Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The hybrid scheduling framework for virtual machine systems

The virtualization technology makes it feasible that multiple guest operating systems run on a single physical machine. It is the virtual machine monitor that dynamically maps the virtual CPU of virtual machines to physical CPUs according to the scheduling strategy. The scheduling strategy in Xen schedules virtual CPUs of a virtual machines asynchronously while guarantees the proportion of the CPU time corresponding to its weight, maximizing the throughput of the system. However, this scheduling strategy may deteriorate the performance when the virtual machine is used to execute the concurrent applications such as parallel programs or multithreaded programs. In this paper, we analyze the CPU scheduling problem in the virtual machine monitor theoretically, and the result is that the asynchronous CPU scheduling strategy will waste considerable physical CPU time when the system workload is the concurrent application. Then, we present a hybrid scheduling framework for the CPU scheduling in the virtual machine monitor. There are two types of virtual machines in the system: the high-throughput type and the concurrent type. The virtual machine can be set as the concurrent type when the majority of its workload is concurrent applications in order to reduce the cost of synchronization. Otherwise, it is set as the high-throughput type as the default. Moreover, we implement the hybrid scheduling framework based on Xen, and we will give a description of our implementation in details. At last, we test the performance of the presented scheduling framework and strategy based on the multi-core platform, and the experiment result indicates that the scheduling framework and strategy is feasible to improve the performance of the virtual machine system.
A Manet Simulation Tool to Study Algorithms for Generating Propagation Maps

In this paper we describe a new simulation tool used to study the creation and optimization of propagation maps for node state routing protocols within wireless and mobile ad hoc networks. The simulation is developed in MATLAB and interfaces with DLL libraries for network data management support. These DLL libraries also have applications within OPNET for other node state routing studies
Using Micro-electroforming and Micro-assembly Technology to Fabricate Vertical Probe Card

This paper is characterized by using MEMS process to fabricate and assemble vertical probe cards, and form their top and bottom guides in both vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously. Combining LIGA-like process with a novel CMP-like polishing process enables us to significantly promote the overall co-planarity of probe cards as exactly as within 1mum. In the assembly procedure, we mainly adopt a kind of SU8 photoresist (PR) notable for being used to coat high aspect ratio micro-structures to assemble plated probes in a row and then take them off by means of inverse electroplating technique. In terms of the design of probe guides, we design them into open comb structures with a view to getting fast assembly. Their materials could be chosen either SU8 or insulating material on metal, which features with the advantages of excellent mechanical characteristics, wear-resistance and better insulation. A space transformer made of advanced flip chip package is then employed to transform signals between printed circuit boards and probe module so that helps us hit the ultimate targets of mass production and low cost. Finally, the proposed vertical probe cards are also convenient to assemble, maintain and dismantle. Only by taking the signal converter atop on the probe cards off can we arbitrarily replace any damaged single probe with a new one when we need to change probes.
Changes in effective regurgitant orifice throughout systole in patients with mitral valve prolapse. A clinical study using the proximal isovelocity surface area method.

BACKGROUND In patients with mitral valve prolapse, spontaneous changes of the effective regurgitant orifice during systole are not well documented. Such changes can now be analyzed by use of the proximal isovelocity surface area method, but the changes raise concern about the reliability of this method for assessing overall severity of regurgitation in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS In a prospective study of 42 patients with mitral valve prolapse, the effective mitral regurgitant orifice was calculated at four phases of systole (early, mid, mid-late, and late) as the ratio of regurgitant flow to regurgitant velocity by use of the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Throughout systole, the effective regurgitant orifice increased significantly, from 32 +/- 27 mm2 in early systole to 41 +/- 27 in midsystole, 55 +/- 30 in mid-late systole, and 107 +/- 66 mm2 during late systole (P < .0001). Phasic regurgitant volume increased from early to mid-late systole but decreased in late systole. For quantitation of the overall effective regurgitant orifice, four approaches using the proximal isovelocity surface area were compared with simultaneously performed quantitative Doppler echocardiography (54 +/- 30 mm2) and quantitative two-dimensional echocardiography (51 +/- 29 mm2). All correlations were good (r > .95), but overestimation was considerable when the largest flow convergence was used (70 +/- 39 mm2; both P < .0001), significant when the simple mean of the four phases was used (59 +/- 36 mm2; P = .005 and P = .0007, respectively), mild when a weighted mean of the four phases was used (55 +/- 33 mm2; P = .41 and P = .01, respectively), and no overestimation was observed when the effective regurgitant orifice calculated at maximum regurgitant velocity was used (54 +/- 30 mm2; P = .29 and P = .17, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Phasic changes of mitral regurgitation are observed in patients with mitral valve prolapse. The effective regurgitant orifice increases throughout systole. Regurgitant volume also increases initially but tends to decrease in late systole. These changes can lead to overestimation of the overall degree of regurgitation, but properly timed measurements made by use of the proximal isovelocity surface area method allow an accurate estimation of the overall effective regurgitant orifice.
Supervised Machine Learning for Eliciting Individual Demand

The canonical direct-elicitation approach for measuring individuals’ valuations for goods is the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak procedure, which generates willingness-to-pay (WTP) values that are imprecise and systematically biased. We show that enhancing elicited WTP values with supervised machine learning (SML) can improve estimates of peoples’ out-of-sample purchase behavior. Furthermore, swapping WTP data with choice data generated from a simple task leads to comparable performance. We quantify the benefit of using various SML methods in conjunction with using different types of data. Our results suggest that prices set by SML would increase revenue by 29 percent over using the stated WTP, with the same data. (JEL C45, C91, D12)
Restructuring the Gene Ontology to emphasise regulative pathways and to improve gene similarity queries

The Gene Ontology (GO) has been developed to provide a structured vocabulary for genes description. Conversely, gene functional similarity measures would benefit from a structure tailored to emphasise genes involved in the same biological context. Therefore, such measures often find it difficult to fully exploit the information in the GO. This paper reorganises the GO to emphasise regulative information thus providing a better structure for functional analysis. A gene functional similarity measure exploiting the new structure is proposed. Empirical evidence shows that the new structure correctly captures regulative processes and that it can be used to support the proposed measure.
Sampling A Large Network : How Small Can My Sample Be ?

The underlying problem we would like to investigate is that of a researcher who has developed a computationally intensive algorithm he wishes to run on a large graph. The algorithm is too slow to run on the large graph so instead, he would like to sample the large graph to get a smaller similar graph where he can feasibly run the algorithm. By similar we mean that the smaller graph preserves the properties of the original graph as much as possible. This is the scale-down goal of [1] which is also discussed in [2] from which we take our primary inspiration for this project, whereas [3] and [4] discuss uniform sampling of nodes via exploration and sampling from dynamically evolving graphs, respectively.
Structural mechanism of the phosphorylation-dependent dimerization of the MDC1 forkhead-associated domain

MDC1 is a key mediator of the DNA-damage response in mammals with several phosphorylation-dependent protein interaction domains. The function of its N-terminal forkhead-associated (FHA) domain remains elusive. Here, we show with structural, biochemical and cellular data that the FHA domain mediates phosphorylation-dependent dimerization of MDC1 in response to DNA damage. Crystal structures of the FHA domain reveal a face-to-face dimer with pseudo-dyad symmetry. We found that the FHA domain recognizes phosphothreonine 4 (pT4) at the N-terminus of MDC1 and determined its crystal structure in complex with a pT4 peptide. Biochemical analysis further revealed that in the dimer, the FHA domain binds in trans to pT4 from the other subunit, which greatly stabilizes the otherwise unstable dimer. We show that T4 is phosphorylated primarily by ATM upon DNA damage. MDC1 mutants with the FHA domain deleted or impaired in its ability to dimerize formed fewer foci at DNA-damage sites, but the localization defect was largely rescued by an artificial dimerization module, suggesting that dimerization is the primary function of the MDC1 FHA domain. Our results suggest a novel mechanism for the regulation of MDC1 function through T4 phosphorylation and FHA-mediated dimerization.
The 203 kbp Mitochondrial Genome of the Phytopathogenic Fungus Sclerotinia borealis Reveals Multiple Invasions of Introns and Genomic Duplications

Here we report the complete sequence of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of the necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia borealis, a member of the order Helotiales of Ascomycetes. The 203,051 bp long mtDNA of S. borealis represents one of the largest sequenced fungal mt genomes. The large size is mostly determined by the presence of mobile genetic elements, which include 61 introns. Introns contain a total of 125,394 bp, are scattered throughout the genome, and are found in 12 protein-coding genes and in the ribosomal RNA genes. Most introns contain complete or truncated ORFs that are related to homing endonucleases of the LAGLIDADG and GIY-YIG families. Integrations of mobile elements are also evidenced by the presence of two regions similar to fragments of inverton-like plasmids. Although duplications of some short genome regions, resulting in the appearance of truncated extra copies of genes, did occur, we found no evidences of extensive accumulation of repeat sequences accounting for mitochondrial genome size expansion in some other fungi. Comparisons of mtDNA of S. borealis with other members of the order Helotiales reveal considerable gene order conservation and a dynamic pattern of intron acquisition and loss during evolution. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that horizontal DNA transfer has played a significant role in the evolution and size expansion of the S. borealis mt genome.
Measuring Student Learning

The assessment of student learning and its corollary, teaching effectiveness are longstanding problems in higher education. This article describes some practical methods for designing courses and measuring student growth. To avoid student frustration, the author advises that from the start we should be clear with ourselves and with students on what the objectives of the course are. Techniques such as matrix sampling and pre-post testing can assist faculty in guiding student nurses to an acceptable level of competence.
MAXIMALLY INFLECTED REAL RATIONAL CURVES VIATCHESLAV KHARLAMOV AND FRANK SOTTILE Dedicated to V. I. Arnold on the occassion of his 65th birthday

We begin the topological study of real rational plane curves all of whose inflection points are real. The existence of such curves is implied by the results of real Schubert calculus, and their study has consequences for the important Shapiro and Shapiro conjecture in real Schubert calculus. We establish restrictions on the number of real nodes of such curves and construct curves realizing the extreme numbers of real nodes. These constructions imply the existence of real solutions to some problems in Schubert calculus. We conclude with a discussion of maximally inflected curves of low degree. 2000 Math. Subj. Class. 14P25, 14N10, 14M15.
Detecting network intrusions via sampling: a game theoretic approach

In this paper, we consider the problem of detecting an intruding packet in a communication network. Detection is accomplished by sampling a portion of the packets transiting selected network links (or router interfaces). Since sampling entails incurring network costs for real-time packet sampling and packet examination hardware, we would like to develop a network packet sampling strategy to effectively detect network intrusions while not exceeding a given total sampling budget. We consider this problem in a game theoretic framework, where the intruder picks paths (or the network ingress point if only shortest path routing is possible) to minimize chances of detection and where the network operator chooses a sampling strategy to maximize the chances of detection. We formulate the game theoretic problem, and develop sampling schemes that are optimal in this game theoretic setting.
Quantal Glutamate Release Is Essential for Reliable Neuronal Encodings in Cerebral Networks

Background The neurons and synapses work coordinately to program the brain codes of controlling cognition and behaviors. Spike patterns at the presynaptic neurons regulate synaptic transmission. The quantitative regulations of synapse dynamics in spike encoding at the postsynaptic neurons remain unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings With dual whole-cell recordings at synapse-paired cells in mouse cortical slices, we have investigated the regulation of synapse dynamics to neuronal spike encoding at cerebral circuits assembled by pyramidal neurons and GABAergic ones. Our studies at unitary synapses show that postsynaptic responses are constant over time, such as glutamate receptor-channel currents at GABAergic neurons and glutamate transport currents at astrocytes, indicating quantal glutamate release. In terms of its physiological impact, our results demonstrate that the signals integrated from quantal glutamatergic synapses drive spike encoding at GABAergic neurons reliably, which in turn precisely set spike encoding at pyramidal neurons through feedback inhibition. Conclusion/Significance Our studies provide the evidences for the quantal glutamate release to drive the spike encodings precisely in cortical circuits, which may be essential for programming the reliable codes in the brain to manage well-organized behaviors.
A Scoping Review of Frailty and Acute Care in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals with Recommendations for Future Research

There is general agreement that frailty is a state of heightened vulnerability to stressors arising from impairments in multiple systems leading to declines in homeostatic reserve and resiliency, but unresolved issues persist about its detection, underlying pathophysiology, and relationship with aging, disability, and multimorbidity. A particularly challenging area is the relationship between frailty and hospitalization. Based on the deliberations of a 2014 Canadian expert consultation meeting and a scoping review of the relevant literature between 2005 and 2015, this discussion paper presents a review of the current state of knowledge on frailty in the acute care setting, including its prevalence and ability to both predict the occurrence and outcomes of hospitalization. The examination of the available evidence highlighted a number of specific clinical and research topics requiring additional study. We conclude with a series of consensus recommendations regarding future research priorities in this important area.
Visible light crosslinkable human hair keratin hydrogels

Abstract Keratins extracted from human hair have emerged as a promising biomaterial for various biomedical applications, partly due to their wide availability, low cost, minimal immune response, and the potential to engineer autologous tissue constructs. However, the fabrication of keratin‐based scaffolds typically relies on limited crosslinking mechanisms, such as via physical interactions or disulfide bond formation, which are time‐consuming and result in relatively poor mechanical strength and stability. Here, we report the preparation of photocrosslinkable keratin‐polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels via the thiol‐norbornene “click” reaction, which can be formed within one minute upon irradiation of visible light. The resulting keratin‐PEG hydrogels showed highly tunable mechanical properties of up to 45 kPa in compressive modulus, and long‐term stability in buffer solutions and cell culture media. These keratin‐based hydrogels were tested as cell culture substrates in both two‐dimensional surface seeding and three‐dimensional cell encapsulation, demonstrating excellent cytocompatibility to support the attachment, spreading, and proliferation of fibroblast cells. Moreover, the photocrosslinking mechanism makes keratin‐based hydrogel suitable for various microfabrication techniques, such as micropatterning and wet spinning, to fabricate cell‐laden tissue constructs with different architectures. We believe that the unique features of this photocrosslinkable human hair keratin hydrogel promise new opportunities for their future biomedical applications.
A matrix‐free approach for finite‐strain hyperelastic problems using geometric multigrid

This work investigates matrix‐free algorithms for problems in quasi‐static finite‐strain hyperelasticity. Iterative solvers with matrix‐free operator evaluation have emerged as an attractive alternative to sparse matrices in the fluid dynamics and wave propagation communities because they significantly reduce the memory traffic, the limiting factor in classical finite element solvers. Specifically, we study different matrix‐free realizations of the finite element tangent operator and determine whether generalized methods of incorporating complex constitutive behavior might be feasible. In order to improve the convergence behavior of iterative solvers, we also propose a method by which to construct level tangent operators and employ them to define a geometric multigrid preconditioner. The performance of the matrix‐free operator and the geometric multigrid preconditioner is compared to the matrix‐based implementation with an algebraic multigrid (AMG) preconditioner on a single node for a representative numerical example of a heterogeneous hyperelastic material in two and three dimensions. We find that matrix‐free methods for finite‐strain solid mechanics are very promising, outperforming linear matrix‐based schemes by two to five times, and that it is possible to develop numerically efficient implementations that are independent of the hyperelastic constitutive law.
Benchmark Development for the Evaluation of Visualization for Data Mining

New sets of powerful data visualization tools have appeared in the marketplace and in the research community. This, combined with readily available computer memory, speed, and graphics capabilities, makes it possible to explore larger and larger data sets. However, it is difficult to judge the effectiveness of these tools for supporting large scale information exploration and knowledge discovery. In this paper, we describe a set of issues critical to benchmarking and evaluation in this domain. We then propose an approach to constructing an evaluation environment and report on initial results from a prototype environment in which we tested five visualization approaches against nine existing data sets.
Hsp70 binds to PrPC in the process of PrPC release via exosomes from THP‐1 monocytes

PrPC (cellular prion protein) is a GPI (glycophosphatidylinositol)‐anchored protein present on the surface of a number of peripheral blood cells. PrPC must be present for the generation and propagation of pathogenic conformer [PrPSc (scrapie prion protein)], which is a conformational conversion form of PrPC and has a central role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. It is important to determine the transportation mechanism of normal PrPC between cells. Exosomes are membrane vesicles released into the extracellular space upon fusion of multivesicular endosomes with the plasma membrane. We have identified that THP‐1 monocytes can secrete exosomes to culture medium, and the secreted exosomes can bear PrPC. We also found that Hsp70 interacts with PrPC not only in intracellular environment, but in the secreted exosomes. However, the specific markers of exosomes, Tsg101 and flotillin‐1, were found with no interaction with PrPC. Our results demonstrated that PrPC can be released from THP‐1 monocytes via secreted exosomes, and in this process, Hsp70 binds to PrPC, which suggests that Hsp70 may play a potential functional role in the release of PrPC.
Investigating priming, inhibition, and individual differences in visual attention

INVESTIGATING PRIMING, INHIBITION, AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN VISUAL ATTENTION by Jennifer Lechak University of New Hampshire, May 2013 While much has been explored within the attentional control literature, questions still exist as to how attentional processing is modulated, and how different types of visual search paradigms can elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in successful visual search. Throughout this dissertation, I will focus on the multifaceted aspects that come with the study of visual attention. After discussing visual attention I explore priming of pop out along two different dimensions. Specifically, using a rapid serial visual presentation design, I demonstrate that temporal and spatial priming interact along a similar mechanism. This result adds to the priming literature by demonstrating simultaneous multidimensional priming in our ability to efficiently process our visual environment. Next, I explore attentional distraction and psychophysical thresholds to examine whether an individual’s sensitivity to a visual feature can predict the individual’s magnitude of distraction by that feature. Results reveal that psychophysical thresholds are not sensitive enough to reflect a definite relationship between an individual’s baseline stimulus-driven sensitivity to visual features and the magnitude o f distraction by those features. Finally, I explore the role of inhibition (using a stop signal paradigm) in individual differences in abilities to avoid distraction, and examine how working memory capacity influences target selection. Results failed to elucidate this relationship and further research is needed to uncover whether individual differences in avoiding distraction are subserved by either inhibitory processing, or working memory capacity. In conclusion, this dissertation uses various visual search paradigms to explore the interactions of stimulus-driven and goal-driven effects, to illuminate how individual differences inform models of attentional distraction, and to investigate how inhibiting a distractor modulates attentional processing.