Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Realizing Efficient Execution of Dataflow Actors on Manycores

Embedded DSP computing is currently shifting towards manycore architectures in order to cope with the ever growing computational demands. Actor based dataflow languages are being considered as a programming model. In this paper we present a code generator for CAL, one such dataflow language. We propose to use a compilation tool with two intermediate representations. We start from a machine model of the actors that provides an ordering for testing of conditions and firing of actions. We then generate an Action Execution Intermediate Representation that is closer to a sequential imperative language like C and Java. We describe our two intermediate representations and show the feasibility and portability of our approach by compiling a CAL implementation of the Two-Dimensional Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform on a general purpose processor, on the Epiphany manycore architecture and on the Ambric massively parallel processor array.
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and Stereotactic Boost with Concurrent and Adjuvant Temozolamide for Glioblastoma in Good Performance Status Elderly Patients – Early Results of a Phase II Trial

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain neoplasm with dismal prognosis. Based on successful phase III trials, 60 Gy involved-field radiotherapy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks [Standard radiation therapy (RT)] with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide is currently the standard of care. In this disease, age and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) are the most important prognostic factors. For elderly patients, clinical trials comparing standard RT with radiotherapy abbreviated to 40 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks demonstrated similar outcomes, indicating shortened radiotherapy may be an appropriate option for elderly patients. However, these trials did not include temozolomide chemotherapy, and included patients with poor KPS, possibly obscuring benefits of more aggressive treatment for some elderly patients. We conducted a prospective Phase II trial to examine the efficacy of a hypofractionated radiation course followed by a stereotactic boost with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy in elderly patients with good performance status. In this study, patients 65 years and older with a KPS > 70 and histologically confirmed GBM received 40 Gy in 15 fractions with 3D conformal technique followed by a 1–3 fraction stereotactic boost to the enhancing tumor. All patients also received concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide. Patients were evaluated 1 month post-treatment and every 2 months thereafter. Between 2007 and 2010, 20 patients (9 males and 11 females) were enrolled in this study. The median age was 75.4 years (range 65–87 years). At a median follow-up of 11 months (range 7–32 months), 12 patients progressed and 5 are alive. The median progression free survival was 11 months and the median overall survival was 13 months. There was no additional toxicity. These results indicate that elderly patients with good KPS can achieve outcomes comparable to the current standard of care using an abbreviated radiotherapy course, radiosurgery boost, and temozolomide.
Molecular evidence of Pleistocene bidirectional faunal exchange between Europe and the Near East: the case of the bicoloured shrew (Crocidura leucodon, Soricidae)

We sequenced 1077 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and 511 bp of the nuclear Apolipoprotein B gene in bicoloured shrew (Crocidura leucodon, Soricidae) populations ranging from France to Georgia. The aims of the study were to identify the main genetic clades within this species and the influence of Pleistocene climatic variations on the respective clades. The mitochondrial analyses revealed a European clade distributed from France eastwards to north‐western Turkey and a Near East clade distributed from Georgia to Romania; the two clades separated during the Middle Pleistocene. We clearly identified a population expansion after a bottleneck for the European clade based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequencing data; this expansion was not observed for the eastern clade. We hypothesize that the western population was confined to a small Italo‐Balkanic refugium, whereas the eastern population subsisted in several refugia along the southern coast of the Black Sea.
Lipopolysaccharide induces interleukin-6 release from rat peritoneal macrophages in vitro: evidence for a novel mechanism.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in the terminal differentiation of B-cells, T-cell activation, and secretion of hepatic acute phase proteins. The production of IL-6 is regulated by many factors, including IL-1 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Because IL-6 may be an important contributor to the effects of LPS in inflammation and septic shock, we investigated the ability of LPS to induce IL-6 release from peritoneal macrophages (m phi) in vitro. M phi were isolated from male Long-Evans rats, and cultured in 96-well tissue culture plates at 1 x 10(5) cells/well in serum-free RPMI-1640 medium. Following a 2-hr attachment period, the cells were rinsed twice to remove the nonadherent cells. LPS (0.006-100 ng/ml) stimulated IL-6 release by six- to 12-fold during a 4 hr incubation. In contrast, IL-1 beta (0.006-100 ng/ml) had no effect. Because cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid are increased by LPS, we determined the effects of indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and CGS8515 (a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor) on LPS-induced IL-6 release. Neither indomethacin (10 microM) nor CGS8515 (2.5 microM) had any effect on basal or LPS-induced IL-6 release. Very low concentrations of LPS (0.01-1,000 pg/ml) stimulated IL-6 by two- to threefold. Pertussis toxin (10 ng/ml), which inactivates Gi protein, had no effect on LPS-induced IL-6 release from mø. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentrations were also elevated with as little as 0.1 pg/ml LPS; however, pertussis toxin inhibited LPS-stimulated TXB2 release. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Numerical Investigations of THz-Wave Generation in Photonic Crystal Waveguide

We have presented a numerical analysis to describe the behavior of a quasi-monochromatic pulsed terahertz (THz) wave generation in photonic crystal waveguide (PCW) reported in our group. The frequency-dependent characteristic of the THz-wave generation is investigated numerically by the finite-difference time-domain method. Two different types of phase matching condition are achieved in the basics of the guided mode or air band in the PCW. The calculated THz output spectrum agrees well with the previous experiment one. This letter provides an effective estimation of THz-wave output characteristics and could be used to design the efficient coherent THz-wave source.
SDNDASH: Improving QoE of HTTP Adaptive Streaming Using Software Defined Networking

HTTP adaptive streaming (HAS) is being adopted with increasing frequency and becoming the de-facto standard for video streaming. However, the client-driven, on-off adaptation behavior of HAS results in uneven bandwidth competition and this is exacerbated when a large number of clients share the same bottleneck network link and compete for the available bandwidth. With HAS each client independently strives to maximize its individual share of the available bandwidth, which leads to bandwidth competition and a decrease in end-user quality of experience (QoE). The competition causes scalability issues, which are quality instability, unfair bandwidth sharing and network resource underutilization. We propose a new software defined networking (SDN) based dynamic resource allocation and management architecture for HAS systems, which aims to alleviate these scalability issues and improve the per-client QoE. Our architecture manages and allocates the network resources dynamically for each client based on its expected QoE. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture significantly enhances scalability by improving per-client QoE by at least 30% and supporting up to 80% more clients with the same QoE compared to the conventional schemes.
Singlet-catalyzed electroweak phase transitions in the 100 TeV frontier

We study the prospects for probing a gauge singlet scalar-driven strong first-order electroweak phase transition with a future proton-proton collider in the 100 TeV range. Singlet-Higgs mixing enables resonantly enhanced di-Higgs production, potentially aiding discovery prospects. We perform Monte Carlo scans of the parameter space to identify regions associated with a strong first-order electroweak phase transition, analyze the corresponding di-Higgs signal, and select a set of benchmark points that span the range of di-Higgs signal strengths. For the bbγγ and 4τ final states, we investigate discovery prospects for each benchmark point for the high-luminosity phase of the Large Hadron Collider and for a future pp collider with √s = 50, 100, or 200 TeV. We find that any of these future collider scenarios could significantly extend the reach beyond that of the high-luminosity LHC, and that with √s = 100 TeV (200 TeV) and 30 ab^(−1), the full region of parameter space favorable to strong first-order electroweak phase transitions is almost fully (fully) discoverable.
Growth differentiation factor GDF-15 does not influence iron metabolism in stable chronic haemodialysis patients

Background Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a divergent member of transforming growth factor-beta super family. Under physiological states, it is weakly expressed in most tissues, but it is elevated in impaired kidney function. High concentrations of GDF-15 have been found in some haemoglobinopathies associated with suppressed concentration of hepcidin and iron overload. It is not clear whether the increased concentration of GDF-15 in chronic kidney disease influences iron metabolism. Methods The serum concentrations of GDF-15 and hepcidin, iron (Fe), ferritin, transferrin (Tf), total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor1 (sTfR1), erythropoietin and Hb were measured in 32 stable chronic kidney disease stage 5-dialysis (CKD5-D) patients and 24 healthy adults (controls) to investigate any relationship between GDF-15 and iron indices. Results GDF-15 was significantly elevated in the haemodialysis group (4840.6 ± 1520.5 ng/L) compared to control (472.8 ± 148.1 ng/L). There was a positive correlation between GDF-15 concentration and age in both groups. In the haemodialysis group, hepcidin was increased and correlated with serum ferritin, Tf, total iron binding capacity and sTfR1. There was no correlation between GDF-15 and hepcidin or other iron indices. Conclusions GDF-15 was significantly elevated in our haemodialysis patients but there was no correlation between GDF-15, hepcidin and various iron indices. In this small observational study, GDF-15 would not appear to be associated with iron metabolism in stable CKD5-D patients.
Genetic Diversity and the Structure of Genealogies in Rapidly Adapting Populations

Positive selection distorts the structure of genealogies and hence alters patterns of genetic variation within a population. Most analyses of these distortions focus on the signatures of hitchhiking due to hard or soft selective sweeps at a single genetic locus. However, in linked regions of rapidly adapting genomes, multiple beneficial mutations at different loci can segregate simultaneously within the population, an effect known as clonal interference. This leads to a subtle interplay between hitchhiking and interference effects, which leads to a unique signature of rapid adaptation on genetic variation both at the selected sites and at linked neutral loci. Here, we introduce an effective coalescent theory (a “fitness-class coalescent”) that describes how positive selection at many perfectly linked sites alters the structure of genealogies. We use this theory to calculate several simple statistics describing genetic variation within a rapidly adapting population and to implement efficient backward-time coalescent simulations, which can be used to predict how clonal interference alters the expected patterns of molecular evolution.
Mirando Hacia el Futuro: Using Multilevel Growth Models to Examine the Achievement Gap Between White and Hispanic Students

Academic achievement gaps have been a topic of study for researchers within the United States of America for many decades because there has been a steady achievement disparity between White students and students of color. The mathematics achievement gap for the largest growing population, Hispanic students, has not changed when compared to White students over the last few decades (Dillon, 2009; Hemphill, Vanneman, & Rahman, 2011; Perie, Moran, & Lutkus, 2005). Utilizing mathematics achievement scores from students in 3-5 grades in a large Southwestern Urban School District, levels of math achievement between White and Hispanic students were compared to examine the achievement gap in elementary school. The objective of this research was to address two research questions, one, how does math achievement between White and Hispanic students vary over time, within and across schools and two, whether controlling for other student factors may partly or completely explain differences vii in math achievement. A multilevel growth curve model was used to examine the initial levels of, and changes in, achievement for White and Hispanic students within schools and how this varies across schools. In addition, a series of growth models examined trajectories of math achievement and how student characteristics (e.g., Gender, eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch, and English Language Learner status) may explain these disparities between White and Hispanic students above and beyond ethnicity and how this varies across schools. Results found evidence s significant math achievement gap between Hispanic and White students even when controlling for additional student characteristics. The math achievement gap exists across schools, however the magnitude is different depending on the school context. Overall, more energy and resources need to be invested in understanding the achievement gap prior to developing holistic and contextual interventions.
Epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients in a centre in Buenos Aires.

UNLABELLED Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) is considered a multifactorial disease with genetic and environmental factors causing motor neuron degeneration. OBJECTIVE To describe the epidemiological and occupational characteristics of patients with sALS who attended the Ramos Mejía Hospital at Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHOD We analyzed the medical records of sALS patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2008. All occupations were coded according to the International Standard Classification of Occupation (ISCO). RESULTS 187 patients were assessed, 38.5% were women and 61.5% men. Mean age at diagnosis was 55 years. 16% of them came from rural areas; 68% of the studied population had no health insurance. 40% were employed in elementary occupations, 19 were technicians and 8 handicraftsmen. CONCLUSION The most represented profession was elementary occupation. A large proportion of patients came from rural areas, which might suggest an increased risk of environmental exposure to an unknown agent in those regions.
DISORDERED EATING, ANTIFAT ATTITUDES, AND BARRIERS TO TREATMENT IN COLLEGE WOMEN FROM URBAN AND RURAL AREAS

Pepper, Alison, Ph.D., Spring 2009 Psychology Disordered Eating, Antifat Attitudes, and Barriers to Treatment In College Women from Urban and Rural Areas Chairperson: Christine Fiore, Ph.D. Abstract Content Disordered eating (DE) is associated with physical and emotional consequences. Most incidence studies comparing rates in urban and rural regions are international. Only one examined regional differences within the United States, and no significant differences emerged. Additionally, no investigations focus on DE treatment barriers specific to rural regions. In 106 college women with significant DE patterns, this study investigated weight-based prejudices, system-level barriers, and regional status. Despite no significant regional differences in DE or barriers to treatment, results revealed high prevalence of DE and exposed barriers to DE-treatment among college women. Exploratory analyses supplement the dearth of research focusing on DE in rural regions, which may help professionals tailor DE-related services to rural college cultures.
Monolingual and Bilingual Pupils' Attitudes towards English Language Learning

This paper examines how the attitudes are towards the English education, in a school, among pupils in ninth, eighth, and sixth grade, and if monolingual and bilingual pupils feel that they have any advantages or disadvantages when learning English. This study also describes how teachers influence and establish attitudes among their pupils towards the English education. Both questionnaires and interviews were used in order to collect data valuable for the research questions. The results are thereafter discussed in relation to relevant background information, for example Gardner‟s (1991) theory about attitudes towards language learning and Ladberg‟s (1994) theory about second language learning and bilingualism. The results show that pupils‟ attitudes influence on the English education, that teachers‟ attitudes influence and establish pupils‟ attitudes towards the language learning, and that many of the bilingual pupils feel that they have advantages when learning English.
Neural Networks for Mindfulness and Emotion Suppression

Mindfulness, an attentive non-judgmental focus on “here and now” experiences, has been incorporated into various cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and beneficial effects have been demonstrated. Recently, mindfulness has also been identified as a potentially effective emotion regulation strategy. On the other hand, emotion suppression, which refers to trying to avoid or escape from experiencing and being aware of one’s own emotions, has been identified as a potentially maladaptive strategy. Previous studies suggest that both strategies can decrease affective responses to emotional stimuli. They would, however, be expected to provide regulation through different top-down modulation systems. The present study was aimed at elucidating the different neural systems underlying emotion regulation via mindfulness and emotion suppression approaches. Twenty-one healthy participants used the two types of strategy in response to emotional visual stimuli while functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted. Both strategies attenuated amygdala responses to emotional triggers, but the pathways to regulation differed across the two. A mindful approach appears to regulate amygdala functioning via functional connectivity from the medial prefrontal cortex, while suppression uses connectivity with other regions, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Thus, the two types of emotion regulation recruit different top-down modulation processes localized at prefrontal areas. These different pathways are discussed.
Basic Study of Bacteria Inactivation at Low Discharge Voltage by Using Microplasmas

Inactivation of microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, by exposure to a microplasma is experimentally investigated. A microplasma is an atmospheric-pressure nonthermal plasma. Microplasmas, which generate high-intensity electric fields, can be formed using relatively low discharge voltages (0.7-1.1 kV) across small discharge gaps (0-100 ? m). The key benefits of the practical application of exposure to a microplasma are as follows: 1) the low discharge voltage and 2) the simple apparatus because a vacuum enclosure is not required. Hence, the apparatus for generating a microplasma could be relatively small and inexpensive and could be integrated into a portable device. The ozone generated by a microplasma at a low power level was measured, although the specific power density of the microplasma was larger than that of large-scale conventional plasmas. The emission spectra of the microplasma discharge in N2 was measured: 1) to confirm the UV light emission and 2) to identify the active chemical species generated by the microplasma discharge. The emission spectra was also measured with the presence of water droplets. The UV light from the microplasma discharge showed excited nitrogen molecules and OH radicals. In this paper, two cultures of bacteria, i.e., gram-negative Escherichia coli HB101 and gram-positive Bacillus subtilis JCB 20036 were the target microorganisms to be inactivated. In the experiments reported here, the number of bacteria decreased after microplasma treatment. The inactivation rate increases as the discharge voltage increases. Escherichia coli is completely inactivated when air is used as carrier gas at a plasma discharge voltage of 1.05 kV. Using nitrogen as carrier gas, the highest inactivation rate is 77% at a discharge voltage of 1.15 kV. In addition, Bacillus subtilis is inactivated with a rate of 97% at 1.07 kV with air as carrier gas. Using nitrogen as carrier gas and a discharge voltage of 1 kV results in an inactivation rate of 70% of bacteria. The inactivation of microorganisms by microplasma may be due to several factors either individually or in combination of the following: 1) the excited molecules and ions; 2) ozone; 3) high electrical fields; and 4) UV light. The effect of active species such as OH radicals may also be important since all the bacteria were carried within a small water droplet in between the electrodes.
Magnet: A novel scheduling policy for power reduction in cluster with virtual machines

The concept of green computing has attracted much attention recently in cluster computing. However, previous local approaches focused on saving the energy cost of the components in a single workstation without a global vision on the whole cluster, so it achieved undesirable power reduction effect. Other cluster-wide energy saving techniques could only be applied to homogeneous workstations and specific applications. This paper describes the design and implementation of a novel approach that uses live migration of virtual machines to transfer load among the nodes on a multilayer ring-based overlay. This scheme can reduce the power consumption greatly by regarding all the cluster nodes as a whole. Plus, it can be applied to both the homogeneous and heterogeneous servers. Experimental measurements show that the new method can reduce the power consumption by 74.8% over base at most with certain adjustably acceptable overhead. The effectiveness and performance insights are also analytically verified.
Constructive hyper-heuristics in class timetabling

Evolutionary and stochastic problem solving techniques are often regarded with caution by end users because of their apparent fragility and slowness. Typically each problem is solved in isolation, and results are sensitive to parameters. Users may thus prefer easily understood but worse performing heuristic methods. Hyper-heuristics represents a way around this; the idea is to use evolutionary methods to discover a novel non-evolutionary deterministic algorithm, based on simple and familiar heuristics that has good worst-case performance across a range of problems. We apply this idea to a set of non-trivial class timetabling problems, formerly used in an international timetabling technology competition. The learnt algorithm is fast, greedy, and does not involve additional search or backtracking. Although we use a messy GA to search for the algorithm, it also scales very well; the typical chromosome size is not directly related to the size of the problems to be solved.