Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A generational mostly-concurrent garbage collector

This paper reports our experiences with a mostly-concurrent incremental garbage collector, implemented in the context of a high performance virtual machine for the Java#8482; programming language. The garbage collector is based on the “mostly parallel” collection algorithm of Boehm et al. and can be used as the old generation of a generational memory system. It overloads efficient write-barrier code already generated to support generational garbage collection to also identify objects that were modified during concurrent marking. These objects must be rescanned to ensure that the concurrent marking phase marks all live objects. This algorithm minimises maximum garbage collection pause times, while having only a small impact on the average garbage collection pause time and overall execution time. We support our claims with experimental results, for both a synthetic benchmark and real programs.
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Static and Dynamic Tissue Indentation

Detailed knowledge of tissue mechanical properties is widely required by medical applications, such as disease diagnostics, surgery operation, simulation, planning, and training. A new two degrees of freedom portable device, called Tissue Resonator Indenter Device (TRID), has been developed for measurement of regional viscoelastic properties of soft tissues at the Bio-instrument and Biomechanics Lab of the University of Toronto. As a device for clinical application, the accuracy and reliability of TRID is crucial. This thesis thus investigates the tissue samples’ mechanical properties through finite element analysis method after reviewing the experimental results of the same tissue samples using TRID. The accuracy of TRID is verified through comparing its experimental results with finite element simulation results of tissue mechanical properties. This thesis also investigates the reliability of TRID through experimental study of its indenter misalignment effect on the measurement results of tissue static stiffness, dynamic stiffness, and damping respectively.
German medical students' beliefs about the effectiveness of different methods of stopping smoking.

INTRODUCTION In many countries, smoking cessation interventions are not routinely delivered as recommended in national and international guidelines. This may be because of incorrect beliefs about their effectiveness. This study assessed which cessation methods are believed to be effective by medical students in different years of undergraduate education as well as predictors of correct beliefs about effectiveness. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, undergraduate students from 27 German medical schools were invited to complete a survey addressing demographic characteristics, smoking status, self-rated knowledge of health consequences, and treatment options for smoking and beliefs about the effectiveness of 8 different methods to achieve long-term smoking cessation. Predictors of beliefs were identified by means of multilevel modeling. RESULTS A total of 19,526 students completed the survey. Students greatly overestimated the effectiveness of unaided quitting, and differences between years of undergraduate education were small. In the final year, 51% of students wrongly believed that willpower alone was more effective than a comprehensive group cessation program, including nicotine replacement therapy. Multilevel modeling revealed that having never smoked, supporting public smoking bans, and recalling theoretical training in smoking cessation were associated with correct beliefs. CONCLUSIONS A considerable proportion of German medical students believe that willpower alone is more effective than comprehensive treatment programs to support a quit attempt.
Analysis of the pancreato-biliary system from MRCP

We present a preprocessing and segmentation scheme designed to address the particular difficulties encountered in the analysis of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) data, as a precursor to the application of computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) techniques. MRCP generates noisy, low resolution, non-isometric data which often exhibits significant greylevel inhomogeneities. This combination of characteristics results in data volumes in which reliable segmentation and analysis are difficult to achieve. In this paper we describe a data processing approach developed to overcome these difficulties and allow for the effective application of automated CAD procedures in the analysis of the biliary tree and pancreatic duct in MRCP examinations.
Technical Note: Probabilistically constraining proxy age–depth models within a Bayesian hierarchical reconstruction model

Abstract. Reconstructions of the late-Holocene climate rely heavily upon proxies that are assumed to be accurately dated by layer counting, such as measurements of tree rings, ice cores, and varved lake sediments. Considerable advances could be achieved if time-uncertain proxies were able to be included within these multiproxy reconstructions, and if time uncertainties were recognized and correctly modeled for proxies commonly treated as free of age model errors. Current approaches for accounting for time uncertainty are generally limited to repeating the reconstruction using each one of an ensemble of age models, thereby inflating the final estimated uncertainty – in effect, each possible age model is given equal weighting. Uncertainties can be reduced by exploiting the inferred space–time covariance structure of the climate to re-weight the possible age models. Here, we demonstrate how Bayesian hierarchical climate reconstruction models can be augmented to account for time-uncertain proxies. Critically, although a priori all age models are given equal probability of being correct, the probabilities associated with the age models are formally updated within the Bayesian framework, thereby reducing uncertainties. Numerical experiments show that updating the age model probabilities decreases uncertainty in the resulting reconstructions, as compared with the current de facto standard of sampling over all age models, provided there is sufficient information from other data sources in the spatial region of the time-uncertain proxy. This approach can readily be generalized to non-layer-counted proxies, such as those derived from marine sediments.
Constrained nonlinear minimum mse estimation

We address the problem of minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) estimation where the estimator is constrained to belong to a predefined set of functions. We derive a simple closed form formula that reveals the structure of the restricted estimator for a wide class of constraints. Using this formula we study various types of constrained estimation problems that arise commonly in the fields of signal processing and communication.
Microencapsulation of self-healing agents with melamine-urea-formaldehyde by the Shirasu porous glass (SPG) emulsification technique

AbstractNorbornene-based healing agent candidates, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB) and ENB with a custom crosslinker, were prepared into uniform microspheres using a Shirasu porous glass (SPG) emulsification technique, and microencapsulated by in situ polymerization of melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF). The resulting microcapsules were observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy for their morphology, outer and inner surface and shell thickness. Particle size analysis revealed a more uniform size distribution with a mean diameter of 40 μm than a conventional method using a mechanical impeller. The thermal and mechanical properties of the microcapsules were also examined by considering fabrication of self-healing composites.
Mechanisms for Accessing Insoluble Fe(III) Oxide during Dissimilatory Fe(III) Reduction by Geothrix fermentans

ABSTRACT Mechanisms for Fe(III) oxide reduction were investigated in Geothrix fermentans, a dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing microorganism found within the Fe(III) reduction zone of subsurface environments. Culture filtrates of G. fermentans stimulated the reduction of poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide by washed cell suspensions, suggesting that G. fermentans released one or more extracellular compounds that promoted Fe(III) oxide reduction. In order to determine if G. fermentans released electron-shuttling compounds, poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide was incorporated into microporous alginate beads, which prevented contact between G. fermentans and the Fe(III) oxide. G. fermentans reduced the Fe(III) within the beads, suggesting that one of the compounds that G. fermentans releases is an electron-shuttling compound that can transfer electrons from the cell to Fe(III) oxide that is not in contact with the organism. Analysis of culture filtrates by thin-layer chromatography suggested that the electron shuttle has characteristics similar to those of a water-soluble quinone. Analysis of filtrates by ion chromatography demonstrated that there was as much as 250 μM dissolved Fe(III) in cultures of G. fermentans growing with Fe(III) oxide as the electron acceptor, suggesting that G. fermentans released one or more compounds capable of chelating and solubilizing Fe(III). Solubilizing Fe(III) is another strategy for alleviating the need for contact between cells and Fe(III) oxide for Fe(III) reduction. This is the first demonstration of a microorganism that, in defined medium without added electron shuttles or chelators, can reduce Fe(III) derived from Fe(III) oxide without directly contacting the Fe(III) oxide. These results are in marked contrast to those with Geobacter metallireducens, which does not produce electron shuttles or Fe(III) chelators. These results demonstrate that phylogenetically distinct Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms may use significantly different strategies for Fe(III) reduction. Thus, it is important to know which Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms predominate in a given environment in order to understand the mechanisms for Fe(III) reduction in the environment of interest.
Bias in medicine: a survey of medical student attitudes towards HIV-positive and marginalized patients in Russia, 2010

Russia has a substantial HIV epidemic which is poised to escalate in the coming years. The increases in prevalence of HIV will result in increased healthcare needs by a medical system with limited experience with HIV. A healthcare provider's attitude towards a patient plays a significant role in determining the patient's health‐related behaviours and medical outcomes. Previous studies have identified negative attitudes of medical students towards people living with HIV. Studying the prevalence of such attitudes is of particular interest, as medical students represent the future workforce and also as the schooling years present a unique opportunity to nurture bias‐free healthcare providers. The study measures prevalence of prejudicial attitudes towards HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients who belong to marginalized subgroups.
On the Determination of Ejecta Structure and Explosion Asymmetry from the X-Ray Knots of Cassiopeia A

We present a detailed analysis of Chandra X-ray spectra from individual ejecta knots in the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A. The spectra are fitted to give the electron temperature Te and (single) ionization age net. These quantities are compared with the predictions of self-similar hydrodynamic models incorporating time-dependent ionization and radiation losses and Coulomb electron-ion equilibration behind the reverse shock for a variety of different ejecta density profiles described by a uniform-density core and a power-law envelope. We find that the ejecta close to the "jet" region in the northeast, but not actually in the jet itself, have a systematically shallower outer envelope than ejecta elsewhere in the remnant, and we interpret this as being due to more energy of the initial explosion being directed in this polar direction as opposed to equatorially. The degree of asymmetry we infer is at the low end of that generally modeled in asymmetric core-collapse simulations and may possibly be used to rule out highly asymmetric explosion models.
A Network Activity Classification Schema and Its Application to Scan Detection

Internet traffic is neither well-behaved nor well-understood, which makes it difficult to detect malicious activities such as scanning. A large portion of scanning activity is of a slow scan type and is not currently detectable by security appliances. In this proof-of-concept study, a new scan detection technique is demonstrated that also improves our understanding of Internet traffic. Sessions are created using models of the behavior of packet-level data between host pairs, and activities are identified by grouping sessions based on patterns in the type of session, the IP addresses, and the ports. In a 24-h data set of nearly 10 million incoming sessions, a prodigious 78% were identified as scan probes. Of the scans, 80% were slower than basic detection methods can identify. To manage the large volume of scans, a prioritization method is introduced wherein scans are ranked based on whether a response was made and on the periodicity of the probes in the scan. The data is stored in an efficient manner, allowing activity information to be retained for very long periods of time. This technique provides insight into Internet traffic by classifying known activities, giving visibility to threats to the network through scan detection, while also extending awareness of the activities occurring on the network.
Improve the sustainability of Internet of Things through trading-based value creation

Internet of Things (IoT) has been widely discussed over the past few years in technology point of view. However, the social aspects of IoT are seldom studied to date. In this paper, we discuss the IoT in social point of view. Specifically, we examine the strategies to increase the adoption of IoT in a sustainable manner. Such discussion is essential in today's context where adoption of IoT solutions by non-technical community is slow. Specially, large number of IoT solutions making their way into the market every day. We propose an trading-based value creation model based on sensing as a service paradigm in order to fuel the adoption of IoT. We discuss the value creation and its impact towards the society especially to households and their occupants. We also present results of two different surveys we conducted in order to examine the potential acceptance of the proposed model among the general public.
MEMS-based silicon ultrasonic twin-nozzle nebulizer for inhalation drug delivery

A versatile silicon-based ultrasonic nebulizer that utilizes a twin-nozzle of multiple Fourier horns at 1-2 MHz drive frequencies has been realized to perform simultaneous aerosolization of cobinamide and magnesium thiosulfate drug solutions. The drive frequency of the individual nozzle for a desirable aerosol diameter was individually designed. Using the 2.0 MHz 4-Fourier horn twin-nozzle aerosols of the two drug solutions with mass median diameter (MMD) of 3.0±0. 1μm and geometrical standard deviation (GSD) of 1.18±0.02 and total flow rate up to 400μL/min were produced.
Concrete Repair and Maintenance Illustrated: Problem Analysis; Repair Strategy; Techniques

Concrete repair is a complex process, presenting unique challenges very different from those experienced in the field of new concrete construction. Concrete repair must successfully integrate new materials with old materials, forming a composite capable of enduring the exposures of use, environment and time. The dynamics of new materials interacting with in-place materials is still and emerging science. Enhanced methods of analysis, improved strategies and techniques and new materials will facilitate quality growth of the concrete repair industry. The purpose of this book is to present concrete repair as an integrated process of analysis, strategy and technique relating concrete behavior directly to the field repair process. Topics covered include: concrete behavior and evaluation, surface repair, strengthening and stabilization, and concrete protection.
Mentalizing the body: spatial and social cognition in anosognosia for hemiplegia

Patients with anosognosia for hemiplegia after right-hemisphere stroke deny the existence of contralesional motor deficits. Besharati et al. show that such patients are impaired in social cognition tasks requiring 3 rd person perspective-taking. A reduced ability to disengage from the 1 st person perspective may explain the patients’ reduced bodily self-awareness.
Production experiments on two cases of tonal neutralization in Taiwan Southern Min

This study explored two cases of tonal neutralization in Taiwan Southern Min: 1) context tones 55 and 24 which are both realized as sandhi tone 33 on surface when occurring in context positions, and 2) context tone 21 and context checked tone 21 with a glottal stop coda are said to be realized the same in context positions as a high falling sandhi tone 51. Speakers of two age groups, younger and older, were recruited for the production experiments to examine whether the neutralization is complete. Comparison between the four quartile and overall mean f0 values showed an age-based acoustic variation in the first case, where context tones 55 produced by the older speakers were significantly higher in pitch than context tones 24 throughout the entire contour, which was absent from the younger speakers data. The second case, however, revealed a case of complete neutralization in terms of both the f0 contours, where no significant difference in the quartile and overall mean f0 values was found, and the durations of the target syllable as reported by linear mixed effects modeling.
How Do Your Friends on Social Media Disclose Your Emotions?

Extracting emotions from images has attracted much interest, in particular with the rapid development of social networks. The emotional impact is very important for understanding the intrinsic meanings of images. Despite many studies having been done, most existing methods focus on image content, but ignore the emotion of the user who published the image. One interesting question is: How does social effect correlate with the emotion expressed in an image? Specifically, can we leverage friends interactions (e.g., discussions) related to an image to help extract the emotions? In this paper, we formally formalize the problem and propose a novel emotion learning method by jointly modeling images posted by social users and comments added by their friends. One advantage of the model is that it can distinguish those comments that are closely related to the emotion expression for an image from the other irrelevant ones. Experiments on an open Flickr dataset show that the proposed model can significantly improve (+37.4% by F1) the accuracy for inferring user emotions. More interestingly, we found that half of the improvements are due to interactions between 1.0% of the closest friends.
Resource Allocation of Two-relay Networks with Partially Differential Modulation

Relay networks enhance the system performance by creating cooperative diversity gain and extend communication range by relaying the received signal to other devices. In this paper, the performance of two-relay networks is analyzed by adopting decode-andforward (DF) relaying protocol. The signaling scheme uses partially differential modulation which applies coherent modulation in source-relays links and differential modulation in relay-destination links. We first analyze the effect of relay location in the system performance. Based on this, we find the optimum relay selection which minimizes the symbol error rate (SER). Then, we explores the effect of energy allocation for the given relay location.
The 80s loop of the catalytic chain of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase is critical for catalysis and homotropic cooperativity

The X‐ray structure of the Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase with the bisubstrate analog phosphonacetyl‐L‐aspartate (PALA) bound shows that PALA interacts with Lys84 from an adjacent catalytic chain. To probe the function of Lys84, site‐specific mutagenesis was used to convert Lys84 to alanine, threonine, and asparagine. The K84N and K84T enzymes exhibited 0.08 and 0.29% of the activity of the wild‐type enzyme, respectively. However, the K84A enzyme retained 12% of the activity of the wild‐type enzyme. For each of these enzymes, the affinity for aspartate was reduced 5‐ to 10‐fold, and the affinity for carbamoyl phosphate was reduced 10‐ to 30‐fold. The enzymes K84N and K84T exhibited no appreciable cooperativity, whereas the K84A enzyme exhibited a Hill coefficient of 1.8. The residual cooperativity and enhanced activity of the K84A enzyme suggest that in this enzyme another mechanism functions to restore catalytic activity. Modeling studies as well as molecular dynamics simulations suggest that in the case of only the K84A enzyme, the lysine residue at position 83 can reorient into the active site and complement for the loss of Lys84. This hypothesis was tested by the creation and analysis of the K83A enzyme and a double mutant enzyme (DM) that has both Lys83 and Lys84 replaced by alanine. The DM enzyme has no cooperativity and exhibited 0.18% of wild‐type activity, while the K83A enzyme exhibited 61% of wild‐type activity. These data suggest that Lys84 is not only catalytically important, but is also essential for binding both substrates and creation of the high‐activity, high‐affinity active site. Since low‐angle X‐ray scattering demonstrated that the mutant enzymes can be converted to the R‐structural state, the loss of cooperativity must be related to the inability of these mutant enzymes to form the high‐activity, high‐affinity active site characteristic of the R‐functional state of the enzyme.
Contemporary Drought and Future Effects of Climate Change on the Endangered Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard, Gambelia sila

Extreme weather events can provide unique opportunities for testing models that predict the effect of climate change. Droughts of increasing severity have been predicted under numerous models, thus contemporary droughts may allow us to test these models prior to the onset of the more extreme effects predicted with a changing climate. In the third year of an ongoing severe drought, surveys failed to detect neonate endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizards in a subset of previously surveyed populations where we expected to see them. By conducting surveys at a large number of sites across the range of the species over a short time span, we were able to establish a strong positive correlation between winter precipitation and the presence of neonate leopard lizards over geographic space. Our results are consistent with those of numerous longitudinal studies and are in accordance with predictive climate change models. We suggest that scientists can take immediate advantage of droughts while they are still in progress to test patterns of occurrence in other drought-sensitive species and thus provide for more robust models of climate change effects on biodiversity.
Analysis of arbitrarily shaped dielectric radomes using adaptive integral method based on volume integral equation

The adaptive integral method (AIM) is employed to solve the volume integral equation (VIE) for analyzing the radiation of the antenna with an arbitrarily shaped radome. The small dipole antenna elements are used as exciting source. Modeling the radomes by tetrahedron cells, the induced volume current is determined by the AIM based on VIE. The application of AIM significantly reduces the CPU time and computer memory. Hence, the method presented in the paper can be applied to simulated electrically large sized radomes.