Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Aspects of VLSI Pin Limitations

This paper presents a formal model of the pin requirements of a parallel computer. This model is then used to obtain bounds on the pin requirements of different parallel machines and on the tradeoffs between pins and time. Specifically, two new bounds are established on the relationship between pin requirements and the time needed to sort or permute data. This paper also gives new lower bounds on the pin requirements of mesh-connected, cube-connected-cycles, shuffle-exchange, and Ajtai–Komlos–Szemeredi (AKS) computers, and it gives new upper bounds on the pin requirements of shuffle-exchange and AKS computers. All of these bounds are tight to within a constant factor. Finally, the bounds on pin requirements are used to prove a tight lower bound on the time required to implement the AKS sorting algorithm on a shuffle-exchange or cube-connected-cycles computer.
Study of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis and Spoligotyping for Epidemiological Investigation ofMycobacterium bovis Infection

ABSTRACT Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with probes derived from the insertion element IS6110, the direct repeat sequence, and the polymorphic GC-rich sequence (PGRS) and a PCR-based typing method called spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping) were used to strain type Mycobacterium bovis isolates from the Republic of Ireland. Results were assessed for 452 isolates which were obtained from 233 cattle, 173 badgers, 33 deer, 7 pigs, 5 sheep, and 1 goat. Eighty-five strains were identified by RFLP analysis, and 20 strains were identified by spoligotyping. Twenty percent of the isolates were the most prevalent RFLP type, while 52% of the isolates were the most prevalent spoligotype. Both the prevalent RFLP type and the prevalent spoligotype were identified in isolates from all animal species tested and had a wide geographic distribution. Isolates of some RFLP types and some spoligotypes were clustered in regions consisting of groups of adjoining counties. The PGRS probe gave better differentiation of strains than the IS6110 or DR probes. The majority of isolates from all species carried a single IS6110 copy. In four RFLP types IS6110 polymorphism was associated with deletion of fragments equivalent in size to one or two direct variable repeat sequences. The same range and geographic distribution of strains were found for the majority of isolates from cattle, badgers, and deer. This suggests that transmission of infection between these species is a factor in the epidemiology of M. bovis infection in Ireland.
How do nurse practitioners in acute care affect perceptions of team effectiveness?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe how acute care nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness. BACKGROUND Acute care nurse practitioners provide safe and effective care to patients. There is limited evidence of the effects of acute care nurse practitioner roles on healthcare teams, and many of the findings are contradictory. Research is lacking to describe how nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness. DESIGN A descriptive multiple-case study undertaken in two university-affiliated teaching hospitals in Canada. METHODS Data were collected from March-May 2009. Data sources included interviews (n = 59), time and motion study, non-participant observations, documents and field notes. Interviews were conducted individually or in groups using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed within and across the cases to identify similarities and differences in perceptions of team effectiveness. RESULTS Team members believed the nurse practitioners improved the team's effectiveness. They identified six team processes they believed were improved by the addition of the nurse practitioners to the teams. The processes included decision-making, communication, cohesion, care coordination, problem-solving and focus on patients and families. DISCUSSION The study contributes to our understanding of how nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness. Improved team communication and care coordination were believed to be particularly important. Nurse practitioner can facilitate patient- and family-centred care in healthcare teams. CONCLUSION Nurse practitioners improve perceptions of team effectiveness. Further work is needed in different contexts and with patients and families to determine their perceptions of team effectiveness. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The nurse practitioner role was believed to be particularly important to improve team communication and care coordination. This constitutes an added value of acute care nurse practitioners roles in healthcare teams. Nurse practitioner roles contribute to patient-centred care and can improve the quality and safety of the care provided to patients and families.
Cryptanalysis of McEliece Cryptosystem Based on Algebraic Geometry Codes and Their Subcodes

We give polynomial time attacks on the McEliece public key cryptosystem-based either on algebraic geometry (AG) codes or on small co-dimensional subcodes of AG codes. These attacks consist in the blind reconstruction either of an <italic>error correcting pair (ECP)</italic>, or an <italic>error correcting array (ECA)</italic> from the single data of an arbitrary generator matrix of a code. An ECP provides a decoding algorithm, that corrects up to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(({d^{*}-1-g})/{2})$ </tex-math></inline-formula> errors, where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$d^{*}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> denotes the designed distance and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$g$ </tex-math></inline-formula> denotes the genus of the corresponding curve, while with an ECA the decoding algorithm corrects up to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(({d^{*}-1})/{2})$ </tex-math></inline-formula> errors. Roughly speaking, for a public code of length <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula> over <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ \mathbb {F}_{q}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, these attacks run in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(n^{4}\log (n))$ </tex-math></inline-formula> operations in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbb F_{q}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> for the reconstruction of an ECP and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(n^{5})$ </tex-math></inline-formula> operations for the reconstruction of an ECA. A probabilistic shortcut allows to reduce the complexities respectively to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(n^{3+\varepsilon } \log (n))$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(n^{4+\varepsilon })$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Compared with the previous known attack due to Faure and Minder, our attack is efficient on codes from curves of arbitrary genus. Furthermore, we investigate how far these methods apply to subcodes of AG codes.
Aging of the CD4 T Cell Compartment

Higher morbidity and mortality following infections, particularly influenza, is observed in the elderly population. Because of this, people over 65 years old are often targeted for preventive immunization. Many vaccines, however, are not as effective in generating protective antibodies in older individuals. CD4+ T cells, through their B cell helper functions, play a central role in the humoral response. Aging has deleterious effects on the immune system, and understanding how aging impairs CD4+ T cell functions is of critical importance to design new immunization and treatment strategies targeted to the elderly population. In this paper, we review some of the qualitative and quantitative changes in the CD4+ T cell compartment that arise with aging. We also summarize the age-related intrinsic defects that impact naïve, memory and regulatory CD4+ T cell functions.
An Agent-Oriented Approach for Image Classification with ICA-Color SIFT

This paper discusses the research conducted on developing a Multi-Agent System (MAS) for solving an image classification task. The aim of this research is to equip agents in MAS with reusable autonomous capabilities. The system provides a flexible framework for developing the communication aspects within an agent-oriented architecture to program agents that dynamically acquire functionality at runtime using event based messaging. In this research agents are equipped with unique image processing capabilities and required to interact and cooperate to achieve the goal. Complementary research on a variety of agent tools (specifically JACK, JADE and CIAgent) and communication languages (ACL, KQML, FIPA and SOAP) has been reviewed to glean knowledge that enables these agents to adapt those capabilities. The system has generated encouraging results.
An improved algorithm to estimate the fractal dimension of gray scale images

Fractal dimension is a very useful technique to estimate surface roughness of digital images; for this estimation many approaches have been implemented. Among them differential box counting mechanism are most popular and commonly used technique for computation of FD of gray scale images. This article presents an improved version of differential box counting method for improvement of accuracy in terms of less fit error and simultaneously provides wider range of FD in terms of least regression line as well as FD at each corresponding box size. Improvement version can achieve by adopting proper box height selection and exact box number calculation. The experimental work done through two sets of images and shows that our proposed methods able to capture accurate roughness and consistently give more satisfactory results as compared to other traditional method like DBC, RDBC and IDBC.
A robust algorithm for optic disc segmentation and fovea detection in retinal fundus images

Abstract Accurate optic disc (OD) segmentation and fovea detection in retinal fundus images are crucial for diagnosis in ophthalmology. We propose a robust and broadly applicable algorithm for automated, robust, reliable and consistent fovea detection based on OD segmentation. The OD segmentation is performed with morphological operations and Fuzzy C Means Clustering combined with iterative thresholding on a foreground segmentation. The fovea detection is based on a vessel segmentation via morphological operations and uses the resulting OD segmentation to determine multiple regions of interest. The fovea is determined from the largest, vessel-free candidate region. We have tested the novel method on a total of 190 images from three publicly available databases DRIONS, Drive and HRF. Compared to results of two human experts for DRIONS database, our OD segmentation yielded a dice coefficient of 0.83. Note that missing ground truth and expert variability is an issue. The new scheme achieved an overall success rate of 99.44% for OD detection and an overall success rate of 96.25% for fovea detection, which is superior to state-of-the-art approaches.
Reactive Forging − Pressure Assisted Thermal Explosion Mode of SHS for Processing Dense In Situ Composites and Structural Parts: A Review

Over the last decades, there has been a decisive shift from basic science to applied research that brought about the development of a number of unconventional combustion processes that allow for simultaneous synthesis and consolidation of otherwise difficult‐to‐process high temperature materials. External pressure application during thermal explosion (TE) mode of self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) can produce dense products provided the combination temperature and pressure are sufficient for consolidation. In the developed TE‐based reactive forging (RF) method, a self‐sustained reaction is ignited by rapid heat transfer from press die and rams, and a moderate consolidation pressure is applied when the combustion product still contains a sufficient amount of liquid or very soft phase. Plastic flow of the product results in filling the shape of the die thus producing a near‐net‐shape part. Reactive forging (RF) is especially efficient in combination with the developed short distance infiltration (SDI) approach based on the presence of a low melting phase component (e.g., Al, Mg, Ti–Ni eutectics) in the non‐dense reactant blend that is squeezed into the pores under the applied pressure thereby increasing the interparticle contact area and enhancing exothermic heat release rate. Compared to traditional reactive melt infiltration, SDI has the advantage of the considerably shorter infiltration distances (μm vs. mm–cm). Close temperature monitoring during RF and RF/SDI processing provides a deeper insight into the SHS reaction mechanisms. The “heat sink” action of the pressure die after TE results in rapid cooling of the consolidated products and correspondingly fine microstructures and high mechanical properties. Examples of successful application of the RF/SDI processing of homogeneous and functionally graded in situ composites based on binary (Al2O3, TiB2, TiC, TiN) and ternary (MgAl2O4, Ti3SiC2, Ti3AlC2) ceramics, as well as intermetallic–ceramic and metal–ceramic interpenetrating phase composites are described. Nanostructuring of reactant blends results in lower SHS ignition temperatures, and thus can be utilized for two‐stage ignition of multi‐component composite materials and structures with tunable ignition delay. Pressure assisted SHS is a “green,” cost‐effective, and thus perspective manufacturing route of near‐net‐shape structural parts. Examples of successful application of RF and RF‐SDI approach to fabrication of ceramic matrix–diamond grinding wheels, light armor tiles and high melting temperature nozzles are presented.
High diversity of microplankton surrounds deep-water coral reef in the Norwegian Sea.

Coral reefs that exist in the depths of the oceans are surrounded by Eukarya, Archaea and bacterial communities that may play an important role in the nutrition and health of the reef. The first interdomain community structure of planktonic organisms in seawater from a deep-water coral reef is described. Community profiling and analysis of ribosomal RNA gene sequences from a coral reef system at 350 m depth in the Norwegian Sea revealed a rich diversity of Eukarya and Bacteria and a moderate diversity of Archaea. Most sequences affiliated with marine microplankton from deep-sea to cold-surface regions, with many sequences being similar to those described in studies of mesopelagic and oxygen minimum zones. Dominant phylotypes belonged to the Alveolata (group I, II, dinoflagellates), Stramenopiles (silicoflagellates), Alphaproteobacteria (Pelagibacter ubique), Gammaproteobacteria (ARCTIC96BD-19), Bacteroidetes (Flavobacteria) and mesophilic Crenarchaeota (Nitrosopumilus maritimus). Several rare and novel members of the community fell into distinct phylogenetic groups. The inferred function of dominant community members suggested autotrophs that utilise light, ammonium or sulphide, and lifestyles based on host associations. The high diversity reflected a microplankton community structure, which is significantly different from that of microplankton collected at the same depth at a pelagic station away from reefs.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

the important finding that a negative thermogram virtually excludes a recent deep venous thrombosis. Not unexpectedly, "old" venous thrombi, in which the active processes of platelet aggregation and fibrinolysis are long past, are associated with normal thermograms unless the legs are exercised, when collaterals become evident as linear "hot spots. ' This manoeuvre was not described in the paper by Dr Thomas and others and presumably was not performed. In a previous investigation with infrared thermography, in which the material was revised to exclude "old" thrombi, the predictive value of a negative thermogram was determined to be 91%,7 a conclusion later confirmed by others. Liquid crystal thermography has yielded similar results. It would have been helpful for Dr Thomas and others to have given details of the false negative thermograms-for example, the possible age and size of the thrombus, the veins affected, and the likely clinical significance of the thrombi.
Role of Natural Stilbenes in the Prevention of Cancer

Natural stilbenes are an important group of nonflavonoid phytochemicals of polyphenolic structure characterized by the presence of a 1,2-diphenylethylene nucleus. Stilbenes have an extraordinary potential for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including cancer, due to their antioxidant, cell death activation, and anti-inflammatory properties which associate with low toxicity under in vivo conditions. This review aims to discuss various approaches related to their mechanisms of action, pharmacological activities in animal models and humans, and potential chemoprevention in clinical studies. The biological activity of natural stilbenes is still incompletely understood. Furthermore, after administration to animals or humans, these molecules are rapidly metabolized. Thus pharmacokinetics and/or activities of the natural structures and their metabolites may be very different. Novel drug formulations have been postulated in order to improve stability and bioavailability, to minimize side effects, and to facilitate interaction with their domains in target proteins. These pharmacological improvements should lead stilbenes to become effective candidates as anticancer drugs.
Emerging Infections: Shewanella – A Series of Five Cases

Background: Shewanella spp. are unusual cause of disease in humans; however, reports of Shewanella infections have been increasing. Shewanella is a ubiquitous organism that has been isolated from many foods, sewage, and both from fresh and salt water. Earlier it was named as Pseudomonas putrefaciens or Shewanella putrefaciens. There are several reports describing this organism causing human infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, bacteremia, wound infection, etc. It is oxidase and catalase-positive non-fermenter gram-negative rod that produces hydrogen sulfide. Aims: The study was conducted to identify Shewanella spp. , which was wrongly reported as Pseudomonas spp. Materials and Methods: Clinical samples were cultured as per standard clinical laboratory procedure. We tested the non-lactose-fermenting colonies for oxidase positivity. Oxidase-positive colony was inoculated in triple sugar iron slant (TSI) to know the hydrogen sulfide production. Hydrogen sulfide positive colonies were further tested for citrate, urease, indole, and amino acid decarboxylation and acid and gas production from sugars. Results: Five isolates identified as Pseudomonas spp. during preliminary testing were proved to be Shewanella spp. on further testing. Conclusions: It will help in better understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis and risk factors associated with these and prevention of the rare pathogenic organisms.
The interactive toxicity of cadmium, copper, and zinc to Ceriodaphnia dubia and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Traditionally, aquatic toxicity studies examine the toxicity of a single chemical to an organism. Organisms in nature, however, may be exposed to multiple toxicants. Given this is a more realistic exposure scenario in situ, the authors sought to understand the interactive toxicity of multiple metals to aquatic organisms. The authors performed a series of studies using equitoxic mixtures of cadmium, copper, and zinc to 2 aquatic organisms, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the waterflea, Ceriodaphnia dubia. Single metal toxicity tests were conducted to determine the acute median lethal concentration (LC50) values for O. mykiss and short‐term, chronic median effective concentration (EC50) values for C. dubia. All 3 metals were then combined in equitoxic concentrations for subsequent mixture studies using a toxic unit (TU) approach (i.e., 1 TU = EC50 or LC50). For C. dubia, the mixture study showed greater‐than‐additive effects in hard water (TU‐based EC50 = 0.74 TU), but less‐than‐additive effects in soft water (TU‐based EC50 = 1.93 TU). The mixture effects for O. mykiss showed less‐than‐additive effects in both hard and soft waters, with TU‐based LC50 values of 2.33 total TU and 2.22 total TU, respectively. These data are useful in helping understand metal mixture toxicity in aquatic systems and indicate that although in most situations the assumption of additivity of metal mixture toxicity is valid, under certain conditions it may not be sufficiently protective. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:809–815. © 2014 SETAC
Parenting Enhancement, Interpersonal Psychotherapy to Reduce Depression in Low-Income Mothers of Infants and Toddlers: A Randomized Trial

Background:Depressive symptoms and clinical depression are highly prevalent in low-income mothers and negatively affect their infants and toddlers. Objectives:The aim of this study was to test interpersonal psychotherapy combined with parenting enhancement on depressive symptoms and parenting behavior, compared with an equal attention-control condition. Methods:Mothers (n = 226) of Early Head Start infants and toddlers from the southeastern and northeastern United States were randomized to the intervention delivered in-home by psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses or an equal attention-control condition delivered by generalist nurses. Rigorous clinical depressive symptom and depression assessments and videotaped, coded mother–child interactions were used as baseline and 14-, 22-, and 26-week postintervention measures. Results:Both the intervention and control groups had significantly reduced Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores at each subsequent time point compared with baseline (p < .0001). However, only mothers receiving the intervention showed a significant increase in positive involvement with their child, as measured by closeness, positive effect, affection, and warm touch at T4 (t = 2.22, df = 156, p < .03). Discussion:Both intervention and control conditions resulted in symptom reduction, but only the intervention mothers showed significant interaction changes with their child, an essential step in reducing the negative child outcomes associated with maternal depressive symptoms. Results suggest that a combination of generalist and specialist nurses could be used to treat depressive symptoms in these mothers. Further study with longer postintervention observation is needed to see if, over time, the intervention led to longer-lasting symptom reduction.