Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RDMA is Turing complete, we just did not know it yet!

It is becoming increasingly popular for distributed systems to exploit offload to reduce load on the CPU. Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) offload, in particular, has become popular. However, RDMA still requires CPU intervention for complex offloads that go beyond simple remote memory access. As such, the offload potential is limited and RDMA-based systems usually have to work around such limitations. We present RedN, a principled, practical approach to implementing complex RDMA offloads, without requiring any hardware modifications. Using self-modifying RDMA chains, we lift the existing RDMA verbs interface to a Turing complete set of programming abstractions. We explore what is possible in terms of offload complexity and performance with a commodity RDMA NIC. We show how to integrate these RDMA chains into applications, such as the Memcached key-value store, allowing us to offload complex tasks such as key lookups. RedN can reduce the latency of key-value get operations by up to 2.6x compared to state-of-the-art KV designs that use one-sided RDMA primitives (e.g., FaRM-KV), as well as traditional RPC-over-RDMA approaches. Moreover, compared to these baselines, RedN provides performance isolation and, in the presence of contention, can reduce latency by up to 35x while providing applications with failure resiliency to OS and process crashes.
Dynamic Slimmable Network

Current dynamic networks and dynamic pruning methods have shown their promising capability in reducing theoretical computation complexity. However, dynamic sparse patterns on convolutional filters fail to achieve actual acceleration in real-world implementation, due to the extra burden of indexing, weight-copying, or zero-masking. Here, we explore a dynamic network slimming regime, named Dynamic Slimmable Network (DS-Net), which aims to achieve good hardware-efficiency via dynamically adjusting filter numbers of networks at test time with respect to different inputs, while keeping filters stored statically and contiguously in hardware to prevent the extra burden. Our DS-Net is empowered with the ability of dynamic inference by the proposed double-headed dynamic gate that comprises an attention head and a slimming head to predictively adjust network width with negligible extra computation cost. To ensure generality of each candidate architecture and the fairness of gate, we propose a disentangled two-stage training scheme inspired by one-shot NAS. In the first stage, a novel training technique for weight-sharing networks named In-place Ensemble Bootstrapping is proposed to improve the supernet training efficacy. In the second stage, Sandwich Gate Sparsification is proposed to assist the gate training by identifying easy and hard samples in an online way. Extensive experiments demonstrate our DS-Net consistently outperforms its static counterparts as well as state-of-the-art static and dynamic model compression methods by a large margin (up to 5.9%). Typically, DS-Net achieves 2-4× computation reduction and 1.62× real-world acceleration over ResNet-50 and MobileNet with minimal accuracy drops on ImageNet. 1
Discriminator Augmented Model-Based Reinforcement Learning

By planning through a learned dynamics model, model-based reinforcement learning (MBRL) offers the prospect of good performance with little environment interaction. However, it is common in practice for the learned model to be inaccurate, impairing planning and leading to poor performance. This paper aims to improve planning with an importance sampling framework that accounts and corrects for discrepancy between the true and learned dynamics. This framework also motivates an alternative objective for fitting the dynamics model: to minimize the variance of value estimation during planning. We derive and implement this objective, which encourages better prediction on trajectories with larger returns. We observe empirically that our approach improves the performance of current MBRL algorithms on two stochastic control problems, and provide a theoretical basis for our method.
Coining goldMEDAL: A New Contribution to Data Lake Generic Metadata Modeling

The rise of big data has revolutionized data exploitation practices and led to the emergence of new concepts. Among them, data lakes have emerged as large heterogeneous data repositories that can be analyzed by various methods. An efficient data lake requires a metadata system that addresses the many problems arising when dealing with big data. In consequence, the study of data lake metadata models is currently an active research topic and many proposals have been made in this regard. However, existing metadata models are either tailored for a specific use case or insufficiently generic to manage different types of data lakes, including our previous model MEDAL. In this paper, we generalize MEDAL's concepts in a new metadata model called goldMEDAL. Moreover, we compare goldMEDAL with the most recent state-of-the-art metadata models aiming at genericity and show that we can reproduce these metadata models with goldMEDAL's concepts. As a proof of concept, we also illustrate that goldMEDAL allows the design of various data lakes by presenting three different use cases.
Internalized Stigma and Psychiatric Morbidity among Patients with Psoriasis: A Study from North India

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis associated with psychological morbidity. Like mental illness, it is also associated with stigma. Very few studies from India have evaluated stigma experienced by patients with psoriasis. Aim of the Study: To study stigma in patients with psoriasis (in the form of internalized stigma, perceived stigma, and social-participation-restriction stigma) and its relationship with demographic and clinical variables. Methodology: 104 patients with psoriasis assessed on the internalized stigma of mental illness scale (ISMIS), explanatory model interview catalogue stigma scale, participation scale (P-scale), perceived social support, total score of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Psoriasis disability index. Results: On ISMIS, overall, 27.9% had experienced stigma. On domains, majority of the participants experienced discrimination (52.9%) followed by stigma resistance (51.9%), stereotype (26.0%), social withdrawal (24.1%), and alienation (23.1%). Majority of them reported mild restriction. As per the evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist, about 30% of the participants had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. On comparison, those with the presence of co-morbid psychiatric illness experienced a higher level of stigma on each domain of ISMIS except discrimination and stigma resistance. Lower social support was associated with higher stigma in all the domains. All the domains of ISMIS except discrimination and stigma resistance were associated with a higher level of anxiety and depression, poor quality of life, and higher disability. Conclusion: The patients with psoriasis experience a significant amount of stigma and stigma is associated with the presence of psychiatric morbidity, lower social support, higher restriction, and more disability.
Histopathological changes of neuronal tissue following the use of hydrogen peroxide in neurosurgical procedures

Background: Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is routinely used in neurosurgical procedures to achieve surgical hemostasis. However, its safety profile is still debatable with various reports depicting range of adverse effects on neuronal tissue. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HP as a hemostatic agent in normal neuronal tissue during neurosurgical procedures conducted on rats. Methods: One hundred rats were divided into three groups. The first and third group underwent cortical irrigation with HP and the second group underwent spinal irrigation with HP. All groups were irrigated with different concentrations of HP (1%, 3%, or 6%) for 3 min and tissue biopsies were obtained immediately afterwards (Groups A and B) or 1 week after HP irrigation (Group C). Study specimens were examined histologically and compared to control tissue. Results: All rats showed normal behavioral, functional, and motor neurological activity following the procedures. Histopathologically, dark neurons were observed in all HP exposed tissue. The cytoplasm revealed condensed and dark Nissl substance and the neurites and axons exhibited a corkscrew morphology. No ischemic changes or inflammatory infiltrates were detected. The majority of dark neurons were observed at the periphery of tissue fragments. These findings were present and consistent in both the short- and long-term groups. Conclusion: HP irrigation showed no significant short- or long-term clinical and histopathological changes in comparison to normal saline when used on rats’ neuronal tissue. This may confirm the safety of intraoperative HP usage as hemostatic agent during neurosurgical procedures.
Association between Cumulative Fluid Balance and Outcomes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become increasingly accepted as a life-saving procedure for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study investigated the relationship between cumulative fluid balance (CFB) and outcomes in adult ARDS patients treated with ECMO. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of adult ARDS patients who received ECMO between December 2009 and December 2019 at Korea University Anam Hospital. CFB was calculated during the first 7 days after ECMO initiation. The primary endpoint was 28-day mortality. Results The 74 patients were divided into survivor (n=33) and non-survivor (n=41) groups based on 28-day survival. Non-survivors showed a significantly higher CFB at 1–7 days (p<0.05). Cox multivariable proportional hazard regression revealed a relationship between CFB on day 3 and 28-day mortality (hazard ratio, 3.366; 95% confidence interval, 1.528–7.417; p=0.003). Conclusion In adult ARDS patients treated with ECMO, a higher positive CFB on day 3 was associated with increased 28-day mortality. Based on our findings, we suggest a restrictive fluid strategy in ARDS patients treated with ECMO. CFB may be a useful predictor of survival in ARDS patients treated with ECMO.
A combined ab initio quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical method for carrying out simulations on complex molecular systems: Applications to the CH3Cl + Cl− exchange reaction and gas phase protonation of polyethers

We present an approach to couple ab initio quantum mechanical geometry optimiuzations with molecular mechanical optimizations, with the added capability to carry out molecular dynamics simulations of the systems to earch for new local minima. The approach is applied to the aqueous solution CH3Cl + Cl− exchange reaction and the gas phase protonation of polyethers.
Isobaric Vapor-Liquid Equilibria in the System Methyl Propanoate + n-Butyl Alcohol

Isobaric vapor-liquid equilibria were determined at 74.66, 101.32, and 127.99 kPa for binary mixtures containing methyl propanoate + n-butyl alcohol by using a dynamic still with vapor and liquid circulation. No azeotrope was detected. The data were found to be thermodynamically consistent according to the point to point test. Application of the group-contribution models ASOG, UNIFAC, and modified UNIFAC to the activity coefficients at the three pressures studied gives average errors of less than 10%, 11%, and 3%, respectively.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Disulfiram and Nicotinic Acid after Biofield Treatment

Disulfiram is being used clinically as an aid in chronic alcoholism, while nicotinic acid is one of a B-complex vitamin that has cholesterol lowering activity. The aim of present study was to investigate the impact of biofield treatment on spectral properties of disulfiram and nicotinic acid. The study was performed in two groups i.e., control and treatment of each drug. The treatment groups were received Mr. Trivedi’s biofield treatment. Subsequently, spectral properties of control and treated groups of both drugs were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic techniques. FT-IR spectrum of biofield treated disulfiram showed the shifting in wavenumber of C-H stretching from 1496 to 1506 cm-1 and C-N stretching from 1062 to 1056 cm-1. The intensity of S-S dihedral bending peaks (665 and 553 cm-1) was also increased in biofield treated disulfiram sample, as compared to control. FT-IR spectra of biofield treated nicotinic acid showed the shifting in wavenumber of C-H stretching from 3071 to 3081 cm-1 and 2808 to 2818 cm-1. Likewise, C=C stretching peak was shifted to higher frequency region from 1696 cm-1 to 1703 cm-1 and C-O (COO-) stretching peak was shifted to lower frequency region from 1186 to 1180 cm-1 in treated nicotinic acid. UV spectrum of control and biofield treated disulfiram showed similar pattern of UV spectra. Whereas, the UV spectrum of biofield treated nicotinic acid exhibited the shifting of absorption maxima (λmax) with respect of control i.e., from 268.4 to 262.0 nm, 262.5 to 256.4, 257.5 to 245.6, and 212.0 to 222.4 nm. Over all, the FT-IR and UV spectroscopy results suggest an impact of biofield treatment on the force constant, bond strength, and dipole moments of treated drugs such as disulfiram and nicotinic acid that could led to change in their chemical stability as compared to control.
Historical migration and taxonomic entity of Korean endemic shrub Lespedeza maritima (Fabaceae) based on microsatellite loci

Abstract Various plant species are endemic to the Korean Peninsula, but their evolutionary divergence and establishment are poorly understood. One of these, Lespedeza maritima, has been proposed as either a hybrid (L. cyrtobotrya × L. maximowiczii) or a synonym of L. thunbergii. A distinct taxon, L. uekii, has been proposed for inland populations. We investigated genetic diversity and structure in L. maritima and related taxa to resolve this. Genotypes of L. maritima (n = 244, including L. uekii) were determined using 12 microsatellite loci, then compared with those of related species. Genetic diversity within L. maritima was estimated, and Bayesian clustering analysis was used to represent its genetic structure and that of related taxa. Its distribution during the last glacial maximum (LGM) was predicted using ecological niche modelling (ENM). Neighbour-joining (NJ) analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were used to investigate relationships among species. Bayesian tree based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS) was also reconstructed to show relationships and divergence time among species. Morphological features were examined using flower characteristics. In result, expected heterozygosity (HE) and allelic richness (AR) within L. maritima were higher in southern than northern populations. Bayesian clustering analysis largely assigned populations to two clusters (K = 2) (south vs. north). The ENM showed that L. maritima occurred around the East China Sea and Korean Strait land bridge during the LGM. Compared with other Lespedeza species, L. maritima was assigned to an independent cluster (K = 2–5), supported by the NJ, PCoA, Bayesian tree and morphological examination results. Lespedeza maritima and L. uekii were clustered to one clade on Bayesian tree. Given results, current L. maritima populations derive from post-LGM colonization away from southern refugia. The type L. uekii, which grows inland, is thought synonym of L. maritima. In addition, L. maritima is considered a distinct species, compared with related taxa.
Parasitoid‐mediated indirect interactions between unsuitable and suitable hosts generate apparent predation in microcosm and modeling studies

Abstract Parasitoids used as biological control agents often parasitize more than a single host species and these hosts tend to vary in suitability for offspring development. The population dynamics of parasitoids and hosts may be altered by these interactions, with outcomes dependent on the levels of suitability and acceptance of both host species. Parasitism of individuals of an unsuitable host species may indirectly increase populations of a suitable host species if eggs laid into unsuitable hosts do not develop into adult parasitoids. In this case, the unsuitable host is acting as an egg sink for parasitoids and this can reduce parasitism of suitable hosts under conditions of egg limitation. We studied parasitoid‐mediated indirect interactions between two aphid hosts, Aphis glycines (the soybean aphid) and A. nerii (the milkweed, or oleander aphid), sharing the parasitoid Aphelinus certus. While both of these aphid species are accepted by A. certus, soybean aphid is a much more suitable host than milkweed aphid is. We observed a drastic reduction of parasitoid offspring production (45%) on the suitable host in the presence of the unsuitable host in microcosm assays. Aphelinus certus females laid eggs into the unsuitable hosts (Aphis nerii) in the presence of the suitable host leading to egg and/or time limitation and reduced fitness. The impact of these interactions on the equilibrium population sizes of the three interacting species was analyzed using a consumer–resource modeling approach. Both the results from the laboratory experiment and the modeling approaches identified apparent predation between soybean aphid and milkweed aphid, in which milkweed aphid acts as a sink for parasitoid eggs leading to an increase in the soybean aphid population. The presence of soybean aphids had the opposite effect on milkweed aphid populations as it supported increases in parasitoid abundance and thus reduced the fitness and abundance of this aphid species.
XV. Third-peak r-process element and actinide abundances in the uranium-rich star CS31082-001

Context. A small fraction of extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars exhibit moderate to extreme excesses of heavy neutron-capture elements produced in the r-process. The production site(s) of these elements in the early Galaxy remain(s) unclear, as is the reason for their occasional enhancement in the otherwise regular pattern of abundances of elements up to the iron peak. The detailed abundance pattern of the heaviest elements in EMP stars provides insight into their origin and role in the chemical enrichment of the early Galaxy and in radioactive nucleochronology. Aims. The EMP giant star CS 31082-001 ([Fe/H] ∼− 2.9) exhibits an extreme enhancement of neutron-capture elements ([r/Fe] ∼ +1.7) with U and Th enhanced by a further ∼+0.7 dex, and a minimum of blending by molecular lines such as CH or CN. A rich inventory of r-process element abundances was established previously from optical spectra. Here we aim to supplement these data with abundances from near-UV spectroscopy of the third-peak neutron-capture elements, which are crucial for understanding the synthesis of the heaviest elements. Methods. Near-UV spectra from HST/STIS were analysed with LTE model atmospheres and spectrum synthesis calculations to derive new abundances of Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Bi and Pb in CS 31082-001. Results. Together with earlier data, the resulting abundance pattern for the r-process elements provides improved constraints on the nature of the r-process. The observed U and Th abundances and the initial production ratio place CS 31082-001 as one of the oldest stars in the Galaxy, consistent with its extreme metal deficiency. Comparison with the heaviest stable reference elements and with the daughter nuclides Pb and Bi provides a consistency check on this age determination. Finally, the existence of such r-element rich stars indicate that the early chemical evolution of the Galaxy was localised and inhomogeneous.
Quantification of the Particle Size and Stability of Graphene Oxide in a Variety of Solvents

The exceptional solution processing potential of graphene oxide (GO) is always one of its main advantages over graphene in terms of its industrial relevance in coatings, electronics, and energy storage. However, the presence of a variety of functional groups on the basal plane and edges of GO makes understanding suspension behavior in aqueous and organic solvents, a major challenge. Acoustic spectroscopy can also measure zeta potential to provide unique insight into flocculating, meta‐stable, and stable suspensions of GO in deionized water and a variety of organic solvents (including ethanol, ethylene glycol, and mineral oil). As expected, a match between solvent polarity and the polar functional groups on the GO surface favors stable colloidal suspensions accompanied by a smaller aggregate size tending toward disperse individual flakes of GO. This work is significant since it describes the characteristics of GO in solution and its ability to act as a precursor for graphene‐based materials.
An Automated Dashboard to Improve Laboratory COVID-19 Diagnostics Management

Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our microbial diagnostic laboratory located in a university hospital has implemented several distinct SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR systems in a very short time. More than 148,000 tests have been performed over 12 months, which represents about 405 tests per day, with peaks to more than 1,500 tests per days during the second wave. This was only possible thanks to automation and digitalization, to allow high throughput, acceptable time to results and to maintain test reliability. An automated dashboard was developed to give access to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve laboratory operational management. Methods: RT-PCR data extraction of four respiratory viruses—SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B and RSV—from our laboratory information system (LIS), was automated. This included age, gender, test result, RT-PCR instrument, sample type, reception time, requester, and hospitalization status etc. Important KPIs were identified and the visualization was achieved using an in-house dashboard based on the open-source language R (Shiny). Results: The dashboard is organized into three main parts. The “Filter” page presents all the KPIs, divided into five sections: (i) general and gender-related indicators, (ii) number of tests and positivity rate, (iii) cycle threshold and viral load, (iv) test durations, and (v) not valid results. Filtering allows to select a given period, a dedicated instrument, a given specimen, an age range or a requester. The “Comparison” page allows a custom charting of all the available variables, which represents more than 182 combination. The “Data” page, gives the user an access to the raw data in tables format, with possibility of filtering, allowing for a deeper analysis and data download. Informations are updated every 4 h. Conclusions: By giving a rapid access to a huge number of up-to-date information, represented using the most relevant visualization types, without the burden of timely data extraction and analysis, the dashboard represents a reliable and user-friendly tool for operational laboratory management. The dashboard represents a reliable and user-friendly tool improving the decision-making process, resource planning and quality management.