Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cobra: A Framework for Cost-Based Rewriting of Database Applications

Database applications are typically written using a mixture of imperative languages and declarative frameworks for data processing. Data processing logic gets distributed across the declarative and imperative parts of a program. Often, there is more than one way to implement the same program, whose efficiency may depend on a number of parameters. In this paper, we propose a framework that automatically generates all equivalent alternatives to a given program using a given set of program transformations, and chooses the least cost alternative. We use the concept of program regions as an algebraic abstraction of a program and extend the Volcano/Cascades framework for optimization of algebraic expressions, to optimize programs. We illustrate the use of our framework for optimizing database applications. We show through experimental results, that our framework has wide applicability in real-world applications and provides significant performance benefits.
Similar treatment outcomes with Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 and donepezil in Alzheimer’s dementia in very old age: A retrospective observational study

Objective: To provide pilot data for the safety and efficacy of EGb 761 in the oldest-old patients (aged 80 or older). Materials and methods: In a retrospective analysis, we compared treatment outcomes with EGb 761 or donepezil over 12 months in 189 patients aged 80 years or older suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Results: Over 12 months, there was no significant difference in cognitive decline, measured with the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score, between donepezil and EGb 761 (p = 0.31). We found more adverse events in the donepezil group. Conclusion: Results suggest similar effects on cognitive symptoms from the use of EGb 761 in the treatment of dementia in AD together with favorable safety compared to donepezil.
Loss of Glyoxalase 1 Induces Compensatory Mechanism to Achieve Dicarbonyl Detoxification in Mammalian Schwann Cells*

The glyoxalase system is a highly specific enzyme system existing in all mammalian cells that is responsible for the detoxification of dicarbonyl species, primarily methylglyoxal (MG). It has been implicated to play an essential role in preventing the increased formation of advanced glycation end products under certain pathological conditions. We have established the first glyoxalase 1 knock-out model (GLO1−/−) in mammalian Schwann cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to investigate compensatory mechanisms. Neither elevated concentrations of MG nor associated protein modifications were observed in GLO1−/− cells. Alternative detoxification of MG in GLO1−/− is achieved by increased catalytic efficiency of aldose reductase toward hemithioacetal (product of glutathione and MG), which is most likely caused by S-nitrosylation of aldose reductase. The hemithioacetal is mainly converted into lactaldehyde, which is paralleled by a loss of reduced glutathione. Inhibition of aldose reductase in GLO1−/− cells is associated with an increased sensitivity against MG, elevated intracellular MG levels, associated modifications, as well as increased oxidative stress. Our data suggest that aldose reductase can compensate for the loss of GLO1. This might be of clinical importance within the context of neuronal diseases caused by an impaired glyoxalase system and elevated levels of dicarbonyl species, such as MG.
Ventilation, indoor air quality, and health in homes undergoing weatherization

Ventilation standards, health, and indoor air quality have not been adequately examined for residential weatherization. This randomized trial showed how ASHRAE 62-1989 (n=39 houses) and ASHRAE 62.2-2010 (n=42 houses) influenced ventilation rates, moisture balance, indoor air quality, and self-reported physical and mental health outcomes. Average total airflow was nearly twice as high for ASHRAE 62.2-2010 (79 vs. 39 cfm). Volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and carbon dioxide were all significantly reduced for the newer standard and first-floor radon was marginally lower, but for the older standard, only formaldehyde significantly decreased. Humidity in the ASHRAE 62.2-2010 group was only about half that of the ASHRAE 62-1989 group using the moisture balance metric. Radon was higher in the basement but lower on the first floor for ASHRAE 62.2-2010. Children in each group had fewer headaches, eczema, and skin allergies after weatherization and adults had improvements in psychological distress. Indoor air quality and health improve when weatherization is accompanied by an ASHRAE residential ventilation standard, and the 2010 ASHRAE standard has greater improvements in certain outcomes compared to the 1989 standard. Weatherization, home repair, and energy conservation projects should use the newer ASHRAE standard to improve indoor air quality and health.
Two-frame stereo photography in low-light settings: a preliminary study

Image-pairs captured from a rig of two, carefully arranged cameras are increasingly used to reconstruct partial 3D information. A crucial step in this reconstruction is the matching of points in the two images that are projections of the same 3D point through each camera. Despite receiving much attention, algorithms to match correspondencing points in two-frame stereo images are both slow, as well as surprisingly fragile. The problem is exacerbated by noise or blur in the input images because of the potential ambiguities they introduce in the matching process. For scenes that are poorly illuminated, it is necessary to make a combination of three adjustments: To increase the size of the aperture to allow more light; to increase the duration of exposure; and to increase the sensor-gain (ISO). These adjustments potentially introduce defocus, motion blur and noise --- all of which adversely affect reconstruction. We present an exploratory study of how they relatively affect stereo-correspondence algorithms by comparing the accuracy and precision of three reconstruction algorithms over the space of exposures.
Estimating controlled direct effects in the presence of intermediate confounding of the mediator–outcome relationship: Comparison of five different methods

In mediation analysis between an exposure X and an outcome Y, estimation of the direct effect of X on Y by usual regression after adjustment for the mediator M may be biased if Z is a confounder between M and Y, and is also affected by X. Alternative methods have been described to avoid such a bias: inverse probability of treatment weighting with and without weight truncation, the sequential g-estimator and g-computation. Our aim was to compare the usual linear regression adjusted for M to these methods when estimating the controlled direct effect between X and Y in the causal structure and to explore the size of the potential bias. Estimations were computed in several simulated data sets as well as real data. We observed an increased bias of the controlled direct effect estimation using linear regression adjusted for M for larger effects of X on M and larger effects of Z on M. The sequential g-estimator and g-computation gave unbiased estimations with adequate coverage values in every situation studied. With continuous exposure X and mediator M, inverse probability of treatment weighting resulted in some bias and less satisfactory coverage for large effects of X on M and Z on M.
Leveraging Lotteries for School Value-Added: Testing and Estimation

Conventional value-added models (VAMs) compare average test scores across schools after regression-adjusting for students’ demographic characteristics and previous scores. This paper tests for VAM bias using a procedure that asks whether VAM estimates accurately predict the achievement consequences of random assignment to specific schools. Test results from admissions lotteries in Boston suggest conventional VAM estimates are biased, which motivates the development of a hierarchical model describing the joint distribution of school value-added, bias, and lottery compliance. We use this model to assess the substantive importance of bias in conventional VAM estimates and to construct hybrid value-added estimates that optimally combine ordinary least squares and lottery-based instrumental variables estimates of VAM parameters. The hybrid estimation strategy provides a general recipe for combining non-experimental and quasi-experimental estimates. While still biased, hybrid school value-added estimates have lower mean squared error than conventional VAM estimates. Simulations calibrated to the Boston data show that, bias notwithstanding, policy decisions based on conventional VAMs are likely to generate substantial achievement gains. Hybrid estimates that incorporate lotteries yield further gains.
Rhythmic Pattern Extraction by Community Detection in Complex Networks

In this paper, we study musical knowledge extraction and discrimination. Specifically, we propose a method for automatic extraction of drums rhythmic patterns of music and the rhythmic summarization of a set of songs from the same artist. A musical piece is generally formed of one or more predefined rhythmic patterns and such patterns are composed of rhythmic cells (RC), which are groups of rhythmic figures derived from n-th division of a larger rhythmic figure. At the pre-processing and encoding phase, the RCs of drums percussion lines are represented in duration-weighted notation (DWN). Then, the vector of DWM is encoded to be free of the dimensional dependence on the number of figures in the RC. After that, a network is constructed from the encoded DWM using the method proposed in this paper. We find that the rhythmic patterns of the musical work are related to the formation of communities in the network. In this work, two community detection algorithms are used: Louvain algorithm for the disjoint community detection and Bayesian Nonnegative Matrix Factorization algorithm (BNMF) for detecting overlapping communities. Moreover, a new measure for quantifying the relevance of communities to differentiate types of rhythmic patterns is introduced. The proposed technique has been applied to automatic extraction of drums rhythmic pattern of the song "Drive my car" by The Beatles. Experimental results show good performance of the proposed method.
Fibromyalgia syndrome: considerations for dental hygienists.

PURPOSE Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a neurosensory disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Typically persistent fatigue, depression, limb stiffness, non-refreshing sleep and cognitive deficiencies are also experienced. Oral symptoms and pain are common, requiring adaptations in patient management strategies and treatment interventions. Appropriate dental hygiene care of patients suffering with this disorder is contingent upon an understanding of disease epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, oral signs and symptoms, as well as treatment approaches. With this information dental hygienists will be better prepared to provide appropriate and effective treatment to patients with FMS.
A multifunctional three-phase grid-connected single-stage SPV system using an intelligent adaptive control technique

In this paper, a multifunctional three-phase grid-connected single-stage solar photovoltaic (SPV) system is presented using an intelligent adaptive control technique. The system configures a SPV array, VSC (Voltage Source Converter), interfacing inductors, ripple filter and three-phase grid connected nonlinear loads. The system is multifunctional as it provides functions of two different modes: 1) It acts as a SPV energy conversion system supplying active power to the loads and grid as well as a DSTATCOM (Distributed Static Compensator), and 2) It acts as a DSTATCOM alone, when SPV generation is unavailable and mitigates several power quality issues such as harmonics attenuation, voltage fluctuations and flickers, reactive power compensation, power factor correction (PFC) and load balancing. It uses a single-stage converter topology with variable step-size least mean fourth (VSS-LMF) derived adaptive control technique for VSC switching incorporating perturb and observe (P&O) method for MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking). The performance of the presented system is validated through experimental results obtained on the developed laboratory prototype.
Study of Additive Dither on Restraining Signal Truncation Error

Owing to the limited calculation precision during digital signal processing, the intermediate stages’ signal-bit-width truncation should be executed to realize the conversion from high precision to low one. As method of direct truncation will degenerate the Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) performance of the output signal, this paper proposed that additional digital dither should be added before operation of truncation, which could decline the harmonic distortion efficiently and extend the dynamic range of the truncated signal significantly. Two simulations for truncation operation towards signal with additive Gaussian dither and uniform dither are carried out to prove the validity of the proposed method. Comparative studies demonstrate that the proposed algorithm applied in Gaussian dithering and uniform dithering could improve the output SFDR performance by about 16dB and 15dB respectively.
Slippage Detection with Piezoresistive Tactile Sensors

One of the crucial actions to be performed during a grasping task is to avoid slippage. The human hand can rapidly correct applied forces and prevent a grasped object from falling, thanks to its advanced tactile sensing. The same capability is hard to reproduce in artificial systems, such as robotic or prosthetic hands, where sensory motor coordination for force and slippage control is very limited. In this paper, a novel algorithm for slippage detection is presented. Based on fast, easy-to-perform processing, the proposed algorithm generates an ON/OFF signal relating to the presence/absence of slippage. The method can be applied either on the raw output of a force sensor or to its calibrated force signal, and yields comparable results if applied to both normal or tangential components. A biomimetic fingertip that integrates piezoresistive MEMS sensors was employed for evaluating the method performance. Each sensor had four units, thus providing 16 mono-axial signals for the analysis. A mechatronic platform was used to produce relative movement between the finger and the test surfaces (tactile stimuli). Three surfaces with submillimetric periods were adopted for the method evaluation, and 10 experimental trials were performed per each surface. Results are illustrated in terms of slippage events detection and of latency between the slippage itself and its onset.
Role of microRNA-146a in regulation of fibrosis in orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves’ orbitopathy

Aim To examine the role of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) in the regulation of fibrosis in an in vitro model of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). Methods Orbital fat/connective tissues were harvested from patients with GO and non-GO for primary orbital fibroblast cultures. The effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a potent cytokine that promotes fibrosis, on miR-146a expression were analysed in GO and non-GO orbital fibroblasts using quantitative real-time PCR. The effects of overexpressed miR-146a on TGF-β-induced fibrotic markers were examined in GO orbital fibroblasts by western blot analysis. Expression ofSma and Mad related family (Smad) 4/tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) after transfection of miR-146a mimics or inhibitors were examined. Results TGF-β induced an increase in miR-146a expression in orbital fibroblasts from patients with GO in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. miR-146a mimics further decreased the production of TGF-β-induced fibronectin, collagen Iα and α-smooth muscle actin protein. The Smad4 and TRAF6 protein levels were significantly decreased by miR-146a mimics, compared with control mimics, and significantly increased on inhibition of miR-146a production compared with a control. Conclusions miR-146a plays a role as a negative regulator in the production of TGF-β-induced fibrotic markers. Thus, miR-146a may be involved in the regulation of fibrosis in orbital fibroblasts from patients with GO.
Comparative copper sensitivity between life stages of common subantarctic marine invertebrates

The development of environmental guidelines in the Antarctic and subantarctic is essential, because expansion of research, tourism, and fishing is placing these regions at increasing risk of contamination. Data are currently insufficient to create the region‐specific guidelines needed for the unique conditions in these areas. To develop the most appropriate environmental guidelines, data from the most sensitive life stages of a species should be included to ensure effective protection throughout its life cycle. It is generally accepted that early life stages are more sensitive to contaminants. We compared the toxicity of copper between juvenile and adult life stages of 4 subantarctic marine invertebrates using sublethal and lethal endpoints. For 2 of the species tested, juveniles were more sensitive than adults. (The 7‐d median effect concentration [EC50] values for the gastropod Laevilittorina caliginosa were 79 μg/L at the juvenile stage and 125 μg/L at the adult; for the flatworm Obrimoposthia ohlini, values were 190 μg/L at the juvenile stage and 300 μg/L at the adult.) For the isopod Limnoria stephenseni, juveniles were either more sensitive or of equal sensitivity to adults (7‐d EC50 values: juvenile 278 μg/L and adult 320 μg/L). In contrast, for the bivalve Gaimardia trapesina, adults appeared to be more sensitive than young adults (7‐d EC50 values: juvenile 23 μg/L and adult <10–20 μg/L). Although no consistent trend in the sensitivity of life history stages was observed, the present study contributes important information for the development of water quality guidelines in polar regions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:807–815. © 2017 SETAC
Impact of Chosen Error Criteria in RSS-based Localization: Power vs Distance vs Relative Distance Error Minimization

The paper focus is on the minimum mean square error (MSE) estimation methods in RSS-based localization techniques. We in particular discuss three different error criteria: i) minimizing the mean square distance error (distance-based MSE), ii) minimizing the mean square power error (power-based MSE), iii) minimizing the mean square relative distance error (relative distance-based MSE). The goal is to assess the impact of the chosen error criterion on the estimate accuracy. Simulation results show that i) flip ambiguities in the position estimate may occur when the node to be positioned is very close to the signal source, ii) in presence of flip ambiguities, provided that RSS measurements are combined with information about the signal arrival direction, relative distance-based MSE minimization offers better accuracy in a bi-dimensional localization scenario1.
Microsatellite libraries enriched for several microsatellite sequences in plants.

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), or microsatellites, have been isolated and characterized from numerous animal and plant species (6,7). These sequences have been shown to be highly polymorphic between individuals within populations or closely related genotypes. This, together with the fact that they can be converted into a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR)based assay, has led to their widespread use as molecular markers of genetic diversity (6). The use of microsatellites has been limited in plants, however, by the costs involved in isolating large numbers from the target species. Recently, a number of papers have reported the isolation of microsatellite clones by an enrichment procedure (1,2,4,5). These reports have all resulted in the isolation of a single type of microsatellite. However, as little is known about the level of polymorphism of individual microsatellite sequences, it is possible that this approach will result in markers that do not detect the level of polymorphism often required in diversity studies. Furthermore, the targeting of a single microsatellite species may produce only a small number of clones necessitating the construction of further libraries in the future. To eliminate these problems, we have significantly modified the enrichment technique (2,5) to yield clones that contain a variety of microsatellites. These clones can then be characterized by either direct sequencing or colony hybridization using specific microsatellite oligonucleotides. Interestingly, the technique also yields a high percentage of clones containing more than one type of microsatellite. Results to date suggest that the clones produced by this procedure are sufficiently polymorphic to be used in population genetics and/or breeding studies. Preparation of reagents for microsatellite enrichment. The following oligonucleotides can be used to enrich for DNA fragments containing microsatellites: [GA]15, [GT]15, [AT]15, [GC]15, [CAA]10, [CATA]10, [ATT]10, [GATA]10, [GCC]10 and [ATAG]10. Fifty nanograms of each oligonucleotide in 3× SSC (45 mM sodium citrate, pH 7.0 and 450 mM NaCl) are pooled in a total volume of 80 μL, spotted onto a 0.5-cm2 piece of Hybond N+ (Amersham, Arlington Heights, IL, USA) and air-dried for 1 h. The dry membrane is UV-treated for 30 s using a 260-nm transilluminator. Weakly bound oligonucleotides are washed off the membrane by washing twice in 10 mL of hybridization buffer (50% formamide, 3× standard saline citrate [SSC], 25 mM Na-phosphate, pH 7.0, and 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS]) at 45°C for 2 days. The membranes are then stored at -20°C until required. Preparation of genomic DNA. One microgram of genomic DNA is digested with 2 units of RsaI in a volume of 20 μL for 1 h at 37°C. Fifty nanograms
Measuring depression: comparison and integration of three scales in the GENDEP study

Background A number of scales are used to estimate the severity of depression. However, differences between self-report and clinician rating, multi-dimensionality and different weighting of individual symptoms in summed scores may affect the validity of measurement. In this study we examined and integrated the psychometric properties of three commonly used rating scales. Method The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to 660 adult patients with unipolar depression in a multi-centre pharmacogenetic study. Item response theory (IRT) and factor analysis were used to evaluate their psychometric properties and estimate true depression severity, as well as to group items and derive factor scores. Results The MADRS and the BDI provide internally consistent but mutually distinct estimates of depression severity. The HAMD-17 is not internally consistent and contains several items less suitable for out-patients. Factor analyses indicated a dominant depression factor. A model comprising three dimensions, namely ‘observed mood and anxiety’, ‘cognitive’ and ‘neurovegetative’, provided a more detailed description of depression severity. Conclusions The MADRS and the BDI can be recommended as complementary measures of depression severity. The three factor scores are proposed for external validation.