Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer performance microscopy with Shim

Developers and architects spend a lot of time trying to understand and eliminate performance problems. Unfortunately, the root causes of many problems occur at a fine granularity that existing continuous profiling and direct measurement approaches cannot observe. This paper presents the design and implementation of Shim, a continuous profiler that samples at resolutions as fine as 15 cycles; three to five orders of magnitude finer than current continuous profilers. Shim's fine-grain measurements reveal new behaviors, such as variations in instructions per cycle (IPC) within the execution of a single function. A Shim observer thread executes and samples autonomously on unutilized hardware. To sample, it reads hardware performance counters and memory locations that store software state. Shim improves its accuracy by automatically detecting and discarding samples affected by measurement skew. We measure Shim's observer effects and show how to analyze them. When on a separate core, Shim can continuously observe one software signal with a 2% overhead at a ~1200 cycle resolution. At an overhead of 61%, Shim samples one software signal on the same core with SMT at a ~15 cycle resolution. Modest hardware changes could significantly reduce overheads and add greater analytical capability to Shim. We vary prefetching and DVFS policies in case studies that show the diagnostic power of fine-grain IPC and memory bandwidth results. By repurposing existing hardware, we deliver a practical tool for fine-grain performance microscopy for developers and architects.
Effects of Stimulus Type and Strategy on Mental Rotation Network: An Activation Likelihood Estimation Meta-Analysis

We can predict how an object would look like if we were to see it from different viewpoints. The brain network governing mental rotation (MR) has been studied using a variety of stimuli and tasks instructions. By using activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis we tested whether different MR networks can be modulated by the type of stimulus (body vs. non-body parts) or by the type of tasks instructions (motor imagery-based vs. non-motor imagery-based MR instructions). Testing for the bodily and non-bodily stimulus axis revealed a bilateral sensorimotor activation for bodily-related as compared to non-bodily-related stimuli and a posterior right lateralized activation for non-bodily-related as compared to bodily-related stimuli. A top-down modulation of the network was exerted by the MR tasks instructions with a bilateral (preferentially sensorimotor left) network for motor imagery- vs. non-motor imagery-based MR instructions and the latter activating a preferentially posterior right occipito-temporal-parietal network. The present quantitative meta-analysis summarizes and amends previous descriptions of the brain network related to MR and shows how it is modulated by top-down and bottom-up experimental factors.
Ecomonitoring of Climate Impact on Earthen Pond Water Quality in El-Fayoum, Egypt

Under field conditions, earthen ponds in AlFyoum province, Egypt (sizes, cultured species, use of aerators and fertilizers and disinfection program,) were investigated during summer, spring and autumn. Impact of seasonal alteration and ponds management on water physicochemical characters and microbial burden were investigated. Spring season characterized by significant differences between ponds in values of TS, TSS, TDS, EC. , Alkalinity. , pH , PO4 -, TAN , Salinity ,COD, Hardness and Chlorides Vs autumn and summer. Autumn showed highest values of Total Coliform Count in 7/10 of ponds. Spring had highest total fungal count (TFC) in 6 /10 of ponds. The seasonal alteration didn’t reveal significant differences in values of microbial load in all ponds except for Total Coliform Count which decreased significantly during spring Vs autumn. It's recommended to examine water periodically, public awareness to minimize recirculating water between ponds or at least increase rate of water exchange and use of aerators, as well as liming or alternative disinfectants between crops. Owners must be alert to the expected seasonal alteration on the water quality of earthen ponds aquaculture from the economic aspect.
Differential Gene Regulatory Network Analysis between Azacitidine-Sensitive and -Resistant Cell Lines

Azacitidine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, is employed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, drug resistance remains a major challenge for effective azacitidine chemotherapy, though several studies have attempted to uncover the mechanisms of azacitidine resistance. With the aim to identify the mechanisms underlying acquired azacitidine resistance in cancer cell lines, we developed a computational strategy that can identify differentially regulated gene networks between drug-sensitive and -resistant cell lines by extending the existing method, differentially coexpressed gene sets (DiffCoEx). The technique specifically focuses on cell line-specific gene network analysis. We applied our method to gene networks specific to azacitidine sensitivity and identified differentially regulated gene networks between azacitidine-sensitive and -resistant cell lines. The molecular interplay between the metallothionein gene family, C19orf33, ELF3, GRB7, IL18, NRN1, and RBM47 were identified as differentially regulated gene network in drug resistant cell lines. The biological mechanisms associated with azacitidine and AML for the markers in the identified networks were verified through the literature. Our results suggest that controlling the identified genes (e.g., the metallothionein gene family) and “cellular response”-related pathways (“cellular response to zinc ion”, “cellular response to copper ion”, and “cellular response to cadmium ion”, where the enriched functional-related genes are MT2A, MT1F, MT1G, and MT1E) may provide crucial clues to address azacitidine resistance in patients with AML. We expect that our strategy will be a useful tool to uncover patient-specific molecular interplay that provides crucial clues for precision medicine in not only gastric cancer but also complex diseases.
Extended follow-up of long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND Children who survive acute lymphoblastic leukemia are at risk for leukemia-related or treatment-related complications, which can adversely affect survival and socioeconomic status. We determined the long-term survival and the rates of health insurance coverage, marriage, and employment among patients who had attained at least 10 years of event-free survival. METHODS A total of 856 eligible patients were treated between 1962 and 1992 in 13 consecutive clinical trials. Survival rates, the cumulative risk of a second neoplasm, and selected indicators of socioeconomic status were analyzed for the entire group and for patients who did or did not receive cranial or craniospinal radiation therapy during initial treatment. RESULTS Fifty-six patients had major adverse events, including 8 deaths during remission, 4 relapses, and 44 second neoplasms (41 of them radiation-related); most of the second neoplasms were benign or of a low grade of malignant potential. The risk of a second neoplasm was significantly higher in the 597 patients who received radiation therapy (irradiated group) than in the 259 patients who did not receive radiation therapy (nonirradiated group) (P=0.04; estimated cumulative risk [+/-SE] at 20 years, 20.9+/-3.9 percent vs. 0.95+/-0.9 percent). The death rate for the irradiated group slightly exceeded the expected rate in the general U.S. population (standardized mortality ratio, 1.90; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.12 to 3.00), whereas that for the nonirradiated group did not differ from the population norm (standardized mortality ratio, 1.75; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.34 to 5.00). The rates of health insurance coverage, marriage, and employment in the nonirradiated group were similar to the age- and sex-adjusted national averages. Despite having health insurance rates similar to those in the general population, men and women in the irradiated group had higher-than-average unemployment rates (15.1 percent vs. 5.4 percent and 35.4 percent vs. 5.2 percent, respectively), and women in the irradiated group were less likely to be married (35.2 percent vs. 48.8 percent). CONCLUSIONS Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who did not receive radiation therapy and who have attained 10 or more years of event-free survival can expect a normal long-term survival. Irradiation is associated with the development of second neoplasms, a slight excess in mortality, and an increased unemployment rate.
A new sub-micron trench cell concept in ultrathin wafer technology for next generation 1200 V IGBTs

The overall growing trend towards electrification and, at the same time, the urgent need to minimize energy consumption strongly requires higher energy efficiency in power electronics. We present a new technology concept for next generation 1200 V IGBTs with vastly reduced overall power losses using an optimized micro-pattern trench (MPT) cell design with sub-micron mesas. Further important parameters relevant for inverters driving electrical machines were optimized, including turn-off softness, dv/dt-controllability, and short circuit capability, providing a right-fit solution to customer requirements.
Electrode boiler model for ancillary service simulation

A generic component-based model of an industrial electrode boiler with internal control systems is presented. A mechanistic modelling approach was taken to include as much process and control information as possible and to generate detailed simulation results. The model is intended for qualitative studies of electrode boiler dynamics in the context of district heating generation and power grid ancillary services in collaboration with other electric power consuming units. An example boiler control scheme is designed and included in the simulation model as this is paramount to the dynamic response of the system. Simulations of standstill, load changes, and startup from hot and cold state show that the strictest ancillary service requirements can be fulfilled when the boiler is kept at operating temperature.
Exploring interspecies sensemaking: dog tracking semiotics and multispecies ethnography

The domestic use of tracking technology with pets is on the rise, yet is under-researched. We investigate how tracking practices reconfigure human-dog relationships changing both humans and dogs. We question the sensemaking mechanisms by which both humans and dogs engage in context-based meaningful exchanges via the technology's mediation. We show how an indexical semiotic perspective could inform the development of interspecies technology. Finally, we discuss the methodological issues raised by doing research with animals and propose an interspecies semiotics which integrates animal companions and animal researchers' accounts into ethnographic observation.
TREATMENT of constipation.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease affecting approximately 16.5% of the population in Korea. Systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism or colon cancer and drugs can cause constipation in some patients with constipation, there is no obstructive mucosal or structural cause in the vast majority of patients with constipation. Evaluation for secondary causes of constipation is needed to provide appropriate management. Once secondary causes have been excluded, constipation may be classified into normal or slow transit constipation, evacuation disorder of the spastic or flaccid varieties, or both. Treatment of chronic constipation based on the underlying pathophysiology is generally successful. The aims of this review are to discuss the management of functional constipation based on guidelines for the treatment of constipation published in Korean Journal of gastroenterology in 2011: lifestyle changes; bulking agents and stool softeners; osmotic agents; stimulant laxatives; prokinetics; biofeedback and surgical treatments. Exercise and dietary fiber are helpful in some patients with constipation. Laxatives including bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic agents, stimulant laxatives have been found to be more effective than placebo at relieving symptoms of constipation. New enterokinetic agents such as 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptor agonists, intestinal secretagogues, and peripheral opioid antagonists could be effective in patients with constipation who cannotget adequate relief from current laxatives. Biofeedback could relieve symptoms in selected patients with constipation due to pelvic floor dyssynergia. Surgical treatments can be helpful in some patients with refractory constipation.
Unprotected intercourse among people living with HIV/AIDS: The importance of partnership characteristics

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance and interactive effects of partnership characteristics in unprotected intercourse among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). An interview study was conducted among a convenience sample of PLWHA in care. Of all the demographic, health status, risk history and behaviors and partnership covariates explored, only the partnership covariates were significantly associated with unprotected intercourse. Significant covariates included having a steady partner (OR and 95%CI = 4.2; 1.3, 13.5), HIV-positive (OR and 95%CI = 2.7; 1.0, 6.9 versus HIV-negative partner) or unknown serostatus partner (OR and 95%CI = 4.6; 1.1, 18.3 versus HIV-negative partner) and men who have sex with men (MSM) partnerships (OR and 95%CI = 3.0; 1.2, 7.3). Partnership covariates explained 23% of the variance in unprotected intercourse; other groups of covariates did not significantly improve model fit. Significant interaction terms between reported partner HIV status, partnership type and sexual orientation revealed the greatest likelihood of unprotected intercourse in two groups of individuals: those in steady relationships with HIV-positive partners and MSM in relationships with partners of unknown serostatus. Prevention interventions for PLWHA should focus on partnership characteristics.
Detecting OFDM Signals in Alpha-Stable Noise

This paper analyzes various receiver schemes for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission in impulsive noise. We consider Rayleigh block-fading and model the noise process by additive white symmetric α-stable noise (AWSαSN). We begin by discussing maximum-likelihood (ML) detection performance of baseband OFDM. Though optimal, the computational cost increases exponentially with the number of carriers. Alternatively, one may evaluate soft-estimates of the transmitted symbol block and employ carrier-wise detection to lower computational complexity. We analyze such schemes under the frameworks of M-estimation and compressed sensing theory. Moving on, we highlight important rules that ensure the passband AWSαSN process is converted to a baseband form suitable for the discussed schemes. Finally, it is shown that linear passband-to-baseband conversion actually reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver and that all these rules may be avoided by applying an estimation scheme directly on the passband samples.
A New Biomarker That Predicts Colonic Neoplasia Outcome in Patients with Hyperplastic Colonic Polyps

The most frequently occurring lesions in the colon are the hyperplastic polyps. Hyperplastic polyps have long been considered as lesions with no malignant potential and colonoscopy for these patients is not recommended. However, recent works suggest that hyperplastic polyps may represent precursor lesions of some sporadic colorectal cancers. Until now, no biomarker allows to identify the subset of hyperplastic polyps that may have a malignant potential. Because the hormone precursor progastrin has been involved in colon carcinogenesis, we investigated whether its expression in hyperplastic polyps predicts the occurrence of colonic neoplasm after resection of hyperplastic polyps. We retrospectively analyzed progastrin expression in hyperplastic polyps from 74 patients without history of colorectal pathology. In our study, 41% of patients presenting an initial hyperplastic polyp subsequently developed adenomatous polyps, recognized as precursor lesions for colorectal adenocarcinomas. Progastrin was overexpressed in the hyperplastic polyps in 40% of the patients. We showed a significant association between progastrin overexpression and shortened neoplasm-free survival (P = 0.001). Patients with high overexpression of progastrin had a 5-year neoplasm-free survival rate of 38% as compared with 100% for the patients with low progastrin expression. In addition, we established a predictive test on the basis of progastrin staining and patients' age that predicts occurrence of neoplasm after developing a first hyperplastic polyp with a sensitivity of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI), 79%–100%] and a specificity of 74% (51%–90%). We show that progastrin expression evaluation in hyperplastic polyps is an efficient prognostic tool to determine patients with higher risk of metachronous neoplasms who could benefit from an adapted follow-up. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 675–84. ©2012 AACR.
Radiographic assessment of ingrowth total shoulder arthroplasty.

Sixty-two primary ingrowth total shoulder arthroplasties, performed between 1989 and 1992 and with a minimum radiographic and clinical follow-up of 2 years or until the time of revision surgery (mean, 4.6 years), were reviewed. To combine data on both the distribution and the thickness of periprosthetic lucency and change in component position, criteria were used to determine whether a component was radiographically "at risk" for clinical component loosening. A glenoid component was "at risk" when a complete lucent line was present, some part of it being 1.5 mm or greater in width, or when 2 of 3 or 3 of 3 independent observers identified migration or tilt of the component. A humeral component was "at risk" when a lucent line 2 mm or greater in width was present in 3 or more of 8 zones or when at least 2 of 3 independent observers identified tilt or subsidence of the component. Four (6.5%) of the 62 glenoid components and 6 (9.7%) of the 62 humeral components were judged to be "at risk. " There were no identifiable patient, disease, or surgical characteristics associated with the development of an "at risk" glenoid or humeral component. Currently, despite this very favorable radiographic assessment, we reserve the use of a tissue ingrowth glenoid component for those patients with bone loss precluding bone cement fixation with a keel type of implant. Because advantages exist for use of a tissue ingrowth humeral component, a press-fitted component with ingrowth surfaces is currently used unless bone deficiencies prevent secure fixation without cement.
Recognition of Activities of Daily Living for Smart Home Environments

The recognition of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) from video can prove particularly useful in assisted living and smart home environments, as behavioral and lifestyle profiles can be constructed through the recognition of ADLs over time. Often, existing methods for recognition of ADLs have a very high computational cost, which makes them unsuitable for real time or near real time applications. In this work we present a novel method for recognizing ADLs with accuracy comparable to the state of the art, at a lowered computational cost. Comprehensive testing of the best existing descriptors, encoding methods and BoW/SVM based classification methods takes place to determine the optimal recognition solution. A statistical method for determining the temporal duration of extracted trajectories is also introduced, to streamline the recognition process and make it less ad-hoc. Experiments take place with benchmark ADL datasets and a newly introduced set of ADL recordings of elderly people with dementia as well as healthy individuals. Our algorithm leads to accurate recognition rates, comparable or better than the State of the Art, at a lower computational cost.
Parietal Cortex Signals Come Unstuck in Time

Humans and other animals are surprisingly adept at estimating the duration of temporal intervals, even without the use of watches and clocks. This ability is typically studied in the lab by asking observers to indicate their estimate of the time between two external sensory events. The results of such studies confirm that humans can accurately estimate durations on a variety of time scales. Although many brain areas are thought to contribute to the representation of elapsed time, recent neurophysiological studies have linked the parietal cortex in particular to the perception of sub-second time intervals. In this Primer, we describe previous work on parietal cortex and time perception, and we highlight the findings of a study published in this issue of PLOS Biology, in which Schneider and Ghose [1] characterize single-neuron responses during performance of a novel “Temporal Production” task. During temporal production, the observer must track the passage of time without anticipating any external sensory event, and it appears that the parietal cortex may use a unique strategy to support this type of measurement.
Global Perspectives on the Hepatitis B Vaccination: Challenges, Achievements, and the Road to Elimination by 2030

Annually, more than 1.5 million preventable new hepatitis B (HBV) infections continue to occur, with an estimated global burden of 296 million individuals living with chronic hepatitis B infection. This substantial health challenge results in over 820,000 annual deaths being attributed to complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV vaccination remains the cornerstone of public health policy to prevent chronic hepatitis B and its related complications. It serves as a crucial element in the global effort to eliminate HBV, as established by the World Health Organization (WHO), with an ambitious 90% vaccination target by 2030. However, reports on global birth dose coverage reveal substantial variability, with an overall coverage rate of only 46%. This comprehensive review thoroughly examines global trends in HBV vaccination coverage, investigating the profound impact of vaccination on HBV prevalence and its consequences across diverse populations, including both high-risk and general demographics. Additionally, the review addresses the essential formidable challenges and facilitating factors for achieving WHO’s HBV vaccination coverage objectives and elimination strategies in the coming decade and beyond.