Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of the IBM RISC System/6000 Floating-Point Execution Unit

The IBM RISC System/6000 (RS/6000) floating-point unit (FPU) exemplifies a second-generation RISC CPU architecture and an implementation which greatly increases floating-point performance and accuracy. The key feature of the FPU is a unified floating-point multiply-add-fused unit (MAF) which performs the accumulate operation ({ital A} {times} {ital B}) + {ital C} as an indivisible operation. This single functional unit reduces the latency for chained floating-point operations, as well as rounding errors and chip busing. It also reduces the number of adders/normalizers by combining the addition required for fast multiplication with accumulation. The MAF unit is made practical by a unique fast-shifter, which eases the overlap of multiplication and addition, and a leading-zero/one anticipator, which eases overlap of normalization and addition. The accumulate instruction required by this architecture reduces the instruction path length by combining two instructions into one. Additionally, the RS/6000 FPU is tightly coupled to the rest of the CPU, unlike typical floating-point coprocessor chips.
The 17D-204 and 17DD yellow fever vaccines: an overview of major similarities and subtle differences

ABSTRACT Introduction: The yellow fever vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine that is considered one of the most efficient vaccines produced to date. The original 17D strain generated the substrains 17D-204 and 17DD, which are used for the current production of vaccines against yellow fever. The 17D-204 and 17DD substrains present subtle differences in their nucleotide compositions, which can potentially lead to variations in immunogenicity and reactogenicity. We will address the main changes in the immune responses induced by the 17D-204 and 17DD yellow fever vaccines and report similarities and differences between these vaccines in cellular and humoral immunity . This is a relevant issue in view of the re-emergence of yellow fever in Uganda in 2016 and in Brazil in the beginning of 2017. Areas covered: This article will be divided into 8 sections that will analyze the innate immune response, adaptive immune response, humoral response, production of cytokines, immunity in children, immunity in the elderly, gene expression and adverse reactions. Expert commentary: The 17D-204 and 17DD yellow fever vaccines present similar immunogenicity, with strong activation of the cellular and humoral immune responses. Additionally, both vaccines have similar adverse effects, which are mostly mild and thus are considered safe.
An Evidence-Based Review of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Vaginitis by Avicenna in "the Canon of Medicine"

Vaginitis is one of the most common gynecological problems in reproductive age. Because of the limitations of the conventional drugs, identification of new pharmacological interventions for this disease seems to be necessary. The purpose of this article is to review the medicinal herbs mentioned for the treatment of vaginitis by the great Iranian scientist, Avicenna, in his book "the Canon of Medicine " to scientifically demonstrate their effects and their potential to be used as complementary therapies. The medicinal plants listed for vaginitis treatment in "the Canon of Medicine " were extracted. The scientific name and English common name of the given medicinal plants were searched in databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library until December 2017 to obtain any in vitro, animal, and clinical evidence related to vaginitis. Various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic, and anti-prostaglandin E2, have been demonstrated for medicinal plants emphasized by Avicenna for vaginitis. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Myrtus reported an improvement in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Four RCTs on pomegranate indicated a reduction in inflammatory factors in the patients. Medicinal herbs offered in Herbal Medicine are valuable sources for the treatment of various diseases. Effects and pharmacodynamics having been proved by conventional medicine confirm the effectiveness of these herbs. Therefore, these plants can be used in the treatment of vaginitis thanks to further clinical studies.
A Brief Review of Compressive Sensing Applied to Radar

In this paper we give a brief review of compressive sensing (CS) applied to radar. Though CS theory has been introduced only a few years ago (in 2006, see e. g. [1]), it today manifests as a kind of revolution in signal processing and sensor systems. We will discuss some properties of CS radar and present a few examples. It is also a concern of the author to point to some limitations and shortcomings if CS is ’blindly’ applied with great enthusiasm to any radar problem. The time has come to deliberate when CS will be an advantage and when ’oldfashioned’ methods should better be applied.
Transformation of Haemophilus influenzae by plasmid RSF0885 containing a cloned segment of chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid

A plasmid containing a single cloned insertion of Haemophilus influenzae chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid that carried a novobiocin resistance marker was 2.6 times larger than the parent plasmid, RSF0885, which conferred ampicillin resistance. The most frequent type of transformation by this plasmid (designated pNov1) was the transfer of novobiocin resistance to the chromosome, with the loss of the plasmid from the recipient. In accord with this observation, after radioactively labeled pNov1 entered a competent cell, it lost acid-insoluble counts, as well as biological activity. The level of ampicillin transformation, which involved establishment of the plasmid, was almost two orders of magnitude lower than the level of novobiocin transformation. Both types of transformation were depressed profoundly in rec-1 and rec-2 mutants. Ampicillin transformants of wild-type cells always contained plasmids that were the same size as pNov1, although most of these transformants were not novobiocin resistant. Plasmid pNov1 in wild-type cells but not in rec-1 or rec-2 cells often recombined with the chromosome, causing a homologous region of the chromosome to be substituted for part of the plasmid, as shown by restriction and genetic analyses. Our data suggested that plasmid-chromosome recombination took place only around the time when the plasmid entered a cell, rather than after it became established.
Prion biology and diseases.

PRION BIOLOGY An Introduction to Prion Biology and Diseases Chapter 1: S.B. Prusiner Chapter 2: Development of the Prion Concept S.B. Prusiner Chapter 3: Bioassays of Prions S.B. Prusiner, J. Safar, and S.J. DeArmond Chapter 4: Transmission and Replication of Prions S.B. Prusiner, M.R. Scott, S.J. DeArmond, and G. Carlson Chapter 5: Structural Studies of Prion Proteins C. Govaerts, H. Wille, S.B. Prusiner, and F.E. Cohen Chapter 6: Doppel, a New PrP-like Mammalian Protein D. Westaway, L.E. Hood, and S.B. Prusiner FUNGAL PRIONS Chapter 7: Prions of Yeast and Filamentous Fungi: [URE3], [PSI+], [PIN+], and [Het-s] R.B. Wickner, S.W. Liebman, and S.J. Saupe TRANSGENETICS AND CELL BIOLOGY OF PRIONS Chapter 8: Knockouts, Knockins, Transgenics, and Transplants in Prion Research E. Flechsig, J.C. Manson, R. Barron, A. Aguzzi, and C. Weissmann Chapter 9: Transgenetic Investigations of the Species Barrier and Prion Strains M. Scott, D. Peretz, R.M. Ridley, H.F. Baker, S.J. DeArmond, and S.B. Prusiner Chapter 10: Cell Biology of Prions D.A. Harris, P.J. Peters, A. Taraboulos, V. Lingappa, S.J. DeArmond, and S.B. Prusiner PRION DISEASES IN ANIMALS Chapter 11: Scrapie, Chronic Wasting Disease, and Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy S.B. Prusiner, E. Williams, J.-L. Laplanche, and M. Shinagawa Chapter 12: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Related Diseases G.A. H. Wells and J.W. Wilesmith HUMAN PRION DISEASES Chapter 13: Infectious and Sporadic Prion Diseases R.G. Will, M.P. Alpers, D. Dormont, and L.B. Schonberger Chapter 14: Inherited Prion Diseases Q. Kong, W.K. Surewicz, R.B. Petersen, W. Zou, S.G. Chen, P. Gambetti, P. Parchi, S. Capellari, L. Goldfarb, P. Montagna, E. Lugaresi, P. Piccardo, and B. Ghetti Chapter 15: Neuropathology of Prion Diseases S.J. DeArmond, J.W. Ironside, E. Bouzamondo-Bernstein, D. Peretz, and J.R. Fraser METHODOLOGY, BIOSAFETY, AND THERAPEUTICS Chapter 16: Some Strategies and Methods for the Study of Prions S.B. Prusiner, G. Legname, S.J. DeArmond, F.E. Cohen, J. Safar, D. Riesner, and K. Kaneko Chapter 17: Biosafety Issues in Prion Diseases H. Baron, J. Safar, D. Groth, S.J. DeArmond, and S.B. Prusiner Chapter 18: Therapeutic Approaches to Prion Diseases S.B. Prusiner, B.C.H. May, and F.E. Cohen Glossary Appendix Index
Special-Purpose Fiber Type 475—Toxicological Assessment

Type 475 special-purpose glass fiber is rather unique among the family of synthetic mineral fibers. It is used not for insulation but for “high-end” filtration products designed for high and ultra-high purity filtration of air and liquids. The designation for these types of filters varies with country and includes HEPA, ULPA, EU 10–13, EN1822, and S3. In its evaluation, type 475 has been grouped together with E-glass another special-purpose fibre often with little distinction made in terms of its chemistry and corresponding toxicological response. The detailed review of the available toxicology data on type 475 glass fibers clearly shows that following inhalation of this fiber even at relatively high doses, which likely exceed that at which lung overload in the rat is known to occur, type 475 glass fibers are not fibrogenic and do not cause tumors. These data clearly show an important differentiation in potency between type 475 glass fibers and E-glass and support treating these two types of fibers independently and not equating them though the term “special-purpose fibers. ” Analysis of the intraperitoneal studies taking into account fibre dimensions shows that at 109 fibers injected, there was a 0.3 tumor incidence. While these studies indicate according to the European Commission (EC) classification criteria that 475 should not be fully exonerated as a carcinogen, the results of the inhalation study fully support classification in category 3. The IP results are more difficult to interpret, however, the IP study itself provides no toxicological basis for determining what range of dose-response should correspond to EU category 3 or 2. Following the EC classification criteria, the toxicological data clearly indicate that 475 fibers are appropriately classified in EC category 3.
Microanalysis of glycosaminoglycan-derived oligosaccharides labeled with a fluorophore 2-aminobenzamide by high-performance liquid chromatography: application to disaccharide composition analysis and exosequencing of oligosaccharides.

A series of disaccharides derived from chondroitin sulfate and heparin/heparan sulfate were derivatized at their reducing ends with a fluorophore 2-aminobenzamide to develop a sensitive microanalytical method for glycosaminoglycans. The resulting labeled compounds derived from chondroitin sulfate or heparin/heparan sulfate were well-separated and quantified by HPLC equipped with a fluorescence detector. The detection limit was a low picomole level. This method was applied to the analysis of the disaccharide composition of tetra- and hexasaccharides derived from chondroitin sulfate and heparin/heparan sulfate as well as these glycosaminoglycan polysaccharides. The method was also successfully applied to the exosequencing of chondrohexasaccharides, where the fluorophore-labeled oligosaccharides were degraded exolytically from the nonreducing ends using bacterial eliminases. The resultant labeled fragments were identified by HPLC.
ON THE X-RAY SPECTRA OF ANOMALOUS X-RAY PULSARS AND SOFT GAMMA REPEATERS

We revisit the apparent correlation between soft X-ray band photon index and spin-down rate previously reported for Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) and Soft Gamma Repeaters (SGRs) by Marsden & White. Our analysis, improved thanks to new source discoveries, better spectral parameter measurements in previously known sources, and the requirement of source quiescence for parameter inclusion, shows evidence for the previously noted trend, although with greater scatter. This trend supports the twisted magnetosphere model of magnetars although the scatter suggests that factors other than are also important. We also note possible correlations involving the spectra of AXPs and SGRs in the hard X-ray band. Specifically, the hard-band photon index shows a possible correlation with inferred and B, as does the degree of spectral turnover. If the former trend is correct, then the hard-band photon index for AXP 1E 1048.1 − 5937 should be ∼0–1. This may be testable with long integrations by the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, or by the upcoming focusing hard X-ray mission NuSTAR.
Effectiveness and safety of a protocolized mechanical ventilation and weaning strategy of COPD patients by respiratory therapists.

INTRODUCTION Prior researches have showed that weaning protocols may decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation. The effect of these protocols on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an extensive mechanical ventilation protocol including weaning applied by a respiratory therapist (RT) on the duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in COPD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A novel mechanical ventilation protocol including weaning was developed and initiated for all intubated COPD patients by a respiratory therapist. Outcomes of patients treated using this protocol during a 6-month period were compared to those of patients treated by physicians without a protocol during the preceding 6 months. RESULTS A total of 170 patients were enrolled. Extubation success was significantly higher (98% vs. 78%, P=0.014) and median durations of weaning, mechanical ventilation and ICU stay compared with time to event analysis were significantly shorter in the protocol based group (2 vs. 26 hours, log rank P<0.001, 3.1 vs. 5 days, log rank P<0.001 and 6 vs. 12 days, log rank P<0.001, respectively). Patients who were successfully extubated and patients in the protocol based group were more likely to have shorter ventilation duration [HR: 1.87, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.13-3.08, P=0.015 and HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.40-3.10, P<0.001 respectively]. CONCLUSIONS In our center, a protocolized mechanical ventilation and weaning strategy improved weaning success and shortened the total duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay in COPD patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
Debate about sperm count decline.

4. Pajarinen J, Laippala P, Penttila A, Karhunen PJ. Incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis in middle aged Finnish men, 1981-91: two necropsy series. Br Med J 314:13-18 (1997). 5. Ginsburg J, Okolo S, Prelevic G, Hardiman P. Residence in the London area and sperm density [letter]. Lancet343:230 (1994). 6. Auger J, Kunstmann JM, Czyglik F, Jouannet P. Decline in semen quality among fertile men in Paris during the past 20 years. N EngI J Med 332:281-285 (1995). 7. Irvine S, Cawood E, Richardson D, MacDonald E, Aitken J. Evidence of deteriorating semen quality in the United Kingdom: birth cohort study in 577 men in Scotland over 11 years. Br Med J 312:467471 (1996). 8. Rasmussen PE, Erb K, Westergaard LG, Laursen SB. No evidence for decreasing semen quality in four birth cohorts of 1,055 Danish men born between 1950 and 1970. Fertil Steril 68:1059-1064 (1997). 9. Vierula M, Niemi M, Keiski A, Saaranen M, Saarikoski S, Souminen J. High and unchanged sperm counts of Finnish men. lntJ Androl 19:11-17 (1996). 10. Bujan L, Mansat A, Pontonnier F, Mieusset R. Time series analysis of sperm concentration in fertile men in Toulouse, France between 1977 and 1992. Br Med J 312:471472(1996). 11. Fisch H, Goluboff ET, Olson JH, Feldshuh J, Broder SJ, Barad DH. Semen analyses in 1,283 men from the United States over a 25-year period: no decline in quality. Fertil Steril 65:1009-1014 (1996). 12. MacLeod J, Wang Y. Male fertility potential in terms of semen quality: a review of the past, a study of the present. Fertil Steril 31:103-116 (1979). 13. Paulsen CA, Berman NG, Wang C. Data from men in greater Seattle area reveals no downward trend in semen quality: further evidence that deterioration of semen quality is not geographically uniform. Fertil Steril 65:1015-1020 (1996). 14. Wittmaack FM, Shapiro SS. Longitudinal study of semen quality in Wisconsin men over one decade. Wis Med J 91:477479 (1992). 15. Lipshultz Ll. 'The debate continues"-the continuing debate over the possible decline in semen quality. Fertil Steril 65:909-911 (1996).
Transitions in geometric minimum spanning trees

We study some combinatorial and algorithmic problems associated with an arbitrary motion of input points in space. The motivation for such an investigation comes from two different sources:computer modeling andsensitivity analysis. In modeling, the dynamics enters the picture since geometric objects often model physical entities whose positions can change over time. In sensitivity analysis, the motion of the input points might represent uncertainties in the precise location of objects.The main results of the paper deal with state transitions in the minimum spanning tree when one or more of the input points move arbitrarily in space. In particular, questions of the following form are addressed: (i) How many different minimum spanning trees can arise if one point moves while the others remain fixed? (ii) When does the minimum spanning tree change its topology if all points are allowed to move arbitrarily?
Forecasting terminal call rate with machine learning methods

This paper deals with the development of a model to predict the products’ terminal call rate (TCR) during the warranty period. TCR represents a key information for a quality management department to reserve the necessary funds for product repair during the warranty period. TCR prediction is often carried out by parametric models such as Poisson processes, ARIMA models and maximum likelihood estimation. Little research has been done with machine learning methods (MLM). Therefore, this paper addresses the utilization of machine learning methods (MLM), such as regression trees, ensembles of regression trees and neural networks in order to estimate the parameters of different models for TCR prediction. MLM were tested on exponential and logistic non-linear models, which best describe the shape of the cumulative density function of the failed products. The estimated cumulative density function was used to predict the TCR. The results have shown the ensembles of regression trees yield the smallest TCR prediction error among the tested MLM methods.
Propofol Reduces Apoptosis and Up-Regulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Protein Expression in Hydrogen Peroxide-Stimulated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND:Vascular endothelial cells play an important role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. Oxidative stress is a critical pathogenic factor in endothelial cell damage and the development of cardiovascular diseases. In this study we evaluated the effects of propofol on oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell insults and the role of serine–threonine kinase Akt modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as a mechanism of protection. METHODS:Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used as the experimental model. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100 &mgr;M) was used as the stimulus of oxidative stress. Study groups included 1) control; 2) cells incubated with H2O2 alone; 3) cells incubated with propofol (50 &mgr;M) alone; or 4) cells pretreated with propofol 50 &mgr;M for 30 min then co-incubated with H2O2. Cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Trypan blue dye exclusion test. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining. Caspase-3 activity was determined by the colorimetric CaspACE™ Assay System. Expressions of Akt, phospho-Akt, and eNOS were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS:H2O2 decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis, and increased caspase-3 activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Propofol significantly protected cells from H2O2-induced cell damage, apoptosis and decreased H2O2-induced increase in caspase-3 activity. Propofol treatment significantly increased eNOS expression compared to control and H2O2-stimulated cells. There was no significant difference in phospho-Akt (Ser 473 or Thr 308) expression among the groups. CONCLUSIONS:Propofol 50 &mgr;M can reduce H2O2-induced damage and apoptosis in endothelial cells, by suppressing caspase-3 activity and by increasing eNOS expression via an Akt-independent mechanism.
Microvascular Breast Reconstruction in the Diabetic Patient

Background: The free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is frequently advocated for autogenous breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The success rate and complications associated with free TRAM flap breast reconstruction are well documented. Risk factors such as cigarette smoking and obesity have been studied. Because of abnormalities in endothelial and red cell function, platelet function, altered blood viscosity, and abnormal intimal repair, diabetes mellitus is generally considered to be a risk factor for free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. The success rate of microvascular TRAM flap breast reconstruction in patients with diabetes mellitus has not been clearly defined. Methods: A retrospective review of 893 free TRAM flaps used for breast reconstruction in 763 patients at a single institution was performed. All flaps were performed at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center after January 1, 1985, and before December 31, 1997. Patients were classified as insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetic, non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetic, and nondiabetic. Flap and donor-site complications were compared among the three groups. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to examine demographic characteristics, body mass index, comorbid conditions, preoperative radiation therapy, immediate versus delayed reconstruction, and smoking history in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nondiabetic patients. Results: The incidence of flap complications did not differ significantly between type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics, and nondiabetic patients. The incidence of donor-site complications did not differ significantly between type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics, and nondiabetic patients. Conclusion: The present data indicate that type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus are not relative or absolute contraindications to microvascular TRAM flap breast reconstruction.
Long-term safety of proton pump inhibitors: risks of gastric neoplasia and infections

After Helicobacter pylori eradication was introduced and largely eliminated the need for maintenance therapy for peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) became the main indication for prolonged gastric acid inhibition. The drug effect on GERD depends on the degree of acid inhibition, thus the efficacious proton pump inhibitors are preferred. The proton pump inhibitors have few immediate side effects, the main concern being the profound hypoacidity and hypergastrinaemia they induce. In short-term, hypergastrinaemia causes rebound hyperacidity, possibly worsening GERD and reducing the efficacy of histamine H2 blockers. In the long-term, hypergastrinaemia causes enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia and carcinoids. Since enterochromaffin-like cells may be important in gastric carcinogenesis, iatrogenic hypergastrinaemia may predispose to carcinoma. Gastric hypoacidity also increases gut bacterial infections, and the barrier function of acid against viral and prion infections requires further assessment.