Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marker Redistancing/Level Set Method for High-Fidelity Implicit Interface Tracking

A hybrid of the front tracking (FT) and the level set (LS) methods is introduced, combining advantages and removing drawbacks of both methods. The kinematics of the interface is treated in a Lagrangian (FT) manner, by tracking markers placed at the interface. The markers are not connected—instead, the interface topology is resolved in an Eulerian (LS) framework, by wrapping a signed distance function around Lagrangian markers each time the markers move. For accuracy and efficiency, we have developed a high-order “anchoring” algorithm and an implicit PDE-based redistancing. We have demonstrated that the method is 3rd-order accurate in space, near the markers, and therefore 1st-order convergent in curvature; this is in contrast to traditional PDE-based reinitialization algorithms, which tend to slightly relocate the zero level set and can be shown to be nonconvergent in curvature. The implicit pseudo-time discretization of the redistancing equation is implemented within the Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov (JFNK) framework combined with ILU(k) preconditioning. Due to the LS localization, the bandwidth of the Jacobian matrix is nearly constant, and the ILU preconditioning scales as $\sim N\log(\sqrt{N})$ in two dimensions, which implies efficiency and good scalability of the overall algorithm. We have demonstrated that the steady-state solutions in pseudo-time can be achieved very efficiently, with $\approx10$ iterations ($\mathrm{CFL}\approx10^4$), in contrast to the explicit redistancing which requires hundreds of iterations with $\mathrm{CFL}\leq1$.
A novel learning mechanism for traffic offloading with small cell as a service

The densification of mobile networks with small cells is seen as the most promising solution to the explosive data traffic increase. Due to their financial implementation requirements, which could not be met by the service providers, the emergence of third parties that deploy and lease small cell networks opens up new business opportunities. In this paper, we study a proportionally fair auction scheme as an efficient way of small cell capacity distribution, both in network and financial terms. To improve the bidders' strategies, we propose a novel learning mechanism that alleviates the uncertainty incurred by variations in the traffic and the lack of information in the auctions. Extensive simulations prove the efficiency of our proposal, which also performs in equal terms with the ideal case of complete information.
On Analyzing Elasticity Relationships of Cloud Services

With the increasing cloud popularity, substantial effort has been paid for the development of emerging elastic cloud services, consisting of different units distributed among virtual machines/containers in different clouds. Due to the software stack and deployment complexity in single and multi-cloud scenarios, developing and managing such services is impeded by a lack of tools and techniques for understanding the elasticity relationships among individual service units, which influence the service's overall elasticity. In this paper we characterize the elasticity relationships, and develop mechanisms for analyzing them, based on service monitoring information and elasticity requirements. From collected monitoring information we abstract the elasticity behavior of the whole cloud service and individual units, over which we design a customizable algorithm for relationships analysis. We illustrate our approach via several experiments with an elastic data service for M2M platforms, highlighting the importance of determining elasticity relationships for the development and operation of elastic services.
Comparative Genomics of Regulation of Fatty Acid and Branched-Chain Amino Acid Utilization in Proteobacteria

ABSTRACT Bacteria can use branched-chain amino acids (ILV, i.e., isoleucine, leucine, valine) and fatty acids (FAs) as sole carbon and energy sources converting ILV into acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA), propanoyl-CoA, and propionyl-CoA, respectively. In this work, we used the comparative genomic approach to identify candidate transcriptional factors and DNA motifs that control ILV and FA utilization pathways in proteobacteria. The metabolic regulons were characterized based on the identification and comparison of candidate transcription factor binding sites in groups of phylogenetically related genomes. The reconstructed ILV/FA regulatory network demonstrates considerable variability and involves six transcriptional factors from the MerR, TetR, and GntR families binding to 11 distinct DNA motifs. The ILV degradation genes in gamma- and betaproteobacteria are regulated mainly by a novel regulator from the MerR family (e.g., LiuR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (40 species); in addition, the TetR-type regulator LiuQ was identified in some betaproteobacteria (eight species). Besides the core set of ILV utilization genes, the LiuR regulon in some lineages is expanded to include genes from other metabolic pathways, such as the glyoxylate shunt and glutamate synthase in Shewanella species. The FA degradation genes are controlled by four regulators including FadR in gammaproteobacteria (34 species), PsrA in gamma- and betaproteobacteria (45 species), FadP in betaproteobacteria (14 species), and LiuR orthologs in alphaproteobacteria (22 species). The remarkable variability of the regulatory systems associated with the FA degradation pathway is discussed from functional and evolutionary points of view.
Optical transmission performance for DML considering laser chirp and fiber dispersion using AMOOFDM

Fiber dispersion coupled with chirp parameter of the emitting laser impacts the optical transmission system performance. Fiber dispersion causes the propagating pulses to spread and overlap, and the chirp parameter produces a wavelength shift arising from the intensity variation of the directly modulated laser (DML). For optical transmission systems, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation technique has proved to be an attractive approach to overcome optical fiber impairments in optical access networks as well as in long haul optical networks. Coupled with the Levin Campello bit-loading algorithm, adaptively modulated optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (AMOOFDM) optimizes the data rate by taking into consideration the channel quality of each subcarrier. This paper shows system performance for optical links starting with an optical back-to-back (BtB) connection and ending with 125 km of single mode fiber (SMF) with a fixed optical budget of 30 dB for all distances.
The Nrf2 Activator Vinylsulfone Reduces High Glucose-Induced Neural Tube Defects by Suppressing Cellular Stress and Apoptosis

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is one of the primary pathways responsible for the cellular defense system against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is a causal event in diabetic embryopathy. Thus, the Nrf2 pathway may play an important role in the induction of diabetic embryopathy. In the present study, we investigated the potentially protective effect of the Nrf2 activator, vinylsulfone, on high glucose-induced cellular stress, apoptosis, and neural tube defects (NTDs). Embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) whole mouse embryos were cultured in normal (5 mmol/L) or high (16.7 mmol/L) glucose conditions, with or without vinylsulfone. At a concentration of 10 μmol/L, vinylsulfone had an inhibitory effect on high glucose-induced NTD formation, but it was not significant. At a concentration of 20 μmol/L, vinylsulfone significantly reduced high glucose-induced NTDs. In addition, 20 μmol/L vinylsulfone abrogated the high glucose-induced oxidative stress markers lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and nitrotyrosine-modified proteins. The high glucose-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress biomarkers were also suppressed by 20 μmol/L vinylsulfone through the inhibition of phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol requiring protein 1α (IRE1a), eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2a), upregulated C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), and x-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) messenger RNA splicing. Furthermore, 20 μmol/L vinylsulfone abolished caspase 3 and caspase 8 cleavage, markers of apoptosis, in embryos cultured under high glucose conditions. The Nrf2 activator, vinylsulfone, is protective against high glucose-induced cellular stress, caspase activation, and subsequent NTD formation. Our data suggest that vinylsulfone supplementation is a potential therapy for diabetes-associated neurodevelopmental defects.
A trust-based model for collaborative intrusion response

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are quickly becoming a st andard component of a network security infrastructure. Most IDS developed to date em phasize detection; response is mainly concentrated on blocking a part of the network after a n intrusion has been detected. This mechanism can help in temporarily stopping the intrusi on, but such a limited response means that attacking is free for the attacker. The idea behin d our approach is to frustrate the intruder by attacking back. This requires developing a s ense of trust in the network for the attacked host and establishing proof of the attack so the attack-back action can be justified. In an environment of trust, a more effective colla borative action can be taken by the network entities. To develop this trust model, we propose a protocol that uses e ncryption and digital signatures over the network logs. The protocol allows the at tacked host to prove to the attacker’s edge router that it has been attacked. The model i s quite flexible, and based on the level of trust developed for the host, an appropriate cou ntermeasure is taken. Besides attack-back, other possible responses could be blocking a p art of the network and use of network puzzles to limit the attacker’s access to network resou rces. We also define a heuristic algorithm for selecting the appropriate response based on t he level of trust developed for the victim. We believe that the attack-back approach would certainly de moralize novice attackers, and even expert attackers will think twice before a ttacking again. In addition, the protocol prevents a host from pretending that it has been att acked. We are building a system that can handle a majority of known attacks (signature-b ased). We are also exploring the idea of adding a third trusted party into the system in ord er to provide countermeasure action for novel attacks (anomaly-based).
A framework for process migration in software DSM environments

Proves that process migration can successfully be implemented for software distributed shared memory (DSM) environments. We have developed a migration framework that is able to transparently migrate DSM processes, thereby preserving the consistency of running applications. The migration framework is integrated into the CORAL (Cooperative Online monitoRing Actions Layer) system, an online monitoring system that connects parallel tools to a running application. A special emphasis has been put on techniques and mechanisms for the migration of shared resources and communication channels as well as internal monitoring data structures. Currently, the migration framework migrates parallel processes based on the TreadMarks library. The Condor library has been utilized for the state transfer of a single process. In a computing environment consisting of eight nodes running TreadMarks applications, the migration framework brings a 10% overhead to Condor and grows almost linearly with added nodes. Although our first implementation supports TreadMarks applications, both the monitoring system and the migration framework are designed to be reusable and easily adaptable to other software DSM systems.
Spin-Echo Echo-Planar Perfusion MR Imaging in the Differential Diagnosis of Solitary Enhancing Brain Lesions: Distinguishing Solitary Metastases from Primary Glioma

SUMMARY: Unlike the more widely reported gradient-echo echo-planar perfusion-weighted imaging (EPI-PWI) technique, spin-echo (SE) EPI relative cerebral blood volume maps select for blood volume in microvessels <8 μm in diameter. This first report of SE-EPI PWI for distinguishing brain metastasis from high-grade glioma demonstrated 88% sensitivity and 72% specificity in 83 patients. We discuss differences in microvessel architecture between high-grade glioma and brain metastasis that may explain the surprising success of SE-EPI in this application and may deserve further investigation.
Mobility and address freedom in AllNet

Mobile devices can be addressed through a variety of means. We propose that each device select its own addresses, we motivate this choice, and we describe mechanisms for delivering data using these addresses. Hierarchical point-of-attachment addresses are not effective with mobile devices. To support mobility, the network has to maintain a global mapping between addresses and locations. Given that such a mapping must be maintained anyway, there is no reason for structure in mobile addresses. Mobile addresses may therefore be unstructured and even self-selected. The advantages of self-selected addresses include the ability of devices to join and form a network without any need for prior agreement or central coordination, and the ability to choose a personal, memorable address. Self-selection does require a mechanism to resolve ambiguity when the same address is selected by multiple devices. Of the many possible ways to provide such disambiguation, we investigate disambiguation that relies on the authentication and encryption used for communications security. The principles presented here are general, and complemented by examples of unstructured and self-selected addresses used within the AllNet network protocol.
A novel pancreaticogastrostomy method using only two transpancreatic sutures: early postoperative surgical results compared with conventional pancreaticojejunostomy

Purpose To evaluate the surgical outcomes of pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) using two transpancreatic sutures with a buttress method through an anterior gastrostomy (PGt), and compare these results with our previous experience with pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) including the dunking and duct to mucosa methods after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Methods In this study, 171 patients who had undergone PD between January 2005 and April 2013 were classified into three groups according to the method of the pancreaticoenteric anastomosis: dunking PJ (PJu group; n = 67, 39.1%), duct to mucosa PJ (PJm group; n = 41, 23.9%), and PGt (PGt group; n = 63, 36.8%). We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and surgical results. Results Both groups had comparable demographics and pathology, and there were no significant differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, or postoperative hospital stay. Within the two groups, morbidities occurred in 49 cases (10.7%), and were not significantly different between the two groups, excepting postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The PGt group had a lower rate of POPF (18/63, 28.6%) than the PJu and PJm groups (21/67, 31.3% and 19/41, 46.3%; P = 0.048), especially in terms of grades B and C POPF (4/63 [6.3%] in the PGt group vs. 7/67 [10.4%] in the PJu group and 9/41 [22.0%] in the PJm group, P = 0.049). Conclusion The PGt method showed feasible outcomes for POPF and had advantages over dunking PJ and duct to mucosa PJ with respect to immediate postoperative results. PGt may be a promising technique for pancreaticoenteric anastomosis after PD.
Medical treatment of endocrine gastroenteropancreatic tumors.

Neuroendocrine gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tumors are rather rare neoplasms with an incidence of 1-2 cases per 100,000 people [1, 2, 3, 4]. They originate from any of the various cell types belonging to the neuroendocrine system. A general characteristic of GEP endocrine tumors is that the vast majority produce and secrete a multitude of peptide hormones and amines. Several syndromes can be associated with GEP endocrine tumors, caused by hyperproduction of a specific hormone, and usually liver metastases are pre sent in patients because of the malignancy of the tumors [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. The syndromes include: carcinoid syndrome [10], ZollingerEllison syndrome [6], the so-called "insulinoma syndrome" [5], "glucagonoma syndrome" [7], Verner-Morrison syndrome, which is brought about by high circulating levels of vasointestinal peptide (VIP) [8], and finally the "somatostatinoma syndrome" [9]. Otherwise, there are some endocrine tumors, usually located in the pancreas, that are not associated with signs or symptoms of hormone hypersecretion, and therefore they are called nonfunctioning. Because of the rarity of these types of tumors, their possible episodic expression and the variable clinical symptoms, the patients are often diagnosed late in the advanced stages of the disease. In contrast to other metastasized tumors, the patients with gut and pancreatic neoplasms often survive for long periods due to the slow tumor progression; instances of survival greater than 10 years have been reported [11]. For these reasons, the patients with advanced metastatic disease should be treated aggressively with medical and surgical therapies aimed at reducing both symptoms and complications through strategies that reduce tumor bulk and block hormonal effects. Neuroendocrine tumor treatment is aimed at reducing the tumor mass and inhibiting hormonal release. Therefore, a multimodal approach is necessary where different therapeutic means can be used synchronously or metachronously [12].
Fatigue Strength Evaluation of the Load-Carrying Cruciform Fillet Welded Joints Using Hot-Spot Stress

In this study, fatigue strength of load-carrying cruciform fillet welded joints were evaluated using a new method proposed by Yamada, for geometric or structural stress in welded joint, that is, one-millimeter stress below the surface in the direction corresponding to the expected crack path. Validity of the method is verified by analyzing fatigue test results for load-carrying cruciform welded specimens has different size of weld toe radius, leg length and plate thickness reported in literature. Structural stress concentration factor for 1mm below the surface was calculated by finite element analysis for each specimen respectively. When compared to the basic fatigue resistance curve offered by BS7608, the one-millimeter stress method shows conservative evaluation for load-carrying cruciform fillet welded joints.
Protease-based synthetic sensing and signal amplification

Significance Synthetic biology envisages the creation of custom-based signaling by means of modular plug-and-play. This concept has primarily been realized in the construction of synthetic gene circuits. However, all real-time events in biology are processed by protein-based sensing and signal transducing systems; yet, the systematic bottom-up design of protein-based signaling systems remains elusive to date. Here we report a strategy for construction of modular protein switches based on artificially autoinhibited proteases whose activity can be modulated by specific proteolysis, ligand binding, or protein–protein interactions. We demonstrate that such protease-based ligand receptors or signal transducers can be assembled into different types of integrated signal sensing and amplification circuits that, in principle, can be connected to any biological process. The bottom-up design of protein-based signaling networks is a key goal of synthetic biology; yet, it remains elusive due to our inability to tailor-make signal transducers and receptors that can be readily compiled into defined signaling networks. Here, we report a generic approach for the construction of protein-based molecular switches based on artficially autoinhibited proteases. Using structure-guided design and directed protein evolution, we created signal transducers based on artificially autoinhibited proteases that can be activated following site-specific proteolysis and also demonstrate the modular design of an allosterically regulated protease receptor following recombination with an affinity clamp peptide receptor. Notably, the receptor’s mode of action can be varied from >5-fold switch-OFF to >30-fold switch-ON solely by changing the length of the connecting linkers, demonstrating a high functional plasticity not previously observed in naturally occurring receptor systems. We also create an integrated signaling circuit based on two orthogonal autoinhibited protease units that can propagate and amplify molecular queues generated by the protease receptor. Finally, we present a generic two-component receptor architecture based on proximity-based activation of two autoinhibited proteases. Overall, the approach allows the design of protease-based signaling networks that, in principle, can be connected to any biological process.
Early diagnosis of heart disease using classification and regression trees

Early diagnosis of heart defects are very important for medical treatment. In this paper, we propose an automatic method to segment heart sounds, which applies classification and regression trees. The diagnostic system, designed and implemented for detecting and classifying heart diseases, has been validated with a representative dataset of 116 heart sound signals, taken from healthy and unhealthy medical cases. The ultimate goal of this research is to implement a heart sounds diagnostic system, to be used to help physicians in the auscultation of patients, with the goal of reducing the number of unnecessary echocardiograms and of preventing the release of newborns that are in fact affected by a heart disease. In this study, 99.14% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 98.28% specificity were obtained on the dataset used for experiments.
Power optimization and stage op-amp linearity relaxation in pipeline ADCs with digital comparator offset calibration

This paper presents a power optimization technique for Pipeline ADCs using digital background calibration of comparator offsets as an extra design variable. Thanks to calibration, comparator offset errors above half the stage least-significant bit (LSB) margin in a unitary redundancy scheme are admissible, thus relaxing comparator design requirements and allowing their optimization for low-power high-speed applications and low input capacitance. The technique also makes it possible to relax the power consumption of stage amplifiers within the Pipeline queue, since output swing and driving capability are significantly lower. The proposal was validated using realistic hardware-behavioral models and transistor-level simulations. A 1.8V 15-bit 74dB-SNDR 100Msps Pipeline ADC was used as a demonstrator. Thanks to comparator calibration, the total power of stage subADCs was reduced by 75%, while a factor of 19% was found in stage amplifiers.
Handbook of Refractory Carbides and Nitrides: Properties, Characteristics, Processing and Applications

Introduction * The Refractory Carbides * Interstitial Carbides - Structure and Composition * Carbides of Group IV - Titanium, Zirconium, and Hafnium Carbides * Carbides of Group V - Vanadium, Niobium and Tantalum Carbides * Carbides of Group VI - Chromium, Molybdenum, and Tungsten Carbides * Covalent Carbides - Structure and Composition * Characteristics and Properties of Silicon Carbide and Boron Carbides * The Refractory Nitrides * Interstitial Nitrides - Structure and Composition.