Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing memory usage in the polyhedral model

The polyhedral model provides a single unified foundation for systolic array synthesis and automatic parallelization of loop programs. We investigate the problem of memory reuse when compiling Alpha (a functional language based on this model). Direct compilation would require unacceptably large memory (for example O(n3) for matrix multiplication). Researchers have previously addressed the problem of memory reuse, and the analysis that this entails for projective memory allocations. This paper addresses, for a given schedule, the choice of the projections so as to minimize the volume of the residual memory. We prove tight bounds on the number of linearly independent projection vectors. Our method is constructive, yielding an optimal memory allocation. We extend the method to modular functions, and deal with the subsequent problems of code generation. Our ideas are illustrated on a number of examples generated by the current version of the Alpha compiler.
Trends and developments in top management teams: Evidence from UK panel data

A considerable amount of research has been given to the board of directors. Little interest, however, has been shown to the top management team itself and the individual leaders. Based on a sample of the 460 largest UK listed companies during the period 1990-1998 this paper documents new evidence regarding: a) the recent developments in the structure of UK top management teams, b) the implications of joint CEO/Chair roles, and c) the profile of all senior managers and individual leaders in UK companies. It is concluded that there have been important shifts in the composition of British top management teams over the last decade, there are significant managerial differences between combined and non-combined CEO/Chair positions as well as between the individual leaders and the rest senior managers, and that there has been a fall in the use of executive stock compensation.
SAM-Semantics Aware Instant Messaging and Collective Message Tagging ?

While instant messaging (IM) became a mature communication means in business organizations over the last years, IM systems did not keep pace with this evolution. Communicated content is often stored insufficiently and hard to recall, integration into other desktop applications impossible. In this paper, we demonstrate how to overcome these shortcomings and in addition introduce novel IM features beyond the scope of today’s shortcomings. We employ an ontological meta model that introduces semantics to instant messaging data and establish semantic annotations of messages. We exploit the gained additional semantics to foster advanced management. Annotation effort is minimized by the simplicity of message tagging, annotation recommendations, and automatic annotation exchange between buddies. The Semantics Aware Messenger (SAM) is a prototypical implementation of the ideas presented here and establishes networked exchange of semantic meta data to reduce user effort and enhance ease of use by exploiting information distributed over multiple buddies. Accordingly, SAM introduces IM to the Semantic Web.
A Novel Mobility Prediction Mechanism in Heterogeneous Networks

Due to the various kinds of business requirements, the next generation wireless network should be able to coordinate and integrate different communication systems. In this situation, predicting the location of a mobile wireless user is an inherently interesting and challenging issue. We propose a mobility prediction mechanism based on logistic cells (MPMboLC) in heterogeneous wireless network. MPMboLC can address the problem of mobility prediction in heterogeneous networks. Thus this mechanism makes that almost every existing mobility prediction algorithm can be implemented on this MPMboLC mechanism in heterogeneous networks. The mobility prediction is very important for both homogeneous networks and heterogeneous networks, driven by applications in mobility management, call admission control, smooth handoffs, and resource reservation for improved quality of service. Moreover, recognizing existing resources, we propose an implement of the mechanism. We also test the realizability and performance of MPMboLC in heterogeneous network environment by the simulator.
Parametric Identification of Nonlinear Systems: Guaranteed Confidence Regions

In this paper we consider the problem of constructing confidence regions for the parameters of nonlinear dynamical systems. The proposed method makes use of higher order statistics and extends a previous algorithm in [3]. The obtained confidence regions are valid for any finite number of data samples and they are nonconservative, in the sense that they contain the true parameter value with an exact probability. The usefulness of the proposed approach is illustrated in simulation examples. The results presented here are preliminary results from an ongoing research on finite sample properties in nonlinear system identification.
Evolution of Developmental Control Mechanisms Co-option of an anteroposterior head axis patterning system for proximodistal patterning of appendages in early bilaterian evolution

a r t i c l e i n f o The enormous diversity of extant animal forms is a testament to the power of evolution, and much of this diversity has been achieved through the emergence of novel morphological traits. The origin of novel morphological traits is an extremely important issue in biology, and a frequent source of this novelty is co-option of pre-existing genetic systems for new purposes (Carroll et al., 2008). Appendages, such as limbs, fins and antennae, are structures common to many animal body plans which must have arisen at least once, and probably multiple times, in lineages which lacked appendages. We provide evidence that appendage proximodistal patterning genes are expressed in similar registers in the anterior embryonic neurectoderm of Drosophila melanogaster and Saccoglossus kowalevskii (a hemichordate). These results, in concert with existing expression data from a variety of other animals suggest that a pre-existing genetic system for anteroposterior head patterning was co-opted for patterning of the proximodistal axis of appendages of bilaterian animals. Introduction Since the advent of molecular biology, many morphological traits that are shared between disparate animal clades have been found to be controlled by conserved underlying genetic systems Morphological novelty, on the other hand, involves the evolution of new traits that are often patterned by co-opted genes or genetic systems that originally performed other developmental functions. For example, eye spots on butterfly wings are patterned through the redeployment, in small foci corresponding to the eye spots, of genes that also control the growth and patterning of the entire insect wing (Keys et al., 1999; Carroll et al., 2008). Another example is seen in the redeployment of a few Hox genes to pattern the paired appendages of vertebrates; these genes having been co-opted from an ancestral role in patterning posterior structures on the main body axis of chordates (McGinnis and Krumlauf, 1992; Zakany and Duboule, 2007). In this study we wished to explore the origins of the proximodistal appendage patterning system. The patterning of Drosophila appendages is a well studied system of proximodistal axis specification. Although numerous genes participate in patterning of Drosophila appendages, there is a core group of genes which is responsible for establishing the gross morphological divisions. The gene pair buttonhead (btd):D-Sp1 [despite its name, D-Sp1 gene is not an ortholog of vertebrate Sp1, being a member of the Sp8 family (Beermann et al., 2004), and it will hereafter be …
USING GAMIFICATION FOR IMPROVING NURSES ’ PRODUCTIVITY IN A HOSPITAL WARD

Healthcare acquired infections are one of the biggest problems healthcare field is facing, which can end up in an increasing quantity of deaths, extra-days of hospital stay and costs for both the hospital and the patient. Performing hand hygiene is a simple and inexpensive prevention measure, but healthcare workers compliance with it is still far from desired. Recognized hurdles are lack of time, forgetfulness, wrong technique and motivation. Besides, nurses’ perception about their compliance is disturb by a busy schedule. This study aims at exploring the use of gamification to promote nurses’ HH compliance self-awareness and action. Real-time collected from an indoor location system will provide feedback information to a group of nurses working in an ICU ward. In this paper we present our research’s motivation and methods, along with the collected results and its discussion.
Relative service differentiation for mobile ad hoc networks

A relative bandwidth service differentiation scheme is proposed for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). The service profile for a traffic session is defined as a relative target rate, which is a fraction of the effective link capacity of nodes. To calculate the effective link capacity of nodes in a randomly moving topology MANET, two methods are presented: one is parameter based and the other is measurement based calculations work effectively to estimate the effective link capacity of nodes and the relative service differentiation is consistent. Furthermore, the differentiation is more consistent when nodes use the measurement based calculation of link capacity because it is more accurate.
Space compaction of test responses using orthogonal transmission functions [logic testing]

Space compaction of test responses provides parallel access to functional outputs and reduces testing time and test data volume. We present a new space compaction approach that only uses information about the fault-free responses for a precomputed test set T. It is, therefore, especially suitable for embedded cores. It does not make any assumption about an underlying fault model, and it does not make use of any structural information about the core. Advantages of this approach include complete error propagation for all errors and optimum (provably maximum) compaction ratio. Classical linear space compactors often require structural information and can only guarantee error propagation for a specific fault model. In contrast, the proposed compactor design is based on the use of orthogonal transmission functions, which allow all errors produced by T to be propagated through the space compactor. We illustrate the proposed method by presenting case studies on compactor synthesis for several large ISCAS benchmark circuits. We show that maximum compaction with low area overhead can be achieved for circuits for which compact test sets are available.
Nucleolar localization and mobility analysis of the NF-κB repressing factor NRF

NF-κB plays a central role in mediating pathogen and cytokine-stimulated gene transcription. NF-κB repressing factor (NRF) has been shown to interact with specific negative regulatory DNA elements (NRE) to mediate transcriptional repression by inhibition of the NF-κB activity at certain promoters. mRNA ablation experiments demonstrated that the trans-acting NRF protein is involved in constitutive but not post-stimulated silencing of IFN-β, IL-8 and iNOS genes by binding to cis-acting NRE elements in their promoters. We have examined the subcellular localization and mobility of the NRF protein. Since neither tagging nor overexpression perturbs NRF localization the GFP-tagged protein was used for detailed localization and mobility studies. Owing to an N-terminal nuclear localization sequence, all NRF fragments that contain this signal show a constitutive nuclear accumulation. C-terminal NRF fragments also localize to the nucleus although no canonical NLS motifs were detected. Full-length NRF is highly enriched in nucleoli and only a small fraction of NRF is found in the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. This relationship was found to be independent of the protein expression rate. FRAP analysis proved to be a sensitive method to determine protein mobility and made it possible to differentiate between the NRF protein fragments. Nucleolar localization correlated inversely with mobility. The data demonstrate that a series of neighboring fragments in a large central domain of the protein contribute to the strong nucleolar affinity. These properties were not altered by viral infection or LPS treatment. Several sequence motifs for RNA binding were predicted by computer-mediated databank searches. We found that NRF binds to double stranded RNA (dsRNA). This property mapped to several NRF fragments which correlate with the nucleolar affinity domain. Since treatment with actinomycin D releases NRF from nucleoli the identified RNA binding motifs might act as nucleolar localization signals.
An Improved Iterated Local Search Algorithm for Invest Strongly Correlated 0/1 Knapsack Problem

This paper proposed an improved iterated local search algorithm named iZHKnap for the Invest strongly correlated 0/1 knapsack problem based on its special properties and the combinatorial correlation between the optimum value and the items in the object set upon the classical non-increasing profit-to-weight ratio greedy policy. In order to evaluate the performance of our deterministic algorithm, we compare its average performance with Combo’s in the same test set for Combo algorithm is still the deterministic state-of-the-art algorithm in solving 0/1 knapsack problem though it is about 10 year ago. The experimental results show that iZHKnap outperforms Combo algorithm in polynomial time in terms of the average solution quality and the coverage of the problem instances and prove that the solutions from iZHKnap have no relation with both the coefficients of the items and the gap between the integer optimum and the linear optimum. Instead, such solutions relate only to the combination of the items’ weight and the fraction derived with the greedy policy applied. This results in iZHKnap’s strong competitive performance as well as in solving the Sub-set sum problem.
Comparative linkage mapping of Oryza glumaepatula and Oryza sativa interspecific crosses based on microsatellite and expressed sequence tag markers

Molecular linkage maps representing the rice genome have been an important tool for breeding programs because they allow the elucidation of polygenic traits and are an efficient tool for monitoring wild introgressions in interspecific crosses. Common markers among rice genetic maps are important in defining the homology of chromosomes and the synteny between genomic target regions. We used 148 markers (expressed sequence tags, microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms) to construct a molecular linkage map based on co-dominant markers for an interspecific backcross population using a wild rice (Oryza glumaepatula) from Brazil and performed a comparative analysis with other interspecific maps. The comparative analysis revealed a Spearman correlation index of 0.86 for marker order conservation to a previous map constructed for an interspecific cross using the same wild parent. Approximately 90% of markers common to other interspecific maps kept the same order. These results indicate that it will be possible to generate a unique genetic map using the wild donor and that it may be a helpful tool for breeding programs because plants derived from different interspecific populations can be rapidly scanned using markers associated with useful wild traits.
Problems of Policy Implementation in Developing Nations: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract The paper attempted to identify and proffer possible solutions to the various problems facing developing nations as regards implementation of policies. Apart from discussing the general overview of policy implementation problems in both developed and developing nations, focus was on Nigeria while a great number of examples were taken from the Nigerian experience. The Better Life Programme (BLP) and the Family Support Programme (FSP) embarked upon by Nigeria’s successive First Ladies between 1983 and 1998 (Mrs. Maryam Babangida and Mrs. Maryam Abacha respectively) were highlighted for empirical studies. Some implementation problems identified in the study include corruption, lack of continuity in government policies, inadequate human and material resources, all of which often lead to implementation gap, i.e. the widening of the distance between stated policy goals and the realization of such planned goals. The study concluded that it is apparent that policies are rolled out regularly in developing nations but, most of the time, without achieving the desired results.
Cytotoxic and Genotoxic effects of Arsenic and Lead on Human Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AMSCs)

Arsenic and lead, known to have genotoxic and mutagenic effects, are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. The presence of arsenic in drinking water has been a serious health problem in many countries. Human exposure to these metals has also increased due to rapid industrialization and their use in formulation of many products. Liposuction material is a rich source of stem cells. In the present study cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of these metals were tested on adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). Cells were exposed to 1-10 μg/ml and 10-100 μg/ml concentration of arsenic and lead, respectively, for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. The cytotoxic effects were measured by neutral red uptake assay, while the genotoxic effects were tested by comet assay. The growth of cells decreased with increasing concentration and the duration of exposure to arsenic. Even the morphology of cells was changed; they became round at 10 μg /ml of arsenic. The cell growth was also decreased after exposure to lead, though it proved to be less toxic when cells were exposed for longer duration. The cell morphology remained unchanged. DNA damage was observed in the metal treated cells. Different parameters of comet assay were investigated for control and treated cells which indicated more DNA damage in arsenic treated cells compared to that of lead. Intact nuclei were observed in control cells. Present study clearly demonstrates that both arsenic and lead have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on AMSCs, though arsenic compared to lead has more deleterious effects on AMSCs.
Distinct Transcriptional Networks in Quiescent Myoblasts: A Role for Wnt Signaling in Reversible vs. Irreversible Arrest

Most cells in adult mammals are non-dividing: differentiated cells exit the cell cycle permanently, but stem cells exist in a state of reversible arrest called quiescence. In damaged skeletal muscle, quiescent satellite stem cells re-enter the cell cycle, proliferate and subsequently execute divergent programs to regenerate both post-mitotic myofibers and quiescent stem cells. The molecular basis for these alternative programs of arrest is poorly understood. In this study, we used an established myogenic culture model (C2C12 myoblasts) to generate cells in alternative states of arrest and investigate their global transcriptional profiles. Using cDNA microarrays, we compared G0 myoblasts with post-mitotic myotubes. Our findings define the transcriptional program of quiescent myoblasts in culture and establish that distinct gene expression profiles, especially of tumour suppressor genes and inhibitors of differentiation characterize reversible arrest, distinguishing this state from irreversibly arrested myotubes. We also reveal the existence of a tissue-specific quiescence program by comparing G0 C2C12 myoblasts to isogenic G0 fibroblasts (10T1/2). Intriguingly, in myoblasts but not fibroblasts, quiescence is associated with a signature of Wnt pathway genes. We provide evidence that different levels of signaling via the canonical Wnt pathway characterize distinct cellular states (proliferation vs. quiescence vs. differentiation). Moderate induction of Wnt signaling in quiescence is associated with critical properties such as clonogenic self-renewal. Exogenous Wnt treatment subverts the quiescence program and negatively affects clonogenicity. Finally, we identify two new quiescence-induced regulators of canonical Wnt signaling, Rgs2 and Dkk3, whose induction in G0 is required for clonogenic self-renewal. These results support the concept that active signal-mediated regulation of quiescence contributes to stem cell properties, and have implications for pathological states such as cancer and degenerative disease.
Direct human impacts on the peatland carbon sink

Northern peatlands occupy over 3 million km 2 globally and contain the largest carbon (C) pool (typically >100 kg C m -2 ) among terrestrial ecosystems. Agriculture, forestry, and peat harvesting are the principal human-induced activities that alter the peatland and hence the distribution and flux of carbon. As a prerequisite to those uses, the peatland is usually drained, which has long-term effects on the site hydrology and corresponding direct linkages to changes in C dynamics in the vegetation and soils. Soil organic matter decomposition is stimulated following drainage, typically reported as increased CO 2 emissions and peat subsidence. The vegetation also changes following drainage, regardless of cropping or harvesting practices, and this change influences the net ecosystem C exchange rate. Peatland drainage tends to reduce CH 4 emissions, as a result of a greater aerated surface soil volume. The net global effect of active management of northern peatlands has been to reduce the C pool, because agricultural use is dominant. There remain considerable uncertainties in estimating the C pools, fluxes, and responses to management in peatlands; the issues span inadequate inventories to sampling and measurements in complex settings.
Association of alcohol consumption with brain volume in the Framingham study.

BACKGROUND While adults who drink low to moderate amounts of alcohol have lower rates of cardiovascular disease than other adults, the effect of alcohol on the brain is less clear. There is evidence that drinking large amounts of alcohol is related to brain atrophy. It is uncertain what the effects of low to moderate consumption might be. OBJECTIVE To determine whether consumption of smaller amounts of alcohol negatively affects brain volume or is protective in reducing the well-documented age-related decline in brain volume. DESIGN Total cerebral brain volume (TCBV) was computed, correcting for head size. Multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between 5 categories of alcohol consumption (abstainers, former drinkers, low, moderate, high) and TCBV, adjusting for age, sex, education, height, body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), and the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile. Pairwise comparisons were also conducted between the alcohol consumption groups. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1839 subjects from the Framingham Offspring Study who had magnetic resonance imaging of the brain between 1999 and 2001. RESULTS Most participants reported low alcohol consumption, and men were more likely than women to be moderate or heavy drinkers. There was a significant negative linear relationship between alcohol consumption and TCBV (r = -0.25; P < .001). This relationship was modified by sex, with alcohol consumption having a stronger association with TCBV in women than in men (r = -0.29 vs -0.20). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to studies on cardiovascular disease, this study found that moderate alcohol consumption was not protective against normal age-related differences in total brain volume. Rather, the more alcohol consumed, the smaller the total brain volume.