Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whole Blood RNA as a Source of Transcript-Based Nutrition- and Metabolic Health-Related Biomarkers

Blood cells are receiving an increasing attention as an easily accessible source of transcript-based biomarkers. We studied the feasibility of using mouse whole blood RNA in this context. Several paradigms were studied: (i) metabolism-related transcripts known to be affected in rat tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by fasting and upon the development of high fat diet (HFD)-induced overweight were assessed in whole blood RNA of fasted rats and mice and of HFD-fed mice; (ii) retinoic acid (RA)-responsive genes in tissues were assessed in whole blood RNA of control and RA-treated mice; (iii) lipid metabolism-related transcripts previously identified in PBMC as potential biomarkers of metabolic health in a rat model were assessed in whole blood in an independent model, namely retinoblastoma haploinsufficient (Rb+/-) mice. Blood was collected and stored in RNAlater® at -80°C until analysis of selected transcripts by real-time RT-PCR. Comparable changes with fasting were detected in the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes when RNA from either PBMC or whole blood of rats or mice was used. HFD-induced excess body weight and fat mass associated with expected changes in the expression of metabolism-related genes in whole blood of mice. Changes in gene expression in whole blood of RA-treated mice reproduced known transcriptional actions of RA in hepatocytes and adipocytes. Reduced expression of Fasn, Lrp1, Rxrb and Sorl1 could be validated as early biomarkers of metabolic health in young Rb+/- mice using whole blood RNA. Altogether, these results support the use of whole blood RNA in studies aimed at identifying blood transcript-based biomarkers of nutritional/metabolic status or metabolic health. Results also support reduced expression of Fasn, Lrp1, Rxrb and Sorl1 in blood cells at young age as potential biomarkers of metabolic robustness.
A Platform for Designing Solutions for Automotive Autonomous Driving based on Evolutionary Robotics approach

We consider the autonomous driving of real vehicles as a challenging framework where Robotics-oriented approach might be effective in solve complex tasks. Here we discuss some of the autonomous navigation features in order to set up an environment to develop neural control systems for automotive autonomous driving. In this work we introduce the Evolutionary Robotics as a framework for automatically evolve and select neuro-controllers to test in a conceptual experiment reproducing the road scenario features. Preliminary experiments of Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control were conducted in simulation, comparing the results of both our simulator and a commercial dedicated simulator providing a complete car library. The experiments help in evaluating the feasibility of novel approaches in the development of controllers for automotive vehicles.
WOPANets: A tool for WOrst case Performance Analysis of embedded Networks

WOPANets (WOrst case Performance Analysis of embedded Networks) is a design aided-decision tool for embedded networks. This tool offers an ergonomic interface to the designer to describe the network and the circulating traffic and embodies a static performance evaluation technique based on the Network Calculus theory combined to optimization analysis to support early system level design exploration for embedded networks. In this paper, we describe the features set of WOPANets tool and we provide analysis in the case of a realistic embedded avionic network to show how the variation of some system's parameters can improve the system performances to support the required constraints.
Modularity and conventions for maintainable concurrent language implementations: a review of our experiences and practices

In this paper, we review what we have learned from implementing languages for parallel and concurrent programming, and investigate the role of modularity. To identify the approaches used to facilitate correctness and maintainability, we ask the following questions: What guides modularization? Are informal approaches used to facilitate correctness? Are concurrency concerns modularized? And, where is language support lacking most? Our subjects are AmbientTalk, SLIP, and the RoarVM. All three evolved over the years, enabling us to look back at specific experiments to understand the impact of concurrency on modularity. We conclude from our review that concurrency concerns are one of the strongest drivers for the definition of module boundaries. It helps when languages offer sophisticated modularization constructs. However, with respect to concurrency, other language features like single-assignment are of greater importance. Furthermore, tooling that enables remodularization taking concurrency invariants into account would be of great value.
Potential Therapeutic Effect of Hematopoietic Stem Cells on Cerebellar Ataxia in Adult Female Rats Subjected to Cerebellar Damage by Monosodium Glutamate

Background: Research evidence has indicated that monosodium glutamate (MSG) consumption produces certain deleterious effects on the cerebellum of adult rats at high doses which can consequently affect cerebellar function. The use of stem cells in nervous system disorders is a growing field, which in numerous reports has shown promising results in the restoration of neurological function. Aim: To compare the effect of injection of human umbilical cord blood CD34+ stem cells versus CD34- fraction in a rat model of cerebellar damage induced by monosodium glutamate. Methods: Forty adult female albino rats were equally randomized into 4 groups: group I served as control, group II received MSG, group III received MSG followed by CD34+ stem cell separated from umbilical cord blood of human male fetuses, group IV received MSG followed by the CD34- fraction. At the end of the experiment, all rats were subjected to assessment of motor function, histological and immunohistochemical techniques as well as a polymerase chain reaction analysis of male-specific Sry gene. Results: Group II showed a significant decrease in the mean number of Purkinje cells and cells of the molecular layer. Nissl’s granules and length of dendrites of Purkinje cells were markedly decreased. Marked increase of GFAP immunoexpression in astrocytes was also detected. Group III stem cells showed improvement in motor function after 4 weeks of treatment. The CD34- group (IV) showed more increase in the number of cells in the molecular, granular and Purkinje cell layers as well as an increase in Nissl’s granules and Purkinje cell dendrite length compared to CD34+ stem cell group (III). There was also a significant decrease in optical density of GFAP immunoexpression of the CD 34- group compared to both MSG and CD34+ groups. The Sry gene was not detected in either of the CD34+ and CD34- groups implying that the improvement happened without homing of stem cells in the cerebellum. Conclusion: Both CD34 -ve and CD34+ve stem cells improved cerebellar structure and function against damage induced by monosodium glutamate; however CD34- stem cells showed more improvement than CD34+ stem cells.
Nutritional Support Team Intervention for Patients with Mandibular Fracture Treated by Intermaxillary Fixation

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of nutrition support teams (NSTs) for oral injuries in patients with mandible fracture treated by intermaxillary fixation (IMF). The participants included 25 patients who were treated for mandibular fracture by IMF with NST intervention, who were used as the primary study group, and 25 patients treated without NST intervention, who were used prospectively as a control group. Decrease of body weight of these groups was compared. During the NST intervention, the patients in the study group were encouraged to freely engage in mild exercise. In the primary study group, nutrition sufficiency ratios, body weight, serum markers (albumin Alb, hemoglobin Hb, C-reactive protein CRP), grip strength and body composition parameters (triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference, body fat, subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle) were then measured. The study group was then subdivided into two groups based on whether their grip strength increased or decreased during the NST intervention, and the data were compared between sub-groups. The body weight loss (kg and %) of patients with NST intervention was significantly lower than that of patients without NST intervention. In the primary study group, significant decrease of Alb and CRP, and significant increase of energy sufficiency was found. The body weight loss was significantly higher during the NST waiting period than during the weekly NST active period. Furthermore, the body weight loss of patients with increased grip strength was significantly lower than that of patients with decreased grip strength.
EFNS guidelines on the use of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy

Skin biopsy has become a widely used tool to investigate small calibre sensory nerves including somatic unmyelinated intraepidermal nerve fibres (IENF), dermal myelinated nerve fibres, and autonomic nerve fibres in peripheral neuropathies and other conditions. Different techniques for tissue processing and nerve fibre evaluation have been used. In March 2004, a Task Force was set up under the auspices of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) with the aim of developing guidelines on the use of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies. We searched the Medline database from 1989, the year of the first publication describing the innervation of human skin using immunostaining with anti‐protein‐gene‐product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) antibodies, to 31 March 2005. All pertinent papers were rated according to the EFNS guidance. The final version of the guidelines was elaborated after consensus amongst members of the Task Force was reached. For diagnostic purposes in peripheral neuropathies, we recommend performing a 3‐mm punch skin biopsy at the distal leg and quantifying the linear density of IENF in at least three 50‐μm thick sections per biopsy, fixed in 2% PLP or Zamboni's solution, by bright‐field immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence with anti‐PGP 9.5 antibodies (level A recommendation). Quantification of IENF density closely correlated with warm and heat‐pain threshold, and appeared more sensitive than sensory nerve conduction study and sural nerve biopsy in diagnosing small‐fibre sensory neuropathy. Diagnostic efficiency and predictive values of this technique were very high (level A recommendation). Confocal microscopy may be particularly useful to investigate myelinated nerve fibres, dermal receptors and dermal annex innervation. In future, the diagnostic yield of dermal myelinated nerve fibre quantification and of sweat gland innervation should be addressed. Longitudinal studies of IENF density and regeneration rate are warranted to correlate neuropathological changes with progression of neuropathy and to assess the potential usefulness of skin biopsy as an outcome measure in peripheral neuropathy trials (level B recommendation). In conclusion, punch skin biopsy is a safe and reliable technique (level A recommendation). Training in an established cutaneous nerve laboratory is recommended before using skin biopsy as a diagnostic tool in peripheral neuropathies. Quality control at all levels is mandatory.
GeoFeed: A Location Aware News Feed System

This paper presents the Geo Feed system, a location-aware news feed system that provides a new platform for its users to get spatially related message updates from either their friends or favorite news sources. Geo Feed distinguishes itself from all existing news feed systems in that it takes into account the spatial extents of messages and user locations when deciding upon the selected news feed. Geo Feed is equipped with three different approaches for delivering the news feed to its users, namely, spatial pull, spatial push, and shared push. Then, the main challenge of Geo Feed is to decide on when to use each of these three approaches to which users. Geo Feed is equipped with a smart decision model that decides about using these approaches in a way that: (a) minimizes the system overhead for delivering the location-aware news feed, and (b) guarantees a certain response time for each user to obtain the requested location-aware news feed. Experimental results, based on real and synthetic data, show that Geo Feed outperforms existing news feed systems in terms of response time and maintenance cost.
Reading a book in one or two languages? An eye movement study of cognate facilitation in L1 and L2 reading*

This study examined how noun reading by bilinguals is influenced by orthographic similarity with their translation equivalents in another language. Eye movements of Dutch–English bilinguals reading an entire novel in L1 and L2 were analyzed. In L2, we found a facilitatory effect of orthographic overlap. Additional facilitation for identical cognates was found for later eye movement measures. This shows that the complex, semantic context of a novel does not eliminate cross-lingual activation in natural reading. In L1 we detected non-identical cognate facilitation for first fixation durations of longer nouns. Identical cognate facilitation was found on total reading times for high frequent nouns. This study is the first to show cognate facilitation in L1 reading of narrative text. This shows that even when reading a novel in the mother tongue, lexical access is not restricted to the target language.
Leadership competencies in library and information science: Marketing as a component of LIS curricula

Leadership competencies are an important component of the research literature and organizational study in the private sector. Leadership competencies serve to define the nature of effective leadership, the leadership qualities and areas of knowledge needed by those who contribute to organizational success, and help to define the types of educational preparation needed by leaders. The organizational, societal, and competitive changes affecting library and information service organizations emphasize the need for effective leadership and the identification of leadership competencies in the profession. This article proposes the articulation of an important component of such a statement of leadership competencies, that of marketing as a leadership competency in library and information science, for professionals who play a key role in ensuring value and relevance for their employing organizations. The research presented here identifies a rationale for such a statement and addresses the extent to which library and information science (LIS) education provides the type of educational preparation needed by leaders in the area of marketing.
KHARMA : A KML / HTML Architecture for Mobile Augmented Reality Applications

Widespread future adoption of augmented reality technology will rely on a broadly accessible standard for authoring and distributing content with, at a minimum, the flexibility and interactivity provided by current web authoring technologies. The growing number of augmented reality platforms for mobile devices suggests that a single browser for viewing this content may be just over the horizon. The ideal solution for fostering broader adoption is an open architecture that empowers millions of web authors by leveraging the tools and content already available to them. We introduce KHARMA, an open architecture based on KML for geospatial, marker and relative referencing combined with standard browser supported HTML5 and JavaScript technologies for content development and delivery. Our main contribution is a re-conceptualization of KML that turns HTML content formerly confined to balloons into first-class elements in the scene. We introduce a namespace extension, KARML that gives authors extensive control over the presentation of HTML content and its spatial relationship to other content. This combination lets users rapidly develop and host rich interactive mobile augmented reality content using existing HTML authoring tools, client-side JavaScript scripting, AJAX-style database communications and multi-user session-controlled HTTP webhosting. This architecture also introduces a bridging strategy for content delivery on commodity mobile devices based on the use of surveyed geographic locations and synthetic backgrounds. A reference browser implemented for the iPhone platform is described along with a number of ongoing projects that are using the technology.
Distribution-Aware Mutation Analysis

Mutation analysis is widely employed to evaluate the effectiveness of various software testing techniques. In most situations, mutation operators are uniformly applied to the original programs, while the faults tend to be clustered in practice. This may result in the inappropriate simulation of faults, and thus cannot deliver the reliable evaluation results. To overcome this, we propose a distribution-aware mutation analysis technique and conducted empirical studies to investigate the impact of the mutation distribution on the effectiveness evaluation of testing techniques. As an illustration, we select the commonly practiced random testing technique and two versions of dynamic random testing techniques and apply them to testing Web services. Results of empirical studies suggest that the mutation distribution significantly affects the evaluation results. This observation further indicates that the effectiveness of testing techniques previously evaluated with the uniform mutation analysis needs further realignments.
Current state of the research in agile quality development

With the changing trends in software development methodologies since 1990's the focus is more on iterative incremental approaches for software development. One of such approach is “Agile Approach” also named as lightweight model for development. Agile is more about communication and collaboration between team members working on software project. For good quality software it's important to select the appropriate model for the development of software. Another factor that is important to be considered while model selection is that in what respect quality gets better if we choose either traditional or agile approach. Quality assurance techniques for traditional heavy weight development rely on inspections, reviews made at end whereas quality assurance techniques for agile light weight development rely on routine activities by teams. This paper aims to review various success factors of agile software development and various challenges faced in terms of assuring quality in agile.
Fine-grained partitioning for aggressive data skipping

Modern query engines are increasingly being required to process enormous datasets in near real-time. While much can be done to speed up the data access, a promising technique is to reduce the need to access data through data skipping. By maintaining some metadata for each block of tuples, a query may skip a data block if the metadata indicates that the block does not contain relevant data. The effectiveness of data skipping, however, depends on how well the blocking scheme matches the query filters. In this paper, we propose a fine-grained blocking technique that reorganizes the data tuples into blocks with a goal of enabling queries to skip blocks aggressively. We first extract representative filters in a workload as features using frequent itemset mining. Based on these features, each data tuple can be represented as a feature vector. We then formulate the blocking problem as a optimization problem on the feature vectors, called Balanced MaxSkip Partitioning, which we prove is NP-hard. To find an approximate solution efficiently, we adopt the bottom-up clustering framework. We prototyped our blocking techniques on Shark, an open-source data warehouse system. Our experiments on TPC-H and a real-world workload show that our blocking technique leads to 2-5x improvement in query response time over traditional range-based blocking techniques.
A visual bag of words method for interactive qualitative localization and mapping

Localization for low cost humanoid or animal-like personal robots has to rely on cheap sensors and has to be robust to user manipulations of the robot. We present a visual localization and map-learning system that relies on vision only and that is able to incrementally learn to recognize the different rooms of an apartment from any robot position. This system is inspired by visual categorization algorithms called bag of words methods that we modified to make fully incremental and to allow a user-interactive training. Our system is able to reliably recognize the room in which the robot is after a short training time and is stable for long term use. Empirical validation on a real robot and on an image database acquired in real environments are presented.
Adaptive transport service selection for MPI with InfiniBand network

We propose a method which adaptively selects InfiniBand transport services used for source and destination peers to improve performance while limiting memory consumption of the MPI library. There are two major choices of IB transport services available, i.e., Reliable Connection (RC) and Dynamically Connected (DC), each of which is selected for each pair of source peer and destination peer. RC is faster than DC for all communication patterns except for the case where there are many active RCs. It also consumes a lot of memory when there are many processes. DC, on the other hand, consumes less memory than RC but its performance drops when sending messages to different destinations or when many DCs sends a message to the same destination DC. Therefore, the library should find the best mapping of RCs and DCs to pairs of source peer and destination peer according to the communication pattern of the application. Our method finds a good mapping by comparing potential latency benefits for candidate mappings. It achieves 13%--19% latency reduction when compared to the methods using only DCs in micro-benchmarks representing communication patterns problematic to RC or DC with 64 processes.
Numerical Program Optimization for High-Level Synthesis

This paper introduces a new technique, and its associated open source tool, SOAP2, to automatically perform source-to-source optimization of numerical programs, specifically targeting the trade-off between numerical accuracy and resource usage as a high-level synthesis flow for FPGA implementations. We introduce a new intermediate representation, which we call metasemantic intermediate representation (MIR), to enable the abstraction and optimization of numerical programs. We efficiently discover equivalent structures in MIRs by exploiting the rules of real arithmetic, such as associativity and distributivity, and rules that allow control flow restructuring, and produce Pareto frontiers of equivalent programs that trades off LUTs, DSPs and accuracy. Additionally, we further broaden the Pareto frontier in our optimization flow to automatically explore the numerical implications of partial loop unrolling and loop splitting. In real applications, our tool discovers a wide range of Pareto optimal options, and the most accurate one improves the accuracy of numerical programs by up to 65%.
On the modelling of ranking algorithms in probabilistic datalog

TF-IDF, BM25, language modelling (LM), and divergence-from-randomness (DFR) are popular ranking models. Providing logical abstraction for information search is important, but the implementation of ranking algorithms in logical abstraction layers such as probabilistic Datalog leads to many challenges regarding expressiveness and scalability. Though the ranking algorithms have probabilistic roots, the ranking score often is not probabilistic, leading to unsafe programs from a probabilistic point of view. In this paper, we describe the evolution of probabilistic Datalog to provide concepts required for modelling ranking algorithms.