Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effective Social Network Data Placement and Replication Using Graph-Partitioning

Social network users are connected based on shared interests, ideas, association with different groups, etc. Common social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have hundreds of millions or even billions of users scattered all around the world sharing interconnected data. Users demand low latency access to not only their own data but also their friends' data. However, social network service providers wish to pay as less as possible to store all data items to meet users' data access latency requirement. Geo-distributed cloud services with virtually unlimited capabilities are suitable for large scale social networks data storage in different geographical locations. Key problems including how to optimally store and replicate these huge data items and how to distribute the requests to different datacentres are addressed in this paper. A novel graph-partitioning based approach is proposed to find a near-optimal data placement of replicas to minimise monetary cost while satisfying the latency requirement. Experiments on a Facebook dataset demonstrate our technique's effectiveness in outperforming other representative placement and replication strategies.
Design and Experimentation of Activities for CS1: A Competences Oriented Approach (unpacking the Informed Design Teaching and Learning Matrix)

In Introductory Computer Science courses, especially Computer Science 1 (CS1), dropout rates are generally high and results are often disappointing. In order to motivate and engage students to achieve better results in CS1, our teaching strategy is based on designing several activities using a competences oriented approach. This paper describes the use of a framework proposed by Crismond and Adams in order to create pedagogical activities for the CS1 course at Universidad ORT Uruguay. We propose to extend that framework with competences oriented activities. We present a detailed description of each activity. Our thesis is that including this kind of activities helps to obtain better results. Experimentation was done in 2012 and 2013. Teachers of the experimental group referred a high level of motivation of the students. Results show that the inclusion of those activities seems to be helpful for students and the proposed pedagogical design appears to produce better final results.
Ocean warming since 1982 has expanded the niche of toxic algal blooms in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans

Significance This study used high-resolution (daily, quarter-degree resolution) sea-surface temperature records to model trends in growth rates and bloom-season duration for two of the most toxic and widespread harmful algal bloom species indigenous to the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. Alexandrium fundyense synthesizes saxitoxin and Dinophysis acuminata synthesizes okadaic acid, which cause the human health syndromes paralytic and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, respectively. The model provided hindcasts of harmful algal bloom (HAB) events that were consistent with in situ observations from long-term monitoring programs during the same time period. This study provides evidence that increasing ocean temperatures have already facilitated the intensification of these, and likely other, HABs and thus contribute to an expanding human health threat. Global ocean temperatures are rising, yet the impacts of such changes on harmful algal blooms (HABs) are not fully understood. Here we used high-resolution sea-surface temperature records (1982 to 2016) and temperature-dependent growth rates of two algae that produce potent biotoxins, Alexandrium fundyense and Dinophysis acuminata, to evaluate recent changes in these HABs. For both species, potential mean annual growth rates and duration of bloom seasons significantly increased within many coastal Atlantic regions between 40°N and 60°N, where incidents of these HABs have emerged and expanded in recent decades. Widespread trends were less evident across the North Pacific, although regions were identified across the Salish Sea and along the Alaskan coastline where blooms have recently emerged, and there have been significant increases in the potential growth rates and duration of these HAB events. We conclude that increasing ocean temperature is an important factor facilitating the intensification of these, and likely other, HABs and thus contributes to an expanding human health threat.
wUbi-Pen: Sensory Feedback Stylus Interacting with Graphical User Interface

In this work, we designed an interactive stylus interface for touch-screen devices, the wUbi-Pen haptic stylus. The stylus has functions of providing both vibration and impact with a single actuator, and it is a stand-alone system including its own battery and communication module. We present a new interaction scheme on the graphical user interface (GUI) based on sensory feedback events for clicking, drag-and-drop, moving, sliding, highlighting, and drawing. Experiments evaluating stylus performance indicated that the haptic cues improved precise control of GUI elements. A simple interactive digital sketchbook was also implemented, which provided a variety of haptic feedback while drawing and touching objects.
StandFood: Standardization of Foods Using a Semi-Automatic System for Classifying and Describing Foods According to FoodEx2

The European Food Safety Authority has developed a standardized food classification and description system called FoodEx2. It uses facets to describe food properties and aspects from various perspectives, making it easier to compare food consumption data from different sources and perform more detailed data analyses. However, both food composition data and food consumption data, which need to be linked, are lacking in FoodEx2 because the process of classification and description has to be manually performed—a process that is laborious and requires good knowledge of the system and also good knowledge of food (composition, processing, marketing, etc.). In this paper, we introduce a semi-automatic system for classifying and describing foods according to FoodEx2, which consists of three parts. The first involves a machine learning approach and classifies foods into four FoodEx2 categories, with two for single foods: raw (r) and derivatives (d), and two for composite foods: simple (s) and aggregated (c). The second uses a natural language processing approach and probability theory to describe foods. The third combines the result from the first and the second part by defining post-processing rules in order to improve the result for the classification part. We tested the system using a set of food items (from Slovenia) manually-coded according to FoodEx2. The new semi-automatic system obtained an accuracy of 89% for the classification part and 79% for the description part, or an overall result of 79% for the whole system.
Common and Distinctive Functions of the Hippo Effectors Taz and Yap in Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Function

Hippo pathway downstream effectors Yap and Taz play key roles in cell proliferation and regeneration, regulating gene expression especially via Tead transcription factors. To investigate their role in skeletal muscle stem cells, we analyzed Taz in vivo and ex vivo in comparison with Yap. Small interfering RNA knockdown or retroviral‐mediated expression of wild‐type human or constitutively active TAZ mutants in satellite cells showed that TAZ promoted proliferation, a function shared with YAP. However, at later stages of myogenesis, TAZ also enhanced myogenic differentiation of myoblasts, whereas YAP inhibits such differentiation. Functionally, while muscle growth was mildly affected in Taz (gene Wwtr1–/–) knockout mice, there were no overt effects on regeneration. Conversely, conditional knockout of Yap in satellite cells of Pax7Cre‐ERT2/+: Yapfl°x/fl°x:Rosa26Lacz mice produced a regeneration deficit. To identify potential mechanisms, microarray analysis showed many common TAZ/YAP target genes, but TAZ also regulates some genes independently of YAP, including myogenic genes such as Pax7, Myf5, and Myod1 (ArrayExpress–E‐MTAB‐5395). Proteomic analysis revealed many novel binding partners of TAZ/YAP in myogenic cells, but TAZ also interacts with proteins distinct from YAP that are often involved in myogenesis and aspects of cytoskeleton organization (ProteomeXchange–PXD005751). Neither TAZ nor YAP bind members of the Wnt destruction complex but both regulated expression of Wnt and Wnt‐cross talking genes with known roles in myogenesis. Finally, TAZ operates through Tead4 to enhance myogenic differentiation. In summary, Taz and Yap have overlapping functions in promoting myoblast proliferation but Taz then switches to enhance myogenic differentiation. Stem Cells 2017;35:1958–1972
Interaction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen with PMS2 is required for MutLα activation and function in mismatch repair

Significance MutLα is required for initiation of eukaryotic mismatch repair. Inactivation of human MutLα is a cause of Lynch syndrome, a common hereditary cancer, and has also been implicated in the development of a subset of sporadic tumors. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) sliding clamp is required for activation and strand direction of the MutLα endonuclease. We show that physical interaction of the two proteins, which form a weak complex in solution, is required for MutLα activation, and have identified a hexapeptide motif within the MutLα PMS2 (PMS1 in yeast) subunit that is required for interaction with PCNA and for MutLα function in mismatch repair. These findings clarify the mechanism of MutLα activation and establish the importance of PCNA interaction in this process. Eukaryotic MutLα (mammalian MLH1–PMS2 heterodimer; MLH1–PMS1 in yeast) functions in early steps of mismatch repair as a latent endonuclease that requires a mismatch, MutSα/β, and DNA-loaded proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for activation. We show here that human PCNA and MutLα interact specifically but weakly in solution to form a complex of approximately 1:1 stoichiometry that depends on PCNA interaction with the C-terminal endonuclease domain of the MutLα PMS2 subunit. Amino acid substitution mutations within a PMS2 C-terminal 721QRLIAP motif attenuate or abolish human MutLα interaction with PCNA, as well as PCNA-dependent activation of MutLα endonuclease, PCNA- and DNA-dependent activation of MutLα ATPase, and MutLα function in in vitro mismatch repair. Amino acid substitution mutations within the corresponding yeast PMS1 motif (723QKLIIP) reduce or abolish mismatch repair in vivo. Coupling of a weak allele within this motif (723AKLIIP) with an exo1Δ null mutation, which individually confer only weak mutator phenotypes, inactivates mismatch repair in the yeast cell.
Deletion of junctional adhesion molecule A from platelets increases early‐stage neointima formation after wire injury in hyperlipidemic mice

Platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular remodelling after injury. Junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM‐A) was recently described to regulate platelet activation. Specific deletion of JAM‐A from platelets resulted in increased reactivity and in accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific contribution of platelet‐derived JAM‐A to neointima formation after vascular injury. Mice with or without platelet‐specific (tr)JAM‐A‐deficiency in an apolipoprotein e (apoe−/−) background underwent wire‐induced injury of the common carotid artery. Ex vivo imaging by two‐photon microscopy revealed increased platelet coverage at the site of injury in trJAM‐A‐deficient mice. Cell recruitment assays showed increased adhesion of monocytic cells to activated JAM‐A‐deficient platelets than to control platelets. Inhibition of αMβ2 or GPIbα, but not of CD62P, suppressed those differences. Up to 4 weeks after wire injury, intimal neoplasia and neointimal cellular content were analysed. Neointimal lesion area was increased in trJAM‐A−/− apoe−/− mice and the lesions showed an increased macrophage accumulation and proliferating smooth muscle cells compared with trJAM‐A+/+ apoe−/− littermates 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks after injury. Re‐endothelialization was decreased in trJAM‐A−/− apoe−/− mice compared with controls 2 weeks after injury, yet it was complete in both groups after 4 weeks. A platelet gain of function by deletion of JAM‐A accelerates neointima formation only during earlier phases after vascular injury, through an increased recruitment of mononuclear cells. Thus, the contribution of platelets might become less important when neointima formation progresses to later stages.
Cognitive Training in the Elderly: Bottlenecks and New Avenues

Development of measures to preserve cognitive function or even reverse cognitive decline in the ever-growing elderly population is the focus of many research and commercial efforts. One such measure gaining in popularity is the development of computer-based interventions that “exercise” cognitive functions. Computer-based cognitive training has the potential to be specific and flexible, accommodates feedback, and is highly accessible. As in most budding fields, there are still considerable inconsistencies across methodologies and results, as well as a lack of consensus on a comprehensive assessment protocol. We propose that the success of training-based therapeutics will rely on targeting specific cognitive functions, informed by comprehensive and sensitive batteries that can provide a “fingerprint” of an individual's abilities. Instead of expecting a panacea from training regimens, focused and personalized training interventions that accommodate individual differences should be developed to redress specific patterns of deficits in cognitive rehabilitation, both in healthy aging and in disease.
The evolution of mimicry of friarbirds by orioles (Aves: Passeriformes) in Australo-Pacific archipelagos

Observations by Alfred Wallace and Jared Diamond of plumage similarities between co-occurring orioles (Oriolus) and friarbirds (Philemon) in the Malay archipelago led them to conclude that the former represent visual mimics of the latter. Here, we use molecular phylogenies and plumage reflectance measurements to test several key predictions of the mimicry hypothesis. We show that friarbirds originated before brown orioles, that the two groups did not co-speciate, although there is one plausible instance of co-speciation among species on the neighbouring Moluccan islands of Buru and Seram. Furthermore, we show that greater size disparity between model and mimic and a longer history of co-occurrence have resulted in a stronger plumage similarity (mimicry). This suggests that resemblance between orioles and friarbirds represents mimicry and that colonization of islands by brown orioles has been facilitated by their ability to mimic the aggressive friarbirds.
Research on the optimization algorithm of sintering ingredients

This paper analyzes the current research status of steel sintering ingredients at home and abroad, and compares the optimization algorithms used in sintering ingredients. The linear programming method has been relatively mature, easy to operate; But to solve the complex and nonlinear large-scale problem, the genetic algorithm, particle swarm algorithm are more efficient. The sintering burden process is an important part of the sintering process, and the optimization algorithm is the key link in the process of sintering burden studies. In the future research, the advantages of each optimization algorithm can be combined to solve the problem of ingredients better.
Weight Status Is Related with Gender and Sleep Duration but Not with Dietary Habits and Physical Activity in Primary School Italian Children

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has risen greatly worldwide. Diet and poor physical activity are the two risk factors usually examined, but epidemiological evidence exists suggesting a link between sleep duration and overweight/obesity in children. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship among body mass index (BMI), diet quality, physical activity level, and sleep duration in 690 children attending the 5th grade in primary schools (9–11 years old) in the city of Parma (Italy) involved in the Giocampus educational program. This was achieved through (i) measuring anthropometric data to compute body mass index; (ii) administering a food questionnaire to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED score); and (iii) administering a lifestyle questionnaire to classify children physical activity level (PAL), sleep duration, and school achievement. A highly significant negative association was found between BMI and sleep hours. Moreover, there was a significant positive association between PAL and KIDMED scores. No evidence was found of association between BMI and PAL, nor between BMI and KIDMED score. Data from this study established that BMI is correlated to gender and sleep duration, defining sleep habits as one of the factors linked to overweight and obesity.
Deep Multiple Instance Learning-Based Spatial–Spectral Classification for PAN and MS Imagery

Panchromatic (PAN) and multispectral (MS) imagery classification is one of the hottest topics in the field of remote sensing. In recent years, deep learning techniques have been widely applied in many areas of image processing. In this paper, an end-to-end learning framework based on deep multiple instance learning (DMIL) is proposed for MS and PAN images’ classification using the joint spectral and spatial information based on feature fusion. There are two instances in the proposed framework: one instance is used to capture the spatial information of PAN and the other is used to describe the spectral information of MS. The features obtained by the two instances are concatenated directly, which can be treated as simple fusion features. To fully fuse the spatial–spectral information for further classification, the simple fusion features are fed into a fusion network with three fully connected layers to learn the high-level fusion features. Classification experiments carried out on four different airborne MS and PAN images indicate that the classifier provides feasible and efficient solution. It demonstrates that DMIL performs better than using a convolutional neural network and a stacked autoencoder network separately. In addition, this paper shows that the DMIL model can learn and fuse spectral and spatial information effectively, and has huge potential for MS and PAN imagery classification.
Linear adaptive search range model for uni-prediction and motion analysis for bi-prediction in HEVC

High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is the up-to-date video coding standard. Compared to the predecessor H.264/AVC, HEVC can further reduce approximately 50% bit rate on average with the competing perceptual quality. On the other hand, experiment shows that HEVC requires more than 4 times computational complexity during the encoding procedure. In ours test, even using fast TZSearch, integer motion estimation (IME) still accounts for 20%-30% of encoding time. In this paper, we propose two adaptive search range (ASR) algorithms to address this problem in IME. First, we present an ASR algorithm based on linear adaptive search range model (LAM-ASR) for uni-prediction. This model considers the impacts of the motion consistency, PU size and the amplitude of motion vector predictor (MVP). In order to offer more flexibility, we introduce a scale factor to this model. Second, for bi-prediction, we propose another ASR algorithm based on motion analysis (MA-ASR), which assigns different search range to PU by making full use of the motion information obtained from uni-prediction. Experimental results show that when embedded into the fast TZSearch method of the reference software, the two proposed ASR algorithms can averagely save 42.0% of the IME time with 0.023dB BD-PSNR degradation or equally 0.7% BD-BR increase.
Depression Treatment and Health Status Outcomes in Young Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the VIRGO Study (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients).

Article, see p 1681; Editorial, see p 1690 Depression is common among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and associated with adverse outcomes. Because depression disproportionately affects women, we examined sex differences in depression treatment rates in young patients with depressive symptoms following AMI admission and evaluated 1-year depressive symptom and health status outcomes by sex and depression treatment status. We evaluated these by using the VIRGO study (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients), a multicenter, international, prospective cohort study that enrolled patients aged 18 to 55 years (66.8% women). 1 VIRGO was approved by Yale’s Institutional Review Board and all patients in the study provided informed consent. We abstracted medical records and conducted in-person interviews to record patient characteristics and used the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)2 to assess depressive symptoms during or shortly after the AMI admission and 1 and 12 months later. Depression treatment was assessed among those with baseline PHQ-9 scores ≥10. Receiving depression treatment was defined as new or continued antidepressant medications or depression counseling at discharge or within at 1 month of discharge. To compare outcomes as a function of depression treatment, we quantified outcomes in those with (1) no significant depressive symptoms (baseline PHQ-9<10); (2) treated depressive symptoms (baseline PHQ-9≥10 and receiving treatment); (3) untreated transient depressive symptoms (baseline PHQ-9≥10 and untreated, …
Programming function into mechanical forms by directed assembly of silk bulk materials

Significance Engineering multiple functions in a single material format is a key design parameter to fabricate devices that can perform at the confluence between biology and technology. This can be achieved by designing materials with hierarchical structures across several scales or by embedding active molecules at the point of material formation. These approaches have been successfully pursued to engineer 2D materials formats. However, current technologies have limited the formation of 3D constructs with orthogonal functions. In this study, we demonstrate an entirely water-based sol–gel–solid process to generate 3D mechanical forms that embed biological (and other) functions. This approach is a step toward the development of multifunctional devices that may liaise between the biotic and abiotic worlds. We report simple, water-based fabrication methods based on protein self-assembly to generate 3D silk fibroin bulk materials that can be easily hybridized with water-soluble molecules to obtain multiple solid formats with predesigned functions. Controlling self-assembly leads to robust, machinable formats that exhibit thermoplastic behavior consenting material reshaping at the nanoscale, microscale, and macroscale. We illustrate the versatility of the approach by realizing demonstrator devices where large silk monoliths can be generated, polished, and reshaped into functional mechanical components that can be nanopatterned, embed optical function, heated on demand in response to infrared light, or can visualize mechanical failure through colorimetric chemistries embedded in the assembled (bulk) protein matrix. Finally, we show an enzyme-loaded solid mechanical part, illustrating the ability to incorporate biological function within the bulk material with possible utility for sustained release in robust, programmably shapeable mechanical formats.