Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Column-selection-enabled 8T SRAM array with ∼1R/1W multi-port operation for DVFS-enabled processors

In this work, we propose a new multi-port 8T SRAM architecture suitable for DVFS enabled processors. With multi-way caches using 8T SRAM, write-back operations are required to support column selection. While conventional write-back schemes may not have the 1R/1W dual port advantage of 8T SRAM, our proposed local write-back scheme preserves both ports with only minimal limitations. Simulation results show significant IPC enhancements with the proposed cache. Implementation in 45nm technology demonstrates wide-range DVFS (from 120MHZ@0.48V to 710MHz@1V) for the proposed SRAM array.
Toward better web accessibility

Web page evaluation systems are needed to evaluate the accessibility of websites. Such evaluation is important so that website administrators can change their websites so people with disabilities would be able to use them. Currently, such systems produce varying results that are not always useful for website administrators. Moreover it is difficult to ascertain for sure to what degree the web pages conform to accessibility guidelines. In this paper, the current state of open-source web accessibility evaluation tools is reviewed. As a result, AChecker, a system that evaluates web page compliance with WCAG 2.0, is identified as the best available. Three types of deficiencies in AChecker are identified, unclear comments, redundancy of errors reporting and lack of automatic or semiautomatic repair. An interactive evaluation tool (IWAET) is developed based on AChecker. The usability of the new system is studied. The study involved a group of web developers with different levels of programming experience and no accessibility knowledge. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted in usability evaluation. The developed system is compared to AChecker. The results of the evaluation are presented which show clearly the superiority of the new system compared to the currently available systems.
endothelial growth factor Extracellular RNA mediates endothelial-cell permeability via vascular

Cell injury leads to exposure of intracellular material and is associated with increased permeability of vessels in the vicinity of the damage. Here, we demonstrate that natural extracellular RNA as well as artificial RNA (poly-I:C), or single stranded RNA but not DNA, significantly increased the permeability across brain microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. RNA-induced hyperpermeability of tight monolayers of endothelial cells correlated with disintegration of tight junctions and was mediated through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), reminiscent of heparin ́s activities. Antisense oligonucleotides against VEGF-receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) prevented the permeability-inducing activity of extracellular RNA and heparin completely. Hence, these polyanionic substances can lead to mobilization / stabilization of VEGF with the subsequent activation of VEGF-R2. In accordance with these functional data, strong binding of VEGF as well as other growth factors to RNA was demonstrable. In in vivo rat models of FeCl3-induced superior sagittal sinus thrombosis and stroke/brain edema, pretreatment of animals with RNase (but not DNase) resulted in a significant reduction of vessel occlusion, infarct volume, and prevention of brain edema formation. Together, these results identify extracellular RNA as a novel natural permeability factor, upstream of VEGF, whereas counteracting RNase treatment may serve as new vessel-protective modality. only. For personal use at PENN STATE UNIVERSITY on February 23, 2013. bloodjournal.hematologylibrary. org From
Genome Sequencing of an Extended Series of NDM-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Neonatal Infections in a Nepali Hospital Characterizes the Extent of Community- versus Hospital-Associated Transmission in an Endemic Setting

ABSTRACT NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains represent major clinical and infection control challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings with high rates of antimicrobial resistance. Determining whether transmission occurs at a gene, plasmid, or bacterial strain level and within hospital and/or the community has implications for monitoring and controlling spread. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the highest-resolution typing method available for transmission epidemiology. We sequenced carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from 26 individuals involved in several infection case clusters in a Nepali neonatal unit and 68 other clinical Gram-negative isolates from a similar time frame, using Illumina and PacBio technologies. Within-outbreak chromosomal and closed-plasmid structures were generated and used as data set-specific references. Three temporally separated case clusters were caused by a single NDM K. pneumoniae strain with a conserved set of four plasmids, one being a 304,526-bp plasmid carrying blaNDM-1. The plasmids contained a large number of antimicrobial/heavy metal resistance and plasmid maintenance genes, which may have explained their persistence. No obvious environmental/human reservoir was found. There was no evidence of transmission of outbreak plasmids to other Gram-negative clinical isolates, although blaNDM variants were present in other isolates in different genetic contexts. WGS can effectively define complex antimicrobial resistance epidemiology. Wider sampling frames are required to contextualize outbreaks. Infection control may be effective in terminating outbreaks caused by particular strains, even in areas with widespread resistance, although this study could not demonstrate evidence supporting specific interventions. Larger, detailed studies are needed to characterize resistance genes, vectors, and host strains involved in disease, to enable effective intervention.
Position tracking with position probability grids

One of the main problems in the field of mobile robotics is the estimation of the robot's position in the environment. Position probability grids have been proven to be a robust technique for the estimation of the absolute position of a mobile robot. In this paper we describe an application of position probability grids to the tracking of the position of the robot. The main difference of our method to previous approaches lies in the fact that the position probability grid technique is a Bayesian approach which is able to deal with noisy sensors as well as ambiguities and is able to integrate sensor readings of different types of sensors over time. Given a starting position this method estimates the robot's current position by matching sensor readings against a metric model of the environment. Results described in this paper illustrate the robustness of this method against noisy sensors and errors in the environmental model.
Detection and Segmentation of Quasi-Planar Surfaces Through Expectation Maximization Under a Planar Homography Constraint

We propose a novel method capable of detecting and segmenting quasi-planar surfaces based on homograph decomposition and Semi-Global-Matching without the need for extrinsic calibration or stereo rectification. Existing methods require co planarity of all points on the dominant plane and are thus unsuited for unconstrained quasi-planar surfaces. In contrast to state of the art methods we can account for local depth variations. This is achieved by introducing a novel planar inter-image rectification technique, which enables us to perform block matching without popular rectification. Experiments are performed on two different databases. Firstly we quantitatively evaluate the general feasibility of our method on a database containing indoor and outdoor scenes with available ground truth data. Secondly we apply our method to the new publicly available HAWK wood database. Our experiments have shown that the true positive rate of our segmentation procedure exceeds 94.0% while the false positive rate is below 4.9%.
Emergence Of Agile Software Development Methodologies: A Sri Lankan Software R & D Outlook

: In software development there exists a tension between quality, cost, and time. Delivering cost competitive quality software in Sri Lanka today‘s time constrained market is a difficult task. Users and producers of software must contend with issues concerning features, those to include and those to exclude. Many traditional software processes are heavy with documentation and rigid control mechanisms making it difficult applying them to different software projects. New families of processes, referred to as Agile processes, are making headway into the Sri Lankan software industry nowadays. These processes focus on code rather than documentation and it consists with individuals and interactions serve an enhanced role in Agile processes. It is a belief among Agile process proponents that people can respond quicker and transfer ideas more rapidly when talking face-to-face than they can when reading or writing documentation. Therefore unlike the traditional processes, they are adaptable, not rigid. Therefore Agile software development methods have caught the attention of software engineers and researchers around Sri Lanka. The research seeks to identify and provide insight into the emergence of Agile methodologies and how software practitioners in Sri Lanka utilizes it key characteristics to succeed in software development projects while dealing with the issues introduced by rapidly changing and unpredictable markets.
Clustering Non-uniform-sized Spatial Objects to Reduce I/O Cost for Spatial-join Processing

The cost of spatial-join processing can be very high due to the large sizes of spatial objects and the computation-intensive spatial operations. A filter-and-refine strategy is usually used to reduce the computing cost of spatial join when the number of spatial objects is large. In this paper we propose a method that aims to minimize the I/O cost at the refinement step. A graph model is introduced to formalize the I/O cost, and a matrix-based algorithm is developed to cluster objects (data) such that the objects in the same cluster are closely related. The objects in the same cluster will be brought together into the main memory for the refinement process, and the I/O cost of fetching objects into memory can, thus, be reduced. Experiments have been conducted and the results have shown that our method can save 20‐35% of I/O cost compared to the cases where no clustering or a little clustering is done.
Suppressed radio emission in supercluster galaxies: enhanced ram pressure in merging clusters?

Context. Continuum radio emission of galaxies is related to AGN activity and to starbursts, both of which require a supply of gas, respectively to the central black hole and to molecular clouds. Aims. The environmental influence on the 21 cm (1.4 GHz) continuum radio emission of galaxies is analyzed in a 600 deg 2 region of the local Universe containing the Shapley Supercluster (SSC), whose core is thought to be the site of cluster-cluster merging. Methods. Galaxies in the FLASH and 6dFGS optical/NIR redshift surveys are cross-identified with NVSS radio sources, selected in a subsample doubly complete in volume and luminosity, and classified as starbursts or AGN according to their radio luminosity. We study radio luminosities as well as radio loudness (luminosities normalized by stellar mass) RK . Environmental effects are studied through a smoothed density field (normalized to that obtained from random catalogs with the same survey edges and redshift selection function) and through the projected distance to the nearest cluster (in units of its virial radius, whose relation to the aperture velocity dispersion is quantified). Results. The fraction of high RK galaxies in the dense 10 Mpc Abell 3558 cluster complex at the core of the SSC (SSC-CR) is half as large than elsewhere. Moreover, radio loudness in the SSC-CR is anti-correlated with the density of the large-scale environment and correlated with clustercentric radius: central brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) in the SSC-CR are an order of magnitude less radioloud than BCGs elsewhere, with signs of suppressed radio loudness also present beyond the BCGs, out to at least 0.3r200. The gradual suppression of radio loudness from inner cluster regions to the cluster centers highlights a significant correlation of radio loudness with clustercentric radius, not seen outside the SSC-CR. This correlation is nearly as strong as the tight correlation of K-band luminosity, LK, with clustercentric radius (K-luminosity segregation), inside the SSC-CR, with a mild K-luminosity segregation outside the SSC-CR. Conclusions. The suppression of radio loudness in SSC-CR BCGs can be attributed to major cluster-cluster mergers that destroy the cool core and thus the supply of gas to the central AGN. We analytically demonstrate that the low radio loudness of non-BCG galaxies within SSC-CR clusters cannot be explained by direct major galaxy mergers or rapid galaxy flyby collisions, but by the loss of gas supply through the enhanced ram pressure felt when these galaxies cross the shock front between the two merging clusters and are afterwards subjected to the stronger wind from the second cluster.
Bitcoin and the Myth of Decentralization: Socio-technical Proposals for Restoring Network Integrity

Since 2009, the Bitcoin open-source software project has established a commanding presence in the digital currency space as a self-organizing, distributed system. The project stems from a long history of efforts to harness decentralization and progressive cryptography for social good, as espoused by the ethos of the Cypherpunks mailing list on which Bitcoin was first released. However, certain design choices in Bitcoin's core protocol have led to consolidation of the peer-to-peer nodes, rather than greater diversification, thus threatening system integrity. In this position paper, we explore the socio-technical limits that challenge Bitcoin's ability to remain fully decentralized and "self-contained" as an algorithmically governed system. The need to integrate into existing human systems and infrastructures complicates the project's original vision. We propose hardware, software and electricity management modifications to the broader Bitcoin ecosystem, recognizing the need for socio-inspired design strategies to revive network integrity. We then use Bitcoin as an example to discuss the fundamental limitations of "pure decentralization" and algorithmic self-governance.
Systematic Review of the Effect of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Dosing Schedules on Immunogenicity

Background: Despite the breadth of studies demonstrating benefits of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), uncertainty remains regarding the optimal PCV dosing schedule in infants. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review of PCV immunogenicity published from 1994 to 2010 (supplemented post hoc with studies from 2011). Studies included for analysis evaluated ≥2 doses of 7-valent or higher product (excluding Aventis-Pasteur PCV11) administered to nonhigh-risk infants ⩽6 months of age. Impact of PCV schedule on geometric mean antibody concentration (GMC) and proportion of subjects over 0.35 mcg/mL were assessed at various time points; the GMC 1 month postdose 3 (for various dosing regimens) for serotypes 1, 5, 6B, 14, 19F and 23F was assessed in detail using random effects linear regression, adjusted for product, acellular diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis/whole-cell diphtheria- tetanus-pertussis coadministration, laboratory method, age at first dose and geographic region. Results: From 61 studies, we evaluated 13 two-dose (2+0) and 65 three-dose primary schedules (3+0) without a booster dose, 11 “2+1” (2 primary plus booster) and 42 “3+1” schedules. The GMC after the primary series was higher following 3-dose schedules compared with 2-dose schedules for all serotypes except for serotype 1. Pre- and postbooster GMCs were generally similar regardless of whether 2 or 3 primary doses were given. GMCs were significantly higher for all serotypes when dose 3 was administered in the second year (2+1) compared with ⩽6 months of age (3+0). Conclusions: While giving the third dose in the second year of life produces a higher antibody response than when given as part of the primary series in the first 6 months, the lower GMC between the 2-dose primary series and booster may result in less disease protection for infants in that interval than those who completed the 3-dose primary series. Theoretical advantages of higher antibodies induced by giving the third dose in the second year of life, such as increased protection against serotype 1 disease, longer duration of protection or more rapid induction of herd effects, need to be evaluated in practice.
Early Speech Perception and Later Language Development: Implications for the "Critical Period"

In this article, we present a summary of recent research linking speech perception in infancy to later language development, as well as a new empirical study examining that linkage. Infant phonetic discrimination is initially language universal, but a decline in phonetic discrimination occurs for nonnative phonemes by the end of the 1st year. Exploiting this transition in phonetic perception between 6 and 12 months of age, we tested the hypothesis that the decline in nonnative phonetic discrimination is associated with native-language phonetic learning. Using a standard behavioral measure of speech discrimination in infants at 7 months and measures of their language abilities at 14, 18, 24, and 30 months, we show (a) a negative correlation between infants' early native and nonnative phonetic discrimination skills and (b) that native- and nonnative-phonetic discrimination skills at 7 months differentially predict future language ability. Better native-language discrimination at 7 months predicts accelerated later language abilities, whereas better nonnative-language discrimination at 7 months predicts reduced later language abilities. The discussion focuses on (a) the theoretical connection between speech perception and language development and (b) the implications of these findings for the putative "critical period" for phonetic learning.
A Spatio-Temporal Array Processing for Passive Localization of Radio Transmitters

The problem of passive geographical localization is commonly solved by independently measuring intermediate parameters such as angles of arrival (AOA), times of arrival (TOA) or frequencies of arrival (FOA) on different separated multiple-sensors base stations on a first step. These intermediate parameters are then used to estimate the emitter's coordinates on a second step. Such approach is suboptimal. This is why, recently, under line-of-sight conditions, some approaches (sometimes called one-step procedures) exploiting directly all signals collected on all base stations were investigated. Based on a space time observation vector we investigate here a new one-step localization technique called LOST that is spectrum adaptive contrary to the existing one-step approach. Simulations shows that the proposed technique outperforms existing techniques and lies close to the corresponding Cramer-Rao bound.
A fully-integrated W-band imaging receiver IC in silicon-germanium BiCMOS technology

A fully-integrated silicon-based 94-GHz direct-detection imaging receiver with on-chip Dicke switch and baseband circuitry is demonstrated. Fabricated in a 0.18-μm SiGe BiCMOS technology (fT/fMAX = 200 GHz), the receiver chip achieves a peak imager responsivity of 43 MV/W with a 3-dB bandwidth of 26 GHz. A balanced LNA topology with an embedded Dicke switch provides 30-dB gain and enables a temperature resolution of 0.3-0.4 K. Initial imaging measurements using the chip along with off-chip antennas are also presented. The imager chip consumes 200 mW from a single 1.8-V power supply.
NextOne Player: A Music Recommendation System Based on User Behavior

We present a new approach to recommend suitable tracks from a collection of songs to the user. The goal of the system is to recommend songs that are favored by the user, are fresh to the user’s ear, and fit the user’s listening pattern. We use “Forgetting Curve” to assess freshness of a song and evaluate “favoredness” using user log. We analyze user’s listening pattern to estimate the level of interest of the user in the next song. Also, we treat user behavior on the song being played as feedback to adjust the recommendation strategy for the next one. We develop an application to evaluate our approach in the real world. The user logs of trial volunteers show good performance of the proposed method.
Teachers' Forum: Spreadsheet Modeling and Simulation Improves Understanding of Queues

Process-driven spreadsheet queuing simulation is a better vehicle for understanding queue behavior than queuing theory or dedicated simulation software. Spreadsheet queuing simulation has many pedagogical benefits in a business school end-user modeling course, including developing students intuition, giving them experience with active modeling skills, and providing access to tools. Spreadsheet queuing simulations are surprisingly easy to program, even for queues with balking and reneging. The ease of prototyping in spreadsheets invites thoughtless design, so careful spreadsheet programming practice is important. Spreadsheet queuing simulation is inferior to dedicated simulation software for analyzing queues but is more likely to be available to managers and students.
HOW ACTIVE COLLABORATION AFFECTS INNOVATION ADOPTION BY WEAKER AND STRONGER FIRMS

Existing research fails to explain why firms with weaker capabilities sometimes reach innovation adoption levels similar to those of their stronger competitors, even for competenceenhancing innovations. We argue that differential benefits from active collaboration with external partners helps explain this puzzle. Firms with weaker capabilities benefit more from collaboration owing to greater marginal benefit from using partners’ resources and greater openness to learning from partners. We test our prediction using survey and archival data on Internet banking activities of 153 U.S. banks spanning 1995-2002. The results find differences in the impact of collaboration involving what we refer to as “old environment” and “new environment” capabilities.
A Novel Tetrapeptide Derivative Exhibits In Vitro Inhibition of Neutrophil-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species and Lysosomal Enzymes Release

Neutrophil infiltration plays a major role in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury. Oxidative injury is suggested to be a central mechanism of the cellular damage after acute myocardial infarction. This study is pertained to the prognostic role of a tetrapeptide derivative PEP1261 (BOC-Lys(BOC)-Arg-Asp-Ser(tBu)-OtBU), a peptide sequence (39-42) of lactoferrin, studied in the modulation of neutrophil functions in vitro by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lysosomal enzymes release, and enhanced expression of C proteins. The groundwork experimentation was concerned with the isolation of neutrophils from the normal and acute myocardial infarct rats to find out the efficacy of PEP1261 in the presence of a powerful neutrophil stimulant, phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA). Stimulation of neutrophils with PMA resulted in an oxidative burst of superoxide anion and enhanced release of lysosomal enzymes and expression of complement proteins. The present study further demonstrated that the free radicals increase the complement factors in the neutrophils confirming the role of ROS. PEP1261 treatment significantly reduced the levels of superoxide anion and inhibited the release of lysosomal enzymes in the stimulated control and infarct rat neutrophils. This study demonstrated that PEP1261 significantly inhibited the effect on the ROS generation as well as the mRNA synthesis and expression of the complement factors in neutrophils isolated from infarct heart.