Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study on the evaluation of HPC microservices in containerized environment

Containers are gaining popularity over virtual machines as they provide the advantages of virtualization with the performance of near bare metal. The uniformity of support provided by Docker containers across different cloud providers makes them a popular choice for developers. Evolution of microservice architecture allows complex applications to be structured into independent modular components making them easier to manage. High‐performance computing (HPC) applications are one such application to be deployed as microservices, placing significant resource requirements on the container framework. However, there is a possibility of interference between different microservices hosted within the same container (intracontainer) and different containers (intercontainer) on the same physical host. In this paper, we describe an extensive experimental investigation to determine the performance evaluation of Docker containers executing heterogeneous HPC microservices. We are particularly concerned with how intracontainer and intercontainer interference influences the performance. Moreover, we investigate the performance variations in Docker containers when control groups (cgroups) are used for resource limitation. For ease of presentation and reproducibility, we use Cloud Evaluation Experiment Methodology (CEEM) to conduct our comprehensive set of experiments. We expect that the results of evaluation can be used in understanding the behavior of HPC microservices in the interfering containerized environment.
Estimation of the risk for nutritional state degradation in patients with cancer: development of a screening tool based on results from a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND In routine practice, the evaluation of the nutritional status of patients with cancer is not always performed although there is frequent modification as disease progresses. The validated screening and evaluation tools currently available are time-consuming and costly. In this study we analysed factors that could be used to identify patients likely to need nutritional surveillance or intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out for 2 weeks in June 2006 on 477 patients with cancer. RESULTS 30.2% of the patients had lost more than 10% of their body weight since the start of the illness. After adjustment, the factors significantly associated with weight loss were: depressive state (OR = 3.49; P = 0.002), digestive or ENT tumours (OR = 3.20; P = <0.001), chemotherapy (OR = 2.66; P = 0.011), male gender (OR = 2.30; P = 0.001) and professional status (OR = 2.08; P = 0.02). Using a logistic model, we calculated the risk of weight loss as a function of the presence of the identified predictive factors. CONCLUSION We report a simple screening tool, which will not replace the available evaluation methods but will enable targeting of the patients most likely, after a specific evaluation, to benefit from nutritional intervention. This remains to be validated in further prospective studies.
A Novel High Step-up DC/DC Converter Based on Integrating Coupled Inductor and Switched-Capacitor Techniques for Renewable Energy Applications

In this paper, a novel high step-up dc/dc converter is presented for renewable energy applications. The suggested structure consists of a coupled inductor and two voltage multiplier cells, in order to obtain high step-up voltage gain. In addition, two capacitors are charged during the switch-off period, using the energy stored in the coupled inductor which increases the voltage transfer gain. The energy stored in the leakage inductance is recycled with the use of a passive clamp circuit. The voltage stress on the main power switch is also reduced in the proposed topology. Therefore, a main power switch with low resistance RDS (ON) can be used to reduce the conduction losses. The operation principle and the steady-state analyses are discussed thoroughly. To verify the performance of the presented converter, a 300-W laboratory prototype circuit is implemented. The results validate the theoretical analyses and the practicability of the presented high step-up converter.
Functional annotation of orthologous groups by using hierarchical multi label classification

Background The method of correlating gene occurrence patterns in selected organisms, termed phylogenetic profiling, has proven to be a useful tool in functional genomics [1]. The reasoning behind this strategy of elucidating gene function lies in the presumption that genes having been found and lost together during evolution (signalled by their occurrence pattern in the phylogenetic profile) are involved in closely related biological functions.
A fast switching segmented anode NPN controlled LIGBT

An ultrafast low energy loss lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) with a novel segmented anode structure is demonstrated. The anode comprises segments of p/sup +/ and n/sup +//p (n/sup +/ region formed within a p-type region) along the width of the device. By simply varying the ratio of these segments the tradeoff between conduction and switching losses can be varied. Unlike an anode shorted structure this does not exhibit an undesirable snapback in its on-state characteristics. This structure is simple to realize in a CDMOS process without the need for any additional process steps.
An R&D-Based Endogenous Growth Model of International Tourism

According to the tourism area life cycle (TALC) model of Butler (1980), the evolution of a touristic destination follows an S-shaped curve which is upper-bounded by its carrying capacity, usually assumed to be a fixed constant. This forecast prevents a tourism-based economy from maintaining positive growth rates in the long run. However, infrastructures, transportation networks, accommodation facilities and the variety of attractions can be broadened to increase the tourism carrying capacity. In this paper, innovation is the motor of carrying capacity growth. The model follows the tradition of R&D-based endogenous growth models and allows the long-run sustainability of economic growth in a tourism-specialized economy. Along a balanced growth path, the income from tourism grows at the same rate as the innovation, and the carrying capacity will grow as the rate of innovation surpasses the foreign economic growth rate. The long-term growth of the economy depends on the real exchange rate.
Perceptual learning of non-native speech contrast and functioning of the olivocochlear bundle

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceptual learning of non-native speech sounds and strength of feedback in the medial olivocochlear bundle (MOCB). Discrimination abilities of non-native speech sounds (Malayalam) from its native counterparts (Hindi) were monitored during 12 days of training. Contralateral inhibition of otoacoustic emissions were measured on the first and twelfth day of training. Results suggested that training significantly improved reaction time and accuracy of identification of non-native speech sounds. There was a significant positive correlation between the slope (linear) of identification scores and change in distortion product otoacoustic emission inhibition at 3000 Hz. Findings suggest that during perceptual learning feedback from the MOCB may fine tune the brain stem and/or cochlea. However, such a change, isolated to a narrow frequency region, represents a limited effect and needs further exploration to confirm and/or extend any generalization of findings. Sumario El propósito de este estudio fue investigar la relación entre el aprendizaje perceptual de sonidos no nativos del lenguaje y la fuerza de la retroalimentación en el fascículo olivo-coclear medial (MOCD). Se monitoreó la capacidad de discriminación de sonidos no nativos del lenguaje (Mayayalam) con sus contrapartes nativas (Hindi) durante un entrenamiento de 12 días. Se midió la inhibición contralateral de las emisiones otoacústicas en el primero y el último día del entrenamiento. Los resultados sugieren que el entrenamiento mejoró significativamente el tiempo de reacción y la exactitud de identificación de los sonidos no nativos del lenguaje. Existió una correlación significativamente positiva entre la pendiente (lineal) de los puntajes de identificación y el cambio en la inhibición de las emisiones otoacústicas por productos de distorsión en 3000 Hz. Los hallazgos sugieren que durante el aprendizaje perceptual, la retroalimentación del MOCB puede afinar las funciones del tallo cerebral y/o la cóclea. Sin embargo, tal cambio, limitado a una región estrecha de frecuencia, representa un efecto limitado y requiere de una exploración ulterior para confirmar y/o extender cualquier generalización sobre los hallazgos.
Oscillating perfusion of cell suspensions through three‐dimensional scaffolds enhances cell seeding efficiency and uniformity

We developed a bioreactor for automated cell seeding of three‐dimensional scaffolds by continuous perfusion of a cell suspension through the scaffold pores in oscillating directions. Using quantitative biochemical and image analysis techniques, we then evaluated the efficiency and uniformity of perfusion seeding of Polyactive foams as compared to conventional static and spinner flask methods. Finally, we assessed the efficacy of the perfusion seeding technique for different scaffolds and cell types. Perfusion seeding of chondrocytes into Polyactive foams resulted in “viable cell seeding efficiencies,” defined as the percentages of initially loaded cells that were seeded and remained viable, that were significantly higher (75 ± 6%) than those by static (57% ± 5%) and spinner flask seeding (55% ± 8%). In addition, as compared to static and spinner flask methods, cells seeded by perfusion were respectively 2.6‐fold and 3.8‐fold more uniformly distributed and formed more homogeneously sized cell clusters. Chondrocytes seeded by perfusion into Hyaff®‐11 nonwoven meshes were 26% and 63%, respectively, more uniformly distributed than following static and spinner flask seeding. Bone marrow stromal cells seeded by perfusion into ChronOS™ porous ceramics were homogeneously distributed throughout the scaffold volume, while following the static method, cells were found only near the top surface of the ceramic. In summary, we demonstrated that our cell seeding perfusion bioreactor generated constructs with remarkably uniform cell distributions at high efficiencies, and was effective for a variety of scaffolds and different mesenchymal cell types. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 84: 205–214, 2003.
The computational performance of a high-order coupled FEM/BEM procedure in electropotential problems

Presents a thorough analysis of the computational performance of a coupled cubic Hermite boundary element/finite element procedure. This C/sup 1/ (i.e., value and derivative continuous) method has been developed specifically for electropotential problems, and has been previously applied to torso and skull problems. Here, the behavior of this new procedure is quantified by solving a number of dipole in spheres problems. A detailed set of results generated with a wide range of the various input parameters (such as dipole orientation, location, conductivity, and solution method used in each spherical shell [either finite element or boundary elements]) is presented. The new cubic Hermite boundary element procedure shows significantly better accuracy and convergence properties and a significant reduction in CPU time than a traditional boundary element procedure which uses linear or constant elements. Results using the high-order method are also compared with other computational methods which have had quantitative results published for electropotential problems. In all eases, the high-order method offered a significant improvement in computational efficiency by increasing the solution accuracy for the same, or fewer, solution degrees of freedom.
Suitability of oligonucleotide‐mediated cystic fibrosis gene repair in airway epithelial cells

Non‐viral vector‐mediated targeted gene repair could become a useful alternative to classical gene addition strategies. The methodology guarantees a physiologically regulated and persistent expression of the repaired gene, with reported gene conversion and phenotypic correction efficiencies approaching 40–50% in some in vitro and in vivo models of disease. This is particularly important for cystic fibrosis (CF) because of its complex pathophysiology and the cellular heterogeneity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene expression and function in the lung.
Prediction of chemical composition of South African Medicago sativa L. hay from a near infrared reflectance spectroscopy spectrally structured sample population

The near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict chemical and digestibility parameters was investigated. Samples (n = 168) representing the spectral characteristics of the South African Medicago sativa L. hay population were chemically analysed for the development of calibration equations. Values for r² and ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) used as estimates of calibration accuracy for these parameters were classified as follows: good for dry matter (DM) (r² = 0.97; RPD = 4.84), crude protein (CP) (r² = 0.97; RPD = 4.57), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (r² = 0.95; RPD = 3.97), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (r² = 0.95; RPD = 3.99), lignin (r² = 0.94; RPD = 3.61), ash (r² = 0.93; RPD = 3.12) and chloride (Cl) (r² = 0.95; RPD = 3.74); intermediate for NDF-crude protein (NDF-CP) (r² = 0.91; RPD = 2.96), sugar (r² = 0.91; RPD = 2.82), in vitro organic matter digestibility at 24 hr (IVOMD24) (r² = 0.90; RPD = 2.84) and 48 hr (IVOMD48) (r² = 0.89; RPD = 2.70); and low (RPD <2.31) for soluble protein (SP), ADF-crude protein (ADF-CP), fat, starch, NDF digestibility (NDFD) and the macro minerals (Ca, P, Mg, P, Na and S). The results recorded in the present study indicated that the NIRS technique is acceptable for DM, CP, ADF, NDF, lignin, ash and Cl analysis and for inclusion in quality models.
Icelandic boom and bust: immigration and the housing market

Abstract The housing market boom in Iceland in 2004–2007 was driven by international and domestic developments. A simple demand and supply model is fitted to data through the recent boom–bust period. The price equation (demand) is improved by including net immigration as an explanatory variable showing that demographic factors, in addition to mortgage market restructuring, help in explaining swings in the housing market. Evidence of a house price bubble is no longer detected when accounting for the effects of immigration with 1 per cent net immigration yielding a 4–6 per cent rise in house prices. Accuracy in forecasting house price developments is improved by accounting for housing investment behaviour in a separate (supply) equation. The sharp fall in housing investment in 2009 cannot, however, be modelled without the introduction of a dummy variable, accounting for the sudden stop in financing as the Icelandic banking sector failed in late 2008.
Genetic Regulatory Elements Introduced Into Neural Stem and Progenitor Cell Populations

The genetic manipulation of neural cells has advantage in both basic biology and medicine. Its utility has provided a clearer understanding of how the survival, connectivity, and chemical phenotype of neurones is regulated during, and after, embryogenesis. Much of this achievement has come from the recent generation by genetic means of reproducible and representative supplies of precursor cells which can then be analyzed in a variety of paradigms. Furthermore, advances made in the clinical use of transplantation for neurodegenerative disease have created a demand for an abundant, efficacious and safe supply of neural cells for grafting. This review describes how genetic methods, in juxtaposition to epigenetic means, have been used advantageously to achieve this goal. In particular, we detail how gene transfer techniques have been developed to enable cell immortalization, manipulation of cell differentation and commitment, and the controlled selection of cells for purification or safety purposes. In addition, it is now also possible to genetically modify antigen presentation on cell surfaces. Finally, there is detailed the transfer of therapeutic products to discrete parts of the central nervous system (CNS), using neural cells as elegant and sophisticated delivery vehicles.
Amino acid sequence of the regulatory subunit of bovine type I adenosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate dependent protein kinase.

The complete amino acid sequence of the regulatory subunit of type I cAMP-dependent protein kinase from bovine skeletal muscle is presented. The S-carboxymethylated protein was cleaved with cyanogen bromide to provide a complete set of nonoverlapping fragments. These fragments were overlapped and aligned by using peptides generated by proteolytic cleavage. The protein contains 379 amino acid residues corresponding to a molecular weight of 42 804. As in the type II regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, a pattern of internal gene duplication is observed, which is consistent with two cAMP-binding domains. The two types of regulatory subunit from type I and type II kinase display similarities in domain substructure and in amino acid sequence, which provide a molecular basis for new insight into their regulatory roles. Detailed analyses of the homology of the regulatory subunits of type I and type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase and of similar relationships to cGMP-dependent protein kinase and Escherichia coli catabolite gene activator protein are presented in accompanying reports from this laboratory [Takio, K. , Smith, S. B. , Krebs, E. G. , Walsh, K. , & Titani, K. (1984) Biochemistry (second paper of three in this issue); Takio, K. , Wade, R. D. , Smith, S. B. , Krebs, E. G. , Walsh, K. A. , & Titani, K. (1984) Biochemistry (third paper of three in this issue)].
Different yokes for different folks: Individual preferences, institutional logics, and the commercialization of academic research

In this chapter, we review the literature that analyzes how the peculiar missions, rules, and incentive systems in the scientific community affect the process and outcomes of the commercialization of academic research. We will focus on how the peculiar institutional logics of academia determine the decision of academics to commercialize their research, and how these logics affect the outsourcing of research from firms to academic laboratories, as well as the attempts of firms to reproduce academic incentive systems within their research labs by allowing their researchers to publish and offering them financial rewards based on their standing in the scientific community. Finally, we report on research that has analyzed how the rules of the scientific community might lead to the production, transfer, and commercialization of false knowledge.
Identity Meanings and Online Interactions of Hybrid Transnational Communities of Immigants

This paper investigates identity in Hybrid Transnational Communities of Immigrants. As predicted by the integrated theory of identity, members enact different salient identities based on situational factors. Community members do enact their placebased identity. However, their role-based identities in the physically community are also brought over to the virtual community. The connection of the virtual community to a geographic location provides members with a tool to verify the identity of others. Members ask or disclose information that can only be known to locals providing a natural filter to screen insiders from outsiders. Members deny their support to any mechanisms to verify the identity of people participating. Even if such mechanisms were enforced, the identity verification is limited because virtual communities have no power, authority or means to verify the identity disclosed.
Predictive value of testicular histology in secretory azoospermic subgroups and clinical outcome after microinjection of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm and spermatids.

BACKGROUND A retrospective study was carried out on 159 treatment cycles in 148 secretory azoospermic patients to determine whether histopathological secretory azoospermic subgroups were predictive for gamete retrieval, and to evaluate outcome of microinjection using fresh or frozen-thawed testicular sperm and spermatids. METHODS Sperm and spermatids were recovered by open testicular biopsy and microinjected into oocytes. Fertilization and pregnancy rates were assessed. RESULTS In hypoplasia, 97.7% of the 44 patients had late spermatids/sperm recovered. In maturation-arrest (MA; 47 patients), 31.9% had complete MA, and 68.1% incomplete MA due to a focus of early (36.2%) or late (31.9%) spermiogenesis. Gamete retrieval was achieved in 53.3, 41.2 and 93.3% of the cases respectively. In Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS; 57 patients), 61.4% were complete SCOS, whereas incomplete SCOS cases showed one focus of MA (5.3%), or of early (29.8%) and late (3.5%) spermiogenesis. Only 29.8% of the patients had a successful gamete retrieval, 2.9% in complete and 77.3% in incomplete SCOS cases. In total, there were 87 ICSI, 39 elongated spermatid injection (ELSI) and 33 round spermatid injection (ROSI) treatment cycles, with mean values of fertilization rate of 71.4, 53.6 and 17%, and clinical pregnancy rates of 31.7, 26.3 and 0% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Histopathological subgroups were positively correlated with successful gamete retrieval. No major outcome differences were observed between testicular sperm and elongated spermatids, either fresh or frozen-thawed. However, injection of intact round-spermatids showed very low rates of fertilization and no pregnancies.
A unique mouse strain expressing Cre recombinase for tissue‐specific analysis of gene function in palate and kidney development

Mammalian palate development is a multistep process, involving initial bilateral downward outgrowth of the palatal shelves from the oral side of the maxillary processes, followed by stage‐specific palatal shelf elevation to the horizontal position above the developing tongue and subsequent fusion of the bilateral palatal shelves at the midline to form the intact roof of the oral cavity. While mutations in many genes have been associated with cleft palate pathogenesis, the molecular mechanisms regulating palatal shelf growth, patterning, and elevation are not well understood. Genetic studies of the molecular mechanisms controlling palate development in mutant mouse models are often complicated by early embryonic lethality or gross craniofacial malformation. We report here the development of a mouse strain for tissue‐specific analysis of gene function in palate development. We inserted an IresCre bicistronic expression cassette into the 3′ untranslated region of the mouse Osr2 gene through gene targeting. We show, upon crossing to the R26R reporter mice, that Cre expression from the Osr2IresCre knockin allele activated β‐galactosidase expression specifically throughout the developing palatal mesenchyme from the onset of palatal shelf outgrowth. In addition, the Osr2IresCre mice display exclusive Cre‐mediated recombination in the glomeruli tissues derived from the metanephric mesenchyme and complete absence of Cre activity in other epithelial and mesenchymal tissues in the developing metanephric kidney. These data indicate that the Osr2IresCre knockin mice provide a unique tool for tissue‐specific studies of the molecular mechanisms regulating palate and kidney development. genesis 45:618–624, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.