Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance prediction for random write reductions: a case study in modeling shared memory programs

In this paper, we revisit the problem of performance prediction on shared memory parallel machines, motivated by the need for selecting parallelization strategy for random write reductions. Such reductions frequently arise in data mining algorithms.In our previous work, we have developed a number of techniques for parallelizing this class of reductions. Our previous work has shown that each of the three techniques, full replication, optimized full locking, and cache-sensitive, can outperform others depending upon problem, dataset, and machine parameters. Therefore, an important question is, "Can we predict the performance of these techniques for a given problem, dataset, and machine? ". This paper addresses this question by developing an analytical performance model that captures a two-level cache, coherence cache misses, TLB misses, locking overheads, and contention for memory. Analytical model is combined with results from micro-benchmarking to predict performance on real machines. We have validated our model on two different SMP machines. Our results show that our model effectively captures the impact of memory hierarchy (two-level cache and TLB) as well as the factors that limit parallelism (contention for locks, memory contention, and coherence cache misses). The difference between predicted and measured performance is within 20% in almost all cases. Moreover, the model is quite accurate in predicting the relative performance of the three parallelization techniques.
Conscious Action/Zombie Action

Abstract I argue that the neural realizers of experiences of trying (that is, experiences of directing effort towards the satisfaction of an intention) are not distinct from the neural realizers of actual trying (that is, actual effort directed towards the satisfaction of an intention). I then ask how experiences of trying might relate to the perceptual experiences one has while acting. First, I assess recent zombie action arguments regarding conscious visual experience, and I argue that contrary to what some have claimed, conscious visual experience plays a causal role for action control in some circumstances. Second, I propose a multimodal account of the experience of acting. According to this account, the experience of acting is (at the very least) a temporally extended, co‐conscious collection of agentive and perceptual experiences, functionally integrated and structured both by multimodal perceptual processing as well as by what an agent is, at the time, trying to do.
Attribution, referencing and commencing HE students as novice academic writers: Giving them more time to ‘get it’

The requirement for commencing higher education students to apply principles of attribution in their early academic writing frequently creates frustration both for students and academic teaching staff. Teachers often provide information on the necessity of attribution, and considerable detail on the mechanics of how to reference, and express frustration at the failure of some students to demonstrate this in their writing. In turn, many students appear overwhelmed and confused by the expectations placed on them as early academic writers. This paper explores these expectations and questions current assessment practices, advocating a longer period of formative learning before students are required to competently and accurately apply attribution principles and referencing conventions in their writing. Using the threshold concept framework (Meyer & Land, 2005), it suggests viewing attribution as a ‘conceptual gateway’ through which students must pass in becoming academic writers, and explores some implications of this for teaching, learning and assessment.
Actin and Phosphoinositide Recruitment to Fully Formed Candida albicans Phagosomes in Mouse Macrophages

Candida albicans is a dimorphic yeast that enters macrophages (Mφ) via the β-glucan receptor dectin-1. Phagocytosis of C. albicans is characterized by actin polymerization, Syk kinase activation and rapid acquisition of phagolysosomal markers. In mice, C. albicans are able to resist the harsh environment of the phagosome and form pseudohyphae inside the phagolysosomal compartment, eventually extending from the Mφ. In this study, we investigated these unique C. albicans phagosomes and found that actin localized dynamically around the phagosomes, before disintegrating. Membrane phosphoinositides, PI(4,5)P2, PI(3,4,5)P3, PI(3,4)P2, and PI(3)P also localized to the phagosomes. Localization was not related to actin polymerization, and inhibitor studies showed that polymerization of actin on the C. albicans phagosome was independent of PI3K. The ability of mature C. albicans phagosomes to stimulate actin polymerization could facilitate the escape of the growing yeast from the Mφ.
Direct stamp of technology or origin on the genotypic and phenotypic variation of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae population in a natural model of boiled grape juice fermentation into traditional Msalais wine in China

Abstract Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains worldwide show genetic and phenotypic diversity and their population substructures are greatly affected by their technological application or geographical origins. Msalais is a traditional wine obtained via a unique method of spontaneous fermentation of local boiled grape juice in Southern Xinjiang. We analyzed 436 indigenous S. cerevisiae strains associated with Msalais fermentation. These strains were highly diverse with respect to the interdelta region and 24 phenotypic traits, with apparent differentiation according to strain origins and technologies used to produce Msalais. The genetic and phenotypic diversity of strains from traditional workshops was higher than in strains from modern plants. These local strains had different origin‐ or technology‐specific fermentative characteristics. Strains growing in large‐scale fermentation tanks tolerated high temperature, whereas strains from traditional workshops tolerated high alcohol content (16%) and low temperature (13°C). Almost all the strains were characterized by the highest fermenting vigor, with weak H2S production and no histamine, cadaverine, phenethylamine and tryptamine production. Majority of strains had pronounced autolytic activity with high &bgr;‐glucosidase and polygalacturonase activity and alcohol production. Our study reveals a direct stamp of technology or origin on genotypic and phenotypic variation of an indigenous S. cerevisiae population.
Functional Characteristics of Intramyocardial Capacitance Vessels during Diastole in the Dog

In order to evaluate the functional characteristics of the intramyocardial capacitance vessels during prolonged diastole, we analyzed the response of coronary vein flow after stepwise changes of coronary artery pressure in anesthetized open-chest dogs by using our newly developed laser Doppler velocimeter with an optical fiber. The peripheral portion of the great cardiac vein was isolated and the optical fiber tip was inserted into the vessel. The left anterior descending coronary artery was cannulated and connected to a reservoir to regulate coronary perfusion pressure. Intracoronary adenosine administration was carried out to avoid any change in coronary vasomotor tone. After 15 seconds of occlusion of the perfusion route, the heart was arrested by pacing-off. Two seconds later, coronary perfusion pressure was increased stepwise to a preset target pressure. This procedure was repeated by changing target pressure at 4 (or 5) different pressure levels (31–105 mm Hg). The great cardiac vein flow became zero due to the cardiac arrest and remained at zero for a moment (dead time) after the initiation of reperfusion. Then the flow reappeared and increased with first order time delay. The presence of dead time indicates the existence of unstressed volume, and the first order time delay represents the product of resistance and capacitance. The unstressed volume with a minimal vasomotor tone for perfusion pressure of 60–90 mm Hg was 5.2 ± 2.2 ml per 100 g left ventricle, which is comparable to coronary blood flow for several beats. The capacitance at perfusion pressure of 60–90 mm Hg was 0.08 ± 0.04 ml/mm Hg per 100 g left ventricle, while that at low perfusion pressure (30–50 mm Hg) was 0.14 ± 0.09 ml/mm Hg per 100 g left ventricle. These results indicate that the intramyocardial capacitance vessels have two functional components, and that the phasic nature of coronary vein flow is solely the result of the myocardial squeezing of the blood in the capacitance vessels.
Hepatitis C Virus Clearance after Discontinuation of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Monotherapy in a Child

The present patient was a 4-year-old boy. His hepatitis C virus genotype was 2a, and his viral load was high (1400,000 U/mL). The pretreatment liver biopsy revealed no fibrosis or malignancy and mild chronic hepatitis; his Knodell's histological activity (HAI) score was 4. Single nucleotide polymorphism of IL28B (rs8099917) was major type. The patient began antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon alpha 2a (90 μg/week). At week 9, serum HCV RNA became undetectable, with a sensitivity of 50 copies/mL. Antiviral treatment was discontinued at week 11 because the ALT level increased to 610 U/L. After discontinuation of therapy, the patient's serum HCV RNA status became positive again. The serum viral load increased to 100,000 U/mL. During this period, he had been observed without medication. Sixteen months after stopping treatment, serum HCV became undetectable. Over a 4-year period, HCV RNA became negative and his anti-HCV antibody titer gradually decreased. In conclusion, though antiviral therapy resulted in failure or incomplete therapy, a reduced viral load resulted in viral clearance in the present patient. Interleukin 28B genotype might have association with the clearance of hepatitis C virus after discontinuation of antiviral therapy.
THE ISOPHOT FAR-INFRARED SERENDIPITY NORTH ECLIPTIC POLE MINISURVEY

The ISOPHOT Serendipity Survey fills the otherwise unused slew time between ISO’s fine pointings with measurements in an unexplored wavelength regime near 200 μm. In order to test point source extraction software, the completeness of the detected objects as well as the astrophysical content we investigate a 100ut field near the North ecliptic pole, dubbed ISOPHOT Serendipity Minisurvey field. A total of 21 IRAS point sources were detected on the Serendipity slews crossing the field. 19 of these objects are galaxies, one is a planetary nebula and one is an empty field without a bright optical counterpart. The detection completeness is better than 90% for IRAS sources brighter than 2 Jy at 100 μm and better than 80% for sources brighter than 1.5 Jy. The source detection frequency is about 1 per 40 slew length, in agreement with previous estimations based on galaxy number counts. After the end of the ISO mission, about 4000 point sources are expected to be found in the Serendipity slews.
On the time complexity of broadcast communication schemes (Preliminary Version)

In this paper, we investigate the power of such broadcast in solving a paradigmatic problem in distributed computing. Imagine a network in which each node machine Ni (1-&-le;i-&-le;n) keeps a Boolean value vi in local memory. The vi 's determine a set S-&-equil;{i: vi-&-equil;1}. The non-emptiness problem on n nodes is to find some i in S, or else find that S is empty. In practice, a problem of this type arises in two ways: 1. Consensus testing: Has any node voted -&-ldquo;no-&-rdquo;, where vi-&-equil;1 means node i votes -&-ldquo;no-&-rdquo;, and vi-&-equil;O means node i votes -&-ldquo;yes-&-rdquo;? 2. Establishing a distinguished node: S specifies a set of candidates, and solving non-emptiness selects one. For example, the nodes may be bidding for a Job or a resource. In section 2, we introduce an idealistic broadcast communication scheme which abstracts certain features of the CSMA technology.
Biogeography of Anurans from the Poorly Known and Threatened Coastal Sandplains of Eastern Brazil

The east coast of Brazil comprises an extensive area inserted in the Tropical Atlantic Domain and is represented by sandy plains of beach ridges commonly known as Restingas. The coastal environments are unique and house a rich amphibian fauna, the geographical distribution patterns of which are incipient. Biogeographical studies can explain the current distributional patterns and provide the identification of natural biogeographical units. These areas are important in elucidating the evolutionary history of the taxa and the areas where they occur. The aim of this study was to seek natural biogeographical units in the Brazilian sandy plains of beach ridges by means of distribution data of amphibians and to test the main predictions of the vicariance model to explain the patterns found. We revised and georeferenced data on the geographical distribution of 63 anuran species. We performed a search for latitudinal distribution patterns along the sandy coastal plains of Brazil using the non-metric multidimensional scaling method (NMDS) and the biotic element analysis to identify natural biogeographical units. The results showed a monotonic variation in anuran species composition along the latitudinal gradient with a break in the clinal pattern from 23°S to 25°S latitude (states of Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo). The major predictions of the vicariance model were corroborated by the detection of four biotic elements with significantly clustered distribution and by the presence of congeneric species distributed in distinct biotic elements. The results support the hypothesis that vicariance could be one of the factors responsible for the distribution patterns of the anuran communities along the sandy coastal plains of eastern Brazil. The results of the clusters are also congruent with the predictions of paleoclimatic models made for the Last Glacial Maximum of the Pleistocene, such as the presence of historical forest refugia and biogeographical patterns already detected for amphibians in the Atlantic Rainforest.
Evaluation of Skeletal Muscle Function and Effects of Early Rehabilitation during Acute Heart Failure: Rationale and Study Design

Background Acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with disturbances of the peripheral perfusion leading to the dysfunction of many organs. Consequently, an episode of AHF constitutes a “multiple organ failure” which may also affect the skeletal muscles. However, the abnormalities within skeletal muscles during AHF have not been investigated so far. The aim of this project is to comprehensively evaluate skeletal muscles (at a functional and tissue level) during AHF. Methods The study will include ≥63 consecutive AHF patients who will be randomized into 2 groups: ≥42 with cardiac rehabilitation group versus ≥21 with standard pharmacotherapy alone. The following tests will be conducted on the first and last day of hospitalization, at rest and after exercise, and 30 days following the discharge: clinical evaluation, medical interview, routine physical examination, echocardiography, and laboratory tests (including the assessment of NT-proBNP, inflammatory markers, and parameters reflecting the status of the kidneys and the liver); hemodynamic evaluation, noninvasive determination of cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance using the impedance cardiography; evaluation of biomarkers reflecting myocyte damage, immunochemical measurements of tissue-specific enzymatic isoforms; evaluation of skeletal muscle function, using surface electromyography (sEMG) (maximum tonus of the muscles will be determined along with the level of muscular fatigability); evaluation of muscle tissue perfusion, assessed on the basis of the oxygenation level, with noninvasive direct continuous recording of perfusion in peripheral tissues by local tissue oximetry, measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Results and Conclusions Our findings will demonstrate that the muscle tissue is another area of the body which should be taken into consideration in the course of treatment of AHF, requiring a development of targeted therapeutic strategies, such as a properly conducted rehabilitation.
Traumatic Axonal Injury Induces Calcium Influx Modulated by Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Sodium Channels

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most common and important pathologies resulting from the mechanical deformation of the brain during trauma. It has been hypothesized that calcium influx into axons plays a major role in the pathophysiology of DAI. However, there is little direct evidence to support this hypothesis, and mechanisms of potential calcium entry have not been explored. In the present study, we used an in vitro model of axonal stretch injury to evaluate the extent and modulation of calcium entry after trauma. Using a calcium-sensitive dye, we observed a dramatic increase in intra-axonal calcium levels immediately after injury. Axonal injury in a calcium-free extracellular solution resulted in no change in calcium concentration, suggesting an extracellular source for the increased post-traumatic calcium levels. We also found that the post-traumatic change in intra-axonal calcium was completely abolished by the application of the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin or by replacement of sodium withN-methyl-d-glucamine. In addition, application of the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) blocker ω-conotoxin MVIIC attenuated the post-traumatic increase in calcium. Furthermore, blockade of the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger with bepridil modestly reduced the calcium influx after injury. In contrast to previously proposed mechanisms of calcium entry after axonal trauma, we found no evidence of calcium entry through mechanically produced pores (mechanoporation). Rather, our results suggest that traumatic deformation of axons induces abnormal sodium influx through mechanically sensitive Na+ channels, which subsequently triggers an increase in intra-axonal calcium via the opening of VGCCs and reversal of the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger.
Venture capital investment patterns : implications for regional economic development

This thesis investigates the role of venture capital in regional economic development and presents results from a national survey of venture capital firms concerning the existence of capital gaps in the venture capital markets. In order to explore these issues, the author lays out the theoretical underpinnings of venture capital-oriented indigenous growth strategies and assesses the relationship of such strategies to small-firm employment arguments. The author provides further context by discussing the institutional boundaries of the venture capital industry. Analysis of the survey results offers evidence concerning the nature of venture capital gaps. The author argues that venture capital is a critical component of innovation-based localization economies. As such, it enables high factor-cost regions to remain competitive by counteracting the negative effects of the product/profit life cycle. However, the venture capital industry's size, cyclicality, and import-export characteristics place bounds on the industry's possibilities with regard to regional economic development. Changes in the industry's fund sources provide a plausible explanation for the existence of capital gaps in the face of booming investment. The author finds evidence that capital gaps exist by investment stage and size. Industry and regional gaps are found to be probable as well. The author concludes by recommending that policymakers resolve impediments to venture capital financing through small-scale interventions and countercyclical public sector investment. Thesis Supervisor: Karl Seidman Title: Lecturer, Department of Urban Studies and Planning First Reader: Karen R. Polenske Title: Professor of Urban Studies and Planning Second Reader: Alvaro E. Pereira Title: Lecturer, Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Experimental Validation of a Hybrid Computational Model for Selective Stimulation Using Transverse Intrafascicular Multichannel Electrodes

Recently a hybrid model based on the finite element method and on a compartmental biophysical representation of peripheral nerve fibers and intraneural electrodes was developed founded on experimental physiological and histological data. The model appeared to be robust when dealing with uncertainties in parameter selection. However, an experimental validation of the findings provided by the model is required to fully characterize the potential of this approach. The recruitment properties of selective nerve stimulation using transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrodes (TIME) were investigated in this work in experiments with rats and were compared to model predictions. Animal experiments were performed using the same stimulation protocol as in the computer simulations in order to rigorously validate the model predictions and understand its limitations. Two different selectivity indexes were used, and new indexes for measuring electrode performance are proposed. The model predictions are in decent agreement with experimental results both in terms of recruitment curves and selectivity values. Results show that these models can be used for extensive studies targeting electrode shape design, active sites shape, and multipolar stimulation paradigms. From a neurophysiological point of view, the topographic organization of the rat sciatic nerve, on which the model was based, has been confirmed.
Towards a Complete Solution to Mobility Management for Next-Generation Wireless System

While the 3G wireless system is still under deployment world-wide, pilot research has been targeted to the next generation (NG), whose full scope is not yet well defined. One feature of NG should be its heterogeneous communication environment, where different generation cellular systems coexist and various wireless access networks and corresponding services are used. Advanced mobility management (MM) is thus needed to fulfil seamless global roaming in terms of not only the traditional terminal mobility, but the high-level personal, session and service mobility. In this paper, we discuss mobility management in previous, current and future mobile generations. We then present our vision of the NG framework and propose an approach leading towards a complete mobility management solution from the protocol stack and network architecture perspectives. We conclude with a series of associated open research problems in this hot research area.
Extraction de propriétés correctes dans des bases de données incomplètes

Résuḿe : Les valeurs manquantes dans les bases de donn ées posent de nombreuses difficultés lors de processus d’extraction de connaissances et les propri ét́es extraites sont parfois incorrectes. Nous proposons à l’aide de calculs meń es dans une base incompl̀ete de caract ériser des propri ét́es de la base compl ète dont la base de calcul est issue. Les propri ét́es dek-liberté sontétudíees, elles sont fondamentales pour le calcul des motifs fr équents, des repr ésentations condens ées de ces motifs et la construction de r ègles d’association g éńeraliśees. Nous donnons pour les bases de donn ées incompl̀ etes une d́ efinition de lak-liberté et montrons un résultat de correction pour cette propri ét́e.