Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
S3: An Efficient Shared Scan Scheduler on MapReduce Framework

Hadoop, an open-source implementation of Map-Reduce, has been widely used for data-intensive computing. In order to improve performance, multiple jobs operating on a common data file can be processed as a batch to eliminate redundant scanning. However, in practice, jobs often do not arrive at the same time, and batching them means longer waiting time for jobs that arrive earlier. In this paper, we propose S3 -- a novel Shared Scan Scheduler for Hadoop -- which allows sharing the scan of a common file for multiple jobs that may arrive at different time. Under S3, a job is split into a sequence of (independent) sub-jobs, each operating on a different portion of the data file, moreover, multiple sub-jobs (from different jobs) that access a common portion of a data file can be processed as a batch to share the scan of the accessed data. S3 operates as follows: at any time, the system may be processing a batch of sub-jobs (that access the same portion of data), at the same time, there are sub-jobs waiting in a job queue, as a new job arrives, its sub-jobs can be aligned with the waiting jobs in the queue, once the current batch of sub-jobs completes processing, the next batch of sub-jobs (which may include sub-jobs from newly arrived jobs) can be initiated for processing. In this way, an arriving job does not need to wait for a long time to be processed. We have implemented our S3 approach in Hadoop, and our experimental results on a cluster of over 40 nodes show that S3 outperforms the naive no-sharing scheme and the file-based shared-scan approach.
Loss of APOBEC1 RNA-editing function in microglia exacerbates age-related CNS pathophysiology

Significance Microglia (MG) play important roles in brain homeostasis and neuronal plasticity, and are recruited by the immune system to orchestrate inflammatory responses to danger signals. We find that, within MG, an RNA-editing function performed by the deaminase APOBEC1 and its obligate cofactor affects protein expression levels necessary for harmonious function within these cells and the cells they support. Genetic inactivation of Apobec1 leads to dysregulation and resultant age-related neurodegeneration in the central nervous system, characterized by increased inflammation, aberrant myelination, and neuronal and MG lysosomal anomalies, culminating in progressive cognitive and motor decline. These data provide powerful evidence supporting the critical role of APOBEC1-mediated RNA editing in maintaining the balance between the homeostatic and activated immune functions of MG. Microglia (MG), a heterogeneous population of phagocytic cells, play important roles in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and neural plasticity. Under steady-state conditions, MG maintain homeostasis by producing antiinflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors, support myelin production, and remove synapses and cellular debris, as well as participating in “cross-correction,” a process that supplies neurons with key factors for executing autophagy-lysosomal function. As sentinels for the immune system, MG also detect “danger” signals (pathogenic or traumatic insult), become activated, produce proinflammatory cytokines, and recruit monocytes and dendritic cells to the site of damage through a breached blood–brain barrier or via brain lymphatics. Failure to effectively resolve MG activation can be problematic and can lead to chronic inflammation, a condition proposed to underlie CNS pathophysiology in heritable brain disorders and age-related neurodegenerative and cognitive decline. Here, we show that APOBEC1-mediated RNA editing occurs within MG and is key to maintaining their resting status. Like bone marrow-derived macrophages, RNA editing in MG leads to overall changes in the abundance of edited proteins that coordinate the function of multiple cellular pathways. Conversely, mice lacking the APOBEC1 editing function in MG display evidence of dysregulation, with progressive age-related signs of neurodegeneration, characterized by clustering of activated MG, aberrant myelination, increased inflammation, and lysosomal anomalies that culminate in behavioral and motor deficiencies. Collectively, our study identifies posttranscriptional modification by RNA editing as a critical regulatory mechanism of vital cellular functions that maintain overall brain health.
Inviting Scrutiny: How Technologies are Eroding the Attorney-Client Privilege

This article describes how digital age technologies and heightened judicial scrutiny are negatively affecting the attorney-client privilege claims of in-house counsel. The article spotlight the factors that are causing technology to negatively impact in-house privilege claims. This includes a discussion regarding the historical basis for increased court scrutiny of such claims. The article also examines how the indiscriminate use of email by corporations has invited the courts to view those claims with even greater skepticism. The article then explores how such skepticism bodes poorly for organizations as they attempt to protect their internal lawyers’ claims from the transparency that social networks, cloud computing, and BYOD provide into their discussions. Finally, the article offers some practical suggestions that can help mitigate the impact of these technological challenges.
The influence of the representative volume element (RVE) size on the homogenized response of cured fiber composites

The influence of the representative volume element (RVE) size (in terms of fiber packing and number of fibers for a given fiber-volume fraction) on the residual stresses created during the curing process of a continuous fiber-reinforced polymer matrix tow is investigated with the ultimate goal of finding a minimum unit cell size that can be used later for a homogenization procedure to calculate the response of woven fiber textile composites and in particular, fiber tows. A novel network curing model for the solidification of epoxy is used to model the curing process. The model takes into account heat conduction, cure kinetics and the creation of networks in a continuously shape changing body. The model is applied to the curing of a fiber/matrix RVE. The results for the minimum size of the RVE, obtained on the basis of the curing problem, are compared with a similar RVE, modeled as an elastic–plastic solid subjected to external loads, in order to compare the minimum RVE sizes obtained on the basis of different boundary value problem solutions.
Interacting in multi-display environments

With the introduction of mobile devices as well as large public displays, we are surrounded by multiple displays at any time during the day. In addition, interacting with displayed information on one screen at a time is very common. The interaction between multiple displays simultaneously is rather difficult due to reachability, hard-to-use techniques or limited input capabilities. In my work I will investigate and propose new techniques that allow copying, moving or manipulating information across multiple displays. In addition, I will explore ways to allow remote control of (partially) unreachable displays.
Control of the induction of type I interferon by Peste des petits ruminants virus

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is a morbillivirus that produces clinical disease in goats and sheep. We have studied the induction of interferon-β (IFN-β) following infection of cultured cells with wild-type and vaccine strains of PPRV, and the effects of such infection with PPRV on the induction of IFN-β through both MDA-5 and RIG-I mediated pathways. Using both reporter assays and direct measurement of IFN-β mRNA, we have found that PPRV infection induces IFN-β only weakly and transiently, and the virus can actively block the induction of IFN-β. We have also generated mutant PPRV that lack expression of either of the viral accessory proteins (V&C) to characterize the role of these proteins in IFN-β induction during virus infection. Both PPRV_ΔV and PPRV_ΔC were defective in growth in cell culture, although in different ways. While the PPRV V protein bound to MDA-5 and, to a lesser extent, RIG-I, and over-expression of the V protein inhibited both IFN-β induction pathways, PPRV lacking V protein expression can still block IFN-β induction. In contrast, PPRV C bound to neither MDA-5 nor RIG-I, but PPRV lacking C protein expression lost the ability to block both MDA-5 and RIG-I mediated activation of IFN-β. These results shed new light on the inhibition of the induction of IFN-β by PPRV.
Practical Combinatorial Testing Approaches: A Case Study of a University Portal Application

Time and quality are important factors when determining the proper approach for software testing. A software program can often be used in various environments (different platforms, operating systems, browsers, networks, etc.) and require thorough testing to provide high quality and reliability in different configurations. Combinatorial testing is an effective approach to testing hardware and software configurations. However, testing resources are often restricted in real practice. Because business goals require different testing methods, there is no best one-size-fits-all testing approach. For this reason, we experimentally investigated and analyzed several combinatorial approaches based on Each Choice and pairwise methods (with and without the consideration of operational profiles) through the testing of an Adviser Scheduling application located in a university web portal. Test sets with various configurations were generated according to six different combinatorial strategies. The Advanced Combinatorial Testing System (ACTS) tool, which was provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was used to generate pairwise test sets automatically. The case study software application was retested for each of the proposed testing approaches, and the results were compared after taking into account the number of test cases and the corresponding detected faults. Based on this analysis, we provide recommendations for the selection of testing approaches to align with different business goals. The recommendation chosen for the university web portal application allowed for improved quality and reduced time for software testing.
6-[F-18]Fluoro-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography is superior to conventional imaging with (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in localizing tumors causing catecholamine excess.

CONTEXT Catecholamine excess is rare, but symptoms may be life threatening. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the sensitivity of 6-[F-18]fluoro-l-dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography ((18)F-DOPA PET), compared with (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-MIBG) scintigraphy and computer tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for tumor localization in patients with catecholamine excess. DESIGN AND SETTING All consecutive patients with catecholamine excess visiting the University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands, between March 2003 and January 2008 were eligible. PATIENTS Forty-eight patients were included. The final diagnosis was pheochromocytoma in 40, adrenal hyperplasia in two, paraganglioma in two, ganglioneuroma in one, and unknown in three. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sensitivities and discordancy between (18)F-DOPA PET, (123)I-MIBG, and CT or MRI were analyzed for individual patients and lesions. Metanephrines and 3-methoxytyramine in plasma and urine and uptake of (18)F-DOPA with PET were measured to determine the whole-body metabolic burden and correlated with biochemical tumor activity. The gold standard was a composite reference standard. RESULTS (18)F-DOPA PET showed lesions in 43 patients, (123)I-MIBG in 31, and CT/MRI in 32. Patient-based sensitivity for (18)F-DOPA PET, (123)I-MIBG, and CT/MRI was 90, 65, and 67% (P < 0.01 for (18)F-DOPA PET vs. both (123)I-MIBG and CT/MRI, P = 1.0 (123)I-MIBG vs. CT/MRI). Lesion-based sensitivities were 73, 48, and 44% (P < 0.001 for (18)F-DOPA PET vs. both (123)I-MIBG and CT/MRI, P = 0.51 (123)I-MIBG vs. CT/MRI). The combination of (18)F-DOPA PET with CT/MRI was superior to (123)I-MIBG with CT/MRI (93 vs. 76%, P < 0.001). Whole-body metabolic burden measured with (18)F-DOPA PET correlated with plasma normetanephrine (r = 0.82), urinary normetanephrine (r = 0.84), and metanephrine (r = 0.57). CONCLUSION To localize tumors causing catecholamine excess, (18)F-DOPA PET is superior to (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy and CT/MRI.
The role of micro RNAs let7c, 100 and 218 expression and their target RAS, C-MYC, BUB1, RB, SMARCA5, LAMB3 and Ki-67 in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to verify the expression of proteins that are controlled by miR-let7c, 100 and 218 using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray representative of localized and metastasized the lymph nodes and bone prostate cancer. METHODS: To verify the expression of proteins that are controlled by miR-let7c (C-MYC, BUB1, RAS) 100 (SMARCA5, RB) and 218 (LAMB3) and cell proliferation (Ki-67) we used immunohistochemistry and computerized image system ImageJ MacBiophotonics in three tissue microarrays representative of localized prostate cancer and lymph node and bone metastases. miRNA expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR using 60 paraffin blocks to construct the tissue microarray representative of localized disease. RESULTS: RAS expression was increased in localized prostate cancer and bone metastases compared to the lymph nodes (p = 0.017). RB showed an increase in expression from localized prostate cancer to lymph node and bone metastasis (p = 0.036). LAMB3 was highly expressed in localized and lymph node metastases (p<0.001). Cell proliferation evaluated by Ki-67 showed an increase from localized prostate cancer to metastases (p<0.001). We did not found any relationship between C-MYC (p = 0.253), BUB1 (p = 0.649) and SMARCA5 (p = 0.315) protein expression with prognosis or tumor behavior. CONCLUSION: We found that the expression of RAS, RB, LAMB3 and Ki-67 changed in the different stages of prostate cancer. Furthermore, we confirmed the overexpression of the miRNAs let7c, 100 and 218 in localized prostate cancer but failed to show the control of protein expression by the putative controller miRNAs using immunohistochemistry.
Memory-Based Specification of Verbal Features for Classifying Animals into Super-Ordinate and Sub-Ordinate Categories

Accumulating evidence suggests that category representations are based on features. Distinguishing features are considered to define categories, because of all-or-none responses for objects in different categories; however it is unclear how distinguishing features actually classify objects at various category levels. The present study included 75 animals within three classes (mammal, bird, fish), along with 195 verbal features. Healthy adults participated in memory-based feature-animal matching verification tests. Analyses included a hierarchical clustering analysis, Support Vector Machine, and Independent component analysis to specify features effective for classifications. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons for significant features were conducted between super-ordinate and sub-ordinate levels. The number of significant features was larger for super-ordinate than sub-ordinate levels. Qualitatively, the proportion of biological features was larger than cultural/affective features in both the levels, while the proportion of affective features increased at the sub-ordinate level. To summarize, the two types of features differentially function to establish category representations.
Exploring Consumer Attitude on Mobile Commerce - From Aspect of Three Roles of MC Adopters

Firstly, Mobile Commerce Adopters have been classified into three roles as technology user, network member and consumer. Secondly, based on this, this paper investigated whether such three roles have different customer attitudes. Finally, consumer attitude affecting adopt intention for mobile commerce has been verified. As for sample data, 245 questionnaires of college students have been collected randomly who are mobile users. The empirical results suggest that, technology user/network member/consumer and customer attitude are strong determinants of intention to adopt mobile commerce. The study has revealed that customer attitude has a partial mediation effect on the relation between technology user/network member/consumer and intention to adopt mobile commerce. The empirical results provide strong support for the conceptual model, the theoretical and empirical implications of these results are discussed.
Combining singular value decomposition and t-test into hybrid approach for significant gene extraction from microarray data

Significant gene extraction from microarray data is a challenging problem which is of great interest to researchers in Computational Biology, Medicine, Computer Science and Statistics. A number of methods have been proposed for extracting the smallest number of genes which can accurately classify different samples. Most of these methods ignore the fact that microarray data is mostly noisy. For instance, only using a statistical t-test has been shown to be insufficient since it result in a high false discovery rate. Recently, a singular value decomposition (SVD) based approach was proposed for time series microarray data reduction, however it turned out not to be efficient for classifying microarray data. To overcome the shortcomings of these approaches, this paper proposes two methods to reduce false discovery rates. The first method involves an iterative t-test which finds the p-value for each gene under perturbation by eliminating one sample at a time. It eliminates weak noisy genes by dropping any gene which does not show significant p-value under all the conditions. The second method is a hybrid process which adapts a combination of the SVD and the t-test. It considers the entropy of all the data, and thus takes the correlation between genes into account. Classification accuracy is used to validate the significance of the extracted genes. The reported test results on two datasets demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the two proposed methods.
Use of machine learning to improve autism screening and diagnostic instruments: effectiveness, efficiency, and multi-instrument fusion.

BACKGROUND Machine learning (ML) provides novel opportunities for human behavior research and clinical translation, yet its application can have noted pitfalls (Bone et al., 2015). In this work, we fastidiously utilize ML to derive autism spectrum disorder (ASD) instrument algorithms in an attempt to improve upon widely used ASD screening and diagnostic tools. METHODS The data consisted of Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) scores for 1,264 verbal individuals with ASD and 462 verbal individuals with non-ASD developmental or psychiatric disorders, split at age 10. Algorithms were created via a robust ML classifier, support vector machine, while targeting best-estimate clinical diagnosis of ASD versus non-ASD. Parameter settings were tuned in multiple levels of cross-validation. RESULTS The created algorithms were more effective (higher performing) than the current algorithms, were tunable (sensitivity and specificity can be differentially weighted), and were more efficient (achieving near-peak performance with five or fewer codes). Results from ML-based fusion of ADI-R and SRS are reported. We present a screener algorithm for below (above) age 10 that reached 89.2% (86.7%) sensitivity and 59.0% (53.4%) specificity with only five behavioral codes. CONCLUSIONS ML is useful for creating robust, customizable instrument algorithms. In a unique dataset comprised of controls with other difficulties, our findings highlight the limitations of current caregiver-report instruments and indicate possible avenues for improving ASD screening and diagnostic tools.
Queer Phenomenology: Orientations, Objects, Others

In this groundbreaking work, Sara Ahmed demonstrates how queer studies can put phenomenology to productive use. Focusing on the “orientation” aspect of “sexual orientation” and the “orient” in “orientalism,” Ahmed examines what it means for bodies to be situated in space and time. Bodies take shape as they move through the world directing themselves toward or away from objects and others. Being “orientated” means feeling at home, knowing where one stands, or having certain objects within reach. Orientations affect what is proximate to the body or what can be reached. A queer phenomenology, Ahmed contends, reveals how social relations are arranged spatially, how queerness disrupts and reorders these relations by not following the accepted paths, and how a politics of disorientation puts other objects within reach, those that might, at first glance, seem awry.Ahmed proposes that a queer phenomenology might investigate not only how the concept of orientation is informed by phenomenology but also the orientation of phenomenology itself. Thus she reflects on the significance of the objects that appear—and those that do not—as signs of orientation in classic phenomenological texts such as Husserl’s Ideas. In developing a queer model of orientations, she combines readings of phenomenological texts—by Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, and Fanon—with insights drawn from queer studies, feminist theory, critical race theory, Marxism, and psychoanalysis. Queer Phenomenology points queer theory in bold new directions.
Efficacy of Intensive Control of Glucose in Stroke Prevention: A Meta-Analysis of Data from 59197 Participants in 9 Randomized Controlled Trials

Background The efficacy of treatments that lower glucose in reducing the risk of incident stroke remains unclear. We therefore did a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of intensive control of glucose in the prevention of stroke. Methodology/Principal Findings We systematically searched Medline, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library for trials published between 1950 and June, 2012. We included randomized controlled trials that reported on the effects of intensive control of glucose on incident stroke compared with standard care. Summary estimates of relative risk (RR) reductions were calculated with a random effects model, and the analysis was further stratified by factors that could affect the treatment effects. Of 649 identified studies, we included nine relevant trials, which provided data for 59197 patients and 2037 events of stroke. Overall, intensive control of glucose as compared to standard care had no effect on incident stroke (RR, 0.96; 95%CI 0.88–1.06; P = 0.445). In the stratified analyses, a beneficial effect was seen in those trials when body mass index (BMI) more than 30 (RR, 0.86; 95%CI: 0.75–0.99; P = 0.041). No other significant differences were detected between the effect of intensive control of glucose and standard care when based on other subset factors. Conclusions/Significance Our study indicated intensive control of glucose can effectively reduce the risk of incident stroke when patients with BMI more than 30.