Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sabrewing: A lightweight architecture for combined floating-point and integer arithmetic

In spite of the fact that floating-point arithmetic is costly in terms of silicon area, the joint design of hardware for floating-point and integer arithmetic is seldom considered. While components like multipliers and adders can potentially be shared, floating-point and integer units in contemporary processors are practically disjoint. This work presents a new architecture which tightly integrates floating-point and integer arithmetic in a single datapath. It is mainly intended for use in low-power embedded digital signal processors and therefore the following design constraints were important: limited use of pipelining for the convenience of the compiler; maintaining compatibility with existing technology; minimal area and power consumption for applicability in embedded systems. The architecture is tailored to digital signal processing by combining floating-point fused multiply-add and integer multiply-accumulate. It could be deployed in a multi-core system-on-chip designed to support applications with and without dominance of floating-point calculations. The VHDL structural description of this architecture is available for download under BSD license. Besides being configurable at design time, it has been thoroughly checked for IEEE-754 compliance by means of a floating-point test suite originating from the IBM Research Labs. A proof-of-concept has also been implemented using STMicroelectronics 65nm technology. This prototype supports 32-bit signed two's complement integers and 41-bit (8-bit exponent and 32-bit significand) floating-point numbers. Our evaluations show that over 67% energy and 19% area can be saved compared to a reference design in which floating-point and integer arithmetic are implemented separately. The area overhead caused by combining floating-point and integer is less than 5%. Implemented in ST's general-purpose CMOS technology, the design can operate at a frequency of 1.35GHz, while 667MHz can be achieved in low-power CMOS. Considering that the entire datapath is partitioned in just three pipeline stages, and the fact that the design is intended for use in the low-power domain, these frequencies are adequate. They are in fact competitive with current technology low-power floating-point units. Post-layout estimates indicate that the required area of a low-power implementation can be as small as 0.04mm2. Power consumption is on the order of several milliwatts. Strengthened by the fact that clock gating could reduce power consumption even further, we think that a shared floating-point and integer architecture is a good choice for signal processing in low-power embedded systems.
Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus Strains Derived Worldwide: Genotypes, Subgenotypes, and HBsAg Subtypes

Sequences of 234 complete genomes and 631 hepatitis B surface antigen genes were used to assess the worldwide diversity of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Apart from the described two subgenotypes each for A and F, also B, C, and D divided into four subgenotypes each in the analysis of complete genomes supported by significant bootstrap values. The subgenotypes of B and C differed in their geographical distribution, with B1 dominating in Japan, B2 in China and Vietnam, B3 confined to Indonesia, and B4 confined to Vietnam, all strains specifying subtype ayw1. Subgenotype C1 was common in Japan, Korea, and China; C2 in China, South-East Asia, and Bangladesh, and C3 in the Oceania comprising strains specifying adrq–, and C4 specifying ayw3 is encountered in Aborigines from Australia. This pattern of defined geographical distribution was less evident for D1–D4, where the subgenotypes were widely spread in Europe, Africa, and Asia, possibly due to their divergence having occurred a longer time ago than for genotypes B and C, with D4 being the first split and still the dominating subgenotype of D in the Oceania. The genetic diversity of HBV and the geographical distribution of its subgenotypes provide a tool to reconstruct the evolutionary history of HBV and may help to complement genetic data in the understanding of the evolution and past migrations of man.
Lost in Translation: The Unintended Consequences of Advance Directive Law on Clinical Care

BACKGROUND Advance directive law may compromise the clinical effectiveness of advance directives. PURPOSE To identify unintended legal consequences of advance directive law that may prevent patients from communicating end-of-life preferences. DATA SOURCES Advance directive legal statutes for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and English-language searches of LexisNexis, Westlaw, and MEDLINE from 1966 to August 2010. STUDY SELECTION Two independent reviewers selected 51 advance directive statutes and 20 articles. Three independent legal reviewers selected 105 legal proceedings. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently assessed data sources and used critical content analysis to determine legal barriers to the clinical effectiveness of advance directives. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS Legal and content-related barriers included poor readability (that is, laws in all states were written above a 12th-grade reading level), health care agent or surrogate restrictions (for example, 40 states did not include same-sex or domestic partners as default surrogates), and execution requirements needed to make forms legally valid (for example, 35 states did not allow oral advance directives, and 48 states required witness signatures, a notary public, or both). Vulnerable populations most likely to be affected by these barriers included patients with limited literacy, limited English proficiency, or both who cannot read or execute advance directives; same-sex or domestic partners who may be without legally valid and trusted surrogates; and unbefriended, institutionalized, or homeless patients who may be without witnesses and suitable surrogates. LIMITATION Only appellate-level legal cases were available, which may have excluded relevant cases. CONCLUSION Unintended negative consequences of advance directive legal restrictions may prevent all patients, and particularly vulnerable patients, from making and communicating their end-of-life wishes and having them honored. These restrictions have rendered advance directives less clinically useful. Recommendations include improving readability, allowing oral advance directives, and eliminating witness or notary requirements. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pfizer Foundation.
Isolation of an antimicrobial compound produced by bacteria associated with reef-building corals

Bacterial communities associated with healthy corals produce antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the colonization and growth of invasive microbes and potential pathogens. To date, however, bacteria-derived antimicrobial molecules have not been identified in reef-building corals. Here, we report the isolation of an antimicrobial compound produced by Pseudovibrio sp. P12, a common and abundant coral-associated bacterium. This strain was capable of metabolizing dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a sulfur molecule produced in high concentrations by reef-building corals and playing a role in structuring their bacterial communities. Bioassay-guided fractionation coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), identified the antimicrobial as tropodithietic acid (TDA), a sulfur-containing compound likely derived from DMSP catabolism. TDA was produced in large quantities by Pseudovibrio sp. , and prevented the growth of two previously identified coral pathogens, Vibrio coralliilyticus and V. owensii, at very low concentrations (0.5 μg/mL) in agar diffusion assays. Genome sequencing of Pseudovibrio sp. P12 identified gene homologs likely involved in the metabolism of DMSP and production of TDA. These results provide additional evidence for the integral role of DMSP in structuring coral-associated bacterial communities and underline the potential of these DMSP-metabolizing microbes to contribute to coral disease prevention.
Magnetic Field Swimmer Positioning

Several projects have tracked the movement of swimmers in pools using body worn inertial measurement units. In swimming, inertial sensing is subject to large amounts of drift and accumulated error which can only be corrected for after a complete length has been swum. In this paper, we present a new method for tracking swimmers by detecting variations in the magnetic field caused by the structure of pools. This method is complementary to inertial positioning, as it allows the direct extraction of position without requiring postprocessing, and unlike inertial sensing which loses accuracy over time, magnetic field tracking becomes increasingly accurate toward the end of a length.
A prospective study of pigmentation, sun exposure, and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma in women.

BACKGROUND Although sun exposure is an established cause of cutaneous malignant melanoma, possible interactions with host factors remain incompletely understood. Here we report the first results from a large prospective cohort study of pigmentation factors and sun exposure in relation to melanoma risk. METHODS The Women's Lifestyle and Health Cohort Study included 106 379 women from Norway and Sweden who were aged 30-50 years in 1991 or 1992 when they completed an extensive questionnaire on personal characteristics and exposures. Linkages to national registries ensured complete follow-up through December 31, 1999. Poisson regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS During an average follow-up of 8.1 years, 187 cases of melanoma were diagnosed. Risk of melanoma was statistically significantly associated with increasing body surface area (RR for > or =1.79 m2 versus < or =1.61 m2 = 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03 to 2.48; P(trend) =. 02), number of large asymmetric nevi on the legs (RR for > or =7 nevi versus 0 nevi = 5.29, 95% CI = 2.33 to 12.01; P(trend)<. 001), hair color (RR for red versus dark brown or black = 4.05, 95% CI = 2.11 to 7.76; P(trend)<. 001), sunburns per year at ages 10-19, 20-29, and 30-39 years (P(trend)<. 001, P(trend) =. 03, and P(trend) =. 05, respectively), and use of a device that emits artificial light (solarium) one or more times per month (P =.04). CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm previous findings that hair color, number of nevi on the legs, and history of sunburn are risk factors for melanoma and suggest that use of a solarium is also associated with melanoma risk. Adolescence and early adulthood appear to be among the most sensitive age periods for the effects of sunburn and solarium use on melanoma risk. However, it may be too early to see the full effect of adult exposures in this cohort.
Unemployment duration and workers' wage aspirations in Spain

Abstract. This paper examines unemployed workers' declared willingness to work for wages lower than the one adequate for their qualification. We analyze which personal and economic characteristics determine this willingness and how it changes along the individuals' unemployment spells. The main results are: (i) Young workers, less educated and those living in regions or times of high unemployment are more willing to accept reduced wages while married women with a working husband are much less willing to do so; (ii) Once the individual fixed effect is controlled for, the willingness to work for reduced wages increases with the duration of unemployment; (iii) Not having access to unemployment benefits increases the probability that initially unwilling workers become willing to accept reduced wages.
Prodynorphin storage and processing in axon terminals and dendrites

The classical view postulates that neuropeptide precursors in neurons are processed into mature neuropeptides in the somatic trans‐Golgi network (TGN) and in secretory vesicles during axonal transport. Here we show that prodynorphin (PDYN), precursor to dynorphin opioid peptides, is predominantly located in axon terminals and dendrites in hippocampal and striatal neurons. The molar content of unprocessed PDYN was much greater than that of dynorphin peptides in axon terminals of PDYN‐containing neurons projecting to the CA3 region of the hippocampus and in the striatal projections to the ventral tegmental area. Electron microscopy showed coexistence of PDYN and dynorphins in the same axon terminals with occasional codistribution in individual dense core vesicles. Thus, the precursor protein is apparently stored at presynaptic sites. In comparison with the hippocampus and striatum, PDYN and dynorphins were more equally distributed between neuronal somata and processes in the amygdala and cerebral cortex, suggesting regional differences in the regulation of trafficking and processing of the precursor protein. Potassium‐induced depolarization activated PDYN processing and secretion of opioid peptides in neuronal cultures and in a model cell line. Regulation of PDYN storage and processing at synapses by neuronal activity or extracellular stimuli may provide a local mechanism for regulation of synaptic transmission. —Yakovleva, T. , Bazov, I. , Cebers, G. , Marinova, Z. , Hara, H. , Ahmed, A. , Vlaskovska, M. , Johansson, B. , Hochgeschwender, U. , Singh, I. N. , Bruce‐Keller, A. J., Hurd, Y. L. , Kaneko, T. , Terenius, L. , Ekström, T. J., Hauser, K. F. , Pickel, V. M. , Bakalkin, G. Prodynorphin storage and processing in axon terminals and dendrites FASEB J. 20, E1430 –E1440 (2006)
Different mutational profiles induced by N‐nitroso‐N‐ethylurea: Effects of dose and error‐prone DNA repair and correlations with DNA adducts

The DNA adducts and mutational profile produced by N‐nitroso‐N‐ethylurea (ENU) in Salmonella are examined. The adduct profile produced by ENU in isolated DNA and at two doses in Salmonella were similar, with one exception: O6‐ethylguanine (O6‐EtG) was not detected at the low dose in Salmonella. This adduct was presumably repaired by a constitutive repair system. The premutagenic adducts, O2‐ethylthymidine (O2‐EtdT) and O4‐ethylthymidine (O4‐EtdT) were detected, with the former adduct present at higher levels. The mutational profile was also determined at the same doses by utilizing a system involving a series of histidine auxotrophs of Salmonella with differing mutagenic specificities and a further subclassification of the revertants. Four different patterns of mutagenesis were observed; these were dependent on dose and on the presence or absence of the plasmid pKM101. The mutational spectrum produced at the higher dose in strains without the plasmid consisted mainly of GC→AT transitions. At the high dose, in strains harboring pKM101, three base changes contributed importantly to the mutational spectrum: GC→AT, AT→GC, and AT→CG. At the low dose in the strains without pKM101, little mutagenesis was observed, and in strains containing pKM101, mutagenesis was greatly enhanced with the most frequent mutations resulting from AT→GC and AT→CG base changes. O6‐EtG was presumably responsible for the bulk of the GC→AT transitions at the high dose. Calculations and evidence are presented indicating that O2‐EtdT is responsible for at least some of the mutagenesis that occurs at AT base pairs. O4‐EtdT and O2EtdT are probably responsible for a major fraction of the AT→GC transitions, and we suggest that error‐prone repair activity acting on O2‐EtdT and/or 04‐EtdT results in the AT→CG transversions.
PyMOOSE: Interoperable Scripting in Python for MOOSE

Python is emerging as a common scripting language for simulators. This opens up many possibilities for interoperability in the form of analysis, interfaces, and communications between simulators. We report the integration of Python scripting with the Multi-scale Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). MOOSE is a general-purpose simulation system for compartmental neuronal models and for models of signaling pathways based on chemical kinetics. We show how the Python-scripting version of MOOSE, PyMOOSE, combines the power of a compiled simulator with the versatility and ease of use of Python. We illustrate this by using Python numerical libraries to analyze MOOSE output online, and by developing a GUI in Python/Qt for a MOOSE simulation. Finally, we build and run a composite neuronal/signaling model that uses both the NEURON and MOOSE numerical engines, and Python as a bridge between the two. Thus PyMOOSE has a high degree of interoperability with analysis routines, with graphical toolkits, and with other simulators.
Learning Precise Spike Train–to–Spike Train Transformations in Multilayer Feedforward Neuronal Networks

Abstract We derive a synaptic weight update rule for learning temporally precise spike train–to–spike train transformations in multilayer feedforward networks of spiking neurons. The framework, aimed at seamlessly generalizing error backpropagation to the deterministic spiking neuron setting, is based strictly on spike timing and avoids invoking concepts pertaining to spike rates or probabilistic models of spiking. The derivation is founded on two innovations. First, an error functional is proposed that compares the spike train emitted by the output neuron of the network to the desired spike train by way of their putative impact on a virtual postsynaptic neuron. This formulation sidesteps the need for spike alignment and leads to closed-form solutions for all quantities of interest. Second, virtual assignment of weights to spikes rather than synapses enables a perturbation analysis of individual spike times and synaptic weights of the output, as well as all intermediate neurons in the network, which yields the gradients of the error functional with respect to the said entities. Learning proceeds via a gradient descent mechanism that leverages these quantities. Simulation experiments demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed learning framework. The experiments also highlight asymmetries between synapses on excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
Development of a test method for evaluation and quantification of healing in asphalt mixture

It is now well recognised that microdamage healing may extend the fatigue life of asphalt pavement. In this study, a test was developed to quantify the healing of asphalt mixture, both dense-graded and open-graded, using the SuperpaveTM Indirect Tensile Test testing system. The healing test consists of repeated load damage tests (resilient modulus tests) during the damage phase followed by a healing phase during which resilient modulus tests are performed on a limited basis to measure modulus recovery (healing). Appropriate load level, as percentage of tensile strength, for the damage phase was found to depend on mixture brittleness index. A decrease in resilient modulus with an increasing number of load cycles is indicative of accumulation of microdamage during the damage phase. Recovery of resilient modulus during the healing phase is indicative of damage recovery or healing. Rate of healing was found to not be constant but rather changed with time at a decreasing rate for any given mixture. Therefore, a healing rate parameter was defined to allow for comparison between mixtures. Results showed that, in general, expected trends were observed. Mixtures tested at higher temperatures healed at a faster rate than those at lower temperatures and mixtures subjected to less oxidative ageing healed at faster rates than those subjected to more oxidative ageing.
Effects of chronic nerve conduction block on formation of neuromuscular junctions and junctional AChE in the rat.

The development of ectopic n.m. j.s. between the transplanted superficial fibular nerve and the soleus muscle has been studied in adult rats. Impulse conduction in the sciatic nerve was blocked chronically and synapse formation between the blocked fibular nerve and the paralysed soleus was compared with synapse formation between non-blocked fibular nerves and denervated soleus muscles. Nerves with conduction block readily made new n.m. j.s. Thus 6 and 10--14 days after the onset of the block the number of newly innervated muscle fibres, the percentage of innervated fibres responding with action potentials and the frequency of m.e. p.p.s. at new junctions were comparable to that observed during innervation by non-blocked nerves. Muscle fibres innervated by both the original soleus nerve and the foreign fibular nerve were regularly encountered in the impulse blocked preparations. Junctions formed by impulse blocked fibular nerves had either no or very little AChE activity 10--15 days after the onset of the block. The evidence for this was 1) weak staining for CHE; 2) prolonged rise time and 1/2 decay time of m.e. p.p.s; 3) positive correlation between m.e. p.p. amplitude and 1/2 decay time and 4) insensitivity to anticholinesterases. In contrast, junctions formed by non-blocked fibular nerves had strong AChE activity by these criteria at corresponding times. AChE activity at the original soleus endplates was much reduced 10--15 days after the onset of conduction block.
Bond Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars under Direct Pullout Conditions

This paper examines the behavior of Eurocrete fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars (glass, carbon, aramid, and hybrid) in concrete under direct pullout conditions. More than 130 cube specimens were tested in direct pullout where no splitting was allowed to develop. In normal concrete, the mode of bond failure of FRP bars was found to differ substantially from that of deformed steel bars because of damage to the resin rich surface of the bar when pullout takes place. Bond strengths developed by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars appear to be very similar and just below what is expected from deformed steel bars under similar experimental conditions. The load slip curves highlight some of the fundamental differences between steel and FRP materials. This paper reports in detail on the influence of various parameters that affect bond strength and development such as the embedment length, type, shape, surface characteristics, and diameter of the bar as well as concrete strength. The testing arrangement is also shown to influence bond strength because of the “wedging effect” of the bars.
Computing Pose Sequences Directly from Videos

An innovative extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm for pose tracking has been proposed in this paper. It has the advantages of both structure and motion-based (SAM-based) and traditional model-based pose estimation algorithms. With no prior information about the scene, the pose sequence can be computed directly from images while the updating of the 3-D structure is not necessary. To achieve the goal, a constant velocity motion model is used as the dynamic system and the trifocal tensor point transfer function is applied to the measurement model of the filter. The resulting algorithm is stable, accurate and efficient. An empirical comparison with existing EKFs which deal with the same problem has been made and shows that our approach outperformed the others. The proposed method has been tested with various video sequences to demonstrate its performance in real situations.