Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PersisDroid: Android Performance Diagnosis via Anatomizing Asynchronous Executions

Android applications (apps) grow dramatically in recent years. Apps are user interface (UI) centric typically. Rapid UI responsiveness is key consideration to app developers. However, we still lack a handy tool for profiling app performance so as to diagnose performance problems. This paper presents PersisDroid, a tool specifically designed for this task. The key notion of PersisDroid is that the UI-triggered asynchronous executions also contribute to the UI performance, and hence its performance should be properly captured to facilitate performance diagnosis. However, Android allows tremendous ways to start the asynchronous executions, posing a great challenge to profiling such execution. This paper finds that they can be grouped into six categories. As a result, they can be tracked and profiled according to the specifics of each category with a dynamic instrumentation approach carefully tailored for Android. PersisDroid can then properly profile the asynchronous executions in task granularity, which equips it with low-overhead and high compatibility merits. Most importantly, the profiling data can greatly help the developers in detecting and locating performance anomalies. We code and open-source release PersisDroid. The tool is applied in diagnosing 20 open-source apps, and we find 11 of them contain potential performance problems, which shows its effectiveness in performance diagnosis for Android apps.
Concrete words are easier to recall than abstract words: Evidence for a semantic contribution to short-term serial recall.

Immediate serial recall and maximal speech rate were assessed for concrete and abstract words differing in length. Experiment 1 showed large advantages for spoken recall of concrete words that were independent of speech rate. Experiment 2 showed an equivalent effect with written, rather than spoken, recall. Experiment 3 showed that the concreteness effect was still present when recall was backward rather than forward. In all 3 experiments, concrete words enjoyed an advantage that was roughly constant across all serial positions (with the possible exception of the 1st and last items). Experiment 4 used a matching-span procedure and showed that when there was no requirement for linguistic output, the effect of concreteness (but not the effect of word length) was eliminated. It is argued that semantic coding exerts powerful effects in verbal short-term memory tasks that have generally been underestimated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract).
Ictal involvement of the nigrostriatal system in subtle seizures of ring chromosome 20 epilepsy

Studies in animal models and patients with epilepsy have suggested that basal ganglia circuits may control epileptic seizures and that striatal dopaminergic transmission may play a role in seizure modulation and interruption. Chromosome 20 [r(20)] syndrome is a well‐defined chromosomal disorder characterized by epilepsy, mild‐to‐moderate mental retardation, and lack of recognizable dysmorphic features. Epilepsy is often the most important clinical manifestation of the syndrome, with prolonged episodes of nonconvulsive status epilepticus suggesting dysfunction in the seizure control system. We present the ictal blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) changes in brief seizures recorded by means of electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) coregistration in a patient with [r(20)] syndrome. We observed ictal BOLD increments in a cortical‐subcortical network involving substantia nigrastriatum and frontal cortex. At present, this is the first functional neuroimaging evidence of the involvement of the nigrostriatal system during ictal EEG discharges in [r(20)] syndrome supporting a role of the basal ganglia circuits in human epileptic seizures.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder in Boys: Patterns of Behavioral Covariation

Studied patterns of covariation among symptoms of conduct problems in an outpatient clinic sample of 177 boys. These patterns were examined in relation to criteria for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev. [DSMIll-R]; American Psychiatric Association, 1987). Factor analysis of parent and teacher responses to a structured psychiatric interview revealed two dimensions of conduct problems similar to the distinction between ODD and CD. However, some symptoms often associated with CD (bullying and violation of major rules) consistently loaded uniquely on the factor composed of ODD symptoms, and the DSMIII-R symptoms of fighting and lying had approximately equal loadings on both factors. Cluster analysis of scores derived from summing items with unique loadings on the ODD and CD factors yielded three profiles: deviance on only the ODD factor, deviance on both the ODD and CD factors, and deviance on nei.
Secretion of Hedgehog‐Related Peptides and WNT During Caenorhabditis elegans Development

There is growing awareness that endocytic trafficking plays a critical role in cell–cell communication during animal development. We are beginning to understand how endocytosis can initiate, modulate or terminate signaling. In contrast, our knowledge of the mechanisms involved in secreting signaling peptides remains more limited, particularly when it comes to secretion at the apical surface in epithelial cells. In this study, we review the mechanisms that control secretion in Caenorhabditis elegans, focusing on the role of Patched family members and the V0 complex of the vacuolar‐adenosine triphosphatase (V‐ATPase) in secreting Hedgehog‐related peptides and of MIG‐14/Wls and the retromer complex in secreting EGL‐20/WNT.
Modeling Dynamic Software Architecture Based on &#960;-Net

Software architecture is a key aspect of the design of large-scale and complicated software system. Architecture description languages (ADLs) provide a formal specification of the architecture in terms of components and connectors and how they are composed together. As existing ADLs are difficult to describe the dynamic software architecture, a pi-net based dynamic software architecture model (DSAM) is presented, in which two complementary formalisms, namely object-oriented Petri nets (OPN) and pi-calculus, are adopted as formal theory bases. DSAM stresses on description of dynamic software architecture. Moreover, DSAM uses formal methods of Petri nets and pi-calculus to analyze, simulate and verify software architecture. Finally, to illustrate the favorable representation capability of DSAM, an example of dynamic software architecture is provided and the potential applications are pointed out
Bayesian classification and artificial neural network methods for lung cancer early diagnosis

Lung cancer is a serious illness which can be cured if it is diagnosed at early stages. One technique which is commonly used for early detection of this type of cancer consists of analyzing sputum images. However, the analysis of sputum images is time consuming and requires highly trained personnel to avoid diagnostic errors. Image processing techniques provide a reliable tool for improving the manual screening of sputum samples. In this paper, we address the problem of extraction and segmentation the sputum cells based on the analysis of sputum color image with the aim to attain a high specificity rate and reduce the time consumed to analyze such sputum samples. In order to form general diagnostic rules, we use a Bayesian classifier to extract the sputum cells followed by using a Hopfield Neural Network (HNN) to segment the extracted cells into nuclei and cytoplasm regions from the background region. The final results will be used for a Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) system for early detection of lung cancer. We used some performance criteria such as sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to evaluate the proposed methods. Our methods are validated via a series of experimentation conducted with a data set of 88 images.
Quality of Life in Paediatric Migraine: Characterization of Age-Related Effects Using PedsQL 4.0

The aim of this study was to measure quality of life (QOL) across a broad age range of paediatric migraine patients. Children and adolescents (n = 686) with migraine completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) and a standardized headache assessment at an initial clinic visit. The sample size for each PedsQL age group was: age 2-4 = 21, age 5-7 = 86, age 8-12 = 298, and age 13-18 = 281. Mean total score was 72.7 ± 14.8, significantly less than healthy norms (P < 0.01). Teens reported lower School Functioning than older and young children (P < 0.05) and young children reported lower Social Functioning than older children and teens (P < 0.001). A moderate relation was found between self and parent report. Age-related effects on QOL have implications for the evaluation and management of migraine in paediatric practice. The self and parent report forms of the PedsQL can be used in a practice setting.
Performance Analysis of the Gradient Comparator LMS Algorithm

The sparsity-aware zero attractor least mean square (ZA-LMS) algorithm manifests much lower misadjustment in strongly sparse environment than its sparsity-agnostic counterpart, the least mean square (LMS), but is shown to perform worse than the LMS when sparsity of the impulse response decreases. The reweighted variant of the ZA-LMS, namely RZA-LMS shows robustness against this variation in sparsity, but at the price of increased computational complexity. The other variants such as the l 0 -LMS and the improved proportionate normalized LMS (IPNLMS), though perform satisfactorily, are also computationally intensive. The gradient comparator LMS (GC-LMS) is a practical solution of this trade-off when hardware constraint is to be considered. In this paper, we analyse the mean and the mean square convergence performance of the GC-LMS algorithm in detail. The analyses satisfactorily match with the simulation results.
Epidemiology, Co-Infections, and Outcomes of Viral Pneumonia in Adults

AbstractAdvanced technologies using polymerase-chain reaction have allowed for increased recognition of viral respiratory infections including pneumonia. Co-infections have been described for several respiratory viruses, especially with influenza. Outcomes of viral pneumonia, including cases with co-infections, have not been well described.This was observational cohort study conducted to describe hospitalized patients with viral pneumonia including co-infections, clinical outcomes, and predictors of mortality. Patients admitted from March 2013 to November 2014 with a positive respiratory virus panel (RVP) and radiographic findings of pneumonia within 48 h of the index RVP were included. Co-respiratory infection (CRI) was defined as any organism identification from a respiratory specimen within 3 days of the index RVP. Predictors of in-hospital mortality on univariate analysis were evaluated in a multivariate model.Of 284 patients with viral pneumonia, a majority (51.8%) were immunocompromised. A total of 84 patients (29.6%) were found to have a CRI with 48 (57.6%) having a bacterial CRI. Viral CRI with HSV, CMV, or both occurred in 28 patients (33.3%). Fungal (16.7%) and other CRIs (7.1%) were less common. Many patients required mechanical ventilation (54%) and vasopressor support (36%). Overall in-hospital mortality was high (23.2%) and readmissions were common with several patients re-hospitalized within 30 (21.1%) and 90 days (36.7%) of discharge. Predictors of in-hospital mortality on multivariate regression included severity of illness factors, stem-cell transplant, and identification of multiple respiratory viruses. In conclusion, hospital mortality is high among adult patients with viral pneumonia and patients with multiple respiratory viruses identified may be at a higher risk.
MicroRNA miR-125b causes leukemia

MicroRNA miR-125b has been implicated in several kinds of leukemia. The chromosomal translocation t(2;11)(p21;q23) found in patients with myelodysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia leads to an overexpression of miR-125b of up to 90-fold normal. Moreover, miR-125b is also up-regulated in patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia carrying the t(11;14)(q24;q32) translocation. To decipher the presumed oncogenic mechanism of miR-125b, we used transplantation experiments in mice. All mice transplanted with fetal liver cells ectopically expressing miR-125b showed an increase in white blood cell count, in particular in neutrophils and monocytes, associated with a macrocytic anemia. Among these mice, half died of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or a myeloproliferative neoplasm, suggesting an important role for miR-125b in early hematopoiesis. Furthermore, coexpression of miR-125b and the BCR-ABL fusion gene in transplanted cells accelerated the development of leukemia in mice, compared with control mice expressing only BCR-ABL, suggesting that miR-125b confers a proliferative advantage to the leukemic cells. Thus, we show that overexpression of miR-125b is sufficient both to shorten the latency of BCR-ABL–induced leukemia and to independently induce leukemia in a mouse model.
European guidelines for empirical antibacterial therapy for febrile neutropenic patients in the era of growing resistance: summary of the 2011 4th European Conference on Infections in Leukemia

Owing to increasing resistance and the limited arsenal of new antibiotics, especially against Gram-negative pathogens, carefully designed antibiotic regimens are obligatory for febrile neutropenic patients, along with effective infection control. The Expert Group of the 4th European Conference on Infections in Leukemia has developed guidelines for initial empirical therapy in febrile neutropenic patients, based on: i) the local resistance epidemiology; and ii) the patient’s risk factors for resistant bacteria and for a complicated clinical course. An ‘escalation’ approach, avoiding empirical carbapenems and combinations, should be employed in patients without particular risk factors. A ‘de-escalation’ approach, with initial broad-spectrum antibiotics or combinations, should be used only in those patients with: i) known prior colonization or infection with resistant pathogens; or ii) complicated presentation; or iii) in centers where resistant pathogens are prevalent at the onset of febrile neutropenia. In the latter case, infection control and antibiotic stewardship also need urgent review. Modification of the initial regimen at 72–96 h should be based on the patient’s clinical course and the microbiological results. Discontinuation of antibiotics after 72 h or later should be considered in neutropenic patients with fever of unknown origin who are hemodynamically stable since presentation and afebrile for at least 48 h, irrespective of neutrophil count and expected duration of neutropenia. This strategy aims to minimize the collateral damage associated with antibiotic overuse, and the further selection of resistance.
Thyroid Hormones Regulate Selenoprotein Expression and Selenium Status in Mice

Impaired expression of selenium-containing proteins leads to perturbed thyroid hormone (TH) levels, indicating the central importance of selenium for TH homeostasis. Moreover, critically ill patients with declining serum selenium develop a syndrome of low circulating TH and a central downregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. This prompted us to test the reciprocal effect, i.e., if TH status would also regulate selenoprotein expression and selenium levels. To investigate the TH dependency of selenium metabolism, we analyzed mice expressing a mutant TH receptor α1 (TRα1+m) that confers a receptor-mediated hypothyroidism. Serum selenium was reduced in these animals, which was a direct consequence of the mutant TRα1 and not related to their metabolic alterations. Accordingly, hyperthyroidism, genetically caused by the inactivation of TRβ or by oral TH treatment of adult mice, increased serum selenium levels in TRα1+m and controls, thus demonstrating a novel and specific role for TRα1 in selenium metabolism. Furthermore, TH affected the mRNA levels for several enzymes involved in selenoprotein biosynthesis as well as serum selenoprotein P concentrations and the expression of other antioxidative selenoproteins. Taken together, our results show that TH positively affects the serum selenium status and regulates the expression of several selenoproteins. This demonstrates that selenium and TH metabolism are interconnected through a feed-forward regulation, which can in part explain the rapid parallel downregulation of both systems in critical illness.
Health beliefs and breast examination behaviors: Analyses of linear structural relations.

Abstract A survey of 619 Detroit-area women was conducted in order to understand why women do or do not perform breast self-examination and obtain or not obtain professional breast examinations. The survey assessed these behaviors and women's beliefs about (a) their susceptibility to breast cancer, (b) the seventy or seriousness of breast cancer, (c) the benefits of breast examinations and (d) the costs or disadvantages of the examinations. Separate sets of questions measured seventy of breast cancer when it is treated (a) late (seventy-late) and (b) promptly (seventy-early). Predictions were derived by combining the health belief model with the theory of subjective expected utility. Path analysis supported most predictions of the combined theory. As predicted, high severity-late increased perceived benefit, high seventy-early decreased benefit, and perceived benefit mediated the effects of seventy on behavior. Implications for understanding health decisions, measuring health beliefs, and modifying health.
Do we need to determine viral genotype in treating chronic hepatitis B?

Summary. Many studies have attested that not only does HBV genotype influence the outcome of the disease but it also influences the outcome of therapy with interferons and pegylated interferons, with genotype A doing better than genotype D in Caucasians and genotype B better than genotype C in Asians. However, the guidelines from three regional bodies – AASLD, APASL and EASL – all stop short of recommending genotyping as part of the management of chronic hepatitis B. The recommendations, however, from several national organizations as well as from individual reviewers suggest that genotyping is essential to detect patients in whom the use of pegylated interferon will give a high likelihood of response with a finite course of therapy and avoid the disadvantages of nucleoside analogues with their viral resistance. It is concluded that determination of HBV genotype should form part of the management in treating chronic hepatitis B.
A Multivariate STAR Analysis of the Relationship Between Money and Output

Using a standard 4-variable linear vector error correction model (VECM), we first show that the null hypothesis of linearity can be strongly rejected against the alternative of smooth transition autoregressive nonlinearity. An important result from this stage of the analysis is that the quarterly growth rate of money is identified as the transition variable, the variable which governs the smooth switching between regimes. This implies there is a nonlinear causal relationship between money and output. A smooth transition VECM (STVECM) is then used to examine whether money nonlinearly Granger causes output in the sense that lagged values of money enter the model's output equation as regressors. We evaluate this type of nonlinear Granger causality with both in-sample and out-of-sample analysis. For the in-sample analysis we compare alternative models using predictive accuracy tests. These results vary strongly across use of the AIC and SIC. Our use of an out-of-sample forecasting exercise to study money-income Granger causality, both linear and nonlinear, we believe is new to the literature. The forecasting results do not suggest that money is nonlinearly Granger causal for output. In fact, they show that by allowing money to nonlinearly Granger cause output, the forecasting performance of the STVECM is significantly worsened.
Performance evaluation on correlation detection and energy detection for ultra wideband-impulse radio communication with multi-pulse position modulation scheme in implant body area networks

Ultra wideband-impulse radio (UWB-IR) transmission, which can provide high data rate for real-time transmission and low-power consumption in transceivers, is one of promising transmission technologies in implant body area networks (BANs). Some studies on UWB-IR propagation characteristics in implant BANs have reported that UWB-IR signals suffer from large attenuation in human body channels. It is therefore necessary to clarify the actual performance of UWB-IR modulation and demodulation methods in implant BANs. In this study, the authors focus on experimental evaluation of the correlation detection and energy detection for UWB-IR transmission with multi-pulse position modulation (MPPM). For this purpose, the authors develop a UWB-IR communication system with MPPM scheme, and experimentally evaluate the transmission performance of the developed systems with the two detection methods. In addition to the experimental evaluation, the authors also theoretically analyse the bit-error rate (BER) performance of the correlation detection and energy detection methods by using Gaussian approximation. From the experimental results, the developed system has achieved a BER of 10 -2 at the propagation loss of 75 dB with a data rate of 2 Mbps in the correlation detection. This result shows the feasibility of reliable UWB-IR communication in actual implant BANs.
Social Democracy, Christian Democracy, Constitutional Structure, and the Welfare State

The literature on the determinants of welfare state effort displays many inconsistencies and contradictins. This article takes imoprtant stepts toward resolving these issues with the use of pooled cross-sectional and time-series analyses. The findings are that various independent variables affect different measures of welfare state effort in different and theoretically meaningful ways. Of special importance are the contrasting effects of Christian democracy and social democracy on transfer payments, social benefits expenditure, and total government revenue. There is also a strong effect of constitutional structure on welfare state effort, a finding that provides the first solid support for the state-centered perspective in a quantitative analysis.
Comparison of modulation formats based on generalized mutual information

16QAM is found to achieve the lowest SNR penalty against the Shannon limit at the GMI of 2~3 bits/channel use compared to the analyzed 2- and 4-dim modulation formats. The FEC OSNR limit of 16QAM is measured to require ~1 dB less than 8QAM at the same GMI of 2.4 bits/channel use.