Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MRAM Cell Mode Controller Signals : 00 : Precise write mode 01 : Precise read mode 10 : Approximate write mode 11 : Copy mode Column Enable Bus Driver

Images consume significant storage and space in both consumer devices and in the cloud. As such, image processing applications impose high energy consumption in loading and accessing the image data in the memory. Fortunately, most image processing applications can tolerate approximate image data storage. In addition, multi-level cell spintransfer torque MRAM (STT-MRAM) offers unique design opportunities as the image memory: the two bits in the memory cell require asymmetric write current – the soft bit requires much less write current than the hard bit. This paper proposes an approximate image processing scheme that improves system energy efficiency without upsetting image quality requirement of applications. Our design consists of (i) an approximate image storage mechanism that strives to only write the soft bits in MLC STT-MRAM main memory with small write current and (ii) a memory mode controller that determines the approximation of image data and coordinates across precise/approximate memory access modes. Our experimental results with various image processing functionalities demonstrate that our design reduces memory access energy consumption by 53% and 2.3× with 100% user’s satisfaction compared with traditional DRAM-based and MLC phase-change-memory-based main memory, respectively.
The matter bispectrum in N-body simulations with non-Gaussian initial conditions

We present measurements of the bispectrum of dark matter haloes in numerical simulations with non-Gaussian initial conditions of local type. We show, in the first place, that the overall effect of primordial non-Gaussianity on the halo bispectrum is larger than on the halo power spectrum when all measurable configurations are taken into account. We then compare our measurements with a tree-level perturbative prediction, finding good agreement at large scales when the constant Gaussian bias parameter, both linear and quadratic, and their constant non-Gaussian corrections are fitted for. The best-fitting values of the Gaussian bias factors and their non-Gaussian, scale-independent corrections are in qualitative agreement with the peak-background split expectations. In particular, we show that the effect of non-Gaussian initial conditions on squeezed configurations is fairly large (up to 30 per cent for fNL = 100 at redshift z = 0.5) and results from contributions of similar amplitude induced by the initial matter bispectrum, scale-dependent bias corrections as well as from non-linear matter bispectrum corrections. We show, in addition, that effects at second order in fNL are irrelevant for the range of values allowed by cosmic microwave background and galaxy power spectrum measurements, at least on the scales probed by our simulations (k > 0.01 h Mpc−1). Finally, we present a Fisher matrix analysis to assess the possibility of constraining primordial non-Gaussianity with future measurements of the galaxy bispectrum. We find that a survey with a volume of about 10 h−3 Gpc3 at mean redshift z ≃ 1 could provide an error on fNL of the order of a few. This shows the relevance of a joint analysis of galaxy power spectrum and bispectrum in future redshift surveys.
Lipopolysaccharide Upregulates Renal Shiga Toxin Receptors in a Primate Model of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Background: Although Shiga toxin (Stx) mediates classical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), it is not fully understood why only some subjects exposed to Stx-expressing Escherichia coli develop HUS. We have previously shown in a baboon model of Stx-mediated HUS that coadministration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in an augmented host response to otherwise subtoxic Stx1 doses. We used this model to test the hypothesis that LPS upregulates renal Stx receptor (Gb3) expression. Methods: Juvenile baboons were treated with either Stx1 (100 ng/kg), LPS (1 mg/kg as two divided doses 24 h apart), or a sham injection of saline, and sacrificed and immediately autopsied at 72 h. Renal cortical tissue Gb3 content was quantitated by lipid extraction and thin-layer chromatography, and Stx1 and Gb3/CD77 immunostaining was assessed by quantitative immunofluorescent microscopy. Results: Compared to saline-in jected controls, LPS administration resulted in a 2.2-fold increase in renal cortical Gb3 by chromatography (p < 0.01), a 2.5-fold increase in Stx1 staining (p = 0.003) and a 1.7-fold increase in CD77 immunostaining (p = 0.004). Stx treatment did not significantly alter either Stx or CD77 immunostaining. Conclusion: These observations suggest that LPS primes the host for Stx-mediated renal injury by upregulating renal Gb3 expression.
Managing the Long Tail of Business Processes

Business Process Management (BPM) initiatives are typically centrally managed and follow a top-down design based on management commitment. Although that procedure is highly effective when managing a few structured processes at a time, emerging process-oriented organizations have shown increased demand for supporting, maintaining, and optimizing all of their processes comprehensively. Due to the scarcity of organizational resources, enterprises prioritize processes based on their strategic importance, dysfunctionality, and feasibility to be redesigned. Thus, a few highly relevant processes are improved, while a considerable amount of lower prioritized processes, which would still add value to the enterprise, are deferred. Furthermore, because the amount of low-value processes exceeds the amount of centrally managed processes, central BPM initiatives leave a large untouched potential for process optimization. In this paper, we conceptualize that phenomenon as the long tail of business processes. As a theoretical foundation, we formalize the management of long-tail process distributions as an optimization problem. We further introduce a novel methodology that integrates approaches from collaborative production models and concepts of centrally managed BPM initiatives to facilitate a holistic management of business processes.
The effect of qigong on therapeutic balancing measured by Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV): a preliminary study.

Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV) was used to monitor the effects of qigong practice on therapeutic balancing of subjects. In EAV the electrical conductance of the skin above individual acupuncture points is measured using low voltage and current. Diagnosis depends on measuring the relative electrical conductance and its time dependence. An important diagnostic criterion of degeneration of an organ is an indicator drop which occurs during the measurement when the conductance decreases from an apparent maximum value and then levels off. Two series of EAV measurements were made before and after healthy subjects practiced qigong. Measurements were made at 24 acupuncture points at the ends of the meridians of the fingers and toes of a subject and were made by the same operator and equipment. The subjects were asked to perform a qigong exercise of their choosing. In the first series, four subjects were examined by EAV before and after qigong exercise. Qigong exercise decreased the average EAV measured values of the four subjects in the range of -19 to -31%. Qigong eliminated indicator drops for three subjects and reduced the indicator drop by 80% for the fourth subject. In the second series, each of seven subjects was examined by EAV three times in a blind protocol so that the operator did not know whether a subject had practiced qigong before the second or third examination. Qigong exercise changed the average EAV measured values in the range of -17 to -35% for four subjects and 4 to 15% for three subjects. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Local Ca2+ transients (Ca2+ sparks) originate at transverse tubules in rat heart cells.

1. The origins of local [Ca2+]i transients (Ca2+ sparks) were studied using dual‐channel confocal laser scanning microscopy. Line scan images showing [Ca2+]i (as fluo‐3 fluorescence) and the transverse tubule membranes (as Di‐8 fluorescence) were obtained simultaneously in single rat cardiac ventricular cells. 2. Line scan images of Di‐8 fluorescence showed peaks regularly spaced at intervals of 1.83 +/‐ 0.30 microns (mean +/‐ S.D.). These peaks corresponded to the transverse tubules (T‐tubules) in cross‐section. 3. Line scan images of fluo‐3 fluorescence showed local [Ca2+]i transients (LCTs or Ca2+ sparks) evoked by electrical stimulation. 4. Eighty‐five per cent (85%) of all Ca2+ sparks evoked by electrical stimulation (n = 138, in 5 cells) occurred within 0.5 micron of a T‐tubule. Thirty per cent (30%) occurred within 1 pixel (0.20 micron) of a T‐tubule. 5. In some cells studied (3 out of 5), certain T‐tubules had a higher probability of being sites of origin of Ca2+ sparks than others. 6. These results support local control theories of excitation‐contraction coupling in which Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is triggered by a high local [Ca2+]i established between the L‐type Ca2+ channels in the T‐tubules and associated ryanodine receptor(s) in the junctional SR.
Technology Adoption in and Out of Major Urban Areas: When Do Internal Firm Resources Matter Most?

How much do internal firm resources contribute to technology adoption in major urban locations, where the advantages from agglomeration are greatest? The authors address this question in the context of a business's decision to adopt advanced Internet technology. Drawing on a rich data set of adoption decisions by 86,879 U.S. establishments, the authors find that the marginal contribution of internal resources to adoption is greater outside of a major urban area than inside one. Agglomeration is therefore less important for highly capable firms. The authors conclude that firms behave as if resources available in cities are substitutes for both establishment-level and firm-level internal resources.
Clinical Utility of Demographically Corrected WAIS-III Subtest Scores After Traumatic Brain Injury

The present study explored the diagnostic accuracy of demographically corrected norms for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition (WAIS-III) in a diverse sample of 57 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a matched group of 61 pseudoneurologic controls. The use of demographic corrections did not significantly improve the sensitivity or specificity of WAIS-III subtest scores to TBI relative to traditional age-corrected norms. Overall classification rates were quite good for both normative systems. Although the demographic corrections attenuate ethnicity differences on the subtest scores of TBI patients, the updated norms are no more or less beneficial than traditional age-corrected norms for neurodiagnostic purposes.
Bony deviations revealed by cone beam computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint in subjects without ongoing pain.

AIMS To assess the prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony changes in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of adult subjects without ongoing orofacial pain or complaints from the TMJ. METHODS The study included 84 TMJs from 28 men and 14 women (mean age [± SD]: 51 ± 11 years) without orofacial pain or TMJ complaints who were participants in a study of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. They were examined before any treatment with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and with CBCT (NewTom VGi; 15 × 15 cm, exposure time 18 seconds, axial thickness 0.3 mm). Osseous TMJ deviations were assessed blindly and classified. RESULTS Degenerative changes were noted in the CBCT images of 33 (39.3%) of the TMJs, of which 21 were classified as osteoarthritic alterations and 12 as indeterminate changes of osteoarthritis. Two TMJs were clinically classified as osteoarthrosis and 6 as disc displacement with reduction. The CBCT images of the 2 TMJs with a clinical diagnosis of osteoarthrosis showed also bony changes, but the CBCT images also revealed osteoarthritic bony changes in the 18 TMJs without any clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION CBCT images of asymptomatic adult TMJs commonly show degenerative bony alterations. Accordingly, such radiographic findings should be used with care and only as a supplement to clinical assessment.
Forearm torque strengths and discomfort profiles in pronation and supination

This experiment investigated maximum forearm pronation and supination torques and forearm discomfort, for intermittent torque exertions in supine and prone forearm angles for the right arm. Twenty-two subjects participated in the study that comprised two parts, the first of which involved measurement of maximum forearm torque in both twisting directions at five forearm angles including neutral. This was followed by endurance tests at 50% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in both directions. The second part of the study involved subjects performing 5-min duration of intermittent isometric torque exercises at 20% MVC in both directions at 11 forearm angles. Regression equations were developed that accurately predict torques as a function of forearm angle expressed as a percentage of maximum motion. Analysis of the discomfort data for the intermittent isometric torque exertions indicated that both forearm angle and twisting direction significantly affected forearm discomfort (p < 0.001). A significant two-way interaction (p < 0.01) was identified between forearm angle and direction for supine forearm angles only. The results provide important strength and discomfort models for the design of tasks involving static or repetitive forearm twisting. Such tasks have a strong association with forearm injuries including lateral and medial epicondylitis. These results provide needed data on the risk factors associated with these injuries so they can be prevented.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Oncoprotein K13 Bypasses TRAFs and Directly Interacts with the IκB Kinase Complex to Selectively Activate NF-κB without JNK Activation*

Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus oncoprotein vFLIP K13 is a potent activator of NF-κB and plays a key role in viral pathogenesis. K13 contains a putative TRAF-interacting motif, which is reportedly required for its interaction with TRAF2. The K13-TRAF2 interaction is believed to be essential for the recruitment of K13 to the I-κB kinase (IKK) complex and for K13-induced NF-κB and JNK activation. In addition, TRAF3 has been reported to be required for K13-induced NF-κB and JNK activation. We have re-examined the role of the TRAFs in K13 signaling and report that mutations in the putative TRAF-interacting motif of K13 have no deleterious effect on its ability to interact with the IKK complex or activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, endogenously expressed TRAF2 and TRAF3 do not interact with K13 and play no role in K13-induced NF-κB activation or its interaction with the IKK complex. Finally, K13 does not activate the JNK pathway. Our results support a model in which K13 bypasses the upstream components of the tumor necrosis factor receptor signaling pathway and directly interacts with the IKK complex to selectively activate the NF-κB pathway without affecting the JNK pathway. Selective NF-κB activation by K13 might represent a novel strategy employed by the virus to promote latency.
MicroRNA epigenetic alterations in human cancer: One step forward in diagnosis and treatment

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22 nt non‐coding RNAs, which regulate gene expression in a sequence‐specific manner via translational inhibition or messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation. Since the discovery of their fundamental mechanisms of action, the field of miRNAs has opened a new era in the understanding of small noncoding RNAs. By molecular cloning and bioinformatic approaches, miRNAs have been identified in viruses, plants and animals. miRNAs are predicted to negatively target up to one‐third of human mRNAs. Cancer is a complex genetic disease caused by abnormalities in gene structure and expression. Previous studies have heavily focused on protein‐coding genes; however, accumulating evidence is revealing an important role of miRNAs in cancer. Epigenetics is defined as mitotically and/or meiotically heritable changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in DNA sequence. Given the critical roles of miRNAs and epigenetics in cancer, characterizing the epigenetic regulation of miRNAs will provide novel opportunities for the development of cancer biomarkers and/or the identification of new therapeutic targets in the foreseeable future. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of alcoholism in a family practice center.

One hundred forty-seven adult patients seeking care at a university family practice center were screened for alcoholism. Approximately one half were given the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), and the rest were interviewed by a trained interviewer who administered the MAST and a shorter questionnaire (the CAGE) and used her overall clinical impression to gauge their likelihood of being alcoholic. The two groups were demographically similar, as were the results of the screening. There were 28 patients (19.1 percent) with a MAST score greater than 5, and 24 patients (16.3 percent) were thought to be alcoholic. The prevalence of alcoholism was much higher in men (P less than .001), but no other demographic differences were found. Twenty-four clinic charts of patients with alcoholism identified in the study were reviewed for evidence of physician awareness of alcohol abuse, but in only 12 was alcohol use mentioned at all, and in only two was alcoholism diagnosed. These findings are consistent with prior published reports of incidence of alcoholism in other settings.
Consumer Ethnocentrism : A Literature Review

This paper provides an integrative review of the antecedents and consequences of consumer ethnocentrism (CET). An integrative framework and a detailed summary table are provided. Four categories of antecedents, namely, socio-psychological, political, economic and demographic are gathered from the literature. The compendium of antecedents and consequences of CET can be used by international marketing managers for their segmentation and target marketing strategies. As new vistas emerge for furthering international trade in goods and services, this paper provides a timely review and an integrative framework of existing research on CET, its antecedents and consequences. This paper contributes to the marketing discipline both by integrating a wide body of research on an important international marketing topic and by offering broad avenues for further research. However, the question of how much influence the country of origin provides in product evaluations remains unanswered and a number of other major issues have yet to be resolved.
Generation of expressed sequence tags from low-CO2 and high-CO2 adapted cells of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

To characterize genes whose expression is induced in carbon-stress conditions, 12,969 and 13,450 5'-end expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from cells grown in low-CO2 and high-CO2 conditions of the unicellular green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. These ESTs were clustered into 4436 and 3566 non-redundant EST groups, respectively. Comparison of their sequences with those of 3433 non-redundant ESTs previously generated from the cells under the standard growth condition indicated that 2665 and 1879 EST groups occurred only in the low-CO2 and high-CO2 populations, respectively. It was also noted that 96.2% and 96.0% of the cDNA species respectively obtained from the low-CO2 and high-CO2 conditions had no similar EST sequence deposited in the public databases. The EST species identified only in the low-CO2 treated cells included genes previously reported to be expressed specifically in low-CO2 acclimatized cells, suggesting that the ESTs generated in this study will be a useful source for analysis of genes related to carbon-stress acclimatization. The sequence information and search results of each clone will appear at the web site: http://www.kazusa. or.jp/en/plant/chlamy/EST/.
Childhood colostomy and its complications in Lagos

Childhood colostomy is often indicated for obstructive congenital lesions of the colon and anorectum as well as a few acquired ones. In a prospective 3-year study of 66 childhood colostomies performed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 33 (50%) were fashioned for Hirschsprung's disease while 28(42.50/0) stomas were fashioned for anorectal anomalies. Eighty complications were recorded in 27 (40.9%) of the 66 colostomies. There were 13 (19.7%) early complications comprising of 3 (4.5%) cases each of hemorrhage and septicaemia and 2 (300) each of colostomy retraction, non-function and stoma1 necrosis. One patient developed necrotising fasciitis. Skin excoriation was the commonest complication, and was seen in 22 (33.3%) of the patients. Colostomy diarrhoea occurred in 20 patients and was responsible for almost all the excoriations. Prolapse was seen in 12 (18.200) colostomies. Failure to thrive accompanying frequent colostomy diarrhoeas was seen in 8 (12%). One case each of parastomal fistula was recorded. Of the 54 colostomies closed by the end of the study period, 10 (18.5%) developed complications. Wound infection was observed in 4 (7%) and intestinal obstruction was seen in 3 (5.5%). Two of the latter were from stenosis at the closed colostomy site while one resulted from adhesive bowel obstruction. Faecal fistula developed in 2 (3.700) other cases while one case of incisional hernia was recorded. Although 4 (60/0) of the children died within the study period, only one (1.5O0) was attributable to the colostomy. The presence of a colostomy is associated with significant morbidity in children. To minimize these problems, the paediatric surgeon must pay close attention to the fashioning, management and closure of a colostomy. The dearth of stoma care nurses for home visits and supervision of stoma care remains a big challenge in our setting.
The Streptomyces lividans family 12 endoglucanase: construction of the catalytic cre, expression, and X-ray structure at 1.75 A resolution.

Cellulases are the glycoside hydrolases responsible for the enzymatic breakdown of the structural plant polymer cellulose. Together with xylanases they counteract the lmitless accumulation of plant biomass in nature and are of considerable fundamental and biotechnological interest. Endoglucanase CelB from Streptomyces lividans performs hydrolysis of the beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds of cellulose, with net retention of anomeric configuration. The enzyme is a member of glycoside hydrolase family 12 [Henrissat, B. , and Bairoch, A. (1996) Biochem. J. 316, 695-696], which had previously eluded detailed structural analysis. A truncated, but cataytically competent form of CelB, locking the flexible linker region and cellulose-binding domain, has been constructed and overexpressed in a S. lividans expression system. The three-dimensional X-ray structure of the resulting catalytic domain, CelB2, has been solved by conventional multiple isomorphous replacement methods and refined to an R factor of 0.187 at 1.75 A resolution. The overall fold of the enzyme shows a remarkable similarity to that of family 11 xylanases, as previously predicted by hydrophobic clustering analysis [Törrönen, A. , Kubicek, C.P., and Henrissat, B. (1993) FEBS Lett. 321, 135-139]. The 23 kDa protein presents a jelly-roll topology, built up mainly by antiparallel beta-sheets arranged in a sandwich-like manner. A deep substrate-binding cleft runs across the surface, as has been observed in other endoglucanase structures, and is potentially able to accommodate up to five binding subsites. The likely catalytic nucleophile and Brønsted acid/base, residues Glu 120 and Glue 203, respectively, have their carboxylate groups separated by a distance of approximately 7.0 A and are located approximately 15 A from one end of the cleft, implying a -3 to +2 active site.