Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scalable Processors in the Billion-Transistor Era: IRAM

Members of the University of California, Berkeley, argue that the memory system will be the greatest inhibitor of performance gains in future architectures. Thus, they propose the intelligent RAM or IRAM. This approach greatly increases the on-chip memory capacity by using DRAM technology instead of much less dense SRAM memory cells. The resultant on-chip memory capacity coupled with the high bandwidths available on chip should allow cost-effective vector processors to reach performance levels much higher than those of traditional architectures. Although vector processors require explicit compilation, the authors claim that vector compilation technology is mature (having been used for decades in supercomputers), and furthermore, that future workloads will contain more heavily vectorizable components.
Growth kinetics of InP nanowires heteroepitaxially grown on a silicon surface

Low temperature metal catalyzed InP nanowires with diameters ranging from 50nm to 500nm using a single step MOCVD process at 450°C on (111)-oriented silicon substrates have been synthesized. The diameter range is much higher than the critical limit (~24nm for InP on silicon) reported by a recent theoretical work on coherent growth of nanowire heterostructures. This article presents the results of our investigation to highlight the possible factors that lead to the unusually large diameters and help realize stable nanowire heterostructures in a highly lattice mismatched material system. Our analysis finds dislocations formed at the interfacial plane of the heterostructure due to high lattice mismatch is the most influential factor contributing to very large diameters. We have simulation results which indicate that each added pair of orthogonal dislocation lines at the interfacial plane between InP and silicon supports ~12nm increase in the nanowire diameter. A maximum nanowire density of ~5×108 cm-2 is estimated with growth rates ranging from 0.1 µm/min for the shortest nanowires and 10 μm/min for the longest ones.
Robust Fitting on Poorly Sampled Data for Surface Light Field Rendering and Image Relighting

Two‐dimensional (2D) parametric colour functions are widely used in Image‐Based Rendering and Image Relighting. They make it possible to express the colour of a point depending on a continuous directional parameter: the viewing or the incident light direction. Producing such functions from acquired data is promising but difficult. Indeed, an intensive acquisition process resulting in dense and uniform sampling is not always possible. Conversely, a simpler acquisition process results in sparse, scattered and noisy data on which parametric functions can hardly be fitted without introducing artefacts. Within this context, we present two contributions. The first one is a robust least‐squares‐based method for fitting 2D parametric colour functions on sparse and scattered data. Our method works for any amount and distribution of acquired data, as well as for any function expressed as a linear combination of basis functions. We tested our fitting for both image‐based rendering (surface light fields) and image relighting using polynomials and spherical harmonics. The second one is a statistical analysis to measure the robustness of any fitting method. This measure assesses a trade‐off between precision of the fitting and stability with respect to input sampling conditions. This analysis along with visual results confirm that our fitting method is robust and reduces reconstruction artefacts for poorly sampled data while preserving the precision for a dense and uniform sampling.
EFFECT OF SOIL SALINITY ON THE LIPID COMPOSITION OF HALOPHYTE PLANTS FROM THE SAND BAR OF POMORIE

Summary. Seven samples of halophyte plants (Bassia hirsuta Aschers, Euphorbia peplis L., Salicornia europeae L., Calystegia soldanella, Calystegia sepium, Stachys maritima Gonan and Suaeda maritima Dumort,) were collected from a sand bar near the town of Pomorie (Bulgaria). The soil salinity ranged between 650 and 850 mg salts in 100 g soil. For comparison, two other samples from the species Calistegia sepium were collected also from soils with lower salinities (330 and 90 mg salts in 100 g soil) in different regions of Bulgaria. The results showed almost a linear increase of linoleic/linolenic acid ratio with increasing soil salinity.
Mind the gap: difference between Framingham heart age and real age increases with age in HIV-positive individuals–a clinical cohort study

Objectives To measure the excess risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HIV-positive individuals by comparing ‘heart age’ with real age and to estimate associations of patients’ characteristics with heart age deviation (heart age–real age). Design Clinical Cohort Study. Setting Bristol HIV clinic, Brecon Unit at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK. Participants 749 HIV-positive adults who attended for care between 2008 and 2011. Median age was 42 years (IQR 35–49), 67% were male and 82% were treated with antiretroviral therapy. Main outcome measures We calculated the Framingham 10-year risk of CVD and traced back to ‘heart age’, the age of an individual with the same score but ideal risk factor values. We estimated the relationship between heart age deviation and real age using fractional polynomial regression. We estimated crude and mutually adjusted associations of sex, age, CD4 count, viral load/treatment status and period of starting antiretroviral therapy with heart age deviation. Results The average heart age for a male aged 45 years was 48 years for a non-smoker and 60 years for a smoker. Heart age deviation increased with real age and at younger ages was smaller for females than males, although this reversed after 48 years. Compared to patients with CD4 count <500 cells/mm3, heart age deviation was 2.4 (95% CI 0.7 to 4.0) and 4.3 (2.3 to 6.3) years higher for those with CD4 500–749 cells/mm3 and ≥750 cells/mm3, respectively. Conclusions In HIV-positive individuals, the difference between heart age and real age increased with age and CD4 count and was very dependent on smoking status. Heart age could be a useful tool to communicate CVD risk to patients and the benefits of stopping smoking.
Autoregressive modelling for linear prediction of ultrasonic speech

Ultrasonic speech is a novel research area with significant applications: as a speech-aid prosthesis for patients with voice box difficulties, silent speech interfaces, secure mode of communication in mobile phones and as a communication medium in high noise industrial environments. Feature extraction is a critical part of the ultrasonic speech system. Linear prediction analysis (LPA) has been recently proven to be viable for extracting features from the three dimensional ultrasonic propagation in the vocal tract (VT). A one-dimensional autoregressive model based on averaging the LP coefficients, analysed in different recording positions has been investigated by the authors to fit the LF ultrasonic resonances of the VT. To reach a state of maturity for the LPA of ultrasonic speech and in continuum of the previous work, this paper compares the application of two major conventional methods of averaging and least squares error - already applied in room acoustics - for deriving the coefficients in autoregressive modelling of ultrasonic speech.
Economic Growth with Learning by Producing, Learning by Education and Learning by Consuming

This paper proposes a dynamic economic model with wealth accumulation and human capital accumulation. The economic system consists of one production sector and one education sector. We take account of three ways of improving human capital: learning by producing, learning by education, and learning by consuming. The model describes a dynamic interdependence between wealth accumulation, human capital accumulation, and division of labor under perfect competition. We simulate the model to demonstrate existence of equilibrium points and motion of the dynamic system. We also examine effects of changes in the propensity to receive education, efficiency of learning, and efficiency of education upon dynamic paths of the system.
Banking of Donor Tissues for Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose: The demands for precut lamellar grafts for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty rose in our eye bank from 74 in 2007 to 408 in 2010. To meet this expanding requirement, we explored the possibility to preserve these preparations in organ culture. Methods: Organ cultured corneas, stored in a medium containing 6% dextran, were mounted on a Moria artificial anterior chamber, deprived of the epithelium and then cut with a microkeratome. The posterior lamella was protected by positioning the anterior stromal cap, trephined at a diameter of 8.5 mm and stored at 31°C in the medium containing dextran. The endothelium was examined with trypan blue and alizarin staining and tested for its glycolytic activity (conversion of glucose into lactate). Results: Incubation for a period of 1 week caused a small increase in the cell loss observed after trephination (from 6.2% to 10.6%). After 2 weeks, the decrease in endothelial cell density was 19.9% but the endothelial organization remained intact. The rate of glycolysis remained unchanged during the 2 weeks of preservation, with the majority of glucose uptake accounted for by lactate production. The thickness of the lenticules remained constant, ranging from 170 to 180 &mgr;m during the preservation. Conclusions: The lamellar grafts for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty may be stored in organ culture for 2 weeks without damaging the endothelium or increasing the overall thickness.
The Infectious Bursal Disease Virus RNA-Binding VP3 Polypeptide Inhibits PKR-Mediated Apoptosis

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is an avian pathogen responsible for an acute immunosuppressive disease that causes major losses to the poultry industry. Despite having a bipartite dsRNA genome, IBDV, as well as other members of the Birnaviridae family, possesses a single capsid layer formed by trimers of the VP2 capsid protein. The capsid encloses a ribonucleoprotein complex formed by the genome associated to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the RNA-binding polypeptide VP3. A previous report evidenced that expression of the mature VP2 IBDV capsid polypeptide triggers a swift programmed cell death response in a wide variety of cell lines. The mechanism(s) underlying this effect remained unknown. Here, we show that VP2 expression in HeLa cells activates the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase (PKR), which in turn triggers the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). This results in a strong blockade of protein synthesis and the activation of an apoptotic response which is efficiently blocked by coexpression of a dominant negative PKR polypeptide. Our results demonstrate that coexpression of the VP3 polypeptide precludes phosphorylation of both PKR and eIF2α and the onset of programmed cell death induced by VP2 expression. A mutation blocking the capacity of VP3 to bind dsRNA also abolishes its capacity to prevent PKR activation and apoptosis. Further experiments showed that VP3 functionally replaces the host-range vaccinia virus (VACV) E3 protein, thus allowing the E3 deficient VACV deletion mutant WRΔE3L to grow in non-permissive cell lines. According to results presented here, VP3 can be categorized along with other well characterized proteins such us VACV E3, avian reovirus sigmaA, and influenza virus NS1 as a virus-encoded dsRNA-binding polypeptide with antiapoptotic properties. Our results suggest that VP3 plays a central role in ensuring the viability of the IBDV replication cycle by preventing programmed cell death.
Local Laplacian filters: edge-aware image processing with a Laplacian pyramid

The Laplacian pyramid is ubiquitous for decomposing images into multiple scales and is widely used for image analysis. However, because it is constructed with spatially invariant Gaussian kernels, the Laplacian pyramid is widely believed as being unable to represent edges well and as being ill-suited for edge-aware operations such as edge-preserving smoothing and tone mapping. To tackle these tasks, a wealth of alternative techniques and representations have been proposed, e.g., anisotropic diffusion, neighborhood filtering, and specialized wavelet bases. While these methods have demonstrated successful results, they come at the price of additional complexity, often accompanied by higher computational cost or the need to post-process the generated results. In this paper, we show state-of-the-art edge-aware processing using standard Laplacian pyramids. We characterize edges with a simple threshold on pixel values that allows us to differentiate large-scale edges from small-scale details. Building upon this result, we propose a set of image filters to achieve edge-preserving smoothing, detail enhancement, tone mapping, and inverse tone mapping. The advantage of our approach is its simplicity and flexibility, relying only on simple point-wise nonlinearities and small Gaussian convolutions; no optimization or post-processing is required. As we demonstrate, our method produces consistently high-quality results, without degrading edges or introducing halos.
Information flow on trees

Consider a tree network $T$, where each edge acts as an independent copy of a given channel $M$, and information is propagated from the root. For which $T$ and $M$ does the configuration obtained at level $n$ of $T$ typically contain significant information on the root variable? This problem arose independently in biology, information theory and statistical physics. For all $b$, we construct a channel for which the variable at the root of the $b$-ary tree is independent of the configuration at level 2 of that tree, yet for sufficiently large $B>b$, the mutual information between the configuration at level $n$ of the $B$-ary tree and the root variable is bounded away from zero. This is related to certain secret-sharing protocols. We improve the upper bounds on information flow for asymmetric binary channels (which correspond to the Ising model with an external field) and for symmetric $q$-ary channels (which correspond to Potts models). Let $\lam_2(M)$ denote the second largest eigenvalue of $M$, in absolute value. A CLT of Kesten and Stigum~(1966) implies that if $b |\lam_2(M)|^2 >1$, then the {\em census} of the variables at any level of the $b$-ary tree, contains significant information on the root variable. We establish a converse: if $b |\lam_2(M)|^2 < 1$, then the census of the variables at level $n$ of the $b$-ary tree is asymptotically independent of the root variable. This contrasts with examples where $b |\lam_2(M)|^2 <1$, yet the {\em configuration} at level $n$ is not asymptotically independent of the root variable.
Comparing TensorFlow Deep Learning Performance Using CPUs, GPUs, Local PCs and Cloud

Deep learning is a very computational intensive task. Traditionally GPUs have been used to speed-up computations by several orders of magnitude. TensorFlow is a deep learning framework designed to improve performance further by running on multiple nodes in a distributed system. While TensorFlow has only been available for a little over a year, it has quickly become the most popular open source machine learning project on GitHub. The open source version of TensorFlow was originally only capable of running on a single node while Google’s proprietary version only was capable of leveraging distributed systems. This has now changed. In this paper, we will compare performance of TensorFlow running on different single and cloudnode configurations. As an example, we will train a convolutional neural network to detect number of cells in early mouse embryos. From this research, we have found that using a local node with a local high performance GPU is still the best option for most people who do not have the resources to design bigger system
Local cerebral blood flow by Xenon enhanced CT.

Local Cerebral Blood Flow by Xenon Enhanced CT To the Editor: We take exception to the remarks of Gur et al in their recent Progress in Cerebrovascular Disease article (Stroke 13: 750-758, 1982), which may mislead your readership as to the magnitude of the errors associated with xenon CT measurements of rCBF. In discussing our error analysis of the single-scan "autoradiographic" approach to xenon CT rCBF measurements' (an approach originally championed by Gur and his colleagues ), Gur et al fault us for using the fast-flow component, fg, rather than "total flow" as the reference flow in our definition of percent error. They go on to conclude that "if one corrects for this mistake the errors are significantly lower than reported. " As is apparent from figures 1 and 2, which depict the effect of tissue (gray matter-white matter) heterogeneity in the absence of CT noise, the magnitude of measurement error depends upon (i) whether gray matter (GM) flow, fg, or "total flow," f, = w g f g + w w f w [where w are proportional weights, and the subscripts g and w refer to gray and white matter (WM), respectively], is used as the reference flow and (ii) wheth­ er X g or X, [ = Wg>. g + w w X w ] is used as the blood-brain partition coefficient for xenon in Kety's blood flow equation. Three definitions of percent error (E,, E 2 , E 3 ) are illustrated: E, = (fg kgXg)/fg, E 2 = (f( k,A 1)/f landE 3 = (f, kgX.g)/f,, where k g and k, are the solutions to Kety's equation when Xg and A,, respectively, are substituted for the partition coefficient. We originally proposed E, to emphasize that, in a onecompartmental model, an anatomic region of interest (ROI) is presumed to be homogeneous ; the quantity k%Xg = fg was therefore interpreted as estimated GM flow, and the "true" GM flow, fg, was taken as the reference flow in Equation Ej. If, however, one measures (or extrapo­ lates) the regional partition coefficient, this "measured X" is, in a heterogeneous ROI, the weighted average of GM and WM partition coefficients, and the quantity k,X, = f, could be interpreted as estimated "total flow," though the physical meaning of f, is problematical. If f, is taken as the reference flow, then E 2 is probably an appropriate definition of percent error. In contrast, the use of E 3 , proposed by Gur et al 3 as the most favorable definition of percent error, cannot be justified; k gX g should not be taken as an approximation of total flow, and the use offt as the reference flow is inappropriate. Using the parameter values in the legend to figure 1, errors predicted by E 3 are significantly lower than
Nanomechanical Testing of Diatoms

Diatoms, a major group of algea, are protected by a nanostructured shell, built with a design that exceeds the capabilities of human engineering. These shells, termed frustules, consist of biosilica and give the organism more than just a physical armor. Light-harvesting properties combined with great mechanical and bacterial protection makes diatoms interesting in scientic research. This thesis presents the diatoms and their exceptional properties. A diatom cantilever bending test is initiated and could potentially be the rst test method to determine the true material properties of biosilica in diatoms. Cantilever beams are isolated from compact foramen layers with sizes down to 0,35 1,54 mm. A structural characterisation is initiated to identify internal geometries in the frustules of the Coscinodiscus Centralis. The initial measurements indicates that the internal elevation in the C. Centralis is not a size-consistent component. Still, clear trends are seen in their mechanical response when frustules with dierent pretreatment are tested by nanoindentation. Observations after indentations performed in a picoindenter are indicating that the foramen pores are important to hinder crack propagation in diatom frustules.
Now I Remember! Episodic Memory For Reinforcement Learning

Humans rely on episodic memory constantly, in remembering the name of someone they met 10 minutes ago, the plot of a movie as it unfolds, or where they parked the car. Endowing reinforcement learning agents with episodic memory is a key step on the path toward replicating human-like general intelligence. We analyze why standard RL agents lack episodic memory today, and why existing RL tasks do not require it. We design a new form of external memory called Masked Experience Memory, or MEM, modeled after key features of human episodic memory. To evaluate episodic memory we define an RL task based on the common children’s game of Concentration. We find that a MEM RL agent leverages episodic memory effectively to master Concentration, unlike the baseline agents we tested.
Secreted protein lipocalin‐2 promotes microglial M1 polarization

Activated macrophages are classified into two different forms: classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. The presence of M1/M2 phenotypic polarization has also been suggested for microglia. Here, we report that the secreted protein lipocalin 2 (LCN2) amplifies M1 polarization of activated microglia. LCN2 protein (EC50 1 μg/ml), but not glutathione S‐transferase used as a control, increased the M1‐related gene expression in cultured mouse microglial cells after 8–24 h. LCN2 was secreted from M1‐polarized, but not M2‐polarized, microglia. LCN2 inhibited phosphorylation of STAT6 in IL‐4‐stimulated microglia, suggesting LCN2 suppression of the canonical M2 signaling. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mouse neuroinflammation model, the expression of LCN2 was notably increased in microglia. Primary microglial cultures derived from LCN2‐deficient mice showed a suppressed M1 response and enhanced M2 response. Mice lacking LCN2 showed a markedly reduced M1‐related gene expression in microglia after LPS injection, which was consistent with the results of histological analysis. Neuroinflammation‐associated impairment in motor behavior and cognitive function was also attenuated in the LCN2‐deficient mice, as determined by the rotarod performance test, fatigue test, open‐field test, and object recognition task. These findings suggest that LCN2 is an M1‐amplifier in brain microglial cells. —Jang, E. , Lee, S. , Kim, J.‐H. , Kim, J.‐H. , Seo, J.‐W. , Lee, W. ‐H. , Mori, K. , Nakao, K. , Suk, K. Secreted protein lipocalin‐2 promotes microglial M1 polarization. FASEB J. 27, 1176–1190 (2013). www.fasebj. org
Effective Monotherapy with Amrubicin for a Refractory Extrapulmonary Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Liver

Small-cell carcinoma of the liver is a rare neoplasm, and no standard treatment for it has yet been established. A 72-year-old man with an extensive disease stage of small-cell carcinoma of the liver was treated with systemic chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide (PE) followed by irinotecan. Although the masses were markedly decreased once after the sixth course of PE, amrubicin monotherapy as third-line chemotherapy was started because the hepatic masses had increased again. The administration of amrubicin was repeated in 8 courses with regression of the disease, resulting in a 26-month survival since the first-line chemotherapy was started. This is the first case report of a refractory EPSCC successfully treated with amrubicin.