Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A K-Means-Based Multi-Prototype High-Speed Learning System with FPGA-Implemented Coprocessor for 1-NN Searching

SUMMARY In this paper, we propose a hardware solution for over-coming the problem of high computational demands in a nearest neighbor (NN) based multi-prototype learning system. The multiple prototypes are obtained by a high-speed K-means clustering algorithm utilizing a concept of software-hardware cooperation that takes advantage of the ﬂexibility of the software and the e ﬃ ciency of the hardware. The one nearest neighbor (1-NN) classiﬁer is used to recognize an object by searching for the nearest Euclidean distance among the prototypes. The major deﬁciency in conventional implementations for both K-means and 1-NN is the high computational demand of the nearest neighbor searching. This deﬁciency is resolved by an FPGA-implemented coprocessor that is a VLSI circuit for searching the nearest Euclidean distance. The coprocessor requires 12 . 9% logic elements and 58% block memory bits of an Altera Stratix III E110 FPGA device. The hardware communicates with the software by a PCI Express ( × 4) local-bus-compatible interface. We benchmark our learning system against the popular case of handwritten digit recognition in which abundant previous works for comparison are available. In the case of the MNIST database, we could attain the most e ﬃ cient accuracy rate of 97.91% with 930 prototypes, the learning speed of 1 . 3 × 10 − 4 s / sample and the classiﬁcation speed of 3 . 94 × 10 − 8 s / character.
Désassemblage et détection de logiciels malveillants auto-modifiants. (Disassembly and detection of self-modifying malwares)

Cette these porte en premier lieu sur l'analyse et le desassemblage de programmes malveillants utilisant certaines techniques d'obscurcissement telles que l'auto-modification et le chevauchement de code. Les programmes malveillants trouves dans la pratique utilisent massivement l'auto-modification pour cacher leur code utile a un analyste. Nous proposons une technique d'analyse hybride qui utilise une trace d'execution determinee par analyse dynamique. Cette analyse decoupe le programme auto-modifiant en plusieurs sous-parties non auto-modifiantes que nous pouvons alors etudier par analyse statique en utilisant la trace comme guide. Cette seconde analyse contourne d'autres techniques de protection comme le chevauchement de code afin de reconstruire le graphe de flot de controle du binaire analyse. Nous etudions egalement un detecteur de programmes malveillants, fonctionnant par analyse morphologique : il compare les graphes de flot de controle d'un programme a analyser a ceux de programmes connus comme malveillants. Nous proposons une formalisation de ce probleme de comparaison de graphes, des algorithmes permettant de le resoudre efficacement et detaillons des cas concrets d'application a la detection de similarites logicielles
Robotics4.NET: software body for controlling robots

As hardware for robots is becoming widely available, better programming abstractions are needed to develop programs controlling robots. In the paper the Robotics4.NET, a framework to develop software aimed at controlling robots of different nature, is introduced. The whole framework is built around the notion of body, which is a software entity connecting the physical structure of the robot to the reasoning modules. The programming abstractions provided by the framework and their implementation are discussed. To validate this framework experiments were conducted on two robotics architectures: R2D2, a custom made robot equipped with a rich set of sensors and actuators; and ER1, an off-the-shelf, low cost, robotics platform available on-line.
Eomesodermin, HAND1, and CSH1 proteins are induced by cellular stress in a stress‐activated protein kinase‐dependent manner

Eomesodermin (Eomes) is a transcription factor essential for trophoblast development. Stress stimuli activate stress‐activated protein kinase (MAPK8/9) and modulate transcription factors in trophoblast stem cells (TSC). In this study, we test the hypothesis that stress‐induced Eomes upregulation and downstream trophoblast development are MAPK8/9‐dependent. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot assays suggest that Eomes is induced by hyperosmolar stress in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Two MAPK8/9 inhibitors that work by different mechanisms, LJNKl1 and SP600125, block induction of Eomes protein by stress. During normal TSC differentiation, the transcription factor heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 1 (HAND1) is dependent on Eomes, and chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 1 (CSH1) expression is dependent on HAND1. Similar to Eomes, HAND1 and CSH1 induction by stress are MAPK8/9‐dependent, and CSH1 is induced in nearly all stressed TSC. CSH1 induction normally requires downregulation of the transcription factor inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2) as well as HAND1 upregulation. It was shown previously that hyperosmolar stress induces AMP‐activated protein kinase (PRKAA1/2)‐dependent ID2 loss in a MAPK8/9‐independent manner. Inhibition of PRKAA1/2 with compound C and LJNKl1, more than MAPK8/9 inhibitors alone, inhibits the induction of CSH1 by stress. Taken together these data suggest that stress‐induced MAPK8/9 and PRKAA1/2 regulate transcription factors Eomes/HAND1 and ID2, respectively. Together this network mediates induction of CSH1 by stress. Therefore, stress triggers a proportional increase in a normal early TSC differentiation event that could be adaptive in inducing CSH1. But the flexibility of TSC to undergo stress‐induced differentiation could lead to pathophysiological consequences if stress endured and TSC differentiation became unbalanced. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:519–528, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunodeficiency Anchoring in T Cells Resist Retrovirus-Induced Mice with Disrupted Type I Protein Kinase A

of May 3, 2011This information is current ashttp://www.jimmunol. org/content/186/9/5119 doi:10.4049/jimmunol.1100003March 2011;J Immunol 2011;186;5119-5130; Prepublished online 23€Souad Rahmouni and Kjetil TaskenHeglind, Anja Ruppelt, Michel Moutschen, Sven Enerback, Randi Mosenden, Pratibha Singh, Isabelle Cornez, Mikael€
Mutants of influenza virus.

very remote if the operation has been properly performed. In view of the numerous reports the Union has received recently concerning male sterilization it would appear that many surgeons do not realize that vasoligation should not be carried out under the National Health Service unless there is a medical indication for the operation. There is no distinction between men and women regarding sterilization under the N.H. S. ; the operation can be carried out under the N.H. S. in either case if it is required to protect the physical or mental health of the patient. -I am, etc.,
11.1 An oversampled 12/14b SAR ADC with noise reduction and linearity enhancements achieving up to 79.1dB SNDR

Autonomous wireless sensor nodes for cloud networks require ultra-low-power electronics. In particular, sensor readout interfaces need low-speed high-precision ADCs for capturing, e.g., bio-potential signals, environmental information, or interactive multimedia. For these applications, state-of-the-art SAR ADCs can provide highly power-efficient solutions (<;10fJ/conversion-step) but with limited accuracy (SNDR <;63dB) [1,2]. Alternatively, ΔΣ ADCs offer higher precision at the cost of lower efficiency (e.g. 84dB SNDR with 54fJ/conversion-step [3]). This work bridges the existing performance gap by extending the accuracy of low-power SAR ADCs to SNDRs in the order of 70-to-80dB. Feedback-controlled data-driven noise reduction [1], oversampling, chopping [4] and dithering [5] techniques are combined to increase both SNR and linearity in a power-efficient way. Various ADC modes are supported by making these techniques individually programmable, thereby extending the application range.
Statistical low-frequency noise characterization in sub-15 nm Si/SiGe nanowire Trigate pMOSFETs

A detailed statistical characterization of the drain current low-frequency noise (LFN) in sub-15 nm Si/SiGe Trigate NW pMOSFETs is presented. The slow oxide trap density and distribution, as well as the correlated mobility fluctuations effect are probed for several channel geometries. The LFN variability scaling is also presented and compared to established nano-scale planar CMOS technologies. Our results indicate that such devices demonstrate relatively good gate oxide interface quality and LFN variability levels, despite their very aggressive dimensions and not yet optimized fabrication process.
Acute free fatty acid elevation eliminates endurance training effect on insulin sensitivity.

CONTEXT Both training and normal body mass index are associated with high insulin sensitivity, but the mechanism may be different. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to examine whether lean trained humans may be protected from acute free fatty acid (FFA)-induced insulin resistance compared with lean sedentary humans. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted an interventional trial using either a 6-h lipid (20% Intralipid at 90 ml/h) or glycerol (2.25 g/100 ml at 90 ml/h) infusion along with a concurrent hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and serial muscle biopsies (0, 120, 360 min) at a clinical research unit at the University of Minnesota. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS The study included lean endurance-trained (n = 14) and sedentary (n = 14) individuals matched for age, gender, and body mass index. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured the decline in glucose infusion rate (GIR) during the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. RESULTS The trained group had higher baseline mitochondrial DNA copy number, mRNA of cytochrome C oxidase subunit 3, and insulin sensitivity (as measured by GIR) compared with the sedentary group. When FFA was acutely elevated to the upper physiological range (0.6-0.7 mEq/liter) by lipid infusion, the GIR in both activity groups declined similarly compared with their respective glycerol controls, although insulin signaling, as measured by Ser 473 pAKT/AKT, remained comparable. Specific to the trained group, the stimulatory effect of hyperinsulinemia on mitochondrial mRNA levels during the glycerol infusion was absent during the lipid infusion. CONCLUSIONS Elevated FFA had similar effects in reducing insulin sensitivity in trained and sedentary humans. In trained participants, this decline was associated with alterations in the skeletal muscle mitochondrial mRNA response to hyperinsulinemia.
Development of a clinical tool and patient questionnaire for evaluation of patellofemoral pain syndrome patients.

OBJECTIVE To develop an evaluation tool for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) patients. DESIGN Exploratory, descriptive content validation study. PARTICIPANTS Convenience sample, three groups of clinicians: 15 sports physical therapists, 9 sports medicine physicians, and 10 physical therapists and physicians with limited experience with PFPS. Selection based on specialization qualifications and experience with PFPS patients. DESCRIPTION OF TESTS: Content validation questionnaire to determine importance of clinical outcomes in determining change in PFPS patients. Using 10-cm visual analogue scales, reviewers rated the importance of five domains and rated the importance of twenty-one clinical tests; using a categorical scale, determined appropriateness and clarity of potential patient questionnaire items. MAIN RESULTS Correlation values indicated significant correlation (p < 0.01) between pain and functional limitations (r = 0.068) and activity and functional limitations (r = 0.67), indicating that functional limitation may not be a unique component, but is integrated with pain and activity. A set of five pain questions, twelve function questions and six activity questions was developed. No statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the three groups of clinicians for the majority of clinical tests. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the three groups for rating of importance of flexibility of hip flexor and flexibility of gastrocnemius-soleus muscle groups, knee swelling, and radiographs. Good internal consistency among the 21 clinical tests (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84). The five top rated tests considering mean score values and standard deviations: lower extremity alignment, patellar orientation, patellar mobility, and flexibility of rectus femoris and tensor fasciae latae muscle groups. CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence of content validity for the components of PFPS evaluation investigated. The findings provide a basis of design of an evaluation tool for PFPS patients consisting of patient self-report questionnaire items and clinical tests.
Emotional Intelligence Skills and Self-efficacy Levels: Physical Education Teachers' Perspective

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence skills and self-efficacy levels among physical education teachers from the teachers' own perspective. The researchers developed two scales that measure the emotional intelligence skills; and another one to measure self-efficacy levels for physical education teachers. These two scales were applied on (70) teachers from public and private schools of the Salt Directorate of Education in Jordan. The results show a strong relationship between the emotional intelligence skills and self-efficacy levels among physical education teachers. Therefore, the results also showed that the physical education teachers have high levels of emotional intelligence skills and self-efficacy levels. Also, the results show the presence of statistically significant differences between teachers in the emotional intelligence skills for the benefit of male teachers, and between public and private schools for public schools. The researchers have recommended that it is necessary to teach some training programs about emotional intelligence to physical education teachers in both public and private schools and universities.
A BENCHMARK FOR DESIGNING USABLE AND SECURE TEXT -BASED CAPTCHAS

An automated public Turing test to distinguish between computers and humans known as CAPTCHA is a widely used technique on many websites to protect their online services from malicious users. Two fundamental aspects of captcha considered in various studies in the literature are robustness and usability. A widely accepted standard benchmark, to guide the text-based captcha developers is not yet available. So this paper proposes a benchmark for designing usable-secure text-based captchas based on a community driven evaluation of the usability and security aspects. Based on this benchmark, we develop four new textbased captcha schemes, and conduct two separate experiments to evaluate both the security and usability perspectives of the developed schemes. The result of this evaluation indicates that the proposed benchmark provides a basis for designing usable-secure text-based captchas.
App2net: A platform to transfer and configure applications on programmable virtual networks

In programmable virtual networks, simple tasks, like installing software, can be extremely complex. This complexity occurs mainly because the code transfer and initial functional settings in network execution environments are not automated. In addition, the same tasks have different requirements in each service lifecycle stage. In this sense, we propose the App2net platform for enabling the transfer and configuration of network applications in programmable virtual networks that use heterogeneous execution environments. We also propose a taxonomy for grouping code transfer techniques and, based on such techniques, we develop models for code transfer. A prototype has been implemented and tested on realistic network topologies commonly found on the Internet. Results allow us to identify which models improve code transfer consuming fewer resources, regarding service lifecycle stages and network topologies.
Impairment of phenylalanine conversion to tyrosine in end-stage renal disease causing tyrosine deficiency.

BACKGROUND Tyrosine is not considered an indispensable amino acid because in humans phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine. Recent human studies demonstrated that tyrosine production from phenylalanine occurs not only in liver but also in kidney. METHODS Here we report results from studies, performed in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and in healthy controls using [15N] phenylalanine and [2H4] tyrosine as tracers demonstrating the mechanism of tyrosine deficiency in patients with renal failure. RESULTS Phenylalanine flux (an index of protein breakdown) was identical in both groups either before or during an infusion of amino acid mixture. In contrast, tyrosine flux (representing protein breakdown and tyrosine appearance from phenylalanine) and conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine were lower in ESRD patients [2.05 +/- 0.30 micromol/kg fat-free mass (FFM)/hour and 2.59 +/- 0.52 micromol/kg FFM/hour, before and during amino acid infusion, respectively] than in the control subjects (4.07 +/- 0.54 micromol/kg FFM/hour and 5.53 +/- 0.86 micromol/kg FFM/hour, P <0.02, ESRD vs. controls, respectively). Plasma tyrosine concentrations in ESRD patients remained 40% lower than the controls during the postabsorptive state and following amino acid replacement. CONCLUSION We conclude that reduced conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine causes tyrosine deficiency in patients with ESRD prompting to propose that tyrosine replacement is potentially required in patients with ESRD.
Animal models of pancreatic cancer for drug research

Background: The operative and conservative results of therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remain appallingly poor. This underlines the demand for further research for effective anticancer drugs. The various animal models remain the essential method for the determination of efficacy of substances during preclinical phase. Objective: Unfortunately, most of these tested substances showed a good efficacy in pancreatic carcinoma in the animal model but were not confirmed during the clinical phase. Methods: The available literature in PubMed, Medline, Ovid and secondary literature was searched regarding the available animal models for drug testing against pancreatic cancer. The models were analyzed regarding their pros and cons in anticancer drug testing. Conclusion: The different modifications of the orthotopic model (especially in mice) seem at present to be the best model for anticancer testing in pancreatic carcinoma. The value of genetically engineered animal model (GEM) and syngeneic models is on debate. A good selection of the model concerning the questions supposed to be clarified may improve the comparability of the results of animal experiments compared to clinical trials.
A Public Value Based Framework for Evaluating the Performance of e-Government in China

Much research has been done on evaluating the performance of e-government in China, but comprehensive pictures of research done on evaluation of performance of e-government can hardly be found in the Chinese literature. Besides, there are few theories to support the research and practice in evaluation. By analyzing existed literature, the paper proposes a conceptual framework for evaluating performance of e-government based on public value perspective. Delivery of public services, effectiveness of public organization and development of trust are identified and selected as three basic public values for analysis.
Phylogenetic Relationships among Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Isolates from the 2002-2003 Outbreak in California and Other Recent Outbreaks in North America

ABSTRACT Isolates from the 2002-2003 virulent Newcastle disease virus (v-NDV) outbreak in southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas in the United States were compared to each other along with recent v-NDV isolates from Mexico and Central America and reference avian paramyxovirus type 1 strains. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were conducted on a 1,195-base genomic segment composing the 3′ region of the matrix (M) protein gene and a 5′ portion of the fusion (F) protein gene including the M-F intergenic region. This encompasses coding sequences for the nuclear localization signal of the M protein and the F protein cleavage activation site. A dibasic amino acid motif was present at the predicted F protein cleavage activation site in all v-NDVs, including the California 2002-2003, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Mexico, and Central America isolates. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the California 2002-2003, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas viruses were most closely related to isolates from Mexico and Central America. An isolate from Texas obtained during 2003 appeared to represent a separate introduction of v-NDV into the United States, as this virus was even more closely related to the Mexico 2000 isolates than the California, Arizona, and Nevada viruses. The close phylogenetic relationship between the recent 2002-2003 U.S. v-NDV isolates and those viruses from countries geographically close to the United States warrants continued surveillance of commercial and noncommercial poultry for early detection of highly virulent NDV.
“You can’t handle the truth”; medical paternalism and prenatal alcohol use

The publication of the latest contribution to the alcohol-in-pregnancy debate, and the now customary flurry of media attention it generated, have precipitated the renewal of a series of ongoing debates about safe levels of consumption and responsible prenatal conduct. The University College London (UCL) study’s finding that low levels of alcohol did not contribute to adverse behavioural outcomes—and may indeed have made a positive contribution in some cases—is unlikely to be the last word on the subject. Proving a negative correlation is notoriously difficult (technically, impossible), and other studies have offered alternative claims. The author is not an epidemiologist, and the purpose of this article is not to evaluate the competing empirical claims. However, the question of what information and advice healthcare practitioners ought to present to pregnant women, or prospectively or potentially pregnant women, in a situation of uncertainty is one to which healthcare ethicists may have a contribution to make. In this article, it is argued that the total abstinence policy advocated by the UK’s Department of Health, and even more stridently by the British Medical Association, sits uneasily with recent data and is far from ethically unproblematic. In particular, the “precautionary” approach advocated by these bodies displays both scant regard for the autonomy of pregnant and prospectively pregnant women and a confused grasp of the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence.
Matrix formulation of a universal microbial transcript profiling system

DNA chips and microarrays are used to profile gene transcription. Unfortunately, the initial fabrication cost for a chip and the reagent costs to amplify thousands of open reading frames for a microarray are over $100K for a typical 4 Mbase bacterial genome. To avoid these expensive steps, a matrix formulation of a universal hybrid chip-microarray approach to transcript profiling is demonstrated for synthetic data. Initial considerations for application to the 4.3 Mbase bacterium Yersinia pestis are also presented. This approach can be applied to arbitrary bacteria by recalculating a matrix and pseudoinverse. This approach avoids the large upfront expenses associated with DNA chips and microarrays.