Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Directional bias and non-uniformity in FPGA global routing architectures

We investigate the effect of the prefabricated routing track distribution on the area-efficiency of FPGAs. The first question we address is whether horizontal and vertical channels should contain the same number of tracks (capacity), or if there is a density advantage with a directional bias. Secondly, should the channels have a uniform capacity, or is there an advantage when capacities vary from channel to channel? The key result is that the most area-efficient global routing architecture is one with uniform (or very nearly uniform) channel capacities across the entire chip in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Several non-uniform and directionally-biased architectures, however are fairly area-efficient provided that appropriate choices are made for the pin positions on the logic blocks and the logic array aspect ratio.
Minimum Thickness of Welding Patches to Recover Structural Performance of Steel Pipe Piles under Compression

This paper presents an analytical study on a minimum patch thickness necessary to fully recover structural performance of corrosion-damaged pipe piles under axial compressive loads using welding repair. Load transfer mechanism, the repaired stiffness and strength of pipe piles are examined. An accurate calculation of load share ratio of patch plates considering weld stiffness is derived, and the results are compared with experimental results and finite element analysis results. The minimum thickness of patch plates to fully recover the stiffness and the design strength of the corrosion-damaged piles to their intact state considering the existing loads is proposed.
Interconnect design for deep submicron ICs

Interconnect has become the dominating factor in determining circuit performance and reliability in deep submicron designs. In this embedded tutorial, we first discuss the trends and challenges of interconnect design as the technology feature size rapidly decreases towards below 0.1 micron. Then, we present commonly used interconnect models and a set of interconnect design and optimization techniques for improving interconnect performance and reliability. Finally, we present comparisons of different optimization techniques in terms of their efficiency and optimization results, and show the impact of these optimization techniques on interconnect performance in each technology generation from the 0.35 /spl mu/m to 0.07 /spl mu/m projected in the National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors.
Multi-Task Bayesian Optimization

Bayesian optimization has recently been proposed as a framework for automatically tuning the hyperparameters of machine learning models and has been shown to yield state-of-the-art performance with impressive ease and efficiency. In this paper, we explore whether it is possible to transfer the knowledge gained from previous optimizations to new tasks in order to find optimal hyperparameter settings more efficiently. Our approach is based on extending multi-task Gaussian processes to the framework of Bayesian optimization. We show that this method significantly speeds up the optimization process when compared to the standard single-task approach. We further propose a straightforward extension of our algorithm in order to jointly minimize the average error across multiple tasks and demonstrate how this can be used to greatly speed up k-fold cross-validation. Lastly, we propose an adaptation of a recently developed acquisition function, entropy search, to the cost-sensitive, multi-task setting. We demonstrate the utility of this new acquisition function by leveraging a small dataset to explore hyper-parameter settings for a large dataset. Our algorithm dynamically chooses which dataset to query in order to yield the most information per unit cost.
From Dynamic Live Cell Imaging to 3D Ultrastructure: Novel Integrated Methods for High Pressure Freezing and Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy

Background In cell biology, the study of proteins and organelles requires the combination of different imaging approaches, from live recordings with light microscopy (LM) to electron microscopy (EM). Methodology To correlate dynamic events in adherent cells with both ultrastructural and 3D information, we developed a method for cultured cells that combines confocal time-lapse images of GFP-tagged proteins with electron microscopy. With laser micro-patterned culture substrate, we created coordinates that were conserved at every step of the sample preparation and visualization processes. Specifically designed for cryo-fixation, this method allowed a fast freezing of dynamic events within seconds and their ultrastructural characterization. We provide examples of the dynamic oligomerization of GFP-tagged myotubularin (MTM1) phosphoinositides phosphatase induced by osmotic stress, and of the ultrastructure of membrane tubules dependent on amphiphysin 2 (BIN1) expression. Conclusion Accessible and versatile, we show that this approach is efficient to routinely correlate functional and dynamic LM with high resolution morphology by EM, with immuno-EM labeling, with 3D reconstruction using serial immuno-EM or tomography, and with scanning-EM.
Is There an Imprint of Primordial Stars in the TeV γ-Ray Spectrum of Blazars?

The 1-5 μm diffuse sky emission from which local foreground emission from the solar system and the Galaxy have been subtracted exceeds the brightness that can be attributed to normal star-forming galaxies. The nature of this excess near-infrared background light (NIRBL) is controversial. On the one hand, its sharp rise at ~1.25 μm has been interpreted as a distinct spectral feature created by the redshifted emission from primordial (Population III) stars that have formed at redshifts ≳8. On the other hand, the measured NIRBL spectrum is almost identical to that of the zodiacal cloud, raising the possibility that it is of local origin. Blazars can, in principle, offer a simple test for the nature and origin of the NIRBL. Very high energy γ-ray photons emitted by these objects are attenuated en route to Earth by γ-γ interactions with the extragalactic background light (EBL). Assuming that the NIRBL is of extragalactic origin, its distinct spectral feature should give rise to a corresponding absorption feature in the observed γ-ray spectra of these sources. This paper examines whether the extragalactic nature of the NIRBL can be determined from the analysis of the γ-ray spectra of blazars. We calculate the γ-ray opacity toward two blazars H1426+428 and PKS 2155-304 located at redshifts of z ≈ 0.13 for several EBL scenarios with and without the alleged spectral signature of the Population III stars. We show that if the NIRBL is extragalactic, it may be very difficult to reproduce the absorption-corrected spectrum of PKS 2155-304 with a synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model that is also consistent with the X-ray and EGRET γ-ray data. This, and other arguments presented in this paper, cast serious doubts on the possibility that the NIRBL represents the spectral imprint of the first generation of stellar objects on the EBL.
A Portable VM-based implementation Platform for non-strict Functional Programming Languages

The Web has become a paramount deployment platform for computer applications. Modern Web applications require execution of code on both server- and client-side. For the client-side JavaScript is the more-or-less default platform for execution of code. Users of Functional Programming languages like Haskell and Clean, who want to develop their software completely in these languages, are forced to rely on dedicated methods to transform their code to something that can be executed on top of JavaScript. In this paper we introduce a Virtual Machine that is capable of efficient execution of bytecode generated by a compiler for a non-strict intermediate functional language. The virtual machine has several implementations supporting the same bytecode, including JavaScript and asm.js versions. In this way we obtain a portable execution platform for non-strict Functional languages with a better client-side performance than existing client-side execution platforms.
ICSV 14 Cairns • Australia 9-12 July , 2007 INVESTIGATION OF STL MEASUREMENT METHOD AT THE VEHICLE COMPONENT LEVEL AND CORRELATION BETWEEN MEASUREMENT AND PREDICTION

The measurement method and the prediction of Sound Transmission Loss (STL) at the vehicle component level are presented. The sound intensity method was used to measure the STL, and Statistical Energy Analysis models were used to predict the acoustic performance of the system. Since the dash panel and the floor system mainly affect the NVH performance in the car compartment, the analysis process requires detailed SEA modeling and accurate measurement in these parts, which are made of many different kinds of acoustical materials. The measured data was in good agreement with the predicted data obtained by using the SEA model, and the results were helpful in determining the reliability.
Pneumatic method used for fast non-contact measurements of axial contour of grinding wheel active surface

In single-pass grinding processes, grinding wheels with conic chamfer are used. That chamfer allows to distribute machining allowance on a larger surface of rough grinding zone. When height of grinding wheel T = 20 mm and grinding allowance ae = 0.20 mm, than angle of conic chamfer χ are very small - less than 1°. In the paper pneumatic measuring method of axial contour of grinding wheel active surface is described. This method allows to measure with measuring error about 11% within the range  = 01.5o, under workshop conditions, values of conic chamfer angle, for example just after shaping in dressing process, or after some time, to observe changes caused by wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL Factors Associated with Noncompletion During the Run ‐ in Period Prior to Randomization and the Efficacy of LCZ 696 in the PARADIGM ‐ HF Trial

Although randomized controlled trials represent the “gold standard” for assessment of comparative efficacy, there are frequent concerns about the generalizability of the results to the broader population of patients seen in clinical practice. In the Prospective Comparison of ARNI With an AngiotensinConverting Enzyme Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF) trial, treatment with sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) led to statistically significant and clinically important reductions in cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and heart failure (HF) hospitalization, compared with enalapril. However, the randomized patients in PARADIGM-HF represent a subset of a larger cohort eligible for the initial single-blind, sequential run-in period ensuring short-term tolerability of target doses of both enalapril and LCZ696 before randomization. In an effort to better understand the applicability of the PARADIGM-HF results to a less-selected population, we analyzed the patient characteristics associated with run-in noncompletion before randomization Original Article
Hepatitis C Virus infections trends in Italy, 1996-2006

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 180 million people, 3% of the world population, are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In Italy, the prevalence in the general population is reported to be greater than 5% and 9% among households of HCV-positive patients. Objectives The aim of this study was to estimate the trends of HCV infection in Italy in the period 1996–2006. Materials and Methods The formula ln (rate) = b × years was applied for logarithmic transformation of the incidence rates to obtain time trends of HCV infection, using the join-point regression program software version 3.3. 1. Linear graphs representing trends and the annual percentage change (APC) were considered for each joinpoint. Time changes are expressed as expected annual percentage change (EAPC) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs); significance levels of time trends are also reported. The null hypothesis was tested using a maximum of 3 changes in slope with an overall significance level of 0.05 divided by the number of joinpoints in the final model. Results Considering all age groups, the incidence rate decreased from 2.02 to 0.55 per 100,000. The join-point analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in the incidence rates of HCV infection. No join-points were found in any age groups. Our data show that the incidence rates of HCV infections have considerably decreased in each age group throughout the studied period (1996–2006). Conclusions This decreasing trend in HCV infections is, in part, attributable to behavioral and social changes. Improved hygiene, use of precautions in medical settings, blood screening, and sexual educational campaigns seem to have contributed to reduce the transmission of infection during the last 10 years.
Using a virtual learning environment in higher education to support independent and collaborative learning

A case study on the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) to support small-group teaching in psychology is reported and discussed in the wider context of the ASTER project, which aims to establish and disseminate good practice in the use of communications and information technologies for small-group teaching. The aim was to create a cultural shift in students' learning away from rote learning of lecture notes ("knowledge telling") towards a deeper engagement and ownership of the content ("knowledge transformation"). To this end, a VLE was used for group communication and to provide a gateway to linked resources. Groupwork was used to encourage students to work collaboratively. Some embraced the approach enthusiastically whilst others expressed anxiety. The success of the approach is discussed in relation to student attitudes and performance. Some recommendations for shifting the learning culture toward independent learning are suggested.
Construction of radial basis function neural networks via a minimization of its localized generalization error

Lots of researchers have been studying on how to construct radial basis function neural networks. To determine the number and location of hidden neurons, a recursive procedure is adopted with a new evaluation criterion based on localized generalization error model (L-GEM). We derive a new sensitivity expression for Gaussian radial basis function neural network based on L-GEM, and get a new localized generalization error bound. The RBF that yields the minimal localized generalization error bound is selected. We compare our approach with minimization of cross validation, and minimization of training mean square error (MSE) methods. The experimental results show that our approach performs much better than the other two methods with reasonable number of centers.
In Vivo Imaging Biomarkers in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease: Are We Lost in Translation or Breaking Through?

Identification of biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a critical priority to efficiently diagnose the patients, to stage the progression of neurodegeneration in living subjects, and to assess the effects of disease-modifier treatments. This paper addresses the development and usefulness of preclinical neuroimaging biomarkers of AD. It is today possible to image in vivo the brain of small rodents at high resolution and to detect the occurrence of macroscopic/microscopic lesions in these species, as well as of functional alterations reminiscent of AD pathology. We will outline three different types of imaging biomarkers that can be used in AD mouse models: biomarkers with clear translational potential, biomarkers that can serve as in vivo readouts (in particular in the context of drug discovery) exclusively for preclinical research, and finally biomarkers that constitute new tools for fundamental research on AD physiopathogeny.
Thermodynamic properties of correlated fermions in lattices with spin-dependent disorder

Motivated by the rapidly growing possibilities for experiments with ultracold atoms in optical lattices, we investigate the thermodynamic properties of correlated lattice fermions in the presence of an external spin-dependent random potential. The corresponding model, a Hubbard model with spin-dependent local random potentials, is solved within dynamical mean-field theory. This allows us to present a comprehensive picture of the thermodynamic properties of this system. In particular, we show that for a fixed total number of fermions spin-dependent disorder induces a magnetic polarization. The magnetic response of the polarized system differs from that of a system with conventional disorder.
Inhibition of Progression and Stabilization of Plaques by Postnatal Interferon-γ Function Blocking in ApoE-Knockout Mice

A role of interferon-γ is suggested in early development of atherosclerosis. However, the role of interferon-γ in progression and destabilization of advanced atherosclerotic plaques remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether postnatal inhibition of interferon-γ signaling could inhibit progression of atherosclerotic plaques and stabilize the lipid- and macrophage-rich advanced plaques. Atherosclerotic plaques were induced in ApoE-knockout (KO) mice by feeding high-fat diet from 8 weeks old (w). Interferon-γ function was postnatally inhibited by repeated gene transfers of a soluble mutant of interferon-γ receptors (sIFNγR), an interferon-γ inhibitory protein, into the thigh muscle every 2 weeks. When sIFNγR treatment was started at 12 w (atherosclerotic stage), sIFNγR not only prevented plaque progression but also stabilized advanced plaques at 16 w: sIFNγR decreased accumulations of the lipid and macrophages and increased fibrotic area with more smooth muscle cells. Moreover, sIFNγR downregulated expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases but upregulated procollagen type I. sIFNγR did not affect serum cholesterol levels. In conclusion, postnatal blocking of interferon-γ function by sIFNγR treatment would be a new strategy to inhibit plaque progression and to stabilize advanced plaques through the antiinflammatory effects.
Edge-Sharpener: Recovering Sharp Features in Triangulations of non-adaptively re-meshed surfaces

3D scanners, iso-surface extraction procedures, and several recent geometric compression schemes sample surfaces of 3D shapes in a regular fashion, without any attempt to align the samples with the sharp edges and corners of the original shape. Consequently, the interpolating triangle meshes chamfer these sharp features and thus exhibit significant errors. The new Edge-Sharpener filter introduced here identifies the chamfer edges and subdivides them and their incident triangles by inserting new vertices and by forcing these vertices to lie on intersections of planes that locally approximate the smooth surfaces that meet at these sharp features. This post-processing significantly reduces the error produced by the initial sampling process. For example, we have observed that the L2 error introduced by the Swing Wrapper9 remeshing-based compressor can be reduced down to a fifth by executing Edge-Sharpener after decompression, with no additional information.
Microinjected antibodies interfere with protein nucleocytoplasmic shuttling by distinct molecular mechanisms

The observation that some antibodies can enter the nucleus after their microinjection into the cytoplasm established the principle of protein nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Here, we introduce the concept of stationary antibodies for studying nuclear transport, particularly of native proteins. Contrary to the aforementioned translocating immunoglobulins, stationary antibodies do not cross the nuclear envelope. They are distinguished by their ability to trigger the nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of their antigen. What determines these apparently contradictory outcomes has not been explored. We studied a stationary STAT1 antibody and a translocating importin‐β antibody. The stationary phenotype resulted from the inhibition of carrier‐independent transport. This was not due to crosslinking or precipitation of antigen, because the antigen–antibody complex remained highly mobile. Rather, decoration with stationary antibody precluded actual nuclear pore passage of antigen. In addition, both antibodies inhibited the carrier‐dependent translocation via importin‐α, but by diverse mechanisms. The translocating antibody blocked the association with importin‐α, whereas the stationary antibody prevented the phosphorylation of its antigen, and thus functioned upstream of the importin‐α binding step. We identified a stationary antibody to green‐fluorescent protein (GFP) and probed the translocation of GFP fusions of STAT1, thyroid hormone receptor and histones, demonstrating general application of this approach. Our results provide an experimental rationale for the use of antibodies as unique tools for dissecting protein nuclear translocation. As the microinjection of stationary antibodies extends to analyses of native proteins, this method can complement and validate results obtained with fluorescent‐labeled derivatives. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Mnemonic anosognosia in Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a failure to transfer online evaluations of performance: Evidence from memory training programs

ABSTRACT Introduction. There is a debate about the ability of patients with Alzheimer’s disease to build an up-to-date representation of their memory function, which has been termed mnemonic anosognosia. This form of anosognosia is typified by accurate online evaluations of performance, but dysfunctional or outmoded representations of function more generally. Method. We tested whether people with Alzheimer’s disease could adapt or change their representations of memory performance across three different six-week memory training programs using global judgements of learning. Results. We showed that whereas online assessments of performance were accurate, patients continued to make inaccurate overestimations of their memory performance. This was despite the fact that the magnitude of predictions shifted according to the memory training. That is, on some level patients showed an ability to change and retain a representation of performance over time, but it was a dysfunctional one. For the first time in the literature we were able to use an analysis using correlations to support this claim, based on a large heterogeneous sample of 51 patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusion. The results point not to a failure to retain online metamemory information, but rather that this information is never used or incorporated into longer term representations, supporting but refining the mnemonic anosognosia hypothesis.