomes support the use of this treatment in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The Effect of Female Sex on Hepatitis C Incidence Among People Who Inject Drugs: Results From the International Multicohort InC3 Collaborative

Background The objective of this study was to assess differences in hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence by sex in people who inject drugs (PWID), using a large international multicohort set of pooled biological and behavioral data from prospective observational studies of incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV infections in high-risk cohorts (the InC3 Collaborative). Methods HCV infection date was estimated based on a hierarchy of successive serological (anti-HCV), virological (HCV RNA), and clinical (symptoms and/or liver function tests) data. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to calculate the crude and adjusted female to male (F:M) hazard ratio (HR) for HCV incidence using biological sex as the main exposure. Results A total of 1868 PWID were observed over 3994 person-years of observation (PYO). Unadjusted F:M HR was 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.65) and remained significant after adjusting for behavioral and demographic risk factors (1.39 [95% CI, 1.12-1.72]). Although syringe and equipment sharing were associated with the highest HCV incidence rate in women (41.62 and 36.83 PYO, respectively), we found no sex differences attributed to these risk factors. Conclusions Our findings indicate that women who inject drugs may be at greater risk of HCV acquisition than men, independent of demographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Multiple factors, including biological (hormonal), social network, and differential access to prevention services, may contribute to increased HCV susceptibility in women who inject drugs.
Biological Performance of a Size-Fractionated Core-Shell Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticle X-Ray Contrast Agent

ObjectivesMetal-containing nanoparticles show great promise as x-ray contrast media and could enable reduced radiation dose, increased contrast, and the visualization of smaller anatomic features. In this study, we report progress toward these goals using a size-fractionated core-shell tantalum oxide nanoparticle contrast agent. Materials and MethodsA core-shell tantalum oxide nanoparticle contrast agent was synthesized and size fractionated for preclinical investigation of biodistribution, blood half-life, organ retention, and histopathology. Fractionated agent was injected at anticipated clinical dose and at 3 times the anticipated clinical dose to evaluate biological performance. Computed tomography (CT) imaging studies were also performed to evaluate short-term clearance kinetics and new imaging applications. ResultsImproved control of 2-diethylphosphatoethylsilane-TaO nanoparticle size resulted in significantly reduced retention of injected tantalum. In vivo and in vitro CT imaging studies demonstrated short-term biodistribution differences in the kidney between small-molecule iodinated contrast media and fractionated 2-diethylphosphatoethylsilane-TaO, as well as preliminary data about new “Ta-only” imaging applications using multienergy CT image acquisition. ConclusionsSize-fractionated core-shell tantalum oxide nanoparticles with a well-defined particle size distribution have several key features required of clinically viable vascular imaging compounds and may be used in developing multienergy CT imaging applications.
Dynamic provable data possession

We consider the problem of efficiently proving the integrity of data stored at untrusted servers. In the provable data possession (PDP) model, the client preprocesses the data and then sends it to an untrusted server for storage, while keeping a small amount of meta-data. The client later asks the server to prove that the stored data has not been tampered with or deleted (without downloading the actual data). However, the original PDP scheme applies only to static (or append-only) files. We present a definitional framework and efficient constructions for dynamic provable data possession (DPDP), which extends the PDP model to support provable updates to stored data. We use a new version of authenticated dictionaries based on rank information. The price of dynamic updates is a performance change from O(1) to O(logn) (or O(nεlog n), for a file consisting of n blocks, while maintaining the same (or better, respectively) probability of misbehavior detection. Our experiments show that this slowdown is very low in practice (e.g. 415KB proof size and 30ms computational overhead for a 1GB file). We also show how to apply our DPDP scheme to outsourced file systems and version control systems (e.g. CVS).
Plasticity and Heterogeneity in the Generation of Memory B Cells and Long-Lived Plasma Cells: The Influence of Germinal Center Interactions and Dynamics

In the humoral response, short-lived plasmablasts generate an early burst of Ab that probably plays an initial protective role. Simultaneously, another arm of the response is often triggered that leads to delayed effector function but long-term protection. This arm comprises the germinal center response and its products: long-lived memory B (Bmem) cells and plasma cells (PCs). The factors that control the differentiation of PCs and Bmem cells, as well as the composition and function of the memory compartment—how it self-renews while generating rapid secondary effector function—are poorly understood. Recent work in mice and humans is beginning to illuminate these issues. We review this progress, with emphasis on events in the germinal center, especially B–T interactions, which influence the development of memory and PC compartments and on Bmem cell heterogeneity that may underlie flexibility and self-renewal of long-lived humoral immunity.
Groove gap waveguide: A rectangular waveguide between contactless metal plates enabled by parallel-plate cut-off

This work presents a numerical study of a topology of gap waveguide referred to as groove-type gap waveguide, including dispersion diagrams and field distributions for different groove geometries. The main difference between this groove gap waveguide and the ordinary rectangular waveguides is that there is no need of electrical contact between upper and lower plate constituting the waveguide. This is a clear advantage at high frequencies when designing cavity filters and other components which require the fabrication of the waveguide based on two pieces and consequently requiring a large number of screws to ensure good conducting contact and avoid leakage.
High completion of isoniazid preventive therapy among HIV-infected children and adults in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

We assessed isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) completion and predictors among HIV-infected children and adults in two HIV clinics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Between 1 September 2012 and 15 June 2013, 546 children (1–15 years) and 1532 adults (>15 years) were initiated on IPT; 86.6% (408/470) of the children and 88.2% (1129/1280) of the adults with an IPT outcome completed their therapy. Patients on antiretroviral therapy at IPT initiation were more likely to complete IPT.
Genetic Diversity of Seven Cattle Breeds Inferred Using Copy Number Variations

Copy number variations (CNVs) comprise deletions, duplications, and insertions found within the genome larger than 50 bp in size. CNVs are thought to be primary role-players in breed formation and adaptation. South Africa boasts a diverse ecology with harsh environmental conditions and a broad spectrum of parasites and diseases that pose challenges to livestock production. This has led to the development of composite cattle breeds which combine the hardiness of Sanga breeds and the production potential of the Taurine breeds. The prevalence of CNVs within these respective breeds of cattle and the prevalence of CNV regions (CNVRs) in their diversity, adaptation and production is however not understood. This study therefore aimed to ascertain the prevalence, diversity, and correlations of CNVRs within cattle breeds used in South Africa. Illumina Bovine SNP50 data and PennCNV were utilized to identify CNVRs within the genome of 287 animals from seven cattle breeds representing Sanga, Taurine, Composite, and cross breeds. Three hundred and fifty six CNVRs of between 36 kb to 4.1 Mb in size were identified. The null hypothesis that one CNVR loci is independent of another was tested using the GENEPOP software. One hunded and two and seven of the CNVRs in the Taurine and Sanga/Composite cattle breeds demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) association. PANTHER overrepresentation analyses of correlated CNVRs demonstrated significant enrichment of a number of biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, and protein classes. CNVR genetic variation between and within breed group was measured using phiPT which allows intra-individual variation to be suppressed and hence proved suitable for measuring binary CNVR presence/absence data. Estimate PhiPT within and between breed variance was 2.722 and 0.518 respectively. Pairwise population PhiPT values corresponded with breed type, with Taurine Holstein and Angus breeds demonstrating no between breed CNVR variation. Phylogenetic trees were drawn. CNVRs primarily clustered animals of the same breed type together. This study successfully identified, characterized, and analyzed 356 CNVRs within seven cattle breeds. CNVR correlations were evident, with many more correlations being present among the exotic Taurine breeds. CNVR genetic diversity of Sanga, Taurine and Composite breeds was ascertained with breed types exposed to similar selection pressures demonstrating analogous incidences of CNVRs.
Rural to Urban Population Density Scaling of Crime and Property Transactions in English and Welsh Parliamentary Constituencies

Urban population scaling of resource use, creativity metrics, and human behaviors has been widely studied. These studies have not looked in detail at the full range of human environments which represent a continuum from the most rural to heavily urban. We examined monthly police crime reports and property transaction values across all 573 Parliamentary Constituencies in England and Wales, finding that scaling models based on population density provided a far superior framework to traditional population scaling. We found four types of scaling: i) non-urban scaling in which a single power law explained the relationship between the metrics and population density from the most rural to heavily urban environments, ii) accelerated scaling in which high population density was associated with an increase in the power-law exponent, iii) inhibited scaling where the urban environment resulted in a reduction in the power-law exponent but remained positive, and iv) collapsed scaling where transition to the high density environment resulted in a negative scaling exponent. Urban scaling transitions, when observed, took place universally between 10 and 70 people per hectare. This study significantly refines our understanding of urban scaling, making clear that some of what has been previously ascribed to urban environments may simply be the high density portion of non-urban scaling. It also makes clear that some metrics undergo specific transitions in urban environments and these transitions can include negative scaling exponents indicative of collapse. This study gives promise of far more sophisticated scale adjusted metrics and indicates that studies of urban scaling represent a high density subsection of overall scaling relationships which continue into rural environments.
Microsubthalamotomy effect at day 3: Screening for determinants

A microsubthalamotomy (mSTN) effect has been frequently reported after implantation that improves Parkinson's motor disability. It is usually believed that mSTN effect reflects the post‐traumatic tissue reaction within the STN. However, it has never, to our knowledge, been reported whether pre and intraoperative factors could predict this mSTN effect. Preoperative clinical characteristics, that is, age, disease duration, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale score, levodopa responsiveness, severity of motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, and intraoperative parameters, that is, the number of tracks, distance of typical STN neuronal activity recorded along all microelectrodes, and along the definitive electrodes, were assessed in 40 consecutive PD patients submitted for STN stimulation. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that only the number of tracks used for microelectrodes recordings was predictor of the contralateral mSTN effect (F (4,73) = 1.83, P = 0.02). This result suggests that the contralateral mSTN depends on the tissue changes along the entirety of surgical trajectories affecting both STN and its adjacent structures. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
EHPnet: Silicon Lungs

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the support given to women by a companion of their choice during labor and delivery. Methods: A total of 212 primiparous women were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial carried out between February 2004 and March 2005. One hundred and five women were allocated to the group in which support was permitted and 107 to the group in which there was no support. Variables regarding patient satisfaction and events related to obstetrical care, neonatal results and breastfeeding were evaluated. Student's t-test or Wilcoxon's test, chi-square or Fisher's exact test, risk ratios, and their respective 95% confidence intervals were used in the statistical analysis. Results: Overall, the women in the support group were more satisfied with labor (median 88.0 versus 76.0, p < 0.0001) and delivery (median 91.4 versus 77.1, p < 0.0001). During labor, patient satisfaction was associated with the presence of a companion (RR 8.06; 95%CI: 4.84 – 13.43), with care received (RR 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.22) and with medical guidance (RR 1.14 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.28). During delivery, satisfaction was associated with having a companion (RR 5.57, 95%CI: 3.70 – 8.38), with care received (RR 1.11 95%CI: 1.01 – 1.22) and with vaginal delivery (RR 1.33 95%CI:1.02 – 1.74). The only factor that was significantly lower in the support group was the occurrence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (RR 0.51; 95%CI: 0.28 – 0.94). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to any of the other variables. Conclusion: The presence of a companion of the woman's choice had a positive influence on her satisfaction with the birth process and did not interfere with other events and interventions, with neonatal outcome or breastfeeding. Published: 6 July 2007 Reproductive Health 2007, 4:5 doi:10.1186/1742-4755-4-5 Received: 15 May 2007 Accepted: 6 July 2007 This article is available from: http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/4/1/5 © 2007 Bruggemann et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Statistical Analysis of the Lms Algorithm Applied to Super-Resolution Video Reconstruction

Super-resolution reconstruction of image sequences is highly dependent on the quality of the motion estimation between successive frames. This work presents a statistical analysis of the least mean square (LMS) algorithm applied to super-resolution reconstruction of an image sequence. Deterministic recursions are derived for the mean and mean square behaviors of the reconstruction error as functions of the registration errors. The new model describes the behavior of the algorithm in realistic situations, and significantly improves the accuracy of a simple model available in the literature. Monte Carlo simulations show good agreement between actual and predicted behaviors
Blood pressure outcome of adrenalectomy in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism with or without unilateral adenoma.

The authors selected for adrenalectomy patients with resistant hypertension and hypokalemia, and excluded those older than 56 years. However, in the largest prospective study on the prevalence of primary aldosteronism, which recruited 1125 patients referred to the specialized hypertension centres and evidenced a prevalence of surgically curable with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) of 4.8%, no patient had resistant hypertension by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/ European Society of Hypertension (ESH) definition [3]. Moreover, 52% of the patients with an APA who were cured by adrenalectomy were normokalemic at presentation and their mean age was 49.7 12.2 years, indicating that many surgically cured patients are older than 56 years. In a further study of 50 consecutive patients, who were adrenalectomized on the basis of unequivocal evidence of lateralized aldosterone secretion, age was not a significant predictor of the blood pressure fall postadrenalectomy [4]. Thus, the criteria adopted by Letavernier et al. are, in our view, too restrictive and this can result in denying curative adrenalectomy to many patients with primary aldosteronism.