Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unifying Data, Model and Hybrid Parallelism in Deep Learning via Tensor Tiling

Deep learning systems have become vital tools across many fields, but the increasing model sizes mean that training must be accelerated to maintain such systems' utility. Current systems like Tensorflow and MXNet focus on one specific parallelization strategy, data parallelism, which requires large training batch sizes in order to scale. We cast the problem of finding the best parallelization strategy as the problem of finding the best tiling to partition tensors with the least overall communication. We propose an algorithm that can find the optimal tiling. Our resulting parallelization solution is a hybrid of data parallelism and model parallelism. We build the SoyBean system that performs automatic parallelization. SoyBean automatically transforms a serial dataflow graph captured by an existing deep learning system frontend into a parallel dataflow graph based on the optimal tiling it has found. Our evaluations show that SoyBean is 1.5x-4x faster than pure data parallelism for AlexNet and VGG. We present this automatic tiling in a new system, SoyBean, that can act as a backend for Tensorflow, MXNet, and others.
Local Saddle Point Optimization: A Curvature Exploitation Approach

Gradient-based optimization methods are the most popular choice for finding local optima for classical minimization and saddle point problems. Here, we highlight a systemic issue of gradient dynamics that arise for saddle point problems, namely the presence of undesired stable stationary points that are no local optima. We propose a novel optimization approach that exploits curvature information in order to escape from these undesired stationary points. We prove that different optimization methods, including gradient method and Adagrad, equipped with curvature exploitation can escape non-optimal stationary points. We also provide empirical results on common saddle point problems which confirm the advantage of using curvature exploitation.
A Calcium-Dependent Chloride Current Increases Repetitive Firing in Mouse Sympathetic Neurons

Ca2+-activated ion channels shape membrane excitability in response to elevations in intracellular Ca2+. The most extensively studied Ca2+-sensitive ion channels are Ca2+-activated K+ channels, whereas the physiological importance of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels has been poorly studied. Here we show that a Ca2+-activated Cl- currents (CaCCs) modulate repetitive firing in mouse sympathetic ganglion cells. Electrophysiological recording of mouse sympathetic neurons in an in vitro preparation of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) identifies neurons with two different firing patterns in response to long depolarizing current pulses (1 s). Neurons classified as phasic (Ph) made up 67% of the cell population whilst the remainders were tonic (T). When a high frequency train of spikes was induced by intracellular current injection, SCG sympathetic neurons reached an afterpotential mainly dependent on the ratio of activation of two Ca2+-dependent currents: the K+ [IK(Ca)] and CaCC. When the IK(Ca) was larger, an afterhyperpolarization was the predominant afterpotential but when the CaCC was larger, an afterdepolarization (ADP) was predominant. These afterpotentials can be observed after a single action potential (AP). Ph and T neurons had similar ADPs and hence, the CaCC does not seem to determine the firing pattern (Ph or T) of these neurons. However, inhibition of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels with anthracene-9′-carboxylic acid (9AC) selectively inhibits the ADP, reducing the firing frequency and the instantaneous frequency without affecting the characteristics of single- or first-spike firing of both Ph and T neurons. Furthermore, we found that the CaCC underlying the ADP was significantly larger in SCG neurons from males than from females. Furthermore, the CaCC ANO1/TMEM16A was more strongly expressed in male than in female SCGs. Blocking ADPs with 9AC did not modify synaptic transmission in either Ph or T neurons. We conclude that the CaCC responsible for ADPs increases repetitive firing in both Ph and T neurons, and it is more relevant in male mouse sympathetic ganglion neurons.
Comparison of Hepatic NRF2 and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Binding in 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin–Treated Mice Demonstrates NRF2-Independent PKM2 Induction

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces hepatic oxidative stress following activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Our recent studies showed TCDD induced pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (Pkm2) as a novel antioxidant response in normal differentiated hepatocytes. To investigate cooperative regulation between nuclear factor, erythroid derived 2, like 2 (Nrf2) and the AhR in the induction of Pkm2, hepatic chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analyses were integrated with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) time-course data from mice treated with TCDD for 2–168 hours. ChIP-seq analysis 2 hours after TCDD treatment identified genome-wide NRF2 enrichment. Approximately 842 NRF2-enriched regions were located in the regulatory region of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whereas 579 DEGs showed both NRF2 and AhR enrichment. Sequence analysis of regions with overlapping NRF2 and AhR enrichment showed over-representation of either antioxidant or dioxin response elements, although 18 possessed both motifs. NRF2 exhibited negligible enrichment within a closed Pkm chromatin region, whereas the AhR was enriched 29-fold. Furthermore, TCDD induced Pkm2 in primary hepatocytes from wild-type and Nrf2-null mice, indicating NRF2 is not required. Although NRF2 and AhR cooperate to regulate numerous antioxidant gene expression responses, the induction of Pkm2 by TCDD is independent of reactive oxygen species–mediated NRF2 activation.
Promiscuous liberation of MHC‐class I‐binding peptides from the C termini of membrane and soluble proteins in the secretory pathway

TAP can efficiently transport peptides up to twice as long as those bound to MHC class I molecules, suggesting a role for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteases in the trimming of TAP‐transported peptides. To better define ER processing of antigenic peptides, we examined the capacity of TAP‐deficient cells to present determinants derived from ER‐targeted proteins encoded by recombinant vaccinia viruses. TAP‐deficient cells failed to present antigenic peptides from internal locations in secreted proteins to MHC class I‐restricted T lymphocytes. The same peptides were liberated from the C termini of a secreted protein and the lumenal domains of two membrane proteins delivered to the ER via different routes. These findings suggest that proteases in the secretory compartment can liberate C‐terminal antigenic peptides from virtually any context. We propose that this activity often participates in the removal of N‐terminal extensions from TAP‐transported peptides, thereby creating optimally sized products for MHC class I binding. We further demonstrate that ER trimming of C termini can occur if we express an appropriate carboxypeptidase in the secretory pathway. The absence of such trimming under normal circumstances suggests that carboxypeptidase activity is generally deficient in the ER, consistent with the concordance between the specificity of TAP and MHC class I molecules for the same types of C‐terminal residues.
FasL-844 T / C mutation may participate in occurrence and development of pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma in south China

Fas-FasL system plays an important role in cancer initiation, develop ment and progression. FasL -844T/C mutation has been shown to be significant in the genetic susceptibility to cancer. We explored the relationship between FasL gene -844T/C SNP and pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). 330 patients with pulmonary SCC in south China were recruited from July 2007 to Oct 2011 in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital and their clinicopathological data were collected. 297 cases of cancer-free individuals were selected as control group. PCR-RFLP technique was carried out to detect FasL -844T/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Fas -1377G/A SNP was also detected to investigate whether it interfered with the functional effect of the FasL -844T/C in pulmonary SCC development. χ2 test and logistic regression were used to analysis the association between FasL -844T/C, Fas -1377G/A polymorphism or other clinicopathological parameters and pulmonary SCC. Gender, smoking and FasL -844 genotypes could increase risk of pulmonary SCC susceptibility mainly in age <60 group. However, only smoking was associated with pulmonary SCC in age <60 group. Compared with TT genotype, FasL -844CC was risk factor for development of pulmonary SCC (adjusted OR=1.518, 95% CI=1.100-2.094, P=0.011). After grouping patients with smoking packyears, it was a risk factor for pulmonary SCC in ≥20 pack-years group. There was no effect modification between FasL -844 SNP and smoking or gender by test of the interaction term (P<0.05). FasL -844C/T was significant associated with stage, lymph node metastasis and vascular tumor thrombus in age ≥60. Our results show that FasL -844T/C SNP is associated with the occurrence of pulmonary SCC in heavy smoking and younger people, and the development and metastasis in elder people.
Wavelet Denoising Approach for Evaluation of EMG Signal in Sub 1 kHz Range Having Interference Signals

Electromyography (EMG) signal picked up from the muscle fibers have signal in the range below 1KHZ coupled with some noise . The objective is to apply de-nosing by wavelet. Biomedical amplifier AD620 is used for detecting the EMG signal having the gain 4 and approach in 20 to 500Hz. A notch filter is used to eliminate 50Hz pick up. Wave let de-nosing is used to estimate the transform coefficients of basis signals removing the noise. MATLAB is used to calculate the average power of signal. The muscle activates of normal and abnormal persons are compared in case of writer’s cramp the cases of alphabets A, B, C are taken for comparison by trapezoidal integration. Wavelet de-nosing, EMG signal, MATLAB, Biomedical amplifier AD620, notch filter, Wavelet transform
Cardiovascular flow measurement with phase-contrast MR imaging: basic facts and implementation.

Phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a well-known but undervalued method of obtaining quantitative information on blood flow. Applications of this technique in cardiovascular MR imaging are expanding. According to the sequences available, phase-contrast measurement can be performed in a breath hold or during normal respiration. Prospective as well as retrospective gating techniques can be used. Common errors in phase-contrast imaging include mismatched encoding velocity, deviation of the imaging plane, inadequate temporal resolution, inadequate spatial resolution, accelerated flow and spatial misregistration, and phase offset errors. Flow measurements are most precise if the imaging plane is perpendicular to the vessel of interest and flow encoding is set to through-plane flow. The sequence should be repeated at least once, with a high encoding velocity used initially. If peak velocity has to be estimated, flow measurement is repeated with an adapted encoding velocity. The overall error of a phase-contrast flow measurement comprises errors during prescription as well as errors that occur during image analysis of the flow data. With phase-contrast imaging, the overall error in flow measurement can be reduced to less than 10%, an acceptable level of error for routine clinical use.
Transformational leadership: an investigation of Bass's model in the context of Indian professionals

The business marketplace is rapidly changing and becoming more competitive due to globalisation; consequently, new innovations and higher performance levels from teams in organisations is necessary to continue to be successful. Organisations in both public and private sector are in need of radical change and leadership is a mechanism by which organisations foresee and walk through change. With a volatile economy it is becoming increasingly important for leaders to maximise the performance and motivate their followers. Leadership is a relationship between leaders and followers and building this relationship requires an appreciation of the leaders' style and their capability to influence change in organisations. The research focuses on leadership skills of 137 Indian managers. The study focuses on the pattern of leadership quotient using multi leadership questionnaire developed by Bass and Avolio (1990). This paper is making a special emphasis on the factors influencing intellectual stimulation one of the key variables in transformational leadership.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Dementia: Physiopathological Mechanisms and Clinical Consequences

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, mainly encompassing cognitive decline in subjects aged ≥65 years. Further, AD is characterized by selective synaptic and neuronal degeneration, vascular dysfunction, and two histopathological features: extracellular amyloid plaques composed of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Dementia and AD are chronic neurodegenerative conditions with a complex physiopathology involving both genetic and environmental factors. Recent clinical studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with risk of dementia, including AD. However, a recent case-control study reported decreased risk of dementia. PPIs are a widely indicated class of drugs for gastric acid-related disorders, although most older adult users are not treated for the correct indication. Although neurological side effects secondary to PPIs are rare, several preclinical reports indicate that PPIs might increase Aβ levels, interact with tau protein, and affect the neuronal microenvironment through several mechanisms. Considering the controversy between PPI use and dementia risk, as well as both cognitive and neuroprotective effects, the aim of this review is to examine the relationship between PPI use and brain effects from a neurobiological and clinical perspective.
Sex and Age Result in Differential Regulation of the Renal Thiazide-Sensitive NaCl Cotransporter and the Epithelial Sodium Channel in Angiotensin II-Infused Mice

Background/Aims: We determined the effects of age and sex on the blood pressure (BP) response to angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion and evaluated the potential mechanistic role of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Methods: Male and female mice (∼3 or 21 months of age) were infused with Ang II or control for 7 days. Results: Males had a greater BP response to Ang II, somewhat enhanced by aging. Mean systolic BPs (at 7 days) were (mm Hg): 161, 143, 172, and 157 in young male, young female, old male, and old female mice, respectively. Immunoblotting changes in the whole kidney that supported this BP profile included a 51 and 52% increase in NCC band density in the old females and old males (as compared to sex-respective controls) with Ang II infusion, while the young males and young females showed an increase of 40 and 0%, respectively. Young males also had a greater reduction in major bands of β- and γ-ENaC, than did young female mice. The natriuretic response to hydrochlorothiazide supported an increase in activity of NCC with Ang II in aged mice only. Conclusions: Increased sensitivity to Ang II in aging and male mice may involve overactivity of NCC.
A Current Approach to Halitosis and Oral Malodor- A Mini Review

Background: Halitosis, in other words, oral malodor is an important multifactorial health problem affecting the psychological and social life of individuals and is the most common reason for referral to dentists after dental caries and periodontal diseases. Objective: The objective of this review was to present and discuss conventional and recently introduced information about the types, causes, detection and treatment methods of halitosis. Methods: An expanded literature review was conducted which targeted all articles published in peer-reviewed journals relating to the topic of halitosis. Only articles written in Turkish and English languages were considered. The review itself began with a search of relevant subject headings such as ‘halitosis, oral malodor, volatile sulfur compounds in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar and Tubitak Ulakbim databases. A hand search of references was also performed. Results: When search results are combined, the total number of relevant literature was found to be 4646 abstracts and 978 full-text articles. Abstracts, editorial letters were not included and about half of full-text articles were not related to dental practice. Among the remaining 124 full-text articles, duplicated articles and articles written other than Turkish and English languages were removed and 54 full-text articles were used for this review. Discussion: According to the reviewed articles, both conventional and new methods were introduced in the management of halitosis. However, conventional methods seem to be more effective and widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of halitosis. Conclusion: As being first line professionals, dentists must analyze and treat oral problems which may be responsible for the patient's malodor, and should inform the patient about halitosis causes and oral hygiene procedures (tooth flossing, tongue cleaning, appropriate mouthwash and toothpaste selection and use) and if the problem persists, they should consult to a medical specialist.
Plant Perception and Short-Term Responses to Phytophagous Insects and Mites

Plant–pest relationships involve complex processes encompassing a network of molecules, signals, and regulators for overcoming defenses they develop against each other. Phytophagous arthropods identify plants mainly as a source of food. In turn, plants develop a variety of strategies to avoid damage and survive. The success of plant defenses depends on rapid and specific recognition of the phytophagous threat. Subsequently, plants trigger a cascade of short-term responses that eventually result in the production of a wide range of compounds with defense properties. This review deals with the main features involved in the interaction between plants and phytophagous insects and acari, focusing on early responses from the plant side. A general landscape of the diverse strategies employed by plants within the first hours after pest perception to block the capability of phytophagous insects to develop mechanisms of resistance is presented, with the potential of providing alternatives for pest control.
Metagenomic Approaches to Investigate the Contribution of the Vineyard Environment to the Quality of Wine Fermentation: Potentials and Difficulties

The winemaking is a complex process that begins in the vineyard and ends at consumption moment. Recent reports have shown the relevance of microbial populations in the definition of the regional organoleptic and sensory characteristics of a wine. Metagenomic approaches, allowing the exhaustive identification of microorganisms present in complex samples, have recently played a fundamental role in the dissection of the contribution of the vineyard environment to wine fermentation. Systematic approaches have explored the impact of agronomical techniques, vineyard topologies, and climatic changes on bacterial and fungal populations found in the vineyard and in fermentations, also trying to predict or extrapolate the effects on the sensorial characteristics of the resulting wine. This review is aimed at highlighting the major technical and experimental challenges in dissecting the contribution of the vineyard and native environments microbiota to the wine fermentation process, and how metagenomic approaches can help in understanding microbial fluxes and selections across the environments and specimens related to wine fermentation.
Internationalization and Performance of Chinese Family Firms: The Moderating Role of Corporate Governance

ABSTRACT This study investigates the differential effects of internationalization on two dimensions of family firms’ performance: growth and profitability. Drawing on the contingency theory, we argue that the successful implementation of internationalization strategy requires an appropriate organization structure, which is usually absent in Chinese family firms. To the extent that such a structure is established, these firms can realize greater benefits from internationalization. From a sample of 225 family firms in China, our predictions receive empirical support. We find that internationalization has a positive impact on growth but a negative impact on profitability. The negative internationalization–firm profitability relationship highlights the challenges internationalizing Chinese family firms face. The positive moderating effect of corporate governance, a critical component of organization structure, underscores the need for appropriate corporate governance to support the implementation of strategy. The findings have important practical implications for the internationalization of Chinese family firms.
Reactive planning in a Christian Bureaucracy

This paper is drawn from a field-based case study of the approach to planning and control and their environmental conditioners in the central offices of the Victorian Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia. Its analysis is informed by grounded theory methodology and this first of two papers develops an understanding of this organization’s context, structure, management processes and planning orientation. Key external and internal environmental drivers: a community oriented culture, a consultative bureaucracy, a compliance oriented accounting system and increasing pressures upon organizational resources are identified and examined. These are found to produce a reactive style of planning which is primarily short term and resources oriented. The implications of an apparent strategic planning vacuum in such a not-for-profit organization are considered.
Proteomic Analysis of Specific Proteins in the Root of Salt-Tolerant Barley

Comparative two-dimensional electrophoresis showed six proteins, which were significantly produced in the root of salt-tolerant barley. These proteins were identified as stress/defense-related proteins that do not scavenge reactive oxygen species directly, suggesting that salt-tolerant barley develops not only an antioxidative system, but also physical and biochemical changes to cope with salt stress.