Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speeding Up Virtualized Transaction Logging with vTrans

In a virtualized environment, when multiple co-located relational database engines update their data files on a shared storage device simultaneously, the transaction log files, which be scattered within different guest image files, introduce the random logging I/O easily. To cope with this issue, we propose vTrans, a novel I/O driver of virtualized transaction log file. Generally, vTrans uses the split I/O driver design. In each guest operating system a front-end driver is added to identify the transaction logging semantic from specific database engine. At the hypervisor layer a dedicated back-end driver consolidates all transaction logging I/Os from guest font-end drivers and then persist them into a consecutive data area on the shared storage device, resulting in the relatively sequential logging I/O. We implement vTrans in a QEMU system which deployed MySQL InnoDB database engine. The experimental result shows that vTrans can effectively improve the performance of random logging I/O in a virtualized system.
Conflict-free route planning in dynamic environments

Motion planning for multiple robots is tractable in case we can assume a roadmap on which all the robots travel, which is often the case in many automated guided vehicle domains, such as factory floors or container terminals. We present an O(nv log(nv) + n2v) (n the number of nodes, v the number of vehicles) route planning algorithm for a single robot, which can find the minimum-time route given a set of existing route plans that it may not interfere with. In addition, we present an algorithm that can propagate delay through the plans of the robots in case one or more robots are delayed. This delay-propagation algorithm allows us to implement a Pareto-optimal plan repair scheme, in which one robot can improve its route plan without adversely affecting the other robots. We compare this approach to several plan repair schemes from the literature, which are based on the idea of giving a higher priority to non-delayed agents.
Enabling Efficient Partial Order Reductions for Model Checking Object-Oriented Programs Using Static Calculation of Program Dependences

In our previous work, we developed partial order reduction techniques that now form the core reduction strategies of several popular Java model checking frameworks including Bogor and JPF. These techniques work by dynamically collecting independence information needed to drive POR. In this paper, we consider several additional variants of partial order reductions and how independence information needed to drive these reductions can be calculated statically via a collection of Java analyses techniques including points-to, escape analysis, and smart call-graph construction. As part of this investigation, we also give a stateful implementation of Flanagan and Godefroid’s dynamic POR framework capable of handling cyclic systems. We show that (a) the performance of these variants compares favorably in many cases to existing state-of-the-art techniques and (b) the variants suggest opportunities for further optimizations. In addition, our results give an alternative implementation strategy in which the gathering of dependence information can be lifted out of the model checking engine and performed in a separate static analysis phase.
Analysis and Interpretation of Hard X-Ray Emission from the Bullet Cluster (1ES 0657–558), the Most Distant Cluster of Galaxies Observed by RXTE

Evidence for nonthermal activity in clusters of galaxies is well established from radio observations of synchrotron emission by relativistic electrons. New windows in the extreme-ultraviolet and hard X-ray ranges have provided more powerful tools for the investigation of this phenomenon. Detections of hard X-rays in the 20-100 keV range have been reported for several clusters of galaxies, notably from Coma and others. Based on these earlier observations we identified the relatively high-redshift cluster 1ES 0657-558 (also known as RX J0658-5557) as a good candidate for hard X-ray observations. This cluster, also known as the Bullet Cluster, has many other interesting and unusual features, most notably that it is undergoing a merger, clearly visible in the X-ray images. Here we present results from successful RXTE observations of this cluster. We summarize past observations and their theoretical interpretation that guided us in the selection process. We describe the new observations and present the constraints we can set on the flux and spectrum of the hard X-rays. Finally, we discuss the constraints one can set on the characteristics of accelerated electrons that produce the hard X-rays and the radio radiation.
The Curse of Correlation in Security Games and Principle of Max-Entropy

In this paper, we identify and study a fundamental, yet underexplored, phenomenon in security games, which we term the Curse of Correlation (CoC). Specifically, we observe that there is inevitable correlation among the protection status of different targets. Such correlation is a crucial concern, especially in spatio-temporal domains like conservation area patrolling, where attackers can monitor patrollers at certain areas and then infer their patrolling routes using such correlation. To mitigate this issue, we introduce the principle of maxentropy to security games, and focus on designing entropy-maximizing defending strategies for the spatio-temporal security game – a major victim of CoC. We prove that the problem is #Phard in general, but propose efficient algorithms in well-motivated special settings. Our experiments show significant advantages of the max-entropy algorithms against previous algorithms.
Measuring system and software reliability using an automated data collection process

The factors which affect the behaviour of the customer's computing environment, which is undergoing a revolution away from a server or timeshare centric model to a client/server or distributed model, can no longer be identified solely through using traditional methods of data collection. Digital Equipment Corporation has developed an automated data collection process, collecting on-system data logging information from customer sites that has yielded consistent, quantitative, high integrity information. This information has been used to proactively focus on direct product and process improvements. This paper describes the on-system data logging process and analysis methodology used by Digital to measure system, product and operating system reliability with examples of the application of the techniques that provide insight into the causes of failures.
Modelo de decisión para la validación de métodos de imputación mediante lautilización de algoritmos de minería de datos

Muchos de los conjuntos de datos (data sets) existentes u obtenidos en investigaciones científicas contienen valores faltantes (MVs: Missing Values) y anomalías (outliers) asociados a procedimientos de entrada manuales deficientes, mediciones incorrectas o errores en los instrumentos de medición. En minería de datos (DM: Data Mining) estas imperfecciones pueden afectar negativamente la calidad del proceso de aprendizaje supervisado o el rendimiento de algoritmos de agrupamiento de datos. La imputación es una técnica para reemplazar MVs con valores sustituidos. Pocos estudios informan una evaluación global de los métodos existentes con el fin de proporcionar directrices para hacer la elección metodológica más apropiada en la práctica. El propósito general de este trabajo es determinar un modelo de decisión que permita encontrar los métodos de imputación más adecuados para completar información faltante en un conjunto de datos mediante la utilización de algoritmos de DM.
Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Meta-analysis of short-term outcomes

Abstract Introduction: We present a review of the literature, together with a meta-analysis of short-term outcomes of totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) compared with open gastrectomy (OG). Material & methods: We carried out a search in the Pubmed and Cochrane databases from September 2003 to May 2009. Controlled studies on early outcomes were included, both prospective and retrospective, randomized and non-randomized. Results: We found nine eligible studies, one of which was a randomized controlled trial (RCT), while eight were series of patients (three consecutive). The study group consisted of 1,492 patients, 828 of whom had been treated with TLG and 664 treated with OG. TLG for gastric cancer shows a 32.5% (p < 0.001) longer operative time than OG, whereas TLG demonstrated a 44% (p < 0.001) reduction in blood loss, a 34% (p < 0.001) reduction time to first flatus and a 33.7% reduced (p < 0.001) hospital stay. No notable differences were registered regarding morbidity and mortality rates, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the extent of the lymphadenectomy. Conclusions: Despite a longer operative time for TLG, with a gastrointestinal recovery rate faster than the OG one for gastric cancer results, no notable differences were recorded between the two techniques for the morbidity and mortality rates and in the spread of the lymphadenectomy.
Intrinsic stress-induced self-assembly of multilayer thin films for fabrication of three-dimensional micro devices

This work reports on the process technology development for fabrication of three-dimensional (3D), on-chip micro devices based on self-assembly using intrinsic stresses otherwise referred to as residual or internal stresses in thin films. Stress-induced bending in different cantilever designs were modelled at various film thicknesses using finite element analysis (FEA) method and bending conditions were optimized. Intrinsic stress-induced bending mechanism is verified by fabrication of bi-layer metallic micro cantilever structures with varying stress conditions which reach bending angles of up to 137° and possibly more upon release. By modulating the loading mode (tensile or compressive) along the beam length, complex out-of-plane wavy cantilevers with multiple upward and/or downward bends were realized. The fabrication and modelling results display large overlap which further demonstrates the applicability of intrinsic stress-induced bending as a controllable technology towards fabrication of out-of-plane 3D micro components. Additionally, as a potential application to RF-MEMS inductors, stress-induced self-assembly of thin films into single and multiple-turn vertical inductors with ring and spiral geometry was investigated, and performance improvement was verified using coupled multi-physics simulation tools. Structures after transverse bending display higher Q factor and self-resonance frequency (fSR) as compared to inductor configurations in planar geometry with the same turn-density. Simulation results indicate that, performance increase of approximately 100% in both Q factor and resonance frequency can be achieved for ring and spiral inductors.
Reduction of propofol injection pain by utilizing the gate control theory

Background Propofol is the most commonly using intravenous hypnotic for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. However, pain on propofol injection is a well known adverse event. Currently, acute and chronic pain can be controlled by utilizing the "gate control" theory. Methods Patients were randomized to receive lidocaine (0.5 mg/kg; Group L), touch on IV injection site (Group T), combination lidocaine (0.5 mg/kg) and touch on IV injection site (Group B), or normal saline (Group S) with venous occlusion for 1 minute, followed by administration of propofol (0.5 mg/kg) into the largest dorsal vein of the hand. Immediately after administering propofol, an investigator blinded to the group assignments asked the patient about pain at the injection site and assessed pain intensity using a 4-point verbal rating scale (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). Results A significant decrease in the incidence of pain on propofol injection was achieved in group L (37%) and group B (23%) compared to either group T (80%) and group S (83%) (P < 0.001). But, the incidence of moderate and severe pain was significantly lower in group L (7%), group T (20%) and group B (0%) when compared to group S (53%) (P < 0.05). Conclusions Light touch and rubbing reduced pain, although while, they did not reduce the incidence of pain, they reduced the intensity of pain. This method might be considered as an alternative to other treatments but may be contraindicated for use with other drugs.
Analysis of patient outcome using ECG and extreme learning machine ensemble

In an acute healthcare setting, the process of assessing severity and assigning appropriate priority of treatment for large numbers of patients is important. Therefore, accurate analysis systems for patient outcome prediction are needed. In this paper, an extreme learning machine (ELM) ensemble based prognosis system is presented for predicting mortality with heart rate variability (HRV) and clinical vital signs. A segment method is implemented to calculate several sets of HRV measures from non-overlapped electrocardiogram segments for each patient and a decision is made through the ELM ensemble.
Toward the establishment of a prediction system for the personalized treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND Although several direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are now available, the therapy regimen for chronic hepatitis C will continue to include pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the foreseeable future. Despite their improved rate of sustained virological response (SVR), DAAs pose increased risks of side effects and selection for antiviral resistance. Not all patients require DAA to achieve SVR, whereas others are unlikely to respond even to triple therapy. Therefore, a personalized approach to candidate selection is necessary. METHODS In this retrospective study, data from 640 Japanese patients who were treated for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, 2, or 3 with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy was compiled to identify robust pretreatment predictive factors for SVR. RESULTS A logistic regression model for personalized therapy was developed based on age, viral genotype, initial viral load, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, α-fetoprotein levels, and IL28B single-nucleotide polymorphism genotype. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.85. The mean AUC following 10 rounds of 10-fold cross validation was 0.82, with a true positive rate of 78.2%. CONCLUSIONS A personalized approach to therapy may better inform treatment decisions and reduce incidence of side effects and antiviral resistance.
Cosmic Microwave Background Observables and Their Cosmological Implications

We show that recent measurements of the power spectrum of cosmic microwave background anisotropies by Boomerang and MAXIMA can be mainly characterized by four observables: the position of the first acoustic peak, l1 = 206 ± 6; the height of the first peak relative to COBE normalization, H1 = 7.6 ± 1.4; the height of the second peak relative to the first, H2 = 0.38 ± 0.04; and the height of the third peak relative to the first, H3 = 0.43 ± 0.07. This phenomenological representation of the measurements complements more detailed likelihood analyses in multidimensional parameter space, clarifying the dependence on prior assumptions and the specific aspects of the data leading to the constraints. We illustrate their use in the flat ΛCDM family of models, where we find Ωmh3. 8 > 0.079 (or nearly equivalently, the age of the universe t0 < 13-14 Gyr) from l1, and a baryon density Ωbh2 > 0.019, a matter density Ωmh2 < 0.42, and tilt n > 0.85 from the peak heights (95% confidence limit). With the aid of several external constraints, notably nucleosynthesis, the age of the universe, and the cluster abundance and baryon fraction, we construct the allowed region in the (Ωm, h) plane; it points to high h (0.6 < h < 0.9) and moderate Ωm (0.25 < Ωm < 0.6).
On Reductions and Real Hamiltonian Forms of Affine Toda Field Theories

Abstract A family of real Hamiltonian forms (RHF) for the special class of affine 1 + 1-dimensional Toda field theories is constructed. Thus the method, proposed in [1] for systems with finite number of degrees of freedom is generalized to infinite-dimensional Hamiltonian systems. We show that each of these RHF is related to a special ℤ2-symmetry of the system of roots for the relevant Kac-Moody algebra. A number of explicit nontrivial examples of RHF of ATFT are presented.
Overlay-aware layout legalization for self-aligned double patterning lithography

Self-aligned double patterning (SADP) is a leading lithography technology for sub-20 nm process nodes. For two-dimensional features, decomposability is hard to be guaranteed for an arbitrary layout. Therefore, SADP-aware layout legalization must be first performed prior to realizing a design with SADP. This paper presents an efficient wire perturbation flow considering overlay-sensitive pattern edge minimization. We first perform layout decomposition by considering pattern complexity such that assist mandrel addition and overlay-sensitive pattern edges can be minimized. Then, a linear programming (LP)-based wire perturbation algorithm is proposed. Experimental results show that our approach can effectively legalize layouts with less total wire displacement, area overhead, and fewer overlay-sensitive pattern edges and assist mandrel patterns.
A nearly optimal preconditioner for the Navier–Stokes equations

We present a preconditioner for the linearized Navier–Stokes equations which is based on the combination of a fast transform approximation of an advection diffusion problem together with the recently introduced ‘BFBTT’ preconditioner of Elman (SIAM Journal of Scientific Computing, 1999; 20:1299–1316). The resulting preconditioner when combined with an appropriate Krylov subspace iteration method yields the solution in a number of iterations which appears to be independent of the Reynolds number provided a mesh Péclet number restriction holds, and depends only mildly on the mesh size. The preconditioner is particularly appropriate for problems involving a primary flow direction. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Security Scheme of BGP Base on Aggregate Signatures Algorithm

The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which is used to distribute routing information between autonomous systems, is an important component of the Internet's routing infrastructure. However, due to the lack of the mechanism the BGP is highly vulnerable to a variety of attacks. Many solutions have been proposed by some corporations or individual. But the current propositions either were difficult in operation, or lacked the sufficient security guarantee. In the paper, a security scheme of BGP is proposed, which adopts identity-based cryptography and aggregate signatures algorithm for verifying the propriety of IP prefix origination and verify the validity of an AS to announce Network Information (NLRI). Compared with S-BGP, the scheme can efficient reduce BGP router's process load and more easily deployed across Internet.
Comparing Evolutionary Rates Using An Exact Test for 2x2 Tables with Continuous Cell Entries

Assessing the statistical significance of an observed 2x2 contingency table can easily be accomplished using Fisher's exact test (FET). However, if the cell entries are continuous or represent values inferred from a continuous parametric model, then FET cannot be applied. Such tables arise frequently in areas of biostatistical research including population genetics and evolutionary genomics, where cell entries are estimated by computational methods and result in cell entries drawn from the non-negative real line R+. Simply rounding cell entries to conform to the assumptions of FET is an ill-suited approach that we show creates problems related to both type-I and type-II errors. Pearson's chi^2 test for independence, while technically applicable, is not often effective for these tables, as the test has several limiting assumptions that make application of this method inadvisable in many common instances (particularly with small cell entries). Here we develop a novel method for tables with continuous entries, which we term continuous Fisher's Exact Test (cFET). Through simulations, we show that cFET has a close-to-uniform distribution of p-values under the null hypothesis of independence, and more power when applied to tables where the null hypothesis is false (compared to FET applied to rounded cell entries). We apply cFET to an example from comparative genomics to confirm an overall increased evolutionary rate among primates compared to rodents, and identify several genes that show particularly elevated evolutionary rates in primates. Some of these genes exhibit signatures of continued positive selection along the human lineage since our divergence with chimpanzee 5-7 million years ago, as well as ongoing selection in modern humans.
Serotonin inhibits low-threshold spike interneurons in the striatum

Key points • The striatum is the largest nucleus of the basal ganglia, a brain structure crucially involved in motor control. Recent results show that nitric oxide plays an important role in striatal pathophysiology. • The activity of the striatum is modulated by extrinsic neurotransmitters such as serotonin, produced by specialised neurons located in the brainstem. • This modulation is exerted through control of striatal interneurons. However, nitric oxide‐producing interneurons (NOS interneurons) have been difficult to investigate due to their rarity. • Using transgenic mice in which NOS interneurons express green fluorescent protein, we found that NOS interneurons are strongly inhibited by serotonin. • This inhibition is mediated by a specific class of serotonin receptors (5‐HT2C) causing an increase in a specific potassium conductance (KCNQ). • These results cast light on the role of serotonin in the striatum, revealing that it tightly controls the activity of the only neuronal type that releases nitric oxide.
Quasi-Experimental and Experimental Assessment of Electronic Textbook Experiences: Student Perceptions and Test Performance

An increasing number of psychology students encounter electronic textbooks (e-texts), whether by personal choice or instructor adoption. Across two studies—one quasi-experimental and one experimental—we compared students’ experiences with print books versus e-texts. Study 1 capitalized on a naturally occurring comparison: the same course was taught across consecutive semesters at the same university using the same text, but once requiring a print book and once requiring an e-text. An anonymous survey revealed comparable ratings of the degree to which students across the two semesters felt their text was interesting, clear, able to hold their attention, and good value for their money. E-text students reported spending significantly more time on mid/end-of-chapter practice multiple-choice questions than did print book students, and enthusiasm for using an e-text was greater after experience with the modality. Study 2 was a controlled experiment in which participants read the identical section of a psychology text, but were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) print book, (b) on-screen portable document format (PDF), or (c) interactive e-text. Once again, self-report measures were comparable across groups, with the exceptions being that interactive e-text participants reported spending the most time on practice multiple-choice questions and finding those questions most helpful. On a postreading test, interactive e-text participants outperformed other groups on items that were similar to the earlier practice questions, but the three groups did not differ significantly on overall test performance, providing no evidence that on-screen text presentation impaired memory or comprehension. Classroom implications, study limitations, and future research directions are explored.