Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A proposal to introduce power and energy notions in computer architecture laboratories

Power has emerged as a major concern in the microprocessor industry. From embedded to high-performance processors, all designs employ several power optimizations at the circuit and the architectural levels. While introductory computer architecture books and courses are starting to cover power concepts, proposals to offer students a practical experience with power issues are still scarce. To do so, we advocate the inclusion of energy and power concepts in computer architecture courses by means of laboratory experiments. These experiments build upon concepts presented in preceding physics and/or electronics courses. This paper outlines our experience with the development of such hardware-based energy laboratories. We propose experiments on a simple, yet powerful hardware-software platform capable of live energy measurements in a desktop computer processor. The proposed laboratory setup can help to teach students the basics of power-aware computer architectures. The performed experiments demonstrate the viability of our approach. For example, our experiments show that students can deduce the dynamic and static power dissipation of the Intel Pentium 4. Information that is not documented in the processor's datasheet.
Polymer Based Nanocomposites: Effect of Filler-Filler and Filler-Matrix Interactions

Nanocomposite materials present specific features, mainly due to their very high interfacial area, and a very short distance between reinforcing particles surface. For polymer based nanocomposites, reinforcing particles are most of the time much stiffer than the matrix. In that case, the percolation of those particles which occurs at a threshold fraction which depends on their shape factor (and on their dispersion characteristics) is shown to play a drastic role, especially if they form a rigid network. Such a network may result from strong interactions between the surface of the dispersed particles, but softer network may appear if the particles are bound together through the interactions of their surface with polymer chains. In order to analyze and to predict the behavior of nanocomposite materials, a modeling of this type of interactions is proposed, and allows to better understand the origin of the high reinforcing effect, generally observed. However, the complete prediction of composite materials with percolating dispersed fillers is still a difficult problem and requires further developments. It exemplifies for the special case of composites a general problem of two phase materials: the effect of scaling down the reinforcement and the properties of entangled structures.
When Good Animals Love Bad Habitats: Ecological Traps and the Conservation of Animal Populations

Abstract: The concept of the ecological trap, a low‐quality habitat that animals prefer over other available habitats of higher quality, has appeared in the ecological literature irregularly for over 30 years, but the topic has received relatively little attention, and evidence for traps remains largely anecdotal. Recently, however, the ecological trap concept has been the subject of a flurry of theoretical activity that is likely to raise its profile substantially, particularly in conservation biology. Ecological trap theory suggests that, under most circumstances, the presence of a trap in a landscape will drive a local population to extinction. A number of empirical studies, almost all of birds, suggest the existence of traps and demonstrate the difficulties of recognizing them in the field. Evidence for ecological traps has primarily been found in habitats modified by human activities, either directly (e.g., through the mowing of grassland birds' nests) or indirectly (e.g., via human‐mediated invasion of exotic species), but some studies suggest that traps may occur even in relatively pristine areas. Taken together, these theoretical and empirical results suggest that traps may be relatively common in rapidly changing landscapes. It is therefore important for conservation biologists to be able to identify traps and differentiate them from sinks. Commonly employed approaches for population modeling, which tend to assume a source‐sink framework and do not consider habitat selection explicitly, may introduce faulty assumptions that mask the effects of ecological traps and lead to overly optimistic predictions about population persistence. Given the potentially dire consequences of ecological traps and the accumulating evidence for their existence, greater attention from the community of conservation biologists is warranted. In particular, it is important for conservation biologists and managers to incorporate into conservation planning an explicit understanding of the relationship between habitat selection and habitat quality.
SVM Method for Diagnosing Analog Circuits Fault Based on Testability Analysis

In this paper a new method for diagnosing analog circuits fault is presented. The proposed method use the testability analysis of the circuit under test (CUT) to determine an optimal set of testable components (OSTC), and support vector machine (SVM) was introduced to identify the analog circuits fault. Testability analysis theoretically determines all of the diagnosable components. SVM has good characteristics of simple structure and strong generalization ability. Experimental results show that the proposed method for diagnosing analog circuits fault using testability analysis and SVM is superior to the others and to increase the fault diagnosis accuracy.
Differential ability of human cutaneous nociceptors to signal mechanical pain and to produce vasodilatation

We investigated the ability of human nociceptive primary afferent neurons to encode mechanical pain and to produce vasodilatation. Pain was induced by shooting a light metal cylinder (0.3 g) at different velocities (6–18 m/sec) perpendicularly against the hairy skin of the hand. When single impact stimuli were applied, monotonically increasing stimulus-response functions were obtained in 10 psychophysical experiments using magnitude estimation techniques. In 35 microneurographic experiments nine unmyelinated afferents were recorded from the superficial radial nerve. All units responded readily to impact stimulation even at stimulus intensities that were not rated as painful. However, there was a close linear correlation between the number of action potentials evoked from the nociceptors and the psychophysical magnitude estimates of the perceived sensation or the stimulus intensity. This was also reflected by a corresponding increase of neurogenic vasodilatation. While two thin myelinated afferents displayed qualitatively similar responses 12 low-threshold mechanosensitive afferents (4 rapidly adapting, 5 slowly adapting type 1, 3 slowly adapting type II) failed to encode the intensity of the applied impact force and often became desensitized. This indicates that the total number of action potentials is the determinant of the magnitude of mechanical pain and the associated vasodilatation following single brief stimuli. By contrast, the close correlation between nociceptor activity and sensation changed when trains of mechanical impact stimuli (five stimuli of constant intensity, intratrain frequency of 1/32 to 2 Hz) were applied. Magnitude estimates of pain intensity were frequency dependent and stimuli with short interstimulus intervals were perceived as more painful than those delivered with long intervals. However, the total number of action potentials evoked from C-fibers was higher at longer interstimulus intervals than shorter intervals, thus yielding a negative correlation between the magnitude estimates of the perceived painful sensation and the number of action potentials elicited from nociceptive afferents. This suggests that temporal summation of the nociceptive discharge at central neurons becomes increasingly more important for the sensory discriminative experience of pain evoked by repetitive stimulation. We conclude that human nociceptive C-fibers signal brief noxious mechanical stimuli by the total number of action potentials evoked during a short period of time. However, with repetitive stimulation the total number of action potentials evoked from nociceptors is less important for evoking pain and temporal summation of the nociceptive primary afferent discharge becomes the crucial factor for signaling the magnitude of sensation.
The development of a walkability index: application to the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study

Emerging evidence supports a link between neighbourhood built environment and physical activity. Systematic methodologies for characterising neighbourhood built environment are needed that take advantage of available population information such as census-level demographics. Based on transportation and urban planning literatures, an integrated index for operationalising walkability using parcel-level information is proposed. Validity of the walkability index is examined through travel surveys among areas examined in the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study (NQLS), a study investigating built environment correlates of adults' physical activity.
Recurrent Thrombosis in a Case of Coronary Ectasia with Large Thrombus Burden Successfully Treated by Adjunctive Warfarin Therapy.

UNLABELLED Coronary ectasia (CE) is an uncommon disease. Most patients with CE have coexisting coronary artery stenosis, which can easily lead to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The current standard treatment for AMI is well-established. However, for CE patients, the standard treatment might fail because of the large thrombus burden. We report a case of CE suffering from AMI twice during a two week period. Percutaneous coronary intervention with aspiration thrombectomy was performed but failed to restore adequate blood flow. Heparin and antiplatelet treatment including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was given for pharmacological management, but follow-up angiography still revealed a poor result. This patient was finally treated with dual antiplatelet therapy in combination with warfarin treatment. Follow-up coronary angiography a few months later showed restored TIMI 3 flow. This patient reminds us that in CE patients with large thrombus burden, if standard treatment fails, long-term warfarin in combination with antiplatelet might be a good alternative choice to decrease thrombus burden and enhance blood flow. KEY WORDS Acute myocardial infarction; Anticoagulation; Aspiration thrombectomy; Coronary ectasia; Warfarin.
AN EFFECTIVE OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM FOR LOCALLY NONCONVEX LIPSCHITZ FUNCTIONS BASED ON MOLLIFIER SUBGRADIENTS

We present an eective algorithm for minimization of locally nonconvex Lipschitz functions based on mollifier functions approximating the Clarke generalized gradient. To this aim, first we approximate the Clarke generalized gradient by mollifier subgra- dients. To construct this approximation, we use a set of averaged functions gradients. Then, we show that the convex hull of this set serves as a good approximation for the Clarke generalized gradient. Using this approximation of the Clarke generalized gradient, we establish an algorithm for minimization of locally Lipschitz func- tions. Based on mollifier subgradient approximation, we propose a dynamic algorithm for finding a direction satisfying the Armijo condition without needing many subgradient evaluations. We prove that the search direction procedure terminates after finitely many iterations and show how to reduce the objective function value in the obtained search direction. We also prove that the first order op- timality conditions are satisfied for any accumulation point of the sequence constructed by the algorithm. Finally, we implement our algorithm with MATLAB codes and approximate averaged func- tions gradients by the Monte-Carlo method. The numerical results show that our algorithm is eectively more ecient and also more robust than the GS algorithm, currently perceived to be a compet- itive algorithm for minimization of nonconvex Lipschitz functions.
Thermoacoustics and the Rijke Tube: Experiments, Identification, and Modeling

The Rijke tube [1] is a classic experiment that is relatively simple and inexpensive to build in a typical university laboratory. Despite its construction simplicity, it can serve to illustrate a wide variety of mathematical modeling, empirical identification, verification, and feedback control techniques. As such, it is suitable for use in both advanced undergraduate and graduate control laboratory courses.
Approximation schemes for covering and packing problems in image processing and VLSI

A unified and powerful approach is presented for devising polynomial approximation schemes for many strongly NP-complete problems. Such schemes consist of families of approximation algorithms for each desired performance bound on the relative error ε > &Ogr;, with running time that is polynomial when ε is fixed. Though the polynomiality of these algorithms depends on the degree of approximation ε being fixed, they cannot be improved, owing to a negative result stating that there are no fully polynomial approximation schemes for strongly NP-complete problems unless NP = P. The unified technique that is introduced here, referred to as the shifting strategy, is applicable to numerous geometric covering and packing problems. The method of using the technique and how it varies with problem parameters are illustrated. A similar technique, independently devised by B. S. Baker, was shown to be applicable for covering and packing problems on planar graphs.
Migratory mechanisms of chick primordial germ cells toward gonadal anlage.

After appearing at the germinal crescent region, chick primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate toward the presumptive gonads (pG) till stage 19 (Hamburger and Hamilton, 1951). This study seeks to elucidate the roles of passive and active factors in the PGC-migration, physical trapping of circulating PGCs by the capillary network and PGC attraction by chemotactic factor from presumptive gonads. Firstly, latex beads/pollens (the same size or larger than PGCs) were injected into the embryonic bloodstream at stage 13-19 (when PGCs are in the migrating and settlement phase to the presumptive gonad) in ovo in order to determine whether the PGCs passively reach pG. Most of such particles accumulated in the head region (60%), whereas the remainder did the same in the gonadal region (23% at the peak) at stage 16 when both the head and gonadal regions are rich in capillary plexus. After 3 days, most particles in the gonadal region were located at the angles of dorsal mesentery near the developing gonads where many extra-gonadal PGCs had been located, and a few particles were detected close to the gonad. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms of PGC-migration to the developing gonads is an autonomous trapping of PGCs by the capillary network quite close to the germinal epithelium (GE) and passive translocation by morphogenetic movement. Secondly, the attraction for PGCs by the gonadal anlage proper was examined in ovo using chick and quail embryos. Grafts of quail gonadal anlage containing gonadal epithelium and neighbouring mesenchymal tissue were excised from the quail embryo at stages 12 to 16 (staging by Zacchei, 1961). With the aims of eliminating the influence of surrounding tissue, the quail graft was ectopically transplanted into the posterior to the optic vesicle of 8 to 17 somite chick embryo from the point of a posterior region to the auditory vesicle by a fine tungsten needle under the illumination by the method of Hara (1971). Then the region posterior to the level of presumptive vitelline arteries was surgically excised in ovo. After a 48 hrs. -incubation, the host PGCs which lost their own gonadal anlage as a target organ accumulated in the transplanted quail gonadal anlage originating from the embryo at PGC-migrating periods. This result strongly suggested the presence of some attractive factor that may be emitted from the gonadal anlage proper. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the PGCs in vitro showed no contact inhibition in relation to other PGCs or fibroblasts in their moving pathway.
An event-controlled online trajectory generator based on the human-robot interaction force processing

Purpose – The problem of robotic co-manipulation is often addressed using impedance control based methods where the authors seek to establish a mathematical relation between the velocity of the human-robot interaction point and the force applied by the human operator (HO) at this point. This paper aims to address the problem of co-manipulation for handling tasks seen as a constrained optimal control problem. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed point of view relies on the implementation of a specific online trajectory generator (OTG) associated with a kinematic feedback loop. This OTG is designed so as to translate the HO intentions to ideal trajectories that the robot must follow. It works as an automaton with two states of motion whose transitions are controlled by comparing the magnitude of the force to an adjustable threshold, in order to enable the operator to keep authority over the robot's states of motion. Findings – To ensure the smoothness of the interaction, the authors propose to generat.
Post‐transmission digital video enhancement for people with visual impairments

Abstract— Image enhancement has been shown to improve the perceived quality of images and video for people with visual impairments. The MPEG coding scheme makes spatial filtering, likely to help those with such impairments, possible at the decoding stage. A real‐time platform was implemented for testing and improving contrast‐enhancement algorithms for MPEG video, with controls appropriate for the target population. The necessary additional processing runs efficiently on a general‐purpose PC and can be integrated easily into existing MPEG‐2 decoders. The system has enabled substantial improvement over the previous filtering algorithm; reducing artifacts exhibited in the previous implementation and facilitating individual user selection of enhancement parameters in evaluation studies.
Cell Cycle Phase-Specific Surface Expression of Nerve Growth Factor Receptors TrkA and p75NTR

Expression of the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors TrkA and p75NTR was found to vary at the surface of PC12 cells in a cell cycle phase-specific manner. This was evidenced by using flow cytometric and microscopic analysis of cell populations labeled with antibodies to the extracellular domains of both receptors. Differential expression of these receptors also was evidenced by biotinylation of surface proteins and Western analysis, using antibodies specific for the extracellular domains of TrkA and p75NTR. TrkA is expressed most strongly at the cell surface in M and early G1 phases, whereas p75NTR is expressed mainly in late G1, S, and G2 phases. This expression reflects the molecular and cellular responses to NGF in specific phases of the cell cycle; in the G1 phase NGF elicits both the anti-mitogenic effect, i.e., inhibition of the G1 to S transition, and the differentiation response whereas a survival effect is provoked elsewhere in the cell cycle. A model is proposed relating these responses to the surface expression of the two receptors. These observations open the way for novel approaches to the investigation of the mechanism of NGF signal transduction.
Venous thromboembolism in nonagenarians

Summary The balance between the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy in patients aged ≥90 years with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. RIETE is an ongoing, prospective registry of consecutive patients with acute, objectively confirmed, symptomatic VTE. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy during the first three months in all patients aged ≥90 years. In addition, we tried to identify those at a higher risk for VTE. Of 21,873 patients enrolled from March 2001 to February 2008, 610 (2.8%) were aged ≥90 years. Of these, 307 (50%) presented with pulmonary embolism (PE), 240 (39%) had immobility ≥4 days, and 271 (44%) had abnormal creatinine levels. During the first three months of therapy, 140 patients aged ≥90 years (23%) died. Of these, 45 (32%) died of PE (34 of the initial episode, 11 of recurrent PE), 18 (13%) had fatal bleeding. Recent im-mobility ≥4 days was the most common risk factor for VTE (240 of 610 patients, 39%), but only 54 of them (22%) had received thromboprophylaxis. The most frequent causes for immobility were senile dementia, acute infection, trauma or decompen-sated heart failure. The duration of immobility was <4 weeks in 126 patients (52%), and most of them were bedridden at home. In conclusion, one in every four VTE patients aged ≥90 years died during the first three months of therapy. Of these, one in every three died of PE, one in every eight had fatal bleeding. Identifying at-risk patients may help to prevent some of these deaths.
Design of a low voltage high precision CMOS bandgap reference

A novel curvature compensated low voltage high precision CMOS bandgap reference is introduced in this paper. It adopts a self-biased low-voltage operational amplifier and the specific voltage transfer cell to achieve the features of low power supply and low temperature coefficient with better curvature compensation. A T-type resistor network is designed to reduce the total resistances and therefore to lower the chip area. We simulate the circuit using the Cadence Hspice based on SMIC 0.18um model. The simulation results show that the circuit has an accuracy of 6.8ppm/°C with the range from −35°C to 110°C, a power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of −90dB and low power consumption of 36.46uW.
Mathematical Models for Estimating the Risk of vCJD Transmission

We present two different simple models for vCJD transmission by blood transfusion. Both models indicate that transfusions alone are unlikely to cause more than a few infections, unless the number of primary cases increases. To improve our models, future work should pursue data collection, empirical estimation of the model parameters, and examination of the underlying assumptions of our frameworks. Further improvements could also include examining susceptibility to vCJD infection by age group and iatrogenic infections introduced through surgical instruments. Regarding the latter, it may be worthwhile to conduct experiments to quantify the transmission of prions from an infected surgical instrument after repeated sterilization procedures.
Mechanical properties of particulate‐filler/woven‐glass‐fabric‐filled vinyl ester composites

Studies of the effect of particulate fillers on specific mechanical properties of vinyl ester epoxy (VE) reinforced with woven glass fiber composites were carried out with different filler types and particulate filler contents (1%, 3%, and 5% by weight). Two types of particulate filler were used, i.e., calcium carbonate (CC) and phenolic hollow microspheres (PHMS). The composites were prepared by using a hand lay‐up and vacuum bagging method. Woven glass fabric composites filled with particulate PHMS were observed to have better specific flexural strength and specific impact strength, as well as lower density, than those filled with particulate CC. Morphological features determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) proved that the PHMS filler experienced good bonding in the VE matrix, a feature which contributed to the improvement in the properties of the composites. The incorporation of particulate fillers into the composites also influenced the storage modulus with a minimal effect on Tg. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL. , 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers