Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Padding free bank conflict resolution for CUDA-based matrix transpose algorithm

Matrix Transposition is an important linear algebra procedure that has deep impact in various computational science and engineering applications. Several factors hinder the expected performance of large matrix transpose on Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). The degradation in performance involves the memory access pattern such as coalesced access in the global memory and bank conflict in the shared memory of streaming multiprocessors within the GPU. In this paper, two matrix transpose algorithms are proposed to alleviate the aforementioned issues of ensuring coalesced access and conflict free bank access. The proposed algorithms have comparable execution times with the NVIDIA SDK bank conflict - free matrix transpose implementation. The main advantage of proposed algorithms is that they eliminate bank conflicts while allocating shared memory exactly equal to the tile size (T × T) of the problem space. However, to the best of our knowledge an extra space of Tx(T +1) needs to be allocated in the published research. We have also applied the proposed transpose algorithm to recursive Gaussian implementation of NVIDIA SDK and achieved about 6% improvement in performance.
Distribution and Pharmacology of α6-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Analyzed with Mutant Mice

The α6 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is expressed at very high levels in dopaminergic (DA) neurons. However, because of the lack of pharmacological tools selective for α6-containing nAChRs, the role of this subunit in the etiology of nicotine addiction remains unknown. To provide new tools to investigate this issue, we generated an α6 nAChR knock-out mouse. Homozygous null mutants (α6−/−) did not exhibit any gross neurological or behavioral deficits. A careful anatomic and molecular examination of α6−/− mouse brains demonstrated the absence of developmental alterations in these animals, especially in the visual and dopaminergic pathways, where the α6 subunit is normally expressed at the highest levels. On the other hand, receptor autoradiography revealed a decrease in [3H]nicotine, [3H]epibatidine, and [3H]cytisine high-affinity binding in the terminal fields of retinal ganglion cells of α6−/− animals, whereas high-affinity [125I]α-conotoxinMII (αCtxMII) binding completely disappeared in the brain. Moreover, inhibition of [3H]epibatidine binding on striatal membranes, using unlabeled αCtxMII or cytisine, revealed the absence of αCtxMII-sensitive and cytisine-resistant [3H]epibatidine binding sites in α6−/− mice, although the total amount of binding was unchanged. Because αCtxMII, a toxin formerly thought to be specific for α3β2-containing nAChRs, is known to partially inhibit nicotine-induced dopamine release, these results support the conclusion that α6 rather than α3 is the partner of β2 in the nicotinic modulation of DA neurons. They further show that α6−/− mice might be useful tools to understand the mechanisms of nicotine addiction, although some developmental compensation might occur in these mice.
Predicting performance via automated feature-interaction detection

Customizable programs and program families provide user-selectable features to allow users to tailor a program to an application scenario. Knowing in advance which feature selection yields the best performance is difficult because a direct measurement of all possible feature combinations is infeasible. Our work aims at predicting program performance based on selected features. However, when features interact, accurate predictions are challenging. An interaction occurs when a particular feature combination has an unexpected influence on performance. We present a method that automatically detects performance-relevant feature interactions to improve prediction accuracy. To this end, we propose three heuristics to reduce the number of measurements required to detect interactions. Our evaluation consists of six real-world case studies from varying domains (e.g., databases, encoding libraries, and web servers) using different configuration techniques (e.g., configuration files and preprocessor flags). Results show an average prediction accuracy of 95%.
Freer monads, more extensible effects

We present a rational reconstruction of extensible effects, the recently proposed alternative to monad transformers, as the confluence of efforts to make effectful computations compose. Free monads and then extensible effects emerge from the straightforward term representation of an effectful computation, as more and more boilerplate is abstracted away. The generalization process further leads to freer monads, constructed without the Functor constraint. The continuation exposed in freer monads can then be represented as an efficient type-aligned data structure. The end result is the algorithmically efficient extensible effects library, which is not only more comprehensible but also faster than earlier implementations. As an illustration of the new library, we show three surprisingly simple applications: non-determinism with committed choice (LogicT), catching IO exceptions in the presence of other effects, and the semi-automatic management of file handles and other resources through monadic regions. We extensively use and promote the new sort of `laziness', which underlies the left Kan extension: instead of performing an operation, keep its operands and pretend it is done.
Prenatal diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies.

BACKGROUND Haemoglobinopathies constitute a major health problem in the Indian subcontinent. In the absence of any method for achieving complete cure and treatment being expensive, prenatal diagnosis and selective termination of an affected foetus is a feasible option to decrease the disease load. We report our experience with prenatal diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies over a two-and-a-half year period in 257 pregnancies. METHODS Amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) was used to detect beta-thalassaemia, haemoglobin E and sickle cell mutations. RESULTS Five mutations in the beta-globin gene which are common in the Indian population were detected in 92.3% of mutant chromosomes, whereas 3.1% of chromosomes carried rare mutations followed by 0.8% haemoglobin E and 0.4% sickle cell mutations. Mutations in 3.3% chromosomes were uncharacterized. The prenatal procedure, carried out early in pregnancy, was a chorionic villus sampling in most cases. A confirmed diagnosis based on ARMS-PCR was given in 241 (93.8%) cases. In 10 cases (3.9%) linkage analysis was required to confirm the foetal status, as mutations in both parents were not identified or the chorionic villus sample carried the single identified mutation. Four families with haemoglobin E-beta thalassaemia and one family with sickle cell disease were also included. Of the study population, 91.25% of the couples had a previous child with haemoglobinopathy, whereas 8.75% of the couples came before the birth of the first affected child. CONCLUSION We conclude that ARMS-PCR is a highly sensitive technique for detecting mutations in the beta-globin gene and its efficacy in the prenatal diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies is proven.
Principles of neural coding.

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Deficiency of the Metalloproteinase-Disintegrin ADAM8 Is Associated with Thymic Hyper-Cellularity

Background Thymopoiesis requires thymocyte-stroma interactions and proteases that promote cell migration by degrading extracellular matrix and releasing essential cytokines and chemokines. A role for several members of the A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease (ADAM) family in T cell development has been reported in the past. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we present data indicating that the family member ADAM8 plays a role in thymic T cell development. We used qrtPCR on FACS sorted thymic subsets together with immunofluorescene to analyze thymic ADAM8 expression. We found that ADAM8 was expressed in murine thymic stromal cells and at lower levels in thymocytes where its expression increased as cell matured, suggesting involvement of ADAM8 in thymopoiesis. Further flow cytometry analysis revealed that ADAM8 deficient mice showed normal development and expansion of immature thymocyte subsets. There was however an intrathymic accumulation of single positive CD4 and CD8 T cells which was most noticeable in the late mature T cell subsets. Accumulation of single positive T cells coincided with changes in the thymic architecture manifest in a decreased cortex/medulla ratio and an increase in medullary epithelial cells as determined by histology and flow cytometry. The increase in single positive T cells was thymus-intrinsic, independent of progenitor homing to the thymus or thymic exit rate of mature T cells. Chemotaxis assays revealed that ADAM8 deficiency was associated with reduced migration of single positive thymocytes towards CCL21. Conclusions/Significance Our results show that ADAM8 is involved in T cell maturation in the medulla and suggest a role for this protease in fine-tuning maturation of thymocytes in the medulla. In contrast to ADAM10 and ADAM17 lack of ADAM8 appears to have a relatively minor impact on T cell development, which was unexpected given that maturation of thymocytes is dependent on proper localization and timing of migration.
STRATEGIC INFORMATION TRANSMISSION

This paper develops a model of strategic communication, in which a better-informed Sender (S) sends a possibly noisy signal to a Receiver (R), who then takes an action that determines the welfare of both. We characterize the set of Bayesian Nash equilibria under standard assumptions, and show that equilibrium signaling always takes a strikingly simple form, in which S partitions the support of the (scalar) variable that represents his private information and introduces noise into his signal by reporting, in effect, only which element of the partition his observation actually lies in. We show under further assumptions that before S observes his private information, the equilibrium whose partition has the greatest number of elements is Pareto-superior to all other equilibria, and that if agents coordinate on this equilibrium, R's equilibrium expected utility rises when agents' preferences become more similar. Since R bases his choice of action on rational expectations, this establishes a sense in which equilibrium signaling is more informative when agents' preferences are more similar.
What makes a good model of natural images?

Many low-level vision algorithms assume a prior probability over images, and there has been great interest in trying to learn this prior from examples. Since images are very non Gaussian, high dimensional, continuous signals, learning their distribution presents a tremendous computational challenge. Perhaps the most successful recent algorithm is the Fields of Experts (FOE) [20] model which has shown impressive performance by modeling image statistics with a product of potentials defined on filter outputs. However, as in previous models of images based on filter outputs [30], calculating the probability of an image given the model requires evaluating an intractable partition function. This makes learning very slow (requires Monte-Carlo sampling at every step) and makes it virtually impossible to compare the likelihood of two different models. Given this computational difficulty, it is hard to say whether nonintu-itive features learned by such models represent a true property of natural images or an artifact of the approximations used during learning. In this paper we present (1) tractable lower and upper bounds on the partition function of models based on filter outputs and (2) efficient learning algorithms that do not require any sampling. Our results are based on recent results in machine learning that deal with Gaussian potentials. We extend these results to non-Gaussian potentials and derive a novel, basis rotation algorithm for approximating the maximum likelihood filters. Our results allow us to (1) rigorously compare the likelihood of different models and (2) calculate high likelihood models of natural image statistics in a matter of minutes. Applying our results to previous models shows that the nonintuitive features are not an artifact of the learning process but rather are capturing robust properties of natural images.
A novel multialgoritmic approach for improving accuracy of iris recognition using Haar, multiresolution and new block sum method

The basic aim of biometric identification system is to discriminate automatically between subjects in a reliable and dependable way, according to specific-target application. The randomness of iris pattern makes it one of the most reliable biometric traits. The personal identification approaches using mutialgorithmic are more promising now a day. In this paper a multialgoritmic approach for feature extraction using, a new block-sum method, which results in a compact and efficient feature vector, Haar transform and multiresolution feature extraction techniques is used. The experimental results show that this technique gives most promising results as compared to the existing approaches.
Intracellular maturation and transport of the SV5 type II glycoprotein hemagglutinin-neuraminidase: specific and transient association with GRP78-BiP in the endoplasmic reticulum and extensive internalization from the cell surface

The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein of the paramyxovirus SV5 is a type II integral membrane protein that is expressed at the infected cell surface. The intracellular assembly and transport of HN in CV1 cells was examined using conformation-specific HN mAbs and sucrose density sedimentation analysis. HN was found to oligomerize with a t1/2 of 25-30 min and these data suggest the oligomer is a tetramer consisting primarily of two noncovalently associated disulfide- linked dimers. As HN oligomers could be found that were sensitive to endoglycosidase H digestion and oligomers formed in the presence of the ER to the Golgi complex transport inhibitor, carbonylcyanide m- chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), these data are consistent with HN oligomerization occurring in the ER. Unfolded or immature HN molecules that could not be recognized by conformation-specific antibodies were found to specifically associate with the resident ER protein GRP78-BiP. Immunoprecipitation of BiP-HN complexes with an immunoglobulin heavy- chain binding protein (BiP) antibody indicated that newly synthesized HN associated and dissociated from GRP78-BiP (t1/2 20-25 min) in an inverse correlation with the gain in reactivity with a HN conformation- specific antibody, suggesting that the transient association of GRP78- BiP with immature HN is part of the normal HN maturation pathway. After pulse-labeling of HN in infected cells, it was found that HN is rapidly turned over in cells (t1/2 2-2.5 h). This led to the finding that the vast majority of HN expressed at the cell surface, rather than being incorporated into budding virions, is internalized and degraded after localization to endocytic vesicles and lysosomes.
Combinatorial aspects of mirror symmetry

The purpose of this paper is to review some combinatorial ideas behind the mirror symmetry for Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces and complete intersections in Gorenstein toric Fano varieties. We suggest as a basic combinatorial object the notion of a Gorenstein polytope of index r. A natural combinatorial duality for d-dimensional Gorenstein polytopes of index r extends the well-known polar duality for reflexive polytopes (case r=1). We consider the Borisov duality between two nef-partitions as a duality between two Gorenstein polytopes P and P^* of index r together with selected special (r-1)-dimensional simplices S in P and S' in P^*. Different choices of these simplices suggest an interesting relation to Homological Mirror Symmetry.
Prostate-specific antigen bounce predicts for a favorable prognosis following brachytherapy: a meta-analysis

Purpose Controversy exists whether the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) bounce phenomenon following definitive radiation for prostate cancer has prognostic significance. Here, we perform a meta-analysis to determine the association between PSA bounce and biochemical control after brachytherapy alone. Material and methods We reviewed Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL citations through February 2012. Studies that recorded biochemical failure rates in bouncers and non-bouncers were included. Hazard ratios describing the impact of bounce on biochemical failure were extracted directly from the studies or calculated from survival curves. Pooled estimates were obtained using the inverse variance method. A random effects model was used in cases of significant effect heterogeneity (p < 0.10 using Q test). Results The final analysis included 3011 patients over 6 studies treated with brachytherapy. Meta-analysis revealed that patients experiencing PSA bounce after brachytherapy, conferred a decreased risk of biochemical failure (random effects model HR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30-0.59; p < 0.001). Conclusions Our meta-analysis determined that PSA bounce predicts for improved biochemical control following brachytherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing this effect.
JOB SATISFACTION OF HEALTH-CARE WORKERS AT HEALTH CENTERS IN VIENTIANE CAPITAL AND BOLIKHAMSAI PROVINCE, LAO PDR

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess job satisfaction levels among health-care workers and factors correlated with their overall job satisfaction. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2011 with 164 health-care workers using self-administered questionnaires on a six-point Likert scale. Categorical variables were reported using frequencies and median (interquartile range), while continuous data were using means and standard deviations. Spearman rho coefficients were computed to correlate the overall job satisfaction for each factor, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to evaluate the differences between demographic characteristics on overall job satisfaction. Of the 164 respondents, the majority were females (65.85%). Other dominant variables were married (76.83%), age ≥41 years old (44.51%), certified heath professional level (96.30%), nurse profession (59.10%), and working experience ≤5 years (55.49%). Participants were satisfied with 17 factors, but dissatisfied with salary levels at a mean score of (3.25). The highest satisfaction reported was for the freedom to choose the method of working with a mean score of 4.99, followed by the amount of variety on the job (4.96), amount of responsibility (4.90), and relationships with co-workers (4.90). The correlation coefficient between overall job satisfaction and main factors for job satisfaction-conflict resolution at work, relationships with co-workers, and organizational structure were (0.79), (0.76), and (0.71), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in age group, working experience and position (P<0.05). In conclusion, health-care workers at health centers in Lao PDR were generally satisfied with their job except for their salary. The main factors that correlate with their overall job satisfaction were conflict resolutions at work, relationships with other co-workers, and organizational structure.
Role-based urban post-disaster mobility model for search and rescue operations

Technology can highly improve search and rescue operations especially happening after a large scale disaster. However, before novel systems can be deployed in a large scale, the concepts need to be tested and validated through appropriate modeling and simulation tools. To this purpose, in this paper we present a mobility model addressing the vital initial stages right after the occurrence of an urban disaster event. We implemented the model into a simulator in order to study and refine the model itself, and used it to test applications targeting urban disaster scenarios. In order to show the capabilities of the model and of the simulator, we propose an application where victims are passively involved in the search and rescue operations through their mobile devices. Results show that victims' involvement in exchanging information has a great benefit for search and rescue operations.
Learning complex motions by sequencing simpler motion templates

Abstraction of complex, longer motor tasks into simpler elemental movements enables humans and animals to exhibit motor skills which have not yet been matched by robots. Humans intuitively decompose complex motions into smaller, simpler segments. For example when describing simple movements like drawing a triangle with a pen, we can easily name the basic steps of this movement. Surprisingly, such abstractions have rarely been used in artificial motor skill learning algorithms. These algorithms typically choose a new action (such as a torque or a force) at a very fast time-scale. As a result, both policy and temporal credit assignment problem become unnecessarily complex - often beyond the reach of current machine learning methods. We introduce a new framework for temporal abstractions in reinforcement learning (RL), i.e. RL with motion templates. We present a new algorithm for this framework which can learn high-quality policies by making only few abstract decisions.
MoTrIS: a framework for route planning on multimodal transportation networks

In this paper, we present MoTrIS, a service-oriented framework which enables spatio-temporal query processing on multimodal networks that are composed of a road network and one or more schedule-based transportation networks. MoTrIS provides a remote access API, which allows for the development of applications that require the processing of routing queries on multimodal networks. We discuss the architecture of MoTrIS and we elaborate on each of its individual components. The data input module allows for the import of data from various sources into a spatial-enabled relational database. The network module builds a multimodal network by combining a road network with one or more transportation networks. The timetable module stores and queries the schedule for each transportation mode. The query processing module enables the execution of queries over the multimodal network. The visualization module exports the results into a visualizable format. Finally, we present a web application which allows users to create, modify and test advanced spatio-temporal services, and we demonstrate all the necessary steps for a user to build such a new service.
High-Speed Booth Encoded Parallel Multiplier Design

This paper presents a design methodology for high-speed Booth encoded parallel multiplier. For partial product generation, we propose a new modified Booth encoding (MBE) scheme to improve the performance of traditional MBE schemes. For final addition, a new algorithm is developed to construct multiple-level conditional-sum adder (MLCSMA). The proposed algorithm can optimize final adder according to the given cell properties and input delay profile. Compared with a binary tree-based conditional-sum adder, the speed performance improvement is up to 25 percent. On average, the design developed herein reduces the total delay by 8 percent for parallel multiplier. The whole design has been verified by gate level simulation.
Loris - A Dependable, Modular File-Based Storage Stack

The arrangement of file systems and volume management/RAID systems, together commonly referred to as the storage stack, has remained the same for several decades, despite significant changes in hardware, software and usage scenarios. In this paper, we evaluate the traditional storage stack along three dimensions: reliability, heterogeneity and flexibility. We highlight several major problems with the traditional stack. We then present Loris, our redesign of the storage stack, and we evaluate several aspects of Loris.