Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
I/O acceleration with pattern detection

The I/O bottleneck in high-performance computing is becoming worse as application data continues to grow. In this work, we explore how patterns of I/O within these applications can significantly affect the effectiveness of the underlying storage systems and how these same patterns can be utilized to improve many aspects of the I/O stack and mitigate the I/O bottleneck. We offer three main contributions in this paper. First, we develop and evaluate algorithms by which I/O patterns can be efficiently discovered and described. Second, we implement one such algorithm to reduce the metadata quantity in a virtual parallel file system by up to several orders of magnitude, thereby increasing the performance of writes and reads by up to 40 and 480 percent respectively. Third, we build a prototype file system with pattern-aware prefetching and evaluate it to show a 46 percent reduction in I/O latency. Finally, we believe that efficient pattern discovery and description, coupled with the observed predictability of complex patterns within many high-performance applications, offers significant potential to enable many additional I/O optimizations.
Designing hybrid interaction through an understanding of the affordances of physical and digital technologies

With my work I aim at informing the design of hybrid interaction paradigms for interactive surfaces that integrate aspects of the physical and digital worlds so that more conscious choices can be made about the extent to which the integration of specific aspects of physical interaction makes sense. I suggest that different contexts of interaction imply different ways of integrating aspects of physical manipulation and that the affordances of both physical and digital media need to be identified and systematically analyzed.
Mediated Voyeurism on Social Networking Sites: The Possible Social Needs and Potential Motivations of the Voyeurs on Facebook

5 Introduction 6 Rationale 8 Literature Review 9 Mediated Voyeurism 10 The Social Needs and Motivations of Facebook Voyeurs 14 -Social Comparison and Social Identity 15 -Surveillance 17 -Uncertainty Reduction (UR) 17 -Uses & Gratifications (U&G) 18 Method 20 Survey Development and Procedures 20 Participants 20 Measures 20 Results 22 Discussion 24 Conclusion 27 References 29 Appendices 36 A. Letter to Participants 36 B. Online Survey 37 C. Charts 41 MEDIATED VOYEURISM ON SNS 5 MEDIATED VOYEURISM ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES: THE POSSIBLE SOCIAL NEEDS AND POTENTIAL MOTIVATIONS OF THE VOYEURS ON FACEBOOK Name: Pin Ju Su Department: Communication College: Liberal Arts Degree: Master of Science in Communication & Media Technologies Term Degree Awarded: Spring Quarter 2012 (20113) Abstract Previous studies on social networking sites have failed to comprehensively address the mediated voyeurism in the Internet. The features of Facebook enable millions to follow their friends, which can contribute to mediated voyeurism online. The purpose of this study is to explain the voyeuristic tendencies of Facebook users. An online survey was used to obtain self-reported levels of voyeuristic tendencies and both the social needs (social comparison and social identity) and motivations (surveillance, uncertainty reduction, and uses and gratifications) of Facebook users. Findings suggest that the voyeuristic tendencies on Facebook were positively related to the aforementioned social needs and motivations.
Risk and protection in mental health among Syrian children displaced in Lebanon

Resilience is a process shaped by the interaction of risk and protective factors operating across the different layers of child’s social ecology. This paper examines the overall adjustment of 159 Syrian refugees children, living in collective shelters in different area of Lebanon, through investigating the variety of multi-layered stressors and protective processes impacting their mental health, from individual characteristics to environmental mediators. The sample is divided into 4 groups according to the region where they are located: Akkar, the Bekka, Mount Lebanon and Beirut. The methodology employed combines qualitative and quantitative measures. Symptoms of child post-traumatic stress disorder and co-morbidity and psychosocial functioning, are collected through self report scales for children, parents and social workers, validated in Arabic language. Resilience measure includes items based on key actors perceptions of children needs and main resources. Specific drawing tools are employed in order to take into account children’s own perception of risk and protective factors in their life. Results enable to define good practices of “assisted resilience”, in orienting and optimising NGO psycho-social interventions with refugees children, families and community. In particular the awareness of protective process, allow practitioners to identify the main resources which can be improved and reinforced through psycho-social interventions. Risk factors lead to define criteria for detecting and monitoring more vulnerable cases.
Metric-driven analysis and feedback systems for enabling empirically guided software development

The authors summarize the goals of metric-driven analysis and feedback systems and describe a prototype system, Amadeus, which defines abstract interfaces and embodies architectural principles for these types of systems. Metric-driven analysis and feedback systems enable developers to define empirically guided processes for software development and maintenance. The authors provide an overview of the Amadeus system operation, including an example of the empirically guided process, a description of the system characteristics, an explanation of the system conceptual operation, and a summary of the users' view of the system. The centerpiece of the system is a pro-active server, which interprets scripts and coordinates event monitoring and agent activation. Amadeus provides an extensible framework for adding new empirically based analysis techniques. <<ETX>>
The effect of microlenses in photodiodes' dark current measurement

This paper presents the influence of microlenses (MLs) in the photodiodes' (PD) dark current. A MLs array was aligned and fabricated directly on top of the PDs and their effects on the dark current was measured. Two square PDs with the sides measuring 24 and 240 μm were evaluated under two different reverse bias voltages, 0 and -4 V. For the 24 μm PD, when the MLs were fabricated on its surface, the dark current mean value was reduced by 35.47% and 35.42%, for 0V and -4V reverse bias voltage, respectively. In the case of the 240 μm PD, a reduction of 14.43% and 14.42% was obtained for 0 and -4V reverse bias voltage, respectively. Moreover, the dark current measurements along the time present a more constant value with the MLs.
Insights into the Biology of IRES Elements through Riboproteomic Approaches

Translation initiation is a highly regulated process that exerts a strong influence on the posttranscriptional control of gene expression. Two alternative mechanisms govern translation initiation in eukaryotic mRNAs, the cap-dependent initiation mechanism operating in most mRNAs, and the internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent mechanism, first discovered in picornaviruses. IRES elements are highly structured RNA sequences that, in most instances, require specific proteins for recruitment of the translation machinery. Some of these proteins are eukaryotic initiation factors. In addition, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a key role in internal initiation control. RBPs are pivotal regulators of gene expression in response to numerous stresses, including virus infection. This review discusses recent advances on riboproteomic approaches to identify IRES transacting factors (ITAFs) and the relationship between RNA-protein interaction and IRES activity, highlighting the most relevant features on picornavirus and hepatitis C virus IRESs.
Diagnostic self-test for dynamically scheduled superscalar processors based on reconfiguration techniques for handling permanent faults

Diagnostic self-test in-the-field for processors becomes mandatory for reconfigurable fault tolerant processor-based systems. Software-based self-test techniques are well suited for providing a pass/fail test in-the-field. However, a diagnostic result for dynamically scheduled processors is usually not obtained by these tests, because the software has no control about the used components of the processor during the execution of the test program. This paper provides a concept for a simple hardware extension of a dynamically scheduled processor, such that the test program gets control about the resource usage. With this technique, for the first time, it becomes feasible to perform a diagnostic software-based self-test for dynamically scheduled processors that is able to distinguish between faults in various components of the processor. In particular, the instruction queue, reservation stations, functional units, and reorder buffer are taken into account. Thereby, the hardware overhead for self-test and reconfiguration is less than 6%.
CALL FOR PAPERS Mitochondria in Cardiovascular Physiology and Disease Chronic Tempol treatment restores pharmacological preconditioning in the senescent rat heart

Jiang Zhu, Mario J. Rebecchi, Qiang Wang, Peter S. A. Glass, Peter R. Brink, and Lixin Liu Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China; and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
Optogenetically Induced Seizure and the Longitudinal Hippocampal Network Dynamics

Epileptic seizure is a paroxysmal and self-limited phenomenon characterized by abnormal hypersynchrony of a large population of neurons. However, our current understanding of seizure dynamics is still limited. Here we propose a novel in vivo model of seizure-like afterdischarges using optogenetics, and report on investigation of directional network dynamics during seizure along the septo-temporal (ST) axis of hippocampus. Repetitive pulse photostimulation was applied to the rodent hippocampus, in which channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) was expressed, under simultaneous recording of local field potentials (LFPs). Seizure-like afterdischarges were successfully induced after the stimulation in both W-TChR2V4 transgenic (ChR2V-TG) rats and in wild type rats transfected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors carrying ChR2. Pulse frequency at 10 and 20 Hz, and a 0.05 duty ratio were optimal for afterdischarge induction. Immunohistochemical c-Fos staining after a single induced afterdischarge confirmed neuronal activation of the entire hippocampus. LFPs were recorded during seizure-like afterdischarges with a multi-contact array electrode inserted along the ST axis of hippocampus. Granger causality analysis of the LFPs showed a bidirectional but asymmetric increase in signal flow along the ST direction. State space presentation of the causality and coherence revealed three discrete states of the seizure-like afterdischarge phenomenon: 1) resting state; 2) afterdischarge initiation with moderate coherence and dominant septal-to-temporal causality; and 3) afterdischarge termination with increased coherence and dominant temporal-to-septal causality. A novel in vivo model of seizure-like afterdischarge was developed using optogenetics, which was advantageous in its reproducibility and artifact-free electrophysiological observations. Our results provide additional evidence for the potential role of hippocampal septo-temporal interactions in seizure dynamics in vivo. Bidirectional networks work hierarchically along the ST hippocampus in the genesis and termination of epileptic seizures.
Intravenous dexmedetomidine versus propofol for intraoperative moderate sedation during spinal anesthesia: A comparative study

Background and Aims: There has been a paradigm shift of focus toward quality of spinal anesthesia with sedation being an integral aspect of this regional anesthesia technique. Thus, this study was designed to compare efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine and propofol for moderate sedation during spinal anesthesia. Material and Methods: A total of 120 patients of age group 18-60 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I & II, posted for surgeries under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided in to three groups (n = 40 each); Group D received infusion of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg over 10 min followed by maintenance infusion of 0.5 μg/kg/h. Group P received infusion of propofol 6 mg/kg/h for 10 min followed by the infusion maintenance of 2.5 mg/kg/h. Group C (control group) received normal saline. Level of sedation (using observer's assessment of alertness/sedation score), pain intensity (by visual analogue scale), onset and recovery from sedation, hemodynamic changes, and overall patient's satisfaction were assessed. Results: The onset and recovery from sedation were significantly earlier with propofol (15.57 ± 1.89 min vs. 27.06 ± 2.26 min; P < 0.001) however intraoperative sedation (level 4), and overall patient's satisfaction was significantly better with dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.05). Duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly prolonged with dexmedetomidine (225.53 ± 5.61 min vs. 139.60 ± 3.03 min; P = 0.0013). Mean heart rate and blood pressure were significantly lower in the propofol group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine with its stable cardio-respiratory profile, better sedation, overall patient's satisfaction, and analgesia could be a valuable adjunct for intraoperative sedation during spinal anesthesia.
Disrupting Two Arabidopsis thaliana Xylosyltransferase Genes Results in Plants Deficient in Xyloglucan, a Major Primary Cell Wall Component[W][OA]

Xyloglucans are the main hemicellulosic polysaccharides found in the primary cell walls of dicots and nongraminaceous monocots, where they are thought to interact with cellulose to form a three-dimensional network that functions as the principal load-bearing structure of the primary cell wall. To determine whether two Arabidopsis thaliana genes that encode xylosyltransferases, XXT1 and XXT2, are involved in xyloglucan biosynthesis in vivo and to determine how the plant cell wall is affected by the lack of expression of XXT1, XXT2, or both, we isolated and characterized xxt1 and xxt2 single and xxt1 xxt2 double T-DNA insertion mutants. Although the xxt1 and xxt2 mutants did not have a gross morphological phenotype, they did have a slight decrease in xyloglucan content and showed slightly altered distribution patterns for xyloglucan epitopes. More interestingly, the xxt1 xxt2 double mutant had aberrant root hairs and lacked detectable xyloglucan. The reduction of xyloglucan in the xxt2 mutant and the lack of detectable xyloglucan in the xxt1 xxt2 double mutant resulted in significant changes in the mechanical properties of these plants. We conclude that XXT1 and XXT2 encode xylosyltransferases that are required for xyloglucan biosynthesis. Moreover, the lack of detectable xyloglucan in the xxt1 xxt2 double mutant challenges conventional models of the plant primary cell wall.
Concept extraction using temporal-difference network EUROCON2009

In this paper, we propose a novel framework to extract temporally extended concepts in a grid world environment using a probable data structure named temporal-difference network. First a reinforcement-learning agent tries to learn its environment for the task of wall following. After that we train a newly introduced temporal-difference network (TDN) in the brain of the agent in order to gain a predictive model of the environment. At last the most promising sequences of action-observation of the given environment will be sorted out based on their probability.
Vasculitides induced by TNFalpha antagonists: a study in 39 patients in France.

UNLABELLED TNFalpha antagonists are effective in the treatment of chronic inflammatory joint disease. Despite a good overall safety profile, they can induce a number of adverse effects, including autoimmunity and infections. A link between TNFalpha antagonists and vasculitides has been suggested. METHODS Between December 2004 and January 2005, a nationwide survey was conducted among 1200 hospital-based rheumatologists and internists in France, who were asked to report cases of vasculitis in patients taking TNFalpha antagonists. RESULTS The survey identified 39 cases (32 women) of vasculitis during TNFalpha antagonist therapy. The joint disease was rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 34 patients (including four without rheumatoid factor), juvenile idiopathic arthritis in two patients, ankylosing spondylitis in two patients, and psoriatic arthritis in one patient. Mean disease duration was 14.1+/-8.7 years. The TNFalpha antagonist was etanercept in 21 patients, infliximab in 15, adalimumab in 2, and another drug in 1; mean treatment duration was 9.6 months. The manifestations of vasculitis involved the skin (n=32); peripheral nervous system (n=9); kidney (n=7); central nervous system (n=3); pleura (n=2), pericardium (n=2); and the lung, gallbladder, and heart (n=1 each). Antinuclear factor (ANF) was present in 22 patients, hypocomplementemia in 6, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in 5. Histology (30 biopsies from 27 patients) showed nonnecrotizing vasculitis in 12 patients, necrotizing vasculitis in 7, an inflammatory dermal infiltrate without vasculitis in 3, extravascular necrotic granulomas in 2, chilblain lupus in 1, and cicatricial fibro-inflammatory changes in 1. Renal biopsy in three patients showed extracapillary glomerulonephritis with IgA deposits (n=2) or active floccular necrosis against a background of glomerular sclerosis (n=1). TNFalpha antagonist therapy was stopped in 33 patients, among whom 18 recovered without further treatment and 14 required high-dose glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressant therapy, which ensured symptom resolution within a few weeks. The remaining patient died with multiple organ failures. DISCUSSION The relative contributions of TNFalpha antagonist therapy and of the underlying disease to the development of vasculitis cannot be determined. Features that suggest a causal link between TNFalpha antagonists and vasculitis include the short time from TNFalpha antagonist initiation to vasculitis onset; the favorable response to discontinuation of TNFalpha antagonist therapy; and the development of systemic vasculitis in patients with rheumatoid factor-negative RA, in adults with juvenile-onset arthritis, and in patients with spondyloarthropathies.
Traffic semantic analysis based on mobile phone base station data

As traffic sensors gradually increase, traffic managers obtain more and more detection data, and the data volume has jumped to the Big Data magnitude. Recently, the cell detail record data are used as an emerging traffic detection data source. Using mobile phone as a probe, its detection data is able to well reflect user's travel behavior. Meanwhile, cell phone base stations can be treated as fixed sensor and used to detect people flows in the base station area, reflect the distribution of traffic source, and provide supports for the division of the commuting traffic zone. In this article, the traffic semantic framework is proposed. We analyze the data of cell detail record data in Beijing, and extract four features of base stations: real-time user stock, inflow, outflow and increments, to tag the traffic semantic attribute of the base stations.
Inter-vehicular Communication Systems, Protocols and Middleware

Inter-vehicular communication is an important research area that is rapidly growing due to considerable advances in mobile and wireless communication technologies, as well as the growth of microprocessing capabilities inside today’s cars, and other moving vehicles. A good amount of research has been done to exploit the different services that can be provided to enhance the safety and comfort of the driver. Additional functions provide the car electronics and the passengers with access to the Internet and other core network resources. This paper provides a survey of the latest advances in the area of inter-vehicular communication (IVC) including vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) functions and services. In addition, the paper presents the most important projects and protocols that are involved in IVC systems as well as the different issues and challenges that exist at each layer of the networking model.
Medium-range percolation in two dimensions

We investigate equivalent-neighbor percolation models in two dimensions with a variable interaction range, and include the mean-field limit. We employ a Monte Carlo algorithm whose efficiency depends only weakly on the number of equivalent neighbors within the range of the interactions. We consider 2 classes of models, one in which the interacting neighbors fill a circle, and one in which they fill a square. We first determine the critical points, and then determine the critical exponents. These are, for all finite ranges investigated, in agreement with the exactly known exponents of the nearest-neighbor model.
On the efficient mitigation of phase noise in MIMO-OFDM receivers

In this paper, an algorithm is proposed for the joint phase noise (PN) estimation and data detection in or- thogonal frequency division multiplexing signals pertaining to spatially multiplexed multiple-input multiple-output channels. Severe oscillator PN gives rise to inter-carrier interference that becomes a limiting factor in sustaining reliable communication link. Considering a received signal perturbed by PN, we derive an iterative Bayesian algorithm based on the statistical modeling of the PN process. This approach however needs computationally intensive inversion of large data-dependent matrices. Taking advantage of the approximate sparsity pattern inherent to the PN spectral composition and exploiting decoupled compensators, the proposed scheme enhances the receiver performance while retaining a modest complexity. Furthermore, we consider how these estimators perform in the case of multiple-antenna RX front-ends with a generalized oscillator signal distribution to the radio paths and numerically evaluate the performance achieved by the proposed algorithm.
Conditional inactivation of FGF receptor 2 reveals an essential role for FGF signaling in the regulation of osteoblast function and bone growth

Human craniosynostosis syndromes, resulting from activating or neomorphic mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), underscore an essential role for FGFR2 signaling in skeletal development. Embryos harboring homozygous null mutations in FGFR2 die prior to skeletogenesis. To address the role of FGFR2 in normal bone development, a conditional gene deletion approach was adopted. Homologous introduction of cre recombinase into the Dermo1 (Twist2) gene locus resulted in robust expression of CRE in mesenchymal condensations giving rise to both osteoblast and chondrocyte lineages. Inactivation of a floxed Fgfr2 allele with Dermo1-cre resulted in mice with skeletal dwarfism and decreased bone density. Although differentiation of the osteoblast lineage was not disturbed, the proliferation of osteoprogenitors and the anabolic function of mature osteoblasts were severely affected.