Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Interplay Between Throughput, Fairness and Energy Efficiency on Asymmetric Multicore Processors

Asymmetric single-ISA multicore processors (AMPs), which integrate highperformance big cores and low-power small cores, were shown to deliver higher performance per watt than symmetric multicores. Previous work has highlighted that this potential of AMP systems can be realizable by scheduling the various applications in a workload on the most appropriate core type. A number of scheduling schemes have been proposed to accomplish different goals, such as system throughput optimization, enforcing fairness or reducing energy consumption. While the interrelationship between throughput and fairness on AMPs has been comprehensively studied, the impact that optimizing energy efficiency has on the other two aspects is still unclear. To fill this gap, we carry out a comprehensive analytical and experimental study that illustrates the interplay between throughput, fairness and energy efficiency on AMPs. Our analytical study allowed us to define the energy-efficiency factor (EEF) metric, which aids the OS scheduler in identifying which applications are more suitable for running on the various cores to ensure a good balance between performance and energy consumption. We propose two energy-aware OS-level schedulers that leverage the EEF metric; the first one strives to optimize the energy-delay product (EDP), the second scheduler can be configured to optimize different metrics on the AMP. To demonstrate the effectiveness of these proposals, we performed an extensive evaluation and comparison with state-of-the-art schemes by using real asymmetric hardware and scheduler implementations in the Linux kernel.
Hormesis-like effect of mild larval crowding on thermotolerance in Drosophila flies

ABSTRACT Crowding is a complex stress that can affect organisms’ physiology, especially through decreased food quality and accessibility. Here, we evaluated the effect of larval density on several biological traits of Drosophila melanogaster. An increasing gradient, from 1 to 1000 eggs per milliliter of food, was used to characterize life-history traits variations. Crowded conditions resulted in striking decreases of fresh mass (up to 6-fold) and viability, as well as delayed development. Next, we assessed heat and cold tolerance in L3 larvae reared at three selected larval densities: low (LD, 5 eggs ml−1), medium (MD, 60 eggs ml−1) and high (HD, 300 eggs ml−1). LT50 values of MD and, to a lesser extent, HD larvae were repeatedly higher than those from LD larvae, under both heat and cold stress. We investigated potential physiological correlates associated with this density-dependent thermotolerance shift. No marked pattern could be drawn from the expression of stress-related genes. However, a metabolomic analysis differentiated the metabotypes of the three density levels, with potential candidates associated with this clustering (e.g. glucose 6-phosphate, GABA, sugars and polyols). Under HD, signs of oxidative stress were noted but not confirmed at the transcriptional level. Finally, urea, a common metabolic waste, was found to accumulate substantially in food from MD and HD larvae. When supplemented in food, urea stimulated cold tolerance but reduced heat tolerance in LD larvae. This study highlights that larval crowding is an important environmental parameter that induces drastic consequences on flies’ physiology and can affect thermotolerance in a density-specific way. Summary: Mild crowding improves thermotolerance of Drosophila melanogaster larvae through potential hormetic mechanisms triggered by exposure to metabolic waste.
Nano-Coating Texture on the Shear Slip Surface in Rocky Materials

Through SEM observation from natural and experimental examples of rocky materials, nanocoating texture was found on the shear slip surface (plane, lamellae). Our researching suggested that the nanocoating possesses some textural characteristics including granular, delaminating and rheological one. In general, single nano-sized grain (40-80 nm in diameter) with moderate roundness and sphericity could aggregate into the compound grain, and thickness of the nanocoating (thin shell, film) might reach from μm to cm scale in different rocky materials. Development of the nanocoating textures of shear slip surface could be subdivided into three stages, i.e. strain hardness, strain softening and strain decaying stage, and its forming mechanism is quite similar to the “tribological white layer” which is very common phenomena in metallography. Furthermore, it is determined that the nanocoating lamellae in rocky materials might be capable to constitute a shelter for a reservoir.
LXXI. The propagation of stress pulses in viscoelastic solids

Abstract The propagation of short mechanical pulses along rods of three polymers, polythene, polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate, has been investigated experimentally. The pulses were produced by the detonation of small quantities of explosive at one end of a rod and a condenser microphone was employed to record the displacement of the opposite end. It is shown that if the response of the material to sinusoidal stresses over a wide frequency range is known, the pulse shapes can be predicted accurately by means of a numerical Fourier synthesis. Further, that where the damping loss is not too large and is constant over a wide frequency range, as it is for many polymers, a general solution of the problem can be obtained which gives the pulse shape for all such polymers and for all distances of travel. Some experiments on pulses through blocks of plastic are also described.
Vacuolar Trafficking Protein VPS38 Is Dispensable for Autophagy1[OPEN]

Arabidopsis VPS38 is required for the intracellular localization of PI3P, an important lipid regulator of endosomal and vacuolar trafficking. Phosphatidylinositol 3-P (PI3P) is a signaling molecule that controls a variety of processes in endosomal, autophagic, and vacuolar/lysosomal trafficking in yeasts and mammals. Vacuolar protein sorting 34 (Vps34) is a conserved PI3K present in multiple complexes with specific functions and regulation. In yeast, the PI3K complex II consists of Vps34p, Vps15p, Vps30p/Atg6p, and Vps38p, and is essential for vacuolar protein sorting. Here, we describe the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) homolog of yeast Vps38p and human UV radiation resistance-associated gene protein. Arabidopsis VPS38 interacts with VPS30/ATG6 both in yeast and in planta. Although the level of PI3P in Arabidopsis vps38 mutants is similar to that in wild type, vps38 cells contain enlarged multivesicular endosomes and fewer organelles enriched in PI3P than the wild type. The vps38 mutants are defective in the trafficking of vacuolar cargo and its receptor VACUOLAR SORTING RECEPTOR2;1. The mutants also exhibit abnormal cytoplasmic distributions of endocytic cargo, such as auxin efflux carriers PINFORMED1 (PIN1) and PIN2. Constitutive autophagy is normal in the mutants but starvation-induced autophagy was slightly inhibited. We conclude that Arabidopsis VPS38 is dispensable for autophagy but essential for efficient targeting of biosynthetic and endocytic cargo to the vacuole.
Fairness in Machine Learning: Lessons from Political Philosophy

What does it mean for a machine learning model to be `fair', in terms which can be operationalised? Should fairness consist of ensuring everyone has an equal probability of obtaining some benefit, or should we aim instead to minimise the harms to the least advantaged? Can the relevant ideal be determined by reference to some alternative state of affairs in which a particular social pattern of discrimination does not exist? Various definitions proposed in recent literature make different assumptions about what terms like discrimination and fairness mean and how they can be defined in mathematical terms. Questions of discrimination, egalitarianism and justice are of significant interest to moral and political philosophers, who have expended significant efforts in formalising and defending these central concepts. It is therefore unsurprising that attempts to formalise `fairness' in machine learning contain echoes of these old philosophical debates. This paper draws on existing work in moral and political philosophy in order to elucidate emerging debates about fair machine learning.
Biogeosciences RE : Submission of a revised manuscript to Biogeosciences

We are pleased to submit the revised version of our manuscript bg-2015-430 to Biogeosciences. We first want to thank you and the reviewers for your time in assessing our manuscript. As you could see in our previous responses to the reviewers comments, we introduced substantial changes to address the issues raised regarding our Discussion paper: we modified the title, completely rewrote the Introduction, added a new Figure, removed an entire paragraph from the Discussion Section and the associated Figure, removed a Table and the associated text, and clarified the language in various places throughout the text. As you will see below, we performed additional changes to address the comments you provided following our initial responses.
Effect of Particle Size on the Thermal Stability and Flammability of Mg(OH)2/EVA Nanocomposites

The effect of the Mg(OH)2 particle size on the thermal degradation and flammability of a model nanocomposite is presented. In order to investigate the effect of particle size on the flammability and thermal stability of materials intended for cable coatings, the ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) was filled with two types of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) with the average particle size 20 nm and 2000 nm. The thermogravimetric experiments performed under nitrogen and air atmosphere did not reveal any substantial effect of particle size on the mechanisms and kinetics of Mg(OH)2 decomposition. Both types of Mg(OH)2, at temperatures above 350°C, decomposed endothermally to MgO and H2O. At the same filler volume fraction, composites with the larger Mg(OH)2 particles exhibited greater value of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) compared to Mg(OH)2 nanocomposites. It is proposed that the reduction of Mg(OH)2 particle size below 200 nm results in the catalytic effect of Mg2+ to become more prominent compared to coarser particles. In the case of nano-sized Mg(OH)2, a large portion of polymer matrix is in direct contact with filler surface due to the high specific surface area of the filler used. Large filler–matrix contact area most probably resulted in the surface-induced catalytic effects of the Mg2+ ion on degradation of polyolefins, already described in the literature, accelerating thermal degradation of EVA matrix. This process acts against the flame retarding effect of the Mg(OH)2 thermal decomposition. Furthermore, larger filler surface of nano-filler led to the indispensable change of the deformation response of EVA compared to the micro-filled composite.
Antenna array based framework with multipath mitigation for signal emitter detection and localization

Array signal processing schemes can provide accurate estimates for the number of received signal components and their direction of arrival (DoA) at a sensor array. This paper proposes a high resolution framework with multipath mitigation for detecting and locating a signal emitter randomly positioned within a region of interest. First our proposed framework detects the signal of interest and provides the number of line-of-sight (LOS) plus non-line-of-sight (NLOS) components by applying model order selection schemes. Next our approach mitigates the multipaths by exploiting the signal structure and estimating the DoA of each component. Finally, our framework triangulates the estimated DoAs providing the source position. Simulation results are compared to the well known time of arrival (ToA) and DoA based positioning systems illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Tidal changes on CT and progression of ARDS

Background Uncertain prediction of outcome in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) impedes individual patient management and clinical trial design. Objectives To develop a radiological metric of injurious inflation derived from matched inspiratory and expiratory CT scans, calibrate it in a model of experimental lung injury, and test it in patients with ARDS. Methods 73 anaesthetised rats (acid aspiration model) were ventilated (protective or non-protective) for up to 4 hours to generate a spectrum of lung injury. CT was performed (inspiratory and expiratory) at baseline each hour, paired inspiratory and expiratory images were superimposed and voxels tracked in sequential scans. In nine patients with ARDS, paired inspiratory and expiratory CT scans from the first intensive care unit week were analysed. Results In experimental studies, regions of lung with unstable inflation (ie, partial or reversible airspace filling reflecting local strain) were the areas in which subsequent progression of injury was greatest in terms of progressive infiltrates (R=0.77) and impaired compliance (R=0.67, p<0.01). In patients with ARDS, a threshold fraction of tissue with unstable inflation was apparent: >28% in all patients who died and ≤28% in all who survived, whereas segregation of survivors versus non-survivors was not possible based on oxygenation or lung mechanics. Conclusions A single set of superimposed inspiratory–expiratory CT scans may predict progression of lung injury and outcome in ARDS; if these preliminary results are validated, this could facilitate clinical trial recruitment and individualised care.
Identification of reference genes and miRNAs for RT‐qPCR in testosterone propionate‐induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Testosterone propionate‐induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats is a common model that is widely used in studies of the effects and molecular mechanisms of drugs designed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. RT‐qPCR is a widely used technique in gene expression studies. Proper normalisation is critical for accurate expression analysis. Currently, no validated reference genes are available for RT‐qPCR in rat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Given that microRNAs regulate mRNA expression at the post‐transcriptional level, they are usually studied together. Here, the expression stability of 21 putative reference genes including 8 mRNAs and 13 miRNAs was evaluated in benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Relative expression levels of each gene were detected in rats from a model group and a normal group using SYBR RT‐qPCR. Expression stability was evaluated by geNorm and NormFinder. The commonly used reference genes, such as ACTB, B2M and mir‐16, were less stable, and let‐7a was eliminated due to a large Ct value, most likely indicating a relatively low expression level. Therefore, to obtain reliable results, mir‐26a was recommended as a suitable reference for miRNA expression analysis and EF‐1a as a suitable reference for mRNA analysis in testosterone propionate‐induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats.
Esophageal atresia and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome in one of the naturally conceived discordant newborn twins: first report

Recent studies report a high incidence of monozygotic twinning in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. A phenotypical discordance in monozygotic twins is rare. Twinning and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome show higher incidence in children born after assisted reproductive techniques. We report on the first observation of esophageal atresia and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome in one of the naturally conceived discordant monozygotic twins.
Failure to confirm consistent stimulation of growth hormone by diazepam.

Diazepam has been reported to influence pituitary hormone secretion, with several studies claiming that diazepam provokes growth hormone release. Normal volunteers were therefore examined for anterior pituitary responsiveness to 10 mg diazepam i.v. and p.o. The drug had no significant effect on the secretion of prolactin or thyrotropin when compared to control saline injections in all subjects. Growth hormone response was variable; serum growth hormone increased significantly in only 4 of 10 patients after i.v. diazepam and in only 1 of 7 subjects tested with oral diazepam. Serum cortisol rose in only 1 subject, precluding a stress-related explanation for the increase in growth hormone. We conclude that diazepam inconsistently stimulates growth hormone secretion and should not be relied upon as a test of growth hormone reserve.
Copper coating on austenitic stainless steel using microwave hybrid heating

Coating of copper on austenitic stainless steel (SS-316) is useful where high thermal conductivity as well as high electrical conductivity along with high strength is desirable. Common applications of these coatings include aerospace systems such as space stations and satellites. Usually, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques are employed for developing such coatings. In the present work, copper coatings with an average thickness of 230 micrometers were successfully developed on SS-316 substrates using microwave hybrid heating (MHH) technique. The MHH technique was employed in order to enhance the coupling efficiency of the target material (metallic copper powder) with the incident microwaves at room temperature. Copper powders of average grain size 5 micrometers were melted and deposited on the steel substrates by controlled exposure of microwave radiation of 900 W at 2.54 GHz frequency in a multi-mode applicator. Coatings were analysed through energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and measurement of microhardness. The developed coatings were reasonably uniform, dense, and homogenous, although the presence of micropores was detected. Coatings were formed by necking, followed by agglomeration, and fusing of melted copper particles during microwave irradiation. Microstructure of the developed coatings consists of 3-D chain like arrays of the fused particles. The presence of oxides of copper in the deposits has been confirmed. The coatings so developed had a mean hardness of 270±30 HV.
Evidence that nitric oxide can act centrally to stimulate vasopressin release.

Nitric oxide (NO) is the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, which causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. NO synthetase, the enzyme for the synthesis of NO from its precursor L-arginine, is also widely distributed in neurons in the brain, and it has been suggested that NO may serve as an important neuromodulator. Because NO synthetase is present in the hypothalamus in relatively high concentration, we have determined whether NO can affect the release of vasopressin in conscious, chronically prepared rats. The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (12.5 and 25 micrograms; SNAP), that spontaneously breaks down to form NO, caused transient dose-related increases in the plasma vasopressin concentration of 1 and 2 microU/ml (p < 0.01), respectively. In control experiments in which N-acetylpenicillamine (25 micrograms), the precursor for the preparation of SNAP, was injected i.c. v. there was a small, 0.4 microU/ml, increase (p < 0.01) in the plasma vasopressin level. The i.c. v. injection of L-arginine (0.5 and 1 mg), also the precursor for the biosynthesis of NO, resulted in dose-dependent increases in the plasma vasopressin concentration similar in magnitude to those caused by SNAP. When D-arginine (1 mg), which cannot serve as a substrate for NO synthetase, was injected i.c. v. , there was only a slight delayed increase in the plasma vasopressin concentration. Thus, NO can act centrally to stimulate vasopressin release and may serve as a neuromodulator in the control of vasopressin release.
Numerical and experimental research on the influence of parameters on the tensile properties of Murata vortex yarn

In this paper, a three‐dimensional numerical simulation is presented on the flow field inside the nozzle of Murata vortex spinning. Four parameters; nozzle pressure; jet orifice angle, twisting surface angle, and distance between the nozzle inlet and the spindle, are selected to investigate their influences on the airflow characteristics in the nozzle and, consequently, on yarn tensile properties. Experimental research is also conducted to investigate the influence of these parameters on the yarn tensile property. The computational results are compared with the experimental results and they are in good agreement. The research shows that with the increase of the nozzle pressure and the twisting surface angle, the yarn tenacity first increases and then decreases. Yarn tenacity increases with increasing jet orifice angle. Yarn tenacity decreases with the increasing distance between the nozzle inlet and the spindle.
Two applications of complementation via inductive counting

A recent proof that nondeterministic space-bounded complexity classes are closed under complementation is used to develop two further applications of the inductive counting technique. An errorless probabilistic algorithm is given for the undirected graph s-t connectivity problem that runs in O(log n) space and polynomial expected time, and it is shown that the class LOGCFL is closed under complementation. The latter is a special case of a general result that shows closure under complementation of classes defined by semiunbounded fan-in circuits (or, equivalently, nondeterministic auxiliary pushdown automata or tree-sized bounded alternating Turing machines). As one consequence, small numbers of role switches in two-person pebbling can be eliminated. <<ETX>>
Complementary and alternative treatment in functional dyspepsia

Introduction and aim The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in treating functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) has steadily increased in Western countries. We aimed at analyzing available data on CAM effectiveness in functional dyspepsia (FD) patients. Methods A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed using the following keywords: “complementary/alternative medicine,” “hypnosis,” “acupuncture” and/or “functional dyspepsia. ” Results In community settings, almost 50% of patients with FGIDs used CAM therapies. Herbal remedies consist of multi-component preparations, whose mechanisms of action have not been systematically clarified. Few studies analyzed the effectiveness of acupuncture in Western countries, yielding conflicting results and possibly reflecting a population bias of this treatment. Hypnosis has been extensively used in irritable bowel syndrome, but few data support its role in treating FD. Conclusions Although some supporting well-designed studies have been recently performed, additional randomized, controlled trials are needed before stating any recommendation on CAM effectiveness in treating FD.
60 GHz temporal dispersion characteristics with different antenna polarizations in an underground mine

This paper presents the measurements results of a 60 GHz wireless channel in underground mine galleries at depths of 40 m and 70 m. Different antenna polarizations and configurations were considered in this study. Results show that the rough surface scattering and the gallery dimensions of the underground mine significantly impact on the time dispersion characteristics. Particularly, a vertical antenna configuration provides a larger number of multipath than a horizontal one. Due to the fact of gallery dimension and surface roughness characteristics, the 70 m-depth gallery provides a lower value of delay spread and more time variation phenomenon than the 40 m-depth. Omnidirectional antenna configurations are also shown to be not feasible for point to point link. The characteristics of the power delay profile of the scattered channel based on the antenna radiation pattern and impact on its time dispersion are discussed.