Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian network approach for compiler auto-tuning for embedded processors

The complexity and diversity of today's architectures require an additional effort from the programmers in porting and tuning the application code across different platforms. The problem is even more complex when considering that also the compiler requires some tuning, since standard optimization options have been customized for specific architectures or designed for the average case. This paper proposes a machine-learning approach for reducing the cost of the compiler auto-tuning phase and to speedup the application performance in embedded architectures. The proposed framework is based on an application characterization done dynamically with microarchitecture independent features and based on the usage of Bayesian Networks. The main characteristic of the Bayesian Network approach consists of not describing the solution as a strict set of compiler transformations to be applied, but as a complex probability distribution function to be sampled. Experimental results, carried out on an ARM platform and GCC transformation space, proved the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for the selected benchmarks. The selected set of solutions (less than 10% of the search space) demonstrated to be very close to the optimal sequence of transformations, showing also an applications performance speedup up to 2.8 (1.5 on average) with respect to -O2 and -O3 for the cBench suite. Additionally, the proposed method demonstrated a 3× speedup in terms of search time with respect to an iterative compilation approach, given the same quality of the solutions1.
Channel capacity and non-uniform signalling for free-space optical intensity channels

This work considers the design of capacity-approaching, non-uniform optical intensity signalling in the presence of average and peak amplitude constraints. Although it is known that the capacity-achieving input distribution is discrete with a finite number of mass points, finding it requires complex non-linear optimization at every SNR. In this work, a simple expression for a capacity-approaching distribution is derived via source entropy maximization. The resulting mutual information using the derived discrete non-uniform input distribution is negligibly far away from the channel capacity. The computation of this distribution is substantially less complex than previous optimization approaches and can be easily computed at different SNRs. A practical algorithm for non-uniform optical intensity signalling is presented using multi-level coding followed by a mapper and multi-stage decoding at the receiver. The proposed signalling is simulated on free-space optical channels and outage capacity is analyzed. A significant gain in both rate and probability of outage is achieved compared to uniform signalling, especially in the case of channels corrupted by fog.
Micelles Protect Membrane Complexes from Solution to Vacuum

The ability to maintain interactions between soluble protein subunits in the gas phase of a mass spectrometer gives critical insight into the stoichiometry and interaction networks of protein complexes. Conversely, for membrane protein complexes in micelles, the transition into the gas phase usually leads to the disruption of interactions, particularly between cytoplasmic and membrane subunits, and a mass spectrum dominated by large aggregates of detergent molecules. We show that by applying nanoelectrospray to a micellar solution of a membrane protein complex, the heteromeric adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP)–binding cassette transporter BtuC2D2, we can maintain the complex intact in the gas phase of a mass spectrometer. Dissociation of either transmembrane (BtuC) or cytoplasmic (BtuD) subunits uncovers modifications to the transmembrane subunits and cooperative binding of ATP. By protecting a membrane protein complex within a n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside micelle, we demonstrated a powerful strategy that will enable the subunit stoichiometry and ligand-binding properties of membrane complexes to be determined directly, by precise determination of the masses of intact complexes and dissociated subunits.
Appetitive conditioning : Neural bases and implications for psychopathology

Appetitive conditioning is the process through which new rewards are learned and acquire their motivational salience. Although it has the same evolutionary survival significance as aversive conditioning, appetitive conditioning has rarely been studied in humans. This gap may be explained by the difficulty to find in humans suitable appetitive stimuli that can elicit physiological responses similar to those elicited by aversive stimuli. To help remedy this gap, we review the literature on conditioning, with emphasis on appetitive conditioning. This review comprises three parts. First, we examine the different forms of conditioning. Second, we review the neural basis of appetitive conditioning, particularly from a functional neuroimaging perspective. And third, we demonstrate how perturbations in processes involved in appetitive conditioning can contribute to implicated psychopathologies and suggest neurobiological models underlying these pathologies. The ultimate goal of this review is to stimulate new avenues of research that have direct links to molecular biology, and thus could prove to be invaluable to progress in the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disabilities. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Joint stiffness and running economy during imposed forefoot strike before and after a long run in rearfoot strike runners

ABSTRACT Research has focused on the effects of acute strike pattern modifications on lower extremity joint stiffness and running economy (RE). Strike pattern modifications on running biomechanics have mostly been studied while runners complete short running bouts. This study examined the effects of an imposed forefoot strike (FFS) on RE and ankle and knee joint stiffness before and after a long run in habitual rearfoot strike (RFS) runners. Joint kinetics and RE were collected before and after a long run. Sagittal joint kinetics were computed from kinematic and ground reaction force data that were collected during over-ground running trials in 13 male runners. RE was measured during treadmill running. Knee flexion range of motion, knee extensor moment and ankle joint stiffness were lower while plantarflexor moment and knee joint stiffness were greater during imposed FFS compared with RFS. The long run did not influence the difference in ankle and knee joint stiffness between strike patterns. Runners were more economical during RFS than imposed FFS and RE was not influenced by the long run. These findings suggest that using a FFS pattern towards the end of a long run may not be mechanically or metabolically beneficial for well-trained male RFS runners.
On the postulated peroxidation of unsaturated lipids in the tissues of vitamin E-deficient rats

1. The micro-iodimetric method has been used to study some factors affecting the concentration of lipid peroxides in the adipose tissue of vitamin E-deficient rats. 2. Cod-liver oil methyl esters (CLOME) or maize oil methyl esters (MOME) with peroxide values ranging from 3 to 330 μ-equiv. /g were given by mouth to vitamin E-deficient rats deprived of food before and after the dose. Lipid peroxides did not accumulate in the adipose tissue of these rats. 3. Experiments with dietary CLOME and MOME of varying peroxide values (2–230 μ-equiv./g) showed that exogenous lipid peroxide accumulates in the adipose tissue when the rats received these lipids at 10% in the diet for 4 weeks, but not if the dietary concentration was only 4% or if the diet with 10% lipid was given for 5 days only. 4. Rats were given dietary CLOME for 4 weeks. Their adipose tissue was then found to contain about 50 μ-equiv. lipid peroxide/g. They were divided into three groups. One group was given a fat-free diet and, after 10 days, the adipose tissue concentration of lipid peroxide had decreased to about 10 μ-equiv. /g. The other groups were given the fat-free basal diet supplemented with vitamin E or DPPD (N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine). Neither supplement significantly affected the rate of disappearance of the peroxides from the adipose tissue. 5. It was shown that neither α-tocopherol nor DPPD reacted with the lipid peroxides of CLOME or MOME in vitro, at room temperature or even after 65 h at 37°. 6. It was concluded that unsaturated lipids do not become peroxidized after incorporation into the adipose tissue of vitamin E-deficient rats. Lipid peroxides taken up from the diet into the adipose tissue are not of fleeting existence, having a half-life of about 6 days. Dietary vitamin E probably prevents the accumulation of exogenous lipid peroxides in the adipose tissue by reinforcing the barrier to their absorption in the gut. 7. These studies provide further evidence that current concepts of lipid peroxidation in vitamin E-deficient animals are incorrect. In fact, vitamin E-deficient animals have low concentrations of peroxide in their adipose tissue, unless they have received large amounts of unsaturated lipid for long periods, and the role of vitamin E in controlling this concentration is not due to any effect on peroxidation in vivo.
Functional Dissection of the CCBE1 Protein: A Crucial Requirement for the Collagen Repeat Domain.

RATIONALE Collagen- and calcium-binding EGF domain-containing protein 1 (CCBE1) is essential for lymphangiogenesis in vertebrates and has been associated with Hennekam syndrome. Recently, CCBE1 has emerged as a crucial regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGFC) signaling. OBJECTIVE CCBE1 is a secreted protein characterized by 2 EGF domains and 2 collagen repeats. The functional role of the different CCBE1 protein domains is completely unknown. Here, we analyzed the functional role of the different CCBE1 domains in vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS We analyzed the functionality of several CCBE1 deletion mutants by generating knock-in mice expressing these mutants, by analyzing their ability to enhance Vegfc signaling in vivo in zebrafish, and by testing their ability to induce VEGFC processing in vitro. We found that deleting the collagen domains of CCBE1 has a much stronger effect on CCBE1 activity than deleting the EGF domains. First, although CCBE1ΔCollagen mice fully phenocopy CCBE1 knock-out mice, CCBE1ΔEGF knock-in embryos still form rudimentary lymphatics. Second, Ccbe1ΔEGF, but not Ccbe1ΔCollagen, could partially substitute for Ccbe1 to enhance Vegfc signaling in zebrafish. Third, CCBE1ΔEGF, similarly to CCBE1, but not CCBE1ΔCollagen could activate VEGFC processing in vitro. Furthermore, a Hennekam syndrome mutation within the collagen domain has a stronger effect than a Hennekam syndrome mutation within the EGF domain. CONCLUSIONS We propose that the collagen domains of CCBE1 are crucial for the activation of VEGFC in vitro and in vivo. The EGF domains of CCBE1 are dispensable for regulation of VEGFC processing in vitro, however, they are necessary for full lymphangiogenic activity of CCBE1 in vivo.
Barcelona Economics Working Paper Series Human Capital and Productivity Human Capital and Productivity

This paper surveys the empirical literature on human capital and productivity and summarizes the results of my own work on the subject. On balance, the available evidence suggests that investment in education has a positive, significant and sizable effect on productivity growth. According to my estimates, moreover, the social returns to investment in human capital are higher than those on physical capital in most EU countries and in many regions of Spain. _____________________ * This paper has been prepared for a special issue of Nordic Economic Policy Review on productivity and competitiveness. It draws heavily on joint work with R. Doménech and other coathors that has been partially financed by the European Commission, the OECD, the research department of BBVA and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (through grant no. ECO2008-04837/ECON and its predecessors).
Pulsed jet dynamics of squid hatchlings at intermediate Reynolds numbers

SUMMARY Squid paralarvae (hatchlings) rely predominantly on a pulsed jet for locomotion, distinguishing them from the majority of aquatic locomotors at low/intermediate Reynolds numbers (Re), which employ oscillatory/undulatory modes of propulsion. Although squid paralarvae may delineate the lower size limit of biological jet propulsion, surprisingly little is known about the hydrodynamics and propulsive efficiency of paralarval jetting within the intermediate Re realm. To better understand paralarval jet dynamics, we used digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) and high-speed video to measure bulk vortex properties (e.g. circulation, impulse, kinetic energy) and other jet features [e.g. average and peak jet velocity along the jet centerline (Uj and Ujmax, respectively), jet angle, jet length based on the vorticity and velocity extents (Lω and LV, respectively), jet diameter based on the distance between vorticity peaks (Dω), maximum funnel diameter (DF), average and maximum swimming speed (U and Umax, respectively)] in free-swimming Doryteuthis pealeii paralarvae (1.8 mm dorsal mantle length) (Resquid=25–90). Squid paralarvae spent the majority of their time station holding in the water column, relying predominantly on a frequent, high-volume, vertically directed jet. During station holding, paralarvae produced a range of jet structures from spherical vortex rings (Lω/Dω=2.1, LV/DF=13.6) to more elongated vortex ring structures with no distinguishable pinch-off (Lω/Dω=4.6, LV/DF=36.0). To swim faster, paralarvae increased pulse duration and Lω/Dω, leading to higher impulse but kept jet velocity relatively constant. Paralarvae produced jets with low slip, i.e. ratio of jet velocity to swimming velocity (Uj/U or Ujmax/Umax), and exhibited propulsive efficiency [ηpd=74.9±8.83% (±s.d.) for deconvolved data] comparable with oscillatory/undulatory swimmers. As slip decreased with speed, propulsive efficiency increased. The detection of high propulsive efficiency in paralarvae is significant because it contradicts many studies that predict low propulsive efficiency at intermediate Re for inertial forms of locomotion.
Sequential Monitoring of Burials Containing Small Pig Cadavers Using Ground Penetrating Radar *

Abstract: Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) was used to monitor 12 pig burials in Florida, each of which contained a small pig cadaver. Six of the cadavers were buried in sand at a depth of 0.50–0.60 m, and the other six were buried in sand at a depth of 1.00–1.10 m to represent deep and shallow burials that are generally encountered in forensic scenarios. Four control excavations with no pig interment were also constructed as blank graves and monitored with GPR. The burials were monitored for durations of either 13 or 21 months, and were then excavated to correlate the decomposition state of the cadaver with the GPR imagery. Overall, this study demonstrated that it may be difficult to detect small cadavers buried in sand soon after they are skeletonized because the area surrounding the body, or the grave, may not provide a strong enough contrasting area to be detected by GPR when compared to that of the surrounding undisturbed soil. Also, depth of burial appears to influence grave detection because bodies that are buried at deeper depths may be detected for a longer period of time due to reduced decomposition rates.
Posttraumatic stress disorder among substancedependents and its relationship with sociodemographicandclinical characteristics

Objective: Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in substance dependents and its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics, depression, severity of anxiety, personality disorders and childhood abuse history. Method: The study was conducted between April 2002 and March 2003 in Bakirkoy State Hospital for Mental Health and Neurological Disorders, AMATEM (Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Center) in Istanbul. One hundred thirty two inpatients that met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for substance (alcohol or drug) dependence were included in the study. Semi-structured socio-demographic form, depression and PTSD modules of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I), SCID-II, Childhood Abuse and Neglect Questionnaire Form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered. Results: The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in this group of substance dependents was 31%. The duration of total education and the frequency of patients with higher education, status, were lower whereas frequencies of lifetime prevalence of major depression, personality disorder, personality traits, childhood physical and sexual abuse history and suicide attempt history were higher among patients with lifetime PTSD than patients without lifetime PTSD. The mean scores of depression and anxiety inventories were also significantly higher in this group of patients. Conclusion: Consistent with previous studies, high prevalence of lifetime rates of PTSD found in this study suggests the importance of taking PTSD into consideration while planning treatment for substance dependency. The results of this study also support the previous findings of close association between comorbidity of lifetime PTSD in substance dependents might be related with childhood abuse history, personality disorders and personality traits. The comorbidity of lifetime PTSD independently seems to elevate the risk of lifetime major depression and suicide attempt in this population.
Long-term outcome of patients with heart failure and dynamic functional mitral regurgitation.

AIMS In patients with heart failure and chronic ischaemic mitral regurgitation (MR), the mortality risk is related to the quantified severity of MR at rest and its dynamic changes during exercise. The impact of dynamic MR on long-term mortality, hospital admission for heart failure, and major adverse cardiac events has never been investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS We prospectively studied 161 patients with chronic ischaemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and at least mild MR who underwent quantitative measurement of the effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) of MR at rest and during semi-supine exercise test and who were followed up for 35+/-11 months. The 20 patients who underwent surgery were censored at the time of operation. Of the 141 patients who were treated medically, 23 died, 22 required hospitalization for heart failure, 4 had nonfatal myocardial infarction, and 11 developed unstable angina. By multivariate analysis, an exercise-induced increase in ERO by > or =13 mm(2) and a greater increase in transtricuspid pressure gradient during exercise emerged as predictors of mortality and of hospital admission for heart failure. MR severity under basal conditions (ERO> or =20 mm(2)) was an independent predictor of only cardiac death. Greater LV volumes at rest and lack of contractile reserve during exercise were additional independent markers of poor outcome. CONCLUSION In patients with ischaemic heart disease and LV dysfunction, large exercise-induced increases in MR identify patients at high risk of morbidity and of death.
Host Kinase Activity is Required for Coxiella burnetii Parasitophorous Vacuole Formation

Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of human Q fever and targets alveolar phagocytic cells in vivo wherein the pathogen generates a phagolysosome-like parasitophorous vacuole (PV) for replication. C. burnetii displays a prolonged growth cycle, making PV maintenance critical for bacterial survival. Previous studies showed that C. burnetii mediates activation of eukaryotic kinases to inhibit cell death, indicating the importance of host signaling during infection. In the current study, we examined the role of eukaryotic kinase signaling in PV establishment. A panel of 113 inhibitors was analyzed for their impact on C. burnetii infection of human THP-1 macrophage-like cells and HeLa cells. Inhibition of 11 kinases or two phosphatases altered PV formation and prevented pathogen growth, with most inhibitor-treated cells harboring organisms in tight-fitting phagosomes, indicating kinase/phosphatase activation is required for PV maturation. Five inhibitors targeted protein kinase C (PKC), suggesting a critical role for this protein during intracellular growth. The PKC-specific substrate MARCKS was phosphorylated at 24 h post-infection and remained phosphorylated through 5 days post-infection, indicating prolonged regulation of the PKC pathway by C. burnetii. Infection also altered the activation status of p38, myosin light chain kinase, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase, suggesting C. burnetii subverts numerous phosphorylation cascades. These results underscore the importance of intracellular host signaling for C. burnetii PV biogenesis.
Computerized Tomography-Guided Paracentesis: An Effective Alternative to Bedside Paracentesis?

Background Ascites remains the most common cause of hospitalization among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Paracentesis is a relatively safe procedure with low complication rates. Computerized tomography (CT)-guided therapeutic paracentesis could be a safe and effective alternative to unaided or aided (ultrasonogram-guided) bedside paracentesis. In this retrospective study, we aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of CT-guided paracentesis with bedside paracentesis. Methods The period of study was from 2002 to 2012. All patients with cirrhosis who underwent therapeutic paracentesis were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of patients who underwent CT-guided pigtail catheter insertion with ascitic fluid drainage. Group II consisted of patients who underwent beside therapeutic paracentesis after localization of fluid either by physical examination or sonographic localization. We measured the efficacy of CT-guided paracentesis and bedside paracentesis in terms of volume of fluid removed, length of stay, discharge doses of diuretics (spironolactone and furosemide) and number of days to readmission for symptomatic ascites. We also computed the cost-effectiveness of CT-guided therapeutic paracentesis when compared to a bedside procedure. Fischer exact test was used to analyze the distribution of categorical data and unpaired t-test was used for comparison of means. Results There were a total of 546 unique patients with diagnosed cirrhosis who were admitted to the hospital with symptomatic ascites and underwent therapeutic paracentesis. Two hundred and forty-seven patients underwent CT-guided paracentesis, while 272 patients underwent bedside paracentesis. There was significant inverse correlation between the amount of ascitic fluid removed and total length of stay in the hospital. We found that the volume of fluid removed via a CT-guided pigtail insertion and drainage (2.72 ± 2.02 L) is significantly higher when compared to fluid removed via bedside paracentesis (1.94 ± 1.69). We also found that the interval time period between two successive therapeutic paracenteses was significantly longer for CT group (106.56 ± 75.2 days) when compared to the bedside group (25.57 ± 7.68 days). Conclusion CT-guided paracentesis with pigtail catheter insertion and drainage is a clinically effective, cheap and safe alternative to conventional bedside paracentesis.
Relating Sequent Calculi for Bi-intuitionistic Propositional Logic

Bi-intuitionistic logic is the conservative extension of i ntuitionistic logic with a connective dual to implication. It is sometimes presented as a symmetric constructive subsystem of classical logic. In this paper, we compare three sequent calculi for bi-intui tionistic propositional logic: (1) a basic standard-style sequent calculus that restricts the pre mises of implication-right and exclusion-left inferences to be single-conclusion resp. single-assumpti on and is incomplete without the cut rule, (2) ? (( ?